Breakwater Studios' Kirstin Falk on speaking out, her
unconventional path, and how Amelia Earhart inspired her--buckle up!
I've had the opportunity to connect with and learn from executives of major brands at MediaPost's Insider
Summits. In the process I've discovered some truly impressive women -- not only for the work they do, but their stories behind the scenes. With
Brand Insider: BTS, I get to pull back the
curtain on some of the most influential women marketers as they talk about their path to success: the twists and turns, obstacles, inspirations and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
What does it really take to be creatively brave? For Kirstin Falk, Senior Advisor of Brand Strategy & Partnerships at Breakwater Studios, it means trusting your
instincts, speaking your truth, and pushing past the herd mentality. Her team’s short film, “The Final Copy of Ilon Specht,” tells the story of a woman who did just that— it
also won the Grand Prix at Cannes this year. Kirstin shares with Lisa Singer how Ilon’s iconic L’Oréal tagline, “Because I’m worth it,” remains just as relevant
today as it was decades ago— and how authenticity, mentorship, and fearless creativity are still the keys to meaningful work. From her early days in D.C. politics to building award-winning
campaigns, Kirstin opens up about the lessons learned, the barriers faced, and the importance of emotional safety in creative environments. She also talks about facing fears (whether it’s
pitching bold ideas or dirt biking through the desert), the power of women supporting women, and why discomfort can be a catalyst for growth. Watch the full conversation in the video above.
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