The Drum Arms Podcast: Recent Episodes
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It's been a tumultuous couple of years for venues, rights owners, and sports clubs. We'll hear from their marketing partners: what have the last couple of years been like, and what're the new rules of engagement in this sector? What are the big plays for sports marketing success in 2022? Senior tech reporter Chris Sutcliffe is joined by a panel of experts to discuss:
• What trends are sports brands riding in 2022? Are audiences more health conscious than ever, or are sporty consumers spending more? • What personal health tech is creating new opportunities for marketers? • Is sports marketing still predicated on big tournaments and events? • Sports brands are outperforming in the metaverse - what is it about sports that works especially well in that regard?
This week's panel is made up of Jenny Mitton, Director and Women’s Sport Lead, M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment; Adam Britton, Managing director, TrunkBBI; Roger Barr, Chief Digital Officer, iCrossing; and Ann Wool, President of Translation.
Influencers are big business. They're increasingly recognized as genuine change-makers by mainstream media, and they collectively make up one of the fastest-growing marketing channels.
The industry around them is increasingly specialized and wide-ranging. From a panel reflecting the breadth of that industry, we'll ask: what are the most exciting corners of that industry right now, and where's the smart work heading?
To discuss all that, senior tech reporter Chris Sutcliffe is joined by: · Robbie Murch, Founder, Bump agency · Kineta Kelsall, Senior Director, Training (Social Media), Jellyfish · Bea Iturregui, VP of Brand Partnerships, Cycle (Wasserman)
In this week's episode of The Drum Network Podcast, senior tech reporter Chris Sutcliffe is joined by two experts to discuss creative collaboration.
The past few years have forced an accelerated evolution on the marketing industry. Separated by circumstance, marketing practitioners have been made to work together remotely. Tech has empowered us to continue working, in new and occasionally more effective ways.
But what does remote collaboration mean as the world returns to normal - and how are we using the lessons learned from the past few years to drive innovation forward? From the rise of workflow tools like Slack to asset creation software like Unreal Engine 5, the sky's the limit when it comes to harnessing our creativity collaboratively.
Sutcliffe is joined by Rae Stones, creative director of Oliver Agency and Sam Pepper, creative director at Wasserman, to discuss the future of creative collaboration.
In this week's episode we take a look at the possibility of behavioural marketing - both the good and the bad. In order to do behavioural science effectively we have to gather information on our audiences. But what happens when that data is misused - and how do we ensure it's only used constructively?
Some high profile instances of data misuse - Cambridge Analytica among them - demonstrate that while the practices of behavioural marketing are sound, the means of doing it are susceptible to misuse. This episode of the The Drum Network podcast seeks to examine all that - and more:
• The use of techniques from psychology and behavioural science to segment people and influence their behaviour has been on a journey over the last few years, with Cambridge Analytica a low point and continued pressure for people using these techniques to be more transparent. How should behavioural science practitioners in the advertising space make sure their work is ethical? •What regulations and standards should marketers be aware of? •Other than privacy and transparency, what other ethical dimensions are at play in this space? For example, implicit bias in research, etc. •What is the role of big tech in this ecosystem, and how can marketers navigate that ecosystem responsibly?
The Drum's senior tech reporter Chris Sutcliffe is joined by an expert panel, consisting of: Tara Austin of Ogilvy; Reading Room's Alexei Lee; and Roy Armale of VMLY&R Commerce.
On this week's episode of The Drum Show we hear from a panel of experts about how live events are surging back to life in the wake of the pandemic.
The panel discusses how to keep the best of what we learned from doing purely digital events; whether the term 'hybrid' was a buzzword that is already being retired; and how a brand can be a part of live events in a way that enhances the appeal of the overall campaign.
All this week on The Drum we've been running our Gaming Deep Dive. Powered by the insights of the gamers among The Drum's journalists and The Drum Network's experts, we've been taking a look at the marketing opportunities around gaming.
Between the extension of gaming IPs beyond the games themselves, the rapid broadening of the gaming audience, and new tech that underpins opportunities to reach that audience, there are any number of reasons why marketers should be considering gaming audiences.
In fact, it could be that the brands that aren't considering advertising to gamers will find themselves all out of lives...
In this bumper-length episode, The Drum's senior tech reporter Chris Sutcliffe is joined by: • Toni Pizza, senior producer at Jack Morton • Eva Steiner, art director, Ogilvy • Jon Goynshor, SVP, global head of partnerships, VMLY&R Commerce • Rafe Blandford, chief product office, Digitas UK
On this week's episode we discuss all things behavioural marketing. We're asking:
What tools do marketers have to understand (and shape) attention, motivation and behavior?
What are the cutting-edge techniques, approaches, and tools that help scientists and marketers understand how people think? What tools do you and your teams use, and what light do they shine on human behaviour?
What are the key insights from your own work, or the industry, or the scientific community that can make (or are making) marketers' lives easer and their work better?
What are the next frontiers in behavioural science, neuroscience, or related disciplines that smart marketers should be keeping an eye on?
