An Interview With Rachel Kline

Published in Authority Magazine November 6, 2023

With the growing complexity of marketing channels and the need for businesses to constantly adapt their strategies, managing marketing budgets effectively has become more critical than ever to ensure the highest possible return on investment. In this interview series, we are talking with marketing experts, industry professionals, and thought leaders who have significant experience in budget management and optimization, to share their “5 Ways To Manage Your Marketing Budget For Improved ROI.” As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Boris Litvinov.

With over a decade’s worth of marketing experience, Boris Litvinov joined Left Off Madison as president to oversee the omnichannel, performance, and e-commerce media disciplines for the multi-service New York City-based agency. Having conducted media planning, buying, and reporting for a multitude of reputable brands across disciplines, such as Hitachi, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy LVMH, Party City, and Upfield, Litvinov joins a company that already boasts José Olé, Ling Ling, Panasonic, Tai Pei, and more in its portfolio. In addition to his media expertise, Litvinov is bringing national recognition for his previous work as well, which includes two Telly Awards he won for his work with the U.S. Army and Western Union, two Reggie Awards he won for his work with Dish Network and Western Union, and the U.S. Army Coin of Excellence.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share your personal backstory with us?

I initially pursued a career in pharmacy but very quickly decided to take a different path. I ventured into digital marketing when I met the owner of the ad agency Gravity and spent a remarkable decade there. Later, Gravity was acquired by Dentsu International, where I continued to thrive for another five years. Eventually, I joined Left off Madison, bringing me back to my media roots and what I love about this industry.

This agency was a breath of fresh air compared to larger ones, allowing me to execute ideas swiftly without the usual bureaucracy. The absence of layers and roadblocks here has been a significant advantage for our clients, making my journey truly rewarding.

Can you share with us three strengths, skills, or characteristics that helped you to reach this place in your career? How can others actively build these areas within themselves?

One key strength that has been paramount in my career is being a ‘T-shaped Individual.’ In marketing, it’s common for professionals to excel in one specialized area. However, I believe in mastering one core skill while having a broad range of knowledge across various aspects of the field. This means I can dive deep into my expertise, like media, while also being a ‘jack of all trades’ in areas like creative production or ad tech. This versatility allows me to connect the dots and demonstrate how my work impacts the bigger picture.

To cultivate this T-shaped approach, you must be open to continuous learning and stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t limit yourself to a 9-to-5 mentality. Instead, question how your role influences your client’s brand and what it brings to the table. The ability to ask these critical questions stems from pushing your boundaries.

I’ve personally expanded my knowledge by leveraging free digital resources. A wealth of information is available online, so seize the opportunity to read and absorb as much as you can. However, hands-on experience is the real game-changer. Being able to navigate various tools and platforms is what sets truly great professionals apart. So, embrace a holistic learning approach to thrive in the dynamic marketing world.

Read on at Authority Magazine, HERE