Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast #523 - Kristen Cavallo | Advertising Isn't Dying
Jan 28, 2026
Kristen Cavallo, veteran advertising executive and former CEO turned Executive Director of the Branch Museum of Design. She describes walking 400 miles on the Camino to reset. She explains rebranding a museum, applying agency lessons to institutional identity, and why advertising still matters amid industry change. She reflects on consolidation, creativity beyond agencies, and opportunities in turbulent times.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Camino Reset Led To Museum Role
- Kristen walked 400 miles on the Camino de Santiago after leaving advertising to intentionally break career habits and reset.
- Within weeks of returning she was offered the Executive Director role at the Branch Museum of Design and embraced a museum path without going back to school.
Museum Identity Must Match Mission
- Kristen argues a design museum must reflect strong design in its own identity to attract top artists and credibility.
- She led a rebrand to ensure the Branch's visual identity matched the caliber of work it would host.
Showcase Your Own Work Boldly
- Be judged first by your own work and have an opinion instead of pretending to be a blank slate.
- Invest in your own identity to attract the right clients and talent rather than hiding behind neutrality.