Originally published in the Pittsburgh Business Times
Lesley Sillaman was promoted last June to managing director of HAVAS Red North America, the second-highest role in the international public relations and social media firm’s U.S. operations. It means continued regular travel for client events, new business pitches, management meetings in New York and global meetings. But Sillaman’s base remains in Pittsburgh, where she has worked since joining the agency in 2006. HAVAS Red’s U.S. offices are in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Phoenix.
Since your promotion, what’s changed for you?
I don’t think many people get an opportunity almost 20 years into their job to have a whole new set of responsibilities. The industry is changing so rapidly right now because of AI and technology and really, in my specific field, because of the creator economy. It’s been a very rapid evolution in the way we do our jobs especially in the last year around AI [in] the way we train people … and the efficiency. It’s exciting for me to guide our teams through that. From a nuts and bolts perspective, [it’s] being more involved in the vision of building and running the business and staffing and personnel and how we structure the business and the offerings that make the most impact for our clients. The way my day looks is the same. It’s still a lot of calls and meetings, but the topics are really different now.
What do you want to achieve in this role?
We have, for almost seven years, positioned ourselves as a merged media firm. That’s the combination of earned, social influencer, content and experiential. I feel we’re at a moment in time where, finally, the industry has caught up with client needs. I am super excited about leading us forward in a real pole position inthat area … to take us to the next level in merged media. That means getting our teams the best training, that they have the skills and tools and resources, and that they enjoy where they work. The culture is very important to me, too.
How about the Pittsburgh office specifically?
It’s in the same vein, but we physically moved our office to East Liberty fromdowntown last year. That was the end of an era and a beginning of a new opportunity. Even though that didn’t change who we are, it gives us the opportunity to think from a fresh perspective. This team operates globally at the forefront of our industry, so positioning ourselves on AI Avenue in the heart of East Liberty, where there are a number of leading technology companies, allows us to feel we have the scrappiness, that entrepreneurial spirit, as well.
When many businesses are mandating full-time return to office, HAVAS Red takes a hybrid approach. Why does this work for you?
We’re a very global company, and hybrid works well. We recognize that flexibility is an asset. We want people to feel the flexibility recognizes how hard they work and that the demand falls outside of 9 to 5. Having said that, we work in a collaborative space and value the energy we get from working together, listening to organic conversations. There’s a lot of learning experience from that for junior employees and for all of us to hear what people are working on. We certainly encourage people to come in more often than three days if they feel like it. I often do that.
Why did you go into public relations/communications in the first place?
I’ve always been an extrovert and felt really comfortable in communications. It felt like a natural fit for me. No one in my family had a job like mine. This is my sweet spot. I love writing and communicating. I took a little detour into politics, but still working in the PR piece as a press secretary — answering questions, speaking to media, shaping strategic communications. It helped prepare me forwhat I do now. I’ve certainly found my niche.
Do you travel frequently for work?
Especially in my new role, but even in the last five to six years, I spend a lot of time in New York. Probably twice a month I’m in our office there, which I love. I’ve had wonderful opportunities to travel the world through work. When my kids were young, it was harder to be away and feel the pull of taking time away from them. But it made me a better professional, a better person and a better role model. I had a unique opportunity this past year when I joined a group of next-generation leaders within the HAVAS Global Network, first in London, then Lisbon and then I’m heading to Madrid for the finale. It’s about 57 leaders, and the idea is we learn and form really close bonds with each other.
What’s your best travel tip?
I’ve really gotten into the packing cubes. I used to throw everything into my bag and hope for the best. I’ll pack work things in one set, professional clothes in another set. But shoes are the hardest part for me. I love shoes; I want to wear something different every day.
What’s been your most memorable vacation?
There are two. My brother got married in the south of France, just before Covid, so my kids were in the wedding and we had a wonderful trip, part in Paris, part in Provence. My sister and parents were there and my sister-in-law’s family who live in Istanbul. It’s unique to be in Europe with everyone you love. And we took a trip with the kids for a milestone birthday for my husband — from Barcelona to Mallorca to Rome and Florence, Sorrento and Capri, about 10 days. It was really lovely.
If you could swap job with anyone for a day, who would that be?
I’d change with Beyonce. She’s a hero of mine. I want to see what it’s like to command a stage, inspire people, make music and the theatrics of a stage show.
About Lesley Sillaman:
Title: Managing director, HAVAS Red North America
Education: Bachelor’s, communications, University of Dayton; master’s, communications, University of Pennsylvania
First job: Lifeguard
Family: Spouse Jason Hitchman; children Sonia, 17, and Drew, 15; parents Dr. James and Elena Sillaman; brother Bryan, sister-in-law Neri Karra, and nephew Flynn; sister Anne Sillaman; and cat, Lola
Hobbies: Running/exercise, karaoke and travel
Day in the Life:
6:00 a.m.: I wake up. My kids are in high school and middle school and start early. I try to exercise, then start my day either at home or commute to our office.
8:30 a.m.: I arrive in the office and start my day with calls. I also have a quick check in with my boss.
11:30 a.m.: We’ve got fantastic lunch options in East Liberty, so I usually orderfrom Cava, Mola or Choolaah.
5:00 p.m.: I head home, unless my son has a sporting event. Evenings are consumed with a bit more work, cooking and spending time with the kids.
9:00 p.m.: I try to be in bed reading. My kids usually like to talk more around bedtime, so I try to be available for that.
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