Lina Ardila
Account Executive

What got you into this business in the first place?  The opportunity to deeply understand people’s differences and how to define brand associations based on each consumer’s profile.
Who was a big influence in your career?  David A. Shore, my mentor and professor of the graduate course Strategic Marketing: Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Positioning, Branding and Trust, with his statement about “Trust in Business” and how a company should position itself to inspire trust. Founding Director of Harvard School's Trust Initiative, he chaired the inaugural national symposium, and subsequent custom executive programs. I truly admire him and share his enormous passion for this business which has been a great encouragement in my career.   
What was "your finest moment," the thing you're most proud of? Participating in the development of a new Chapter and becoming Publicity Chairperson for Childhelp USA Atlanta.
What was your most embarrassing moment in business? Don’t’ really have one yet.
Is there a great client story you'd care to share? Too many great stories, marvelous people.  One I could say, having the opportunity to work with BBDO.
What attracted you to IMAGES? The opportunity to experience a truly multicultural environment that translates into the success of our client’s business.
Do you have a method for coming up with ideas and solutions for clients? I don’t have a method per say, but to me the key is understanding very well the industry a client is in, analyzing its competition (who they are and what they’re doing) and finally to whom we’re selling  - defining and analyzing in depth our target market/s (based on opportunity of higher ROI potential). Also, trying different things to stand out from the clutter and get ahead from competitors.   
What makes a great brand?  A brand that can build trust equity and deliver on their promises.
What driving career goals do you still have? Strategic Planning and Branding
What talent do you wish you had? Play an instrument, probably guitar so I can take it with me everywhere
If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most? My pillow
Is there any food that helps you think more creatively? Venti 2% Extra foam  No whip Mocha (Colombian coffee with Baileys for hard/extreme thinking).
What's your favorite sports team? Red Socks (I’m in trouble) and all soccer
What frustrates you the most? Ignorance and lack of interest and passion for learning
Tell us about your pets? I wish I had a cat and a dog. A horse would be nice too.
What was growing up like for you? Awesome – I had pets at that time.
What's your favorite TV program? And your least favorite? I don’t watch much TV… but pretty much anything in PBS, TLC, News, Discovery and ABC. No boxing or wrestling.
What do you do for a good time...when you're not working? Dance, dine, read, travel, and sing. But I also really enjoy good conversation.
What was college like for you? Some people say that you go to college because you have to… and you go to graduate school because you want to – that’s me.
What are your favorite internet sites? Google. You find everything there.