On My Radar: Michelle Kinsman

What’s the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?

As someone who’s worked in pharma advertising for my entire career, I was thrilled to watch Pfizer’s Super Bowl ad, Here’s to Science. Pharma advertising doesn’t need to be images of people walking on a beach, or a guy flipping burgers on his backyard grill. That ad proved that it is possible to find new creative ways to tell stories in the healthcare space.

What website(s) do you use most regularly?

One look at my bank statement will show you it’s Amazon. It’s just too convenient. When I think of random errands I need to run, I pull out the phone and add to cart.

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?

After years of resisting, I finally bought a personal mobile phone. I never wanted to be one of those people carrying around two phones. But it has been a game changer for setting professional boundaries. If you struggle with work-life balance, this is your sign to take the plunge.

What product could you not live without?

You can take my cable – Max, Hulu, Peacock — but you will only take my Netflix over my cold, dead body.

What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year?

I had no interest in falling into the Barbie mania. I finally gave in to be part of the pop culture moment, and it blew me away. It felt so fresh and fun, and I was genuinely moved by the bits that felt so authentically real to my experience as a woman. 

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

All About Eve. The screenplay is perfection. Each role in the ensemble of talent is perfectly cast and, at the heart of it all, is Bette Davis in her prime. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this film. I’ll never get tired of it.

What’s your preferred social media platform?

X. I feel like its algorithm knows me better than I know myself. It constantly feeds me with new, intriguing voices and fascinating bits of information.

What’s your favourite TV show?

I’m always chasing the endorphin rush I got from experiencing Game of Thrones. I’m one of the rare people who will even defend Season 8. There are a million reasons to love this show, but it’s my favourite because you never could predict what was coming next. Every character was fair game, and it made it thrilling to watch. I’ve watched the entire series three times through, and it gets better every time.

What’s your favourite podcast?

Currently, I’m into The Exorcist Files. It recounts the experiences of a modern-day exorcist, Fr. Carlos Martins. The stories are brought to life like an old-fashioned radio show. I’m so hyped for Season 2 that I just donated to their Kickstarter to help fund it.

What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently?

On a recent trip to Austin, Texas, my husband and I spent hours at the Mexic-Arte Museum. If you have reason to visit Austin, don’t miss this often-overlooked gem.

If you could only listen to one music artist from now on, who would it be?

Elvis Costello. Not only is he the best lyricist alive, but his deep catalogue has every musical genre covered. That said, I’m partial to his earlier, angrier songs.

If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?

NGL, I’d take us back to the pre-pandemic ways of working. Less Zoom, more real-life collaboration.

Who or what has most influenced your career?

Alexandra von Plato, Chairwoman at Publicis Health. She taught me that it takes more than hard work and great ideas to get ahead, it also takes bravery. You must be brave enough to say the thing that others are afraid to say. 

Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know.

My husband and I own a record store called On the Record, in Downtown Woodbury, NJ. We’re doing our part to keep vintage vinyl alive.