Today’s Notable Young Professionals is L’Oréal public relations professional Kristina Argento, whose career combines her love for the arts and mainstream media. Where does she see herself in five years? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
My job is to generate awareness on our brand by ensuring it has visibility in print, broadcast media and on blogs, which are now indispensable to PR. I also manage the public relations behind the awesome events we sponsor.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
After graduating, I had a great experience working in film and television production but I kept thinking back to the internship I had completed in PR during my studies… I liked the idea that building relationships would be an integral part of my job. Public relations in the ever-evolving beauty industry seemed like a great way to combine my interest in the arts and mainstream media with my passion for people while being challenged by the forces of marketing.
I also knew that I wanted to be part of a corporation that would allow me to build a foundation to a solid career and expect me to be extremely entrepreneurial in my role, which I definitely found at L’Oréal.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Well, sometimes I literally work in my dreams. I wake up checking things off my to do list! However, I feel lucky because I genuinely really enjoy what I do. I’d rather wake up thinking of work than waking up not wanting to go to work!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years (or sooner!), I see myself as a Communications Director either at L’Oréal Montreal office or abroad.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I started on the L’Oréal Paris brand just in time to start planning the PR initatives involving our sponsorship with the Toronto International Film Festival. I had an overwhelming amount of “newness” all at once. Thankfully, I work with an amazing team of people who helped me prioritize and keep our objectives in place. It was a tremendous learning experience.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
I don’t think that equation is that simple. I think happiness = success, which to me is a combination of true satisfaction in your personal and professional life.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
We had Freida Pinto, a L’Oréal Paris spokesperson (and all around amazing woman), host an event in Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival. So much planning went into the event… and seeing it successfully come to life felt like a great accomplishment. The entire TIFF experience was incredible! L’Oréal Paris is the festival’s biggest beauty sponsor – we had a beautiful activation right above the red carpet. It was such a thrill to combine my work with my love for film.
I also had the opportunity to attend this year’s Grammy Awards with media as my guests – that was a milestone in my career for sure, and obviously a crazy wicked experience in itself!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Gain experience. I did unpaid internships in PR and in television production during university and I’m so happy I did. It allowed me to really nail down what interests me, paved a path and gave me some direction for my future, all while networking. Above all, it’s just so important to beef up your CV with experience in the field of your endeavour. It’s incredibly invaluable in this day and age where the competition is fierce. Everyone is educated and qualified.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
My favourite spot to have drinks with friends is Burgundy Lion (Montreal) – it’s super close to home and has a great laidback environment. I have an attachment to that place, I feel like it’s my “Central Perk” (only fans of “Friends” will understand that). There are so many great places to wine and dine in this city… but if you really want to see me happy, just give me a burger from Dic Ann’s.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
The answer to this varies by season! In the winter, I’ll go to the gym and cook, cross country ski or read and relax on the weekends. In the summer, I’m always outside. I love jogging on the La Chine canal or spending afternoons by the pool. Is it Summer yet!?
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Italy. It’s a special place for me, I really feel connected to my roots when I’m there. It’s also so beautiful and I love the history it contains. One of my biggest aspirations is to travel around the world, so this answer is definitely subject to change.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
I really wish I could find and song and tell you “this is my jam!”…but I can’t think of just one!
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I love kids – I could see myself happy as a grade school teacher.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I raised money for the CIBC Run for The Cure as well as the Walk to End Breast Cancer this past year. I also like to support a charity called 49 Orphans that raises funds for an orphanage in Nepal. My friend funded it after working there for many months… those kids are really special. Check it out!
What to you is notable?
Doing something kind and genuine with integrity – without expecting anything in return.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Believe it or not, I’m still on a BlackBerry. My iPhone is on the way and I can’t wait (counting down the days…sorry RIM!)
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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