ThoughMatter Is Rare POC, Woman-Run Firm
Industry thought leader Jessie McGuire has been named the first-ever Managing Partner of New York-based brand design agency ThoughtMatter. In this new role, she leads a diverse team of designers, writers and strategists in collaborating with today’s global brands, local communities, art museums and foundations, institutions and non-profits.
Formerly Managing Director, McGuire has been instrumental in helping the studio more than double in size, growing its creative and strategic capabilities. Her passionate approach has also informed ThoughtMatter’s work with cultural institutions like Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and innovators like Web3 diversity pioneers World of Women, as well as companies like Viacom, Procter & Gamble and many others. Now, in addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, McGuire is focused on realizing a shared vision for the future of ThoughtMatter that continues to amplify the capacity of purpose-driven brands to spur meaningful changes in society.
“The world is ready for new brands and brand stories,” says McGuire, “but they’re still too few and far between. I believe my point of view can bring a brand success, and at the same time make a difference. It’s why I’m excited to work with everyone from big corporations to scrappy challenger brands, to come up with creative ideas that drive growth and help shift consumer behavior in ways that lead to a better, cleaner, more inclusive world.”
Before joining ThoughtMatter, McGuire produced and designed projects for billion-dollar brands belonging to Kimberly-Clark, P&G and Colgate-Palmolive. Moreover, McGuire has shared consumer insights at conferences like Social Media Week and acted as a SXSW Mentor, an experience that will serve her well as she looks to mentor the next generation of creatives. She was featured in GDUSA’s 2021 Socially Responsible Designers special report.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had some amazing mentors, and enjoyed opportunities that empowered me throughout my life and career,” McGuire stresses. “But many others in our industry still don’t have those same opportunities. For me, what’s really important, then, is recognizing that privilege and paying it forward.”
