At Hutchison, Margaret Shaul ’14 Learned How to Connect with Others, Think on Her Feet, and Embrace New Perspectives

Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Margaret Shaul ’14, a senior experience strategist at Czarnowski, a full-service exhibit and event marketing company. Shaul was named to Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 leaders list in 2022.
What is a typical day for you as a senior strategist?

Every day is different, and that’s the reason why I love working in strategy. One day, I might be analyzing a standard survey; the next, I could be hosting a bourbon tasting event that doubles as a focus group (that was a fun one!). The one constant is that everything I do is rooted in teamwork. It’s like doing group projects for a living but in the best possible way!

You’ve worked with brands such as Johnson & Johnson, Yelp, and the Missouri Division of Tourism. What have you learned from working with different companies?

I’ve been fortunate to work with dozens of brands across a broad range of industries, including tech, tourism, retail, pharma, education, and agriculture. Whether it’s a local nonprofit or a Fortune 500 company, all businesses use marketing to achieve the same goal: influencing people. My job is to understand the human element—what interests them, what inspires them, and what drives them.

I take pride in being a generalist. Some may say that specialization is the key to success, but I’ve found that diverse experiences lead to fresh perspectives. Just as progress stands on the shoulders of giants, my skill set has been shaped by every client, project, and experience along the way.

Speaking of “whatever it takes,” it seems like your job requires a lot of dedication and constant learning about different topics. What are some of the ways you’ve gone above and beyond to satisfy your clients?

I enjoy going down the rabbit hole when I’m tasked with a new creative challenge. I watched the 1989 Field of Dreams film three times while I was working on a brief for a project taking place at the MLB Field of Dreams game. I once spent two weeks learning everything there is to know about RVs. A few years ago, I interviewed over two dozen employees and locals about a beloved amusement park. More recently, my team and I toured and explored bourbon distilleries across Kentucky for a tourism rebrand.

As for audience research, I’ve interviewed soybean farmers, high school students, travel agents, and tourists, as well as caregivers of people living with dementia. I’ve observed focus groups from behind a two-way mirror, watching consumers react to campaign ideas in real time.

Last spring, my team and I spent three days at South by Southwest, gathering insights for a trends report. My clients also rely on me to collect competitive intel, and my camera roll is a testament to my dedication.

What did studying the arts at Hutchison teach you? What skills did you develop that you now use in your career?

I think about this all the time! During my time at Hutchison, I poured my heart into creative pursuits: theater, choir, dance, art—you name it. I often reflect on how these experiences shaped me. They taught me how to connect with others, think on my feet, and embrace new perspectives. Theater, choir, and Fine Arts Council strengthened my confidence and communication skills, while dance and art instilled the importance of practice and attention to detail. I may have traded school musicals for client meetings, but I still rely on those same skills and creative instincts every day.

What does it mean to you to give back to students through the American Advertising Federation in Nashville?

Hutchison helped me discover my passion for mentorship and community service. I’m thrilled to continue this work through my involvement with the American Advertising Federation. As Student Engagement Chair, I create experiences in partnership with educators and agencies that enhance students’ skills, foster creativity, and prepare them for success in the industry. These programs not only make a difference for students individually but also contribute to the growth of the industry as a whole. I’ve enjoyed organizing events such as the Student Agency Crawl and American Advertising Awards because there’s nothing more rewarding than helping students gain the confidence and skills they need to pursue their passions.

How did your Hutchison experience help you get to where you are today?

I never could have anticipated the profound impact the Hutchison community would have on my life. I came as a shy 8th grader and left as a confident young woman, empowered and ready to take on the world. The school provided an uplifting environment that encouraged me to take risks and explore new passions. What I love most about Hutchison is how it celebrates and nurtures multifaceted students. I never had to choose between being a leader, an artist, or an activist—I became all of those and so much more.

Margaret Shaul ’14 is a senior experience strategist at Czarnowski, a company that provides exhibit and event marketing services. Shaul was named to Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 leaders list in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Belmont University. She serves as a board member and student engagement chair for the American Advertising Federation Nashville. 
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