Just like that, it’s our very last Meet the Team feature for 2024 – and we wanted to end on a high note. Andrea Baryliuk is giving us the details on what’s happening in the client partnership world from speaking fluent client, animal ad campaigns, and somehow ending up on Everest base camp – this one is a page turner – or scroller. You’re reading this online, right?
How long have you been at the agency for?
Hmmmm. I started April 1st, 2013, so 11 years. Yes, April Fool's Day... I was really hoping there was actually a job for me.
What is your role and what does in entail?
I am an Account Supervisor. I’d say I am the liaison between the client and internal team at the Show and Tell Agency.
Before getting into client services – you came to the agency with a decade of marketing experience. What was the biggest lesson you learned over that decade?
I spent many years in a corporate environment, so I learned what our clients are experiencing. There are so many different challenges that larger corporations may have with approvals, time constraints, and resources.
We know you are a big nature lover – what’s your favourite hike?
I would say my favourite one so far was Everest Base Camp. My next big climb is Kilimanjaro!
Follow Up: Tell us about Everest base camp!
I went in 2018 before the pandemic. I was in Nepal for about 3 weeks – the hike took 7 or 8 days. I went with a friend and we had guides. It really was a bucket list trip. The altitude sickness makes it really hard. Altitude sickness affects you based on body composition instead of how fit you are. Often people must turn around because of the altitude sickness.
What’s the campaign you’re most proud of, and what made it special?
I’ve been here for 11 years guys – I’ve worked on a lot of campaigns!
The “Made from What's Real” Winnipeg brand was a good one. As a Winnipegger with local pride that was very unique to work. We held lots of stakeholder sessions and helped keep many people in Winnipeg informed about our progress, so it was a really unique experience.
Being the account manager for Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA), I worked with them for over a decade. We did super wicked annual campaign. They were always so open minded and lovely to work with. They were multimedia campaigns, so we really got to use a lot of our resources.
You are routinely one of the best dressed in the office – what are your office wear essentials?
Thank you! My go-to office attire is loud heels so people can hear me coming … or sneakers if I’m trying to sneak up on you haha... Or some type of sweater because I’m always cold!
Editor's Note: We can confirm - you can usually hear Andrea coming from the other side of the office.
How can you learn to speak fluent client?
I think by listening. Because each client has unique business challenges and unique organizations. You really need to listen and understand so you can communicate with them in a way that is helpful for them.
You’re based in our WPG office – what are your restaurant recommendations?
I feel like we need to give Rosé a shoutout. We’re over there almost every week. I love them.
I would also say the mussels at Peasant Cookery are wonderful.
What’s your ultimate desk setup?
My pug coffee cup. I like a lot of different liquids on my desk. I have a sparkle mug, my bird mug, and a Thermos. There’s also hand lotion, vitamins – (B12, turmeric anti-inflammatory, ibuprofen) – and I would also say sticky notes.
Describe your account management style in three emojis.
I have an old phone – we’re talking I still have a home button. My phone actually was so full that the lack of storage made me remove the emojis. I miss sending emojis. I used the anxiety one a lot (with teeth and circle mouth).
Honourable mention to the octopus 🐙 though because he made me laugh. Same with the shrimp. 🦐
Many have referred to you as a mentor – if you could instill one thing into the next generation what would it be?
That’s a good question. I don’t know – I have lots of things I want to say!
I think that especially in this industry everyone has the opportunity to do their job in a way that is reflective of who they are. And by that, I mean like each account manager is wildly different – there are principals of account managers, but we all approach it differently and there is no right or wrongs! Personality is part of the job and how you bond with people and what you put in is what you get out.
I don’t want to say, “be authentic” because it's so cliché but it’s true. Find your niche – it's such a vast industry. Follow your passion within the industry and you’ll always do better at it.
You have dogs at home – can you introduce us?
*GASPS*
Yes, I have three.
Miss Molly is a pug who just turned 13 and she’s the best girl there ever is. She’s my first dog ever. I had always wanted a fawn-colored pug.
Lola, my second dog, is a bit of a funny story. When I was ready to get a second pug, I put down a deposit for a black-coloured female. Did you know that dogs can have two litters at the same time? The breeder had a surprise that the pug mom had a litter with purebred pugs but my black pug was actually crossed with a Boston terrier!! Lola is a spicey lady.
Mr. Luk is 7 and he’s a purebred charcoal lab.
What’s your office ick?
Hahahahah. Probably myself when I talk too loudly.
I think... I do not know if this sounds rude, but when people do not do their dishes. Treat your office like you treat your own house!
What’s been your favourite ad campaign in recent years? Why?
Anything with animals in it. I’m a big animal lover.
Honourable mention to this one that had the dog conducting orchestra with his tail. It made me happy.
Editor's note: We found it. Thank you, PEDIGREE.
We’ve heard that Erik officiated your wedding – what’s the story there?
I have worked with Erik since I started here. After I started here in April, Erik left the agency for a period in June. I worked so closely with him that I cried when he left. When he came back, we worked continued to work well together and have worked closely over the years – my spouse knew him before I did so when I went to my first holiday party with him (my spouse), they both high-fived and I thought he was just being nice, but they actually played basketball together!
Besides being a really good friend of mine – if you've ever heard him deliver a brand story imagine him telling your wedding story. Best decision ever.
What advice would you give to someone new at the agency?
I would say listen as much as possible to the smart people in the room. We have so many smart people so try to absorb as much information as possible. There are so many amazing people at this agency who have experience in so many different things. If you come to the agency with the desire to learn from some of the best, you will be very successful.
That’s all for our “Meet the Team” series this year – make sure to join us in 2025 for the next one!