Steve Kissing

About Steve Kissing

AT A GLANCE: 19 Years as Creative Director Over 150 local, regional, and national awards for advertising, public relations, and editorial writing Silver Medal Career Achievement Award by the Cincinnati Ad Club in 2021 Cincinnati Business Courier – Best Places to Work Finalist 2015 2-Time B2B Agency of the Year by Advertising Age’s Business Marketing Magazine 6-Time Published Author Guest Lecturer Public Speaker and Emcee Pivoted from Public Relations into Creative Director role WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT: Business-savvy and collaborative strategic leader who questions the status quo and champions strategic initiatives that drive business transformation Contagiously optimistic with the ideal blend of creativity, analytical insights, and business acumen to consistently deliver growth and value to diverse client base Engaging and articulate communicator with a natural affinity and passion for delivering best-in-class service, solving complex challenges, and driving brand awareness HOW OTHERS DESCRIBE ME: My peers describe me as someone quirky, creative, genuine, an exceptional writer, and who exudes positive energy. While I’ve had my fair share of success, I am proudest of the relationships I’ve built, the brands I’ve influenced, and the trust that others have in me. MY RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Focus + Reflection + Creative Thinking + Energy + Collaboration 100% Success IN MY SPARE TIME: I enjoy running, astronomy, hiking, camping, reading, and writing. ASK ME ABOUT: The origin of my childhood memoir, “Running from the Devil.”

Experience

1. Creative Director Partner Lead Team of up to 18 Cincinnati most Decorated Pr Firm (2013 2022)

   Wordsworth Communications

   Jan 2013 — Present · Cincinnati, OH, US

   SNAPSHOT:I joined this boutique firm serving B2B and B2C clients, including Mike Albert Fleet Solutions, Lexis Nexis, and SHP Architecture, to lead day-to-day business operations and end-to-end creative process for earned, shared, and owned media. Primary functions include strategic planning and execution, team building, budget management, new business development, company branding and messaging, process improvement, employee engagement, creative direction, client relations, and leading a team as large as 18. SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS: Fostered next-level creativity and innovation Lead a team of up to 18 earning a reputation as a genuine and creative leader who exudes positive energy and innovation Drove modernization efforts, including updated company branding and designing more contemporary workspace that spurred creative thinking Boosted employee engagement, commitment, and professionalism after crafting people-centric mission and value statement to advance company culture DISC LEADERSHIP ASSESSMENT:Shows the ability to be both people-oriented and detail-oriented, with equal skill and confidence. Tends to be considerate of others and able to persuade them in an assertive manner without being demanding. Accomplishes complex tasks by working enthusiastically with others. When faced with very complex requirements, is able to both harness the emotional capacity of the team and deal with the minutiae of the project. Has an innate optimism to win and creativity needed to think both quickly and analytically about ideas. GALLUP STRENGTHS FINDER:Empathy, Adaptability, Positivity, Intellection, Input

Education

• The University of Mount St. Joseph

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

Skills

• Public Relations
• Email Marketing
• Digital Copywriting
• Copywriting
• Public Speaking
• Digital Strategy
• Social Media Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Creative Writing
• Creative Direction
• Brand Development
• Marketing Communications
• Corporate Identity
• Interactive Advertising
• Entertainment
• Social Media
• Interactive Marketing
• Advertising
• Art Direction
• Content Strategy
• Creative Strategy
• Concept Development
• Branding & Identity
• Newsletters
• Integrated Marketing
• Business Strategy