We were lucky to catch up with Kate Drury recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kate with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
It all started with a little sibling rivalry. Growing up with two older brothers and a handful of older cousins, the game was simple: keep up or get left behind. Whether it was racing down the hill on snowboards or getting our homework done, the competition was constant and at times relentless. Keeping pace required hustle, grit, and a stubborn refusal to let anyone else win by default.
But as an adult, that drive evolved. Working closely with my parents, I’ve been constantly amazed by their unwavering dedication. They’ve worked long, hard hours with an intensity that seems to defy the laws of physics at times. Taking their lead has been both inspiring and, honestly, a bit exhausting. I’d love to say I’ve seamlessly adopted their iron-willed focus, but the truth is, I’ve struggled from time to time. There have been moments of doubt, frustration, and an impressive amount of staring at my laptop like it personally insulted me.
Despite the challenges, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to create meaningful moments and impactful experiences for clients, communities, and people from all walks of life. It’s a privilege to turn hard work into something that leaves a lasting impression — and if my brothers are reading this, yes, I’m still winning.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m proud to be leading MAKE, a division of Drury Design dedicated to crafting experiential marketing campaigns and impactful activations. We strike to build immersive worlds and tell powerful stories that spark imagination, stir emotion, and ignite the senses. MAKE was born from a desire to connect people through creativity, storytelling, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s bringing brands to life, designing immersive spaces, or creating moments that spark joy, I love seeing ideas transform into experiences that leave a lasting impression.
What excites me most about the MAKE team is our ability to surprise and delight in unexpected ways. Every project feels like a fresh canvas to explore new ideas, connect with audiences, and build something meaningful. While MAKE is still finding its footing, the potential to create memorable experiences that inspire, inform, and engage keeps me energized.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been working with such an incredible team. Our team is dedicated to building an environment rooted in respect and inclusion, where great ideas can come from anywhere and completely change the game. That kind of collaboration makes our work stronger, more thoughtful, and a whole lot more fun.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For me, three qualities have been especially impactful in my experience. 1. Work smarter, not harder 2. embracing the “fake it till you make it” mindset 3. Understand the value of failing fast.
Working smarter means knowing when to pivot, delegate, or simplify rather than just pushing harder.
“Fake it till you make it” isn’t about pretending to know everything — it’s about showing up with confidence and trusting that learning happens on the fly.
And failing fast? That’s the key to growth. Mistakes are inevitable, but the faster they happen, the quicker the lessons arrive. For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious, take risks, and don’t be afraid to embrace the unknown — that’s where the magic happens.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
When it comes to collaboration, I’m looking to partner with those who value meaningful connections. They see our team not just as products, but as people with lives, families, and passions outside of work. The most successful client relationships I’ve experienced are rooted in mutual respect and understanding, where we’re not expected to defy the laws of gravity, but we’re always willing to try and make a little magic happen.
Whether it’s with clients, vendors, or our internal team, I believe the best partnerships are built on consideration, appreciation, and respect. If that sounds like you, I’m always excited to connect and explore how we can create something incredible together.
We also take the time to examine the ethos and core values of our partners, team members, and clients to ensure they align with our own. We don’t need to maintain the same beliefs when it comes to the color of your skin, sexual orientation, or religious or political views, but we do need to agree that respect is non-negotiable. It’s a different and at difficult world we live and work in right now, and I will never allow myself or my team to feel unsafe or unappreciated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meetmake.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/make.experiential/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make.experiential/
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