This week on The Drum we're taking a look at everything digital advertising, from its past to its future potential. As part of that discussion, we've assembled three experts from the advertising industry to discuss:
- Digital advertising has come a long way since Yahoo launched its very first banner ad. How confident are you that digital advertising is living up to its potential?
- What does the industry need to do to ensure that consumers have a positive experience with digital advertising?
- The perception is that much of the digital advertising system is opaque and bloated - are there disincentives for sorting this out?
- What upcoming or recent tech developments are you most excited about in the space?
In this episode we're joined by Jason Hartley, head of search, social and shopping at PMG; Alice Jennifer Moore, principal consultant analytics at Foolproof; and Pascal Coggia, UK managing director & partner at Artefact.
On this week's episode of The Drum Network Podcast we discuss whether agency business models are agile and resilient enough to fit clients' needs.
After Keith Weed argued that many agencies are failing to meet the specific needs of their partners, we ask a panel of experts from across the marketing industry how they think about their own models.
This week we are joined by: • Natasha Potashnik, SVP and Partner, Known • Chris Woodward, UK group managing director, Oliver • Shana Bellot, head of business partnerships and account management, Strawberryfrog • Georgie Monaghan, marketing director, Propellernet
For the past week The Drum has been examining CX, and how it underpins so much of brands' successes. We've taken a look at everything from how digitalisation is changing the philosophy of CX, how good CX is accessible and conducive for mental health, and how individual brands are outperforming competitors through clever deployment of CX tools.
In order to cap the week, this special TDN podcast features insight from: • John Campbell, MD, Rabbit & Pork • Jane Austen, chief experience officer, Digitas • Richard Palmer, head of strategy, EMEA, Appnovation • Jacob Harris, partner, Known.iz
In this episode of The Drum Network Podcast we hear from a panel of experts about whether we have entered the golden age of growth marketing. From the definitional - how does growth marketing differ from performance marketing - to the existential, we ask which brands can benefit the most from this growth oriented approach.
Senior reporter for tech at The Drum Chris Sutcliffe is joined by four fantastic guests to discuss everything growth marketing: • Farhad Koodoruth, CEO, Threepipe Reply • Heather Barnett, head of marketing, The Marketing Practice • Chris Jones, managing director, Space & Time • Tom Davies, senior designer, Frog Design
In this episode of The Drum Network Podcast we dive into what it takes to rapidly grow a brand without losing what makes it unique. Our guests flag up everything from Salt Bae to Unilever in order to determine the role purpose plays in growing a brilliant brand, where tech empowers and restricts growth, and which sectors we expect to see a new challenger brand emerge from next.
Senior reporter for The Drum Chris Sutcliffe is joined by Daniel Liddle, SEO lead at Impression; Amanda Glasgow, head of experience for Appnovation EMEA; Mel Henson, head of creative at Optimizon; and Marcus Foley, co-founder and chief growth officer at This Is Tommy.
As we say in this intro to this week's episode the question isn't "why are marketers talking about environmental issues", but "why haven't we spoken about it sooner"? Sustainability and activities on behalf of our planet are at the centre of many brands' activities, but even for those where that isn't the case, it is at least a growing concern. So how do we speak on behalf of brands around sustainability - and how can marketers lead the way on environmental issues?
To discuss all this and more, The Drum's senior report Chris Sutcliffe is joined by three guests, each with years of experience and expertise around sustainable practices. Featuring Elena Linczenyiova, director for content and policy at ICF Next; Peter Bardell, co-founder of Revolt London; and Jose Sel de Felipe, executive producer atCult LDN, this podcast seeks to answer whether the marketing industry is leading the way around sustainability.
Social platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook offer huge opportunities for marketers. They are the new de facto gatekeepers to huge audiences, and there are very few other means to reach younger audiences at scale with ease. But that access comes with trade-offs, and different platforms emerge and disappear rapidly.
To discuss that rapidly evolving landscape, and how we can ensure the primacy of brands when it comes to marketing on platforms, we're joined by three experts from across the industry. Amy Gilbert, head of social at The Social Element; Tahir Rashid, paid media manager at Unrivaled; and Callum Gill, head of insight and innovation at DRP Group, join The Drum's senior reporter Chris Sutcliffe to discuss all things platform-related.
What do we mean when we talk about 'indie' vs 'network' agencies? Is it even a helpful discussion in 2022 - or is it only relevant when we talk about the realities of employing people in organisations of different scales? To discuss everything indie vs network, senior reporter for The Drum Chris Sutcliffe is joined by three experts in the field to discuss their breadth of experience across both sides of the spectrum.
Jellyfish's managing director for the UK Rick Lamb, Space & Time executive director Heather Connearn and managing director of Clickthrough Marketing Chris Roberts join this week's episode.
Tying into The Drum's weeklong deepdive into the metaverse, senior reporter for The Drum Chris Sutcliffe asks three guests what the future of marketing in virtual spaces will look like.
From the earliest gaming iterations of the metaverse, brands have always had a place in virtual spaces. Now, though, with the rise of the blockchain and consumer technology improvements, an interoperable and persistent virtual world lies on the horizon. But what do we need to do to ensure that the promise and potential of the metaverse is not adulterated and diluted, and that creators and users buy into web3.0 in a way that benefits the entire ecosystem?
