Thinking Forward: Emily Porter

Emily Porter has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and public relations, with a focus on building the profiles of both B-to-B and consumer brands. Known for her forward thinking, human-centered leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills, Emily has contributed significantly to the growth of Havas Formula.

Since joining Formula in 2006, Porter has helmed successful and award-winning programs for signature clients across numerous industries including financial services, manufacturing, transportation, enterprise technology, CPG, housing and real estate, and more. Some notable brand experiences include Panda Express, JP Morgan Chase, RE/MAX, and Qualcomm.

Her strength lies in helping organizations further understand their brand, business, and financial goals. Aside from being a talented, detail-oriented president, Porter takes a true interest in the professional and personal aspirations of her clients and coworkers. She encourages collaborative, strategic and independent thinking and always makes herself available to share her expertise and guidance with her team members.

She enjoys a variety of activities outside of work, including cooking, reading, running , wine tasting, and spending time with her two kids.

Q&A:

Where did you grow up and how has that shaped the person you are today?

• I grew up in Wichita, Kansas. As with any place there were upsides and downsides. Being landlocked definitely fueled my love of travel and desire to live by the ocean. Growing up my parents owned some commercial real estate and so I spent a lot of my youth helping to care for the properties - picking up trash, mowing, sweeping parking lots, cleaning offices and bathrooms. While at the time I complained, I’m now so thankful that it gave me an incredible work ethic and perspective.

When did you first realize you were creative?

• In college I got into a graduate level creative writing class. I think it was during that time, writing a lot of short stories, I realized I may have some creative caps in me.?

Who is your idol (creative or general)?

• Without a doubt my sister. She’s a champion in life. She’s smart, kind, funny, an incredible professional, a wonderful mother and wife. She is always challenging herself in new ways and always being adventurous (although she may not realize it). Most importantly, she always does the right thing no matter how hard or unselfish it is.?

Is there a moment from college or your early career that changed your life??

• Going to grad school was hard. I sold my car to pay for my living expenses and was working as a TA while getting my master’s. I knew no one in Boston and was very lonely. It was so hard, but it taught me how to adapt and persevere.?

What advice would you give yourself at the beginning of your career?

• As corny as it sounds, it’s very hard to see the forest through the trees. There were a lot of times it just was really hard and I wanted to give up. In the beginning at Formula, it was pretty rigid, and I was traveling a ton. Next then you know I was juggling a baby and a toddler. It was so hard, but I’m so thankful that I stuck it out. All the hard days (I still have them, by the way) were worth it.

What was your favorite project you’ve ever worked on?

• It’s really hard to pick one. But, one of the coolest moments was when more than 10 years ago I sent a cold email to Shure and the next day I got a FedEx RFP. We weren’t even on their radar and were one of 15 agencies participating in the pitch. I spearheaded the pitch and eventually it was down to us, the incumbent (of nine years) and Zeno. We flew out to Chicago for the presentation? and we nailed it. They are still a client today thanks to the ongoing incredible work of the team and those that helped repitch the business (thank you, AA and LS!).