Dan LaCivita, CEO, Firstborn, 36
Dan LaCivita brings more than a decade of experience to his role as CEO of Firstborn, an award-winning strategic design and technology company headquartered in New York City.
LaCivita uses hands-on experience from being a former creative developer, sharp strategic instincts honed from leading long-term client relationships, and innate leadership abilities to help drive Firstborn to be one of the most forward-thinking digital agencies in the world.
What has been your proudest career accomplishment to date?
Helping grow and evolve our agency while keeping our culture intact. We’re bigger than when I started, from 12 to 105, and the things we create are different. But we have not changed our values. Putting people first and investing in their growth is, and will always be, a priority. I’m most proud when I watch our talent take on new roles and advance because our culture enabled them to realize their full potential.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to future 40 Under 40 honorees?
Surround yourself with people that are smarter than you.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?
As more marketers embrace digital and see it as more than just a marketing channel, I hope to continue to partner with brands in stale or declining categories to help them not only transform their business, but also their entire industry.
What is one interesting fact about you that few people know?
I have a few hobbies, like studying and performing close-up magic, but my new love is barrel-aging spirits.