In this episode of The Drum Network podcast we are joined by chief product officer of Digitas UK Rafe Blandford, co-founder and CEO of Invnt Scott Cullather, and PMG client strategy lead Ting Zheng.
In this episode of The Drum Network Podcast we discuss the progress (and lack of) our industry has made when it comes to marketing to the marginalised. From a lack of representation within brands and agencies to well-meaning but flawed approaches, there is still a lot of work to be done in order to create a genuinely inclusive strategy.
The Drum' senior reporter Chris Sutcliffe is joined by Jellyfish's Abigail Balfe, GottaBe's Tomasz Dyl and Ogilvy's Victoria Day in order to ask the question: 'are we making progress when it comes to marketing to the marginalised?'
From which brands are succeeding, to whether it is ever possible to market effectively without input from the people we are marketing to, this episode is a capper to The Drum's Marketing and the Marginalised deep dive.
In this episode The Drum's own Olivia Atkins talks to two experts about what it means to be an agile marketing business. Agility has become something of a meaningless term for businesses, used to mean whatever that particular business wants to say about itself. But beyond the buzzword there are real implications for how a business organises itself to allow for fast and flexible working practices.
In this episode Andy Peddar, CEO and co-founder of Deazy, and Simon Penson, partner at Haatch, discuss their own experimentation with making businesses agile, and what it means to be adaptable in an industry that faces frequent upheaval.
As part of our Data deep dive, The Drum invited three experts from its network of agencies on to discuss all things data. Whether that's examining potential headwinds in the use of data, how it's fundamentally empowering our clients, or how we approach that client-user relationship as a third party - these guests break down the opportunities around data.
We're joined by Justin Scarborough, senior director of programmatic at PMG; Aisling Cahill, senior operations manager at Jellyfish; and Ryan Webb, conversion and analytics director at Adapt Worldwide. Stay tuned to the end to find out how you can pick their brains about their expertise!
Agencies - like their clients - have been sorely tested over the course of the pandemic. A lack of face-to-face interaction, the breaking of the chain between brands and customers, the decimation of live events... all have meant that agencies have been peeled back to their cores.
That has led to a reappraisal of agencies' purposes, however, and a reexamination of what it means to be both an employer and a client partner. In this episode of The Drum Network two guests from our network of experts discuss how they have put purpose at the core of their agencies' offerings.
Featuring insight from Receptional's board manager Dean Rowland and CEO of Creative Race Rob Shaw, this episode discusses how we can retain the primacy of purpose as life returns to normal.
We know from conversations with Network members - and people outside the marketing industry - that there are huge challenges to attracting and retaining young talent.
In this episode of The Drum Network podcast, we ask three experts about how they're going about creating a work environment that is conducive to young talent. Hannah Grace of Cult LDN, Mike Petricevic of Waste Creative, and Oliver Bruce of Pinpoint Media join senior reporter for The Drum Chris Sutcliffe to discuss the issue.
Asia is the focus for many brands - and therefore the marketers who work on their behalf. At the same time the ‘market’ is so unbelievably huge that it almost can’t be considered a market at all, more of a collection of markets, each of which requires its own particular expertise to succeed in.
In this episode we’re joined by four experts to discuss marketing and retail trends across Asia, with a focus on how brands are thinking about moving into - and out of - the countries it contains. Kemosabe’s John Speers, The APS Group’s Fiona Zeng, Emerging Comms’ Domenica di Lieto and Tong Digital’s Adam Knight provide us with insight into what brands need to consider when they think about marketing in Asia.
Purpose is a woolly term - but an agency’s values are the bedrock on which the business is built. So to what extent are we talking the same language when we discuss our agencies’ purposes, and how do we ensure that our clients and employees are brought along on our journey?
In this episode of The Drum Network’s podcast a panel of our members take us through how they built their agencies upon a singular set of values - and how they maintain them as they bring new people along for the ride. We discuss:
- How do you build a business around your personal beliefs - and your clients'?
- Do clients really care what your agency’s purpose is - or will the ability to deliver on briefs always take precedence?
- How do you maintain your values as you take on new team members?
Is ‘experiential’ a dirty word? As we transition back to an age of live events, is the term too narrow and prescriptive to encompass the range of live, virtual and hybrid events? And to what extent can brands exist harmoniously within an environment that is primarily about audiences living in the moment? In this episode of The Drum Network podcast we hear from a trio of experts about their hopes and expectations for the sector over the near future. We discuss: - What does a modern experience-focused agency look like? - How do the B2B and B2C industries compare for experiences? - How can brands ensure they are an integral part of any experience - whether virtual or in-person?
We're joined this time by Lively's CEO and founder Mike White, Freeman's brand experience director Natasha Barnes, and founder of Amplify Jonathan Emmins.
In this episode of The Drum Network Podcast, which coincides with The Drum's retail deepdive, we hear from three experts about the future of retail and e-commerce.
