“Chel is my favorite kind of person in advertising: she makes me more curious and constantly kicks me in the ass. She is a "shape shifter," but she has some amazing traits and skills that put her squarely in the world of a "creative generalist."

Here are just three of my favorites:

1. She "wanders and wonders," finding possibility and inspiration everywhere.

2. She makes "links and leaps," using her wealth of references and ideas as catalysts for something greater.

3. She is infinitely "mixing and matching" people, helping generate big thoughts from the right group.”

— Tim Galles, Chief Idea Officer at Barkley and author of Scratch: how to build a potent modern brand from the inside out

“Remember those little pills you used to drop into water when you were a kid and watch them expand into dinosaurs, trains, or bunny rabbits? Chel is like that for ideas.

She naturally connects people and concepts to create powerful, influential and startling change. She's an innovator, challenger, and one of those additions to a company that propels it forward. It's because she sees things that we don't; challenges things we take for granted; and nurtures the potential in people to make them unstoppable. I couldn't recommend her more.”

— Katie Kelly, Principal Product Manager, Microsoft / Product Owner, AltspaceVR

“Chel's infectious enthusiasm and interest in the world makes her a great asset to any group. Her restless work ethic and ability to push for answers beyond the easy and "at hand" also helps steer herself, and those around her, toward deeper and richer ideas. It's an unteachable love for learning that allows her to draw connections between the dots to define the bigger picture.

Beyond her wonder at theoretical ways to make things better, Chel has the ability to simply get things accomplished. In a world in which many are happier to manage and consult, she is an enthusiastic "doer"; we need more of that nowadays.

Finally, Chel's strong writing, coupled with her recent focus on strategy and research makes her an even richer co-worker. She harnesses all of these passions to become part of the team, understanding how best to play a role that is additive and never driven by ego. A unique person, for sure; in the absolute best sense of the phrase. ”

— Nick Childs, Creative Executive

“If you look up 'smart' in the dictionary, you should find Chel O'Reilly's picture.

When I am at a loss for words, Chel is there to coax them out of me in their most articulate form. When I'm overwhelmed by thoughts and ideas I need to express beautifully and clearly, Chel is who I look to for help.

When I simply need or want to know more, I sit down and talk with Chel. If you need a brainstormer, a wordsmith and an enthusiastic researcher, she should be your go-to.

I worked hard to get where I am today, but Chel barely broke a sweat when helping me lift out of paralysis by analysis. She can crank out work at an alarming speed and impress me with what she presents, every time.”

— Elkanah Carnell Reed, Serial Entrepreneur

“Chel is uniquely creative, optimistic, curious, serving. She has a powerful ability to take charged topics and coax a group of relative strangers with widely diverse perspectives into an engaged, revealing, pleasant discussion. She has a way of helping each of us to see and appreciate the value of divergent views.”

— Kyle Webster, TEDxCrossroads Community Member and Contributor (among many more things)

“Chel was never a Boy Scout, but I have never met anyone who exemplifies the qualities of one more than her.

If I remember my Scout's Law correctly, it goes like this: A Scout Is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. While some of those values might seem quaint – "obedient" and "reverent" for instance – they are all very good qualities to have in anyone you are going to be working side-by-side with every day.

Add to those the fact that Chel, more than anyone I know, goes out of her way to "Do a Good Turn Daily" (the Boy Scout Slogan), and to "Be Prepared" (the Boy Scout Motto) and you not only have a great colleague, but a great friend.

Chel is a smart writer, a curious thinker, a powerful connector and an all-around provocative and interesting person. Over the years we have worked all-night on pitches and sat shoulder to shoulder at bars. We have solved problems and created a few of our own.

Chel might have never been a Boy Scout, but if she had, she would have been an Eagle Scout.”

— Don McKinney, Creative Executive and TEDx collaborator