In Conversation with Amy Uzenski

Tell us about your background:

I began my career at Manolo Blahnik, where I advanced from PR Coordinator to Director of Communications. After nearly a decade of in-house experience, I transitioned to the agency side, specializing in luxury lifestyle clients. Building on that foundation, I launched my own consulting firm, Gallant, through which I provided strategic communications and brand marketing support to emerging consumer brands. Most recently, at KISS Products, Inc., I led the rebrand and overarching marketing strategy for JOAH, a cosmetics line inspired by Korean skincare innovation.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Be kind to everyone today because you don't know where they'll be tomorrow.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Empathy, authenticity, and recognition may be fundamental human qualities, but in the hands of a great leader, they become powerful tools to understand, connect with, and inspire others.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

In March 2024, I was let go while on maternity leave. Just weeks later, I was diagnosed with DCIS, a form of breast cancer. I'm incredibly grateful to now be cancer-free and eager to return to work. That said, navigating the emotional, mental, and physical challenges of having my first child, undergoing cancer treatment, and being out of the workforce for over a year has understandably impacted my confidence and made it harder to keep my skillset as sharp as I’d like. I'm now ready to re-engage with my career, bringing with me a renewed sense of resilience, perspective, and drive.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysmith5/

Instagram: @amy_uzenski