Over the past 18 months e-commerce has boomed, but the trends that predated the pandemic have continued apace. So where should smart agencies and retailers be placing their chips for the future, and how are retailers replicating the strengths of brick-and-mortar in digital spaces?
In this follow-up to our first Keeping the Spark episode, we hear how agencies of all sizes and ages are bringing their employees along as their scale up. Whether that's getting buy-in from new hires to ensuring that the co-founder keeps an eye on the values that matter, this episode provides practical advice on retaining your values as you grow.
For this episode we're joined by Croud co-founder Luke Smith, the co-founder of Reddico Nick Redding, and EVP talent and inclusion at Jack Morton Worldwide Natalie Ackerman.
In this episode, McCann Worldgroup's ECD Gary Swimer takes us through his personal journey through the health marketing industry, in addition to asking what the current status of the market is, and how it varies by geography.
In this first episode of our Keeping the Spark sub-series, we ask Becky Simms of Reflect Digital about the reality of growing your agency from a small to a mid-sized agency - without sacrificing the culture or values that underpin your work.
We couldn't discuss the future of TV in a single episode. This time Richard Carroll, senior digital marketing consultant at Capgemini Invent, takes us through the platform agnostic future of television. We discuss the vast range of choice audiences have in terms of video content, platforms, and even how they choose to pay.
What happens when (and if) consumers get used to subscription-first television - is there room for ad-supported interruptive television content? Where will investment come from and will there be room for challenger platforms among the giants of Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video?
Television provides us with some of our most well-known cultural touchstones, from the shared experience of discussing the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing to speculating online about the next episode of a murder mystery show. The television landscape is increasingly fragmented, with a vast array of platforms and channels delivering more choice of shortform and longform content than ever before. The line between film and TV is also blurring, and even the most staid and traditional broadcaster is experimenting with new forms of video to appeal to younger audiences.
Last time we spoke about the opportunities and potential of hybrid events. This episode we’re diving into the nitty gritty of hybrid, from the current issue of solving the virtual networking problem, to maintaining the hype pre- and post- digital event. To begin with, though, I asked Emma Bartholomew, who sits on the advisory board for Paradise, to tell us about why ‘hybrid’ events have become the great hope of the industry over the next few years.
Then, Neil Mason, executive creative director for INVNT, tells us about why some of the challenges around hybrid events are no different from those around more traditional formats, but how tech like VR and AR are accelerating those opportunities.
In this episode of The Drum Network Podcast, we're joined by experts from Lively and Verve to discuss hybrid events. We take a look at the definition of hybrid, how agencies and brands are adapting to consumer expectations, and ask if content or UX is the bedrock of a great hybrid event.
https://verveliveagency.co.uk/ https://lively.agency/
On this episode, we're joined by Waste's head of strategy Christian Perrins to discuss the opportunities for marketers around gaming.
From Ford's partnership with Rocket League to high-end fashion brands debuting lines in Animal Crossing, there are growing opportunities for brands to reach this growing and lucrative audience.
In this second part of The Drum Network's 2021 Predictions podcast, we're joined by representatives of Croud and Jack Morton to discuss the tech and social trends that we hope will stick around for the rest of the year.
Insights this time include the rising tide of empathy among our co-workers, the rise of hybrid events, and the ultimate endgoal of personal development.
In this episode of The Drum Network Podcast, The Drum's Chris Sutcliffe and Space & Time's Andy Griffiths discuss the phenomenal changes that have occurred within DTC marketing over the past year - and where it might go in the near future.
Covid. Brexit chaos. Enforced working from home. It's fair to say that 2020 hasn't quite been everything we envisaged or hoped for. Despite that we've found an awful lot of hope from our Drum Network members, and a recognition that the year has been an opportunity to reset and realign our priorities.
In this special two-part episode, we take a look at everything that's happened over the course of the year and ask what we expect is coming down the pipe for 2021.
In this episode of The Drum Network Podcast, we hear from Capgemini's Ana Costa and twogether's Jon Busby about the role of audio and video in B2B marketing.
After the last episode we had many questions about the practical considerations of dealing with influencers. This episode explores how best we can deal with influencers to ensure their authenticity isn't diluted by dealing with brands, and the role agencies play in that relationship.
Long held taboos are being turned into competitive advantage by Essity and ITV. This episode, written by Jen Faull, is about award winning work that tackles subjects marketers have shied away from in the past.
The Drum and PubMatic have today launched the first episode in a special three-part podcast that aims to delve into the future of one of digital advertising’s most important topics, PubCast: the future of programmatic.
Episode three looks into a major talking point for 2020, mobile in-app. The episode looks at how by getting the user and ad experience right, apps can become scaled around the world almost overnight, like our guest speaker TikTok. In this episode, Chew Wee Ng, head of business marketing, South East Asia at TikTok, shares stories about the meteoric rise of the app and why advertising is so key to its future development. During each episode, PubMatic chief revenue officer, APAC, Jason Barnes will give a need-to-know account of the topic.
In the future, road infrastructure will give real time incentives to commuters to diversify their choices. Roads will be the centre of a data-driven ecosystem for transportation and advertising. This episode, written by Charlotte McEleny, examines why roads will need to evolve along with the cars we drive on them.
This episode of Marketing Stories provides a marketing perspective on what is happening in retail. Diane Young looks at how the infrastructure supporting ecommerce is playing a big role in the retail revolution, why not sweetness and light for every type of online retailer, and why 85% of people who found a brand online recently are planning to purchase through them again.
Bridey Lipscombe of Cult and Sophie Crowther from Brave Bison join us to discuss the modern reality of influencer marketing. How do you set KPIs for influencer campaigns? Do brands understand the gift of an influencer's network and connections? What is the future of virtual influencers? All this and more in this episode.
Visit thedrum.com to find out more about The Drum Network.
Diane Young reads from a Drum magazine article asking: "Will our industry include creative engineers and creative scientists in future as AI becomes more integral to the creative process?"
In this episode, Diane Young reads from an article from The Drum's Ellen Ormesher about the pernicious issue of 'woke washing'. While it's imperative that brands have their morality on display, this episode examines why savvy audiences can tell when brands are being real about what they stand for, and conversely when they're simply paying lip service to an idea for their own benefit.
In this episode of Marketing Stories, The Drum journalist John McCarthy takes us through the modern realities of sports experiences. Hear how VR and AR are disrupting the traditional means of viewing, how tech is transforming the way brands identify with their favourite teams, and the extent to which professional sports teams are investing in new ways of communicating with fans.
The Drum and PubMatic have today launched the first episode in a special three-part podcast that aims to delve into the future of one of digital advertising’s most important topics, PubCast: the future of programmatic.
Episode two takes on one of advertising’s most important topics - transparency and how Supply-Side optimisation (SPO) is playing a part in solving this issue. GroupM Asia Pacific investment director, John Miskelly, joins to explain the challenges facing agencies, brands and publishers alike. Also in each episode, PubMatic chief revenue officer, APAC, Jason Barnes will give a need-to-know account of this all-important topic.
In this episode of Marketing Stories, CEO of The Drum Diane Young explores the future of food. Based on an article from Sonoo Singh, Marius Robles, CEO of Imagine Foods shares his predictions of edible robots, doctors in fridges and an end to obesity.
In this episode of Marketing Stories, CEO of The Drum Diane Young explores the strange audio phenomenon of ASMR. Based on an article from Jen Faull, this episode takes us through the physiology of ASMR, the causes of so-called 'eargasms', and how brands are jumping on the auditory bandwagon.
In this episode of Marketing Stories, we hear why brands should be looking to the successful influencers on TikTok for advice on reaching young audiences.
In this episode of Marketing Stories, CEO of The Drum Diane Young explores the nature of brand purpose. When it's baked into the very nature of an organisation, it can be a huge boost to both reputation and audience outreach. But when it's done cynically, it can be disastrous.
In this episode of Marketing Stories with Diane Young, we take a look at the rise of virtual influencers - including our very own Floresta Nas. Why are brands investing in virtual influencers, what does it say about our relationships with fame and social media, and what are the implications for flesh and blood influencers?
In this series, CEO and co-founder of The Drum Diane Young takes us through her favourite stories from the latest issue of The Drum. This second episode features a look at the future of marketing and automotive with two of the industry's brightest stars - James May and Richard Hammond.
This episode is brought to you with the support of Readly.
Episode 1: OTT with Viu’s Janice Lee
The Drum and PubMatic have today launched the first episode in a special three-part podcast that aims to delve into the future of one of digital advertising’s most important topics, PubCast: the future of programmatic.
Episode one takes on the much-talked-about growth channel of over-the-top (OTT) streaming, inviting leading streaming platform Viu’s CEO Janice Lee on as the special guest. Also in each episode, PubMatic chief revenue officer, APAC, Jason Barnes will give a need-to-know account of this all-important topic.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative
As part of The Drum's Digital Transformation Festival, L'Oreal's chief digital officer, Lubomira Rochet speaks to brands editor Jennifer Faull.
The Drum's Leadership Lessons welcomes Diageo's chief marketing officer Syl Saller who discusses her inspirations and insights on management and driving change in her role at one of the world's leading alcohol beverage producers.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative
In this episode of The Drum's Leadership Lessons, editor Stephen Lepitak speaks to Michelle Peluso, global chief marketing officer of IBM about how she runs teams all around the world and the experiences of leadership she has had in her career.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton, Founder of Automated Creative.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative.
The Apprentice boss Lord Alan Sugar is the subject of the latest episode of The Drum's Leadership Lessons, offering some insights on the experience he has learned over the course of his career.
Check out other entries in The Drum's Leadership Lesson series here: https://www.thedrum.com/topics/leadership-lessons
The Advertising Association's president Keith Weed talks to The Drum about how the industry can regain trust, the state of brands seeking purpose and becoming The Drum's agony uncle.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative.
In the latest episode of The Drum's Leadership Lessons interview series, editor Stephen Lepitak talks to Wunderman Thompson's global chief executive Mel Edwards on her experiences and views on being a business leader.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative.
Each month The Drum's editor Stephen Lepitak talks to a senior leader in media and marketing about how they view leadership and their own ways of being a leader in their business. This month he talks to Brian Whipple, Accenture Interactive's global chief executive.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative.
The views that Mr Bose expresses in this podcast are his personal views and not those of the Kellogg Company (South East Asia). 'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative.
Each month, The Drum speaks to a leader in media and marketing to understand their views on leadership and how they manage their businesses. Here, speaking live to editor Stephen Lepitak in New York at The Drum Arms, is DDB's global chief executive, Wendy Clark.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative
The Drum's Leadership Lessons podcast aims to talk to leaders in media and marketing about their management styles and experiences throughout their careers that have shaped their own styles. Here, Jellyfish group chief executive talks to The Drum's editor Stephen Lepitak.
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host: Tom Ollerton Founder of Automated Creative
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host - Tom Ollerton founder of Automated Creative
'Shiny New Object' is a podcast about the future of marketing. Each episode is a conversation with an insightful and influential leader in the industry about the latest tech, trend or talking point to catch their eye. Host - Tom Ollerton founder of Automated Creative
The Drum explores the insights and experiences of those at the top in advertising and media, talking to industry leaders about their views on what it takes to be a leader and the lessons they have learned along the way in their own careers.
The latest episode sees editor Stephen Lepitak talk to Annette King, chief executive of Publicis Groupe UK.
IPG boss Michael Roth is the latest figure from the world of media and marketing to offer his own take on leadership as part of The Drum's podcast series.
Join a team of music enthusiasts led by Thomas Binns, the leader of London’s The Guitar Social, to celebrate how music and marketing can change the world together.
Join Mastercard's CMO and the chief executive of the WFA as they share results from the largest voice commerce research conducted to date focused on users thoughts and experiences of voice assistants. This session will address the implications of the research results for global brand owners as well as announcing an exciting new global initiative for clients looking to increase their knowledge and influence in this area.
Speakers include:
Raja Rajamannar, WFA President & Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and President Healthcare, Mastercard Stephen Loerke, WFA CEO Frederic Colas, Co-Founder and CEO, Fast-up Partners
Moderated by Jen Faull, brands editor of The Drum
Arrests were made as Extinction Rebellion demanded a voice at Cannes Lions. In the aftermath The Drum gave them that voice and asked how can the industry help? and what can they do in this discussion about the environmental emergency? The Drum editor, Stephen Lepitak is joined by Fanny Dollberg from Extinction Rebellion. Chris Gorell Barnes founder of Adjust your set and Will Skeaping from Extinction Rebellion to discuss the issues and events here in Cannes.
Associate editor of The Drum, Sonoo Singh talks B2B. Is all B2B marketing emotionally stunted? Kate Howe, chief growth officer, Dentsu Aegis UK&I Debbie Vavangas, iX leader, IBMix; Bill Kanarick, global customer leader, EY; and Johanna Krantz, commercial director, EMEA, Reuters talk about the new B2B human journey.
In a one off moment in history, two titans of todays advertising industry, Sir Martin Sorrell of S4 Capital and Brian Whipple, CEO of Accenture discuss the industry and it's future in front of an audience at The Drum Arms. Hosted by The Drums editor Stephen Lepitak.
Associate Editor of The Drum Sonoo Singh hosts a passionate and fiery debate at The Drum Arms in Cannes. She is joined by Yannis Doslos VP for emerging business at Twitter. Claire Gillis International CEO WPP Health Practise. Eleanor Mills Editorial Director The Sunday Times. How do we talk about health? What is the responsability of platforms ? and what should our response to the legalisation of cannabis be?
The Drum Arms is open for the duration of the Cannes Lions Festival. Subscribe now to our podcast for the very best of everything that happens in our pop-up pub. In the first episode The Drum team talks about what we can expect from the week and what will be happening at 'The Drum Arms'. Listen out for the latest goss on the Spice Girls rumoured appearance too... All powered by our friends at Contented. https://thedrumarmscannes.thedrum.com/
As she receives her induction into the BIMA Hall of Fame, ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall speaks with Tarek Nasir about her experience of digital throughout her career, her leadership lessons and her stand for diversity in business.
Discussing his pet peaves from the world of agencyland with The Drum's editor in chief Gordon Young is Wax/On founder Mark Runcas who argues his three major moans with one set to be banished to The Drum Dungeon forever based on the decision of the audience at Agency Acceleration Day.
Brexit - what next? With the countdown on until the UK leaves the EU, confusion still reigns. A group of industry experts will discuss what they know, and don’t know, about how things will work post-March.
Richard Jukes, Chairman, Grayling UK & Ireland
Dani Bassil, chief executive, Digitas UK
Stephen Woodford, chief executive, the Advertising Association
Debbie Zaman, chief executive, With
Diane Young, chief executive, The Drum (moderator)
With a foundation not just as a pharmacologist but also a health economist and entrepreneur, Claire founded a specialist medical access consultancy called WG Group in 1996. That group was acquired by WPP in 2010 and a few years later, Claire was promoted to international CEO of the WPP Health Practice. Today, she helps clients ‘speak health’ around the world, driving strategies for managed care, disease management and championing better access to healthcare for those that need it.
Associate editor Sonoo Singh sat down with Claire to talk about her passion for everything related to health and business.
British start-up, organic tampon company Dame’s aims to address the amount of plastic waste the industry produces and to create products that are practical and shows how periods are not something to be ashamed of.
In episode six of SheSays Says, associate editor of The Drum, Sonoo Singh speaks to co-founders Celia Pool and Alec Mill on the start-up sensation and how they aim to reduce plastic wastage within sanitary products.
For this week’s podcast, in collaboration with SheSays Says and The Drum, we speak to the founder of Darjeeling Express, and soon to be, the first British chef to appear on the award-winning Netflix series, Chef’s Table.
Having a professional mentor can be hugely uplifting as well as beneficial for developing your career. But finding someone to support and nurture you as you rise through the ranks isn’t easy, especially if you’re a woman, according to a podcast discussion between The Drum and FUTURES network co-founders, Visha Naul and Laura Vipond.
In our fourth episode we speak to So Mayers of Raising Films and Nina Salomons from the VR Diversity Initiative to talk about film - from the traditional to the future thinking.
In this episode, Naomi Taylor of The Drum speaks to Marcie MacLellan, producer of hit film Apostasy.
Dubbed the Guardian's Film of the Week, Observer Magazines' Hottest Film of the Summer, Marcie discusses the reception to the labour of love, women in film and the importance of marrying advertising and film production.
Listen in to find out more.
Talking about the latest marketing technology in order to make sense of it for brands and agencies to apply it through his podcast 'Shiny New Object' is Tom Ollerton, AI consultant and the former innovation director at We Are Social.
In this episode, Uefa's new digital director, Craig Hepburn, who was still at Tata Communications at the time of recording, discusses his favourite pieces of marketing innovation.
Each episode of The Shiny New Object Podcast will be distributed in partnership with The Drum and can be followed by subscribing through the Apple podcast app (which also currently features the SheSays Says series) here on the website or follow The Drum's SoundCloud page.
Tom Ollerton is a consultant in the field of creative artificial intelligence. He helps brands use the speed and scale of AI to make their content and media budgets work harder. Tom runs a monthly meetup called ‘I’ll Be Back’ that studies the intersection of creativity, ads and AI. Each week he interviews an influential marketer about their favourite new marketing technology.
Nicole Yershon, founder of NY Collective & LabForHire&Co is a powerhouse when it comes to innovation and driving it within the advertising sector, especially during her stint at Ogilvy London. Here she talks to Tom Ollerton as part of the Shiny New Object Podcast.
Tom Ollerton talks to Justin Cooke, founder of Justin Cookie and vice chairman of Unicef UK for the Shiny New Object podcast.
Speaking to Tom Ollerton this week on the Shiny New Thing podcast is Penny Parnell, the 'Leader of all things Creative' at Not on the High Street who offers her own perspective on being creative.
The Shiny New Thing podcast host Tom Ollerton speaks to Rachel Falconer, head of Goldsmiths Digital Studios about the exciting new trends she sees in the advertising technology sector.
The Shiny New Objects podcast sees host Tom Ollerton talk to Simon Kemp, Founder & CEO, Kepios,
Tom Ollerton, host of the Shiny Things Podcast speaks to Amy Kean, Head of Strategic Innovation, Starcom Global Clients.
Dave Birss and Patrick Collister shoot the breeze with The Shiny New Podcast's presenter Tom Ollerton.
The Shiny New Object Podcast is hosted by Tom Ollerton, with the aim of investigating the latest marketing technologies and makes sense of them for brands and their agencies.
In this first episode, hosted by The Drum, he speaks to Contagious's chief Alex Jenkins.
The Drum speaks to Alexandra Prinze, former hostess at The President's Club and now empowerment coach on the subject of male entitlement.
Tune into our first episode of SheSays Says, with The Drum Studios Beat, to hear how we need to keep talking and start getting shit done when discussing equality in the media and advertising industry.
This episode our associate editor Sonoo Singh speaks to Laura Jordan-Bambach and Fabiana Xavier of SheSays on the organisations 10th anniversary.
To say that Tamara Littleton, chief executive officer of The Social Element, was ahead of her time would be an understatement. Founding her global agency 16 years ago, social media was but a blip on the radar and not even close to the marketing and societal force it is today.
“My dad thinks that I invented social media,” she said. “I genuinely haven’t told him that’s not the case.”
A generous, tenacious and compassionate leader, Littleton has evolved her style, which came executive team feedback that she was not direct enough and averse to conflict.
“It was a bit hard to hear at the time, but I took it onboard, and I’ve changed the way I communicate,” she said. “I allow for healthy conflict that has helped us as a team.”
Continuously learning, Littleton places a great deal of stock in not only understanding the path of the internet and social interaction online but participating with those who are shaping its future. To that end, she serves on the board of an LGBTQ entrepreneurs group in London and is part of The Supper Club, a community of founders and chief executives on high-growth businesses.
