In our 2024 issue, we’re shining the light on some outstanding leading ladies for all their accomplishments and contributions to society.
AMANDA ROGERS
EVP, Managing Partner, Client Operations & Delivery, Saatchi & Saatchi X
Amanda Rogers grew up in Russellville before coming to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas. Initially an elementary education major, she saw a movie about an advertising executive that served as her first glimpse into marketing – and she changed her major the next day! Through a friend of a friend, she made a connection at a local ad agency, and before she knew it, she was hired as a courier and spent her summer delivering art to clients and hauling materials to and from a warehouse. She moved into a role as an administrative assistant, and the rest is history. Amanda had found a home in marketing she didn’t even know she was looking for. She met and married a Fayetteville boy and they’ve been here ever since. Amanda and her husband Kyle have two sons: Cole, 16, and Cade, 14.
Education:
B.A. Journalism, Advertising/Public Relations, University of Arkansas
Have you stayed on a straight path to your career goal?
Once I found agency life, I was hooked. I’ve been with Saatchi & Saatchi X for almost 20 years. I began my career in client services and learned from some of the best in the business while working for some of the largest companies in the world. I’ve been so fortunate over the years to have some amazing leaders in my life. I learned about my strengths, my weaknesses, what type of leader and manager I want to be, and what type of leader and manager I don’t want to be. One of those leaders recognized my operational strengths, and I moved into an operations role 16 years ago. Even as I transitioned from client services to operations, the constant in my career path has been a sense of service and prioritization of team. I know how lucky I am to be surrounded by incredible people that are really great at what they do.
Best part of your job:
I am constantly challenged and always learning. In my 20 years, I’ve held many different roles, and our business has changed and evolved. I work with SO MANY smart people, and I love the collaborative nature of our business. We solve our clients’ problems, and every day is unique.
Quality you admire most in women:
Most women I know have this amazing ability to manage so many different things – work, kids’ schedules, household, volunteer roles, etc. Really, the quality I appreciate most in women is just the ability to get things done. Make things happen for all the people around you.
What nonprofits are you involved with and why?
I have plugged into nonprofits that allow me to be more deeply integrated into the season of life I’m in, and roles that can use the operational, planning and organizational skills I bring to the table. Through Saatchi & Saatchi X’s The CARE Initiative, I serve as a board member and have served as the liaison to Children’s Safety Center for many years. Each year, I organize our Angel Tree program, collecting gifts for local children in need around the holidays. And through my sons’ schools, I have enjoyed being involved as PTO President, fundraising event chairs, board member of Fayetteville High School Baseball Boosters and co-chair of Project Graduation for FHS.
What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?
We are an active family, and many evenings and weekends are spent on a court or a field with my boys. In between, we love skiing and the beach, and enjoying the outdoors in Northwest Arkansas. I am a planner at heart, and I never pass up an opportunity to plan an event or shop to find the perfect gift for friends and family.
Biggest inspiration:
My mom taught me to be independent and to find things that I enjoy even if it changes throughout the years. She pushed for me to go after what I want in life, and to never settle. She passed away just over 10 years ago, but I still hear her advice in my head all the time and find myself sharing similar advice to my boys.
Personal Mantra:
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Best advice you’ve ever received:
“Find a friend who has kids just a little older than yours, and lean on them for advice as you enter the different phases of raising kids.” It’s so true and so helpful!
Surprising fact about you:
Love crime drama in movies, books and podcasts
I’m not a night owl or an early bird. I love sleep and prioritize it!
Thing you’re most proud of:
Raising two boys with kind hearts and big ambitions
Most used app on your phone:
Hate to say it, but probably Instagram! I rarely post, but I love to keep up with friends, family and my favorite influencers!
If you won the lottery, what cause or organization would you support?
My heart is with kids. I would put those lottery winnings straight into the Children’s Safety Center supporting child abuse victims in Washington County and Safer Fayetteville focused on ensuring all students can learn and thrive in a safe environment.
You can view Amanda’s page in the Leading Ladies segment of the 2024 3W Magazine here.