Biggest Challenges for a Senior Writer Creative Director at Starbucks
Sara's biggest challenge as a Senior Writer/Creative Director at Starbucks is "selling the idea to a client and being able to pitch them successfully," often navigating disagreements between creative vision and client needs, including situations where "they want a pink kitchen"—a project known to be ineffective but demanded by the client. This highlights the crucial balance between creative integrity and client fulfillment in her role.
Communication, Client Relations, Creative Problem-Solving, Project Management, Persuasion
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sara Beil
Sr. Writer/Creative Director
Starbucks Corporation
UCLA
English, Writing & Education, English
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Successfully pitching ideas to clients and managing client expectations are crucial skills.
2. Balancing creative vision with client needs often requires compromise and finding a middle ground.
3. Understanding the client's needs and industry knowledge is essential for effective communication and project success.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
The biggest challenge, and I know it differs from person to person, is selling the idea to a client and being able to pitch it successfully. Client handling is a more concise way to say that.
Sometimes you have a great idea, but it's not what the client needs. Or it's really hard to explain, and the client doesn't completely understand it.
They might not understand the industry, so you need to explain it a bit more. Other times, they want what we call a "pink kitchen."
This means they want something you know is bad, but they're paying you to do it. You can tell them it's bad, but if they insist, you have to fulfill it.
So, sometimes what you want and what the client wants are at odds. You have to go back and forth to find a happy middle ground.
Advizer Personal Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraashleybeil/, Instagram: @saraashleyb, www.sarabeil.com