Breaking the Rules to Achieve Your Best | Caroline Hanley | Account Director, Avid Reader, Semi-Retired Dancer

Caroline Hanley is a ray of sunshine, fun, smart, and endlessly curious. As an Account Director at the prestigious advertising firm Mullen Lowe, she’s built a career on creativity, strategic thinking, and following her own path. Outside of work, she’s an avid reader, a semi-retired dancer, and a champion for the arts. Caroline shares how her love of books, the arts, and curiosity have shaped her personal and professional journey. We talk about why arts education matters, how advertising can influence culture, and why you don’t have to follow a set path to succeed. Caroline’s story is a reminder that breaking so-called rules and carving your own path can lead to your version of success. Chapters 00:00 Meet Caroline Hanley 03:20 Growing Up Surrounded by the Arts 07:40 From Ballet to Semi-Retired Dancer 12:10 Discovering a Passion for Advertising 16:45 Lessons from Mullen Lowe and Working with Top Brands 21:00 Why Arts Education Matters 25:15 How Reading Shapes Creativity and Strategy 30:10 Finding Inspiration in Literature and Dance 34:25 The Power of Curiosity in Career and Life 38:40 Breaking Rules to Create Your Own Path 43:00 Advice for Building a Career You Love 47:20 Favorite Books and Recommendations 51:15 Staying Creative Outside of Work 55:00 How to Connect with Caroline Hanley The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices