CAMILLA CIAPPINA

What’s your breaking into advertising story?

I didn’t come into advertising through a straight line. I was always drawn to storytelling and creativity, but what really hooked me was realizing the power of ideas to shift culture. I hustled my way into the industry, from Brazil to New York, by constantly building my portfolio, which was often scrappy and unconventional, until I landed opportunities where I could prove myself. That persistence opened a lot of doors, for which I am very grateful.

What does winning Next Creative Leaders mean to you?

Winning NCL is more than a personal achievement. It’s not just about the title, it’s about what I can do with it. When I was trying to break into advertising, it felt almost impossible — and that’s why I started Pimp My Portfolio, to make it a little easier for the next wave of creatives. Winning this gives me a bigger platform to keep opening doors, and to show that being a leader isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about making space for others.

“Being a leader isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about making space for others.”

What personal or professional challenge has shaped you most as a creative?

Hands down, the biggest challenge was moving from Brazil to New York in 2017. New city, new culture, new language. It was overwhelming. But it shaped me in the best way. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me scrappy, and showed me that great ideas can travel, no matter the accent or where you come from.

What is the ad industry’s biggest challenge, and how would you fix it?

One of the biggest challenges is burnout. The pressure to constantly deliver the next big idea is real, and it’s driving talent away. I think we can fix it by changing the culture and valuing sustainability and creativity equally. People do their best work when they feel supported, not drained.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you early in your career?

I wish someone had told me early on that you don’t have to change who you are to belong here. Your background, your accent, your perspective — those are actually your superpowers.

“Your background, your accent, your perspective — those are actually your superpowers.”

What’s a creative project outside of work that’s taught you something about yourself?

Pimp My Portfolio is my pride and joy. It’s by far the best project I have ever created. Pimp My Portfolio taught me I actually love being a mentor. When I started it, I thought I would just be giving feedback on books, but I realized it’s about much more than that — it’s about building confidence, opening doors, and showing people they belong here. It made me realize that leadership is about making space for others.

“Leadership is about making space for others.”