It’s been a Disney magical kind of year for McKiernan, who spearheaded a first-to-market integration between Disney Compass and Publicis CoreAI. She’s a pro at combining data-driven insights with creative storytelling for advertisers. McKiernan and her team also helped drive Disney Advertising’s fundraising efforts for the Ad Council’s Public Service Awards, contributing to a record-breaking $9 million.
If you were a Taylor Swift era, which would you be and why? I’m in my Reputation era—confident, unapologetic and focused. It’s about owning your narrative, leading with clarity and showing up with purpose. Like Taylor, I’ve learned to tune out the noise and lean into what matters: building trust, driving impact and staying true to who I am. Reputation isn’t just earned—it’s lived.
What’s a routine or ritual that keeps you grounded? A strong morning workout sets the tone for my day – it’s my reset button. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about focus, clarity, and showing up with intention. That ritual helps me lead with energy and stay grounded, no matter what the day throws at me.
The industry is transforming quickly—how are you preparing your teams (or yourself) for what’s next? Change is inevitable – so I prepare for it and run toward it. In many ways, change has been good; it keeps things fresh and forces us to evolve. I lead with optimism, clarity, and compassion, creating a culture of trust and collaboration that empowers my team to embrace transformation. Whether it’s rolling out a new structure or aligning cross-functional priorities, I make sure we’re not just reacting to change – we’re shaping it. I start meetings with positive energy, foster open dialogue, and partner closely across our organization to ensure we’re ready for what’s next.