Change is a constant, positive theme for Littleton and the development of Polpeo, a social media crisis tool for brands, four years ago, is part of the work she finds particularly exciting and game-changing. The platform is indicative of her drive, fearlessness and ability to use risk to her advantage.
“What’s the worst that could happen? I’ve said it to myself when I started the agency, and I’ve used that phrase to inspire other people to start their own companies,” she said. “Life is very short, and sometimes you just have to go for it.”
A serious devotee of the arts and especially music, Littleton is part of a choir and a big fan of karaoke, not only because of the fun, but she sees it as a healthy way to build teams.
All in all, Littleton’s work and life is all about authenticity, something that she not only cares about but believes in strongly.
“To me, it’s about being your true self at work, with your peers, but also with your clients as well,” she said. “I’ve always worked in media and communications, so I’ve been able to bring my true self of work.”
Raw and unfiltered, the Mixed Company Podcast is much more than a show about diversity, inclusion and social equity in the creative industries. It’s a much-needed breath of fresh — yet sometimes uncomfortable — air for an industry that struggles to understand the power that all voices and backgrounds can bring to its success and future.
The hosts: Karinna Schultz, Simeon Coker (the first man to join us on the podcast) and Kai Deveraux Lawson have strong industry chops. Schultz works as a senior account executive at Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness; Coker has deep experience working with brands like Nike and Verizon at a variety of shops; and Lawson is a senior project manager at AKQA, working on Maybelline, DVF and more.
Much like Mixed Company’s podcast, the conversation was wide and deep with observations, practical advice and passionate wisdom for any professional at any level in the advertising and marketing industry.
On the topic of what each has learned that has surprised them lately, Lawson pointed to setting boundaries as an essential mechanism to keep from getting drained. Schultz learned the importance of simply going for it, especially with the podcast, while Coker found that his vision for the social venture he’s building, Indigo & Pyrite, can only be created his way to ensure its success.
In 2018, Coker believes that we should be talking about practical ways to truly reach diversity and inclusion goals — after almost 50 years of conversation.
“This industry prides itself on being strategic,” he said. “At this point, we should be seeing results that reflect what we always talk about.”
Lawson concurred: “We should just be doing — and I think we’re seeing that a lot with movements starting and we’re also seeing that people are more comfortable getting their hands dirty.”
In Schultz mind, like Coker and Lawson, it comes down to momentum.
“The great thing is that there are so many voices that are being uplifted and there’s change actually happening,” she said. “[But] it’s keeping that momentum. It’s one thing to be a flash in the pan, but there’s also the encouragement to keep that light going.”
The advice each gave was sage and, again, important reminders for people at any level of the industry.
Schultz reminded us of the importance of taking time for oneself and the positive benefits, especially mentally, it can create. Coker discussed how critical and transformative it is to ask for help, while Lawson, a Philadelphia native, said simply, that it’s always good to “go ahead and shake some shit up.”
To Samantha Scharff, chief executive officer of Giphy Studios, accomplishment is not about one’s own resume, but rather those of the people inspired. As a founder and leader of Giphy Studio’s creative content practice, Scharff is proud of building something unique and different — an exciting, nurturing environment where talent can thrive.
“I’ve tried to build something different, that has empathy and compassion — where people really feel heard,” she says.
Additionally, in Scharff’s mind, the industry — and especially women’s interactions with each other — can and should be more uplifting, a view that came from being in the entertainment ‘Boy’s Club’ for most of her career.
“I once had a female boss that wouldn't let any women have a seat at the table, and it was terrible, and I've seen other women not supporting [each other],” she says. “Women are being competitive, and it just makes no sense. We need to be helping each other, lifting each other up, especially if we want to make more change in the workplace.”
A producer at Saturday Night Live from 1997 to 2008, Scharff knows about pressure and how to stay calm through it all. But in her mind, she believes that her intuition and instinct are her greatest strengths — the ability to sense the next “big thing.”
Another piece of success for Scharff, who was head of development at Maker Studios in the mid-2010s, is all about being outside of one’s comfort zone. In her own experience, and especially with Giphy Studios, this discomfort creates a challenge which she feels is the best opportunity to grow. Additionally, as a “recovering perfectionist,” she feels it’s important to learn and deal with mistakes made along the way.
One of Scharff’s ‘musts’ in life and career is knowing when to take time for one’s self, with an eye to doing something that helps one feel grounded.
More big ‘musts’ on Scharff’s list include saying yes to things — even if they’re scary. Another great one is to work on a live show — and not because of the adrenaline rush but rather because: “it helps you to think on your feet. It helps you to remain calm under pressure [and] you have to make decisions quickly.”
To Liz Ross, the president and chief executive officer of Periscope, it is vitally important to be able to learn, unlearn and relearn. Those qualities, she says, can lead to success. And Ross has had plenty of success.
In her 20 years of experience, she has held leadership positions at IPG Mediabrands, Digitas, Tribal DDB, and roles in business development at Modem Media and J. Walter Thompson, along with working with top brands and even being inducted into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement.
In her position she sees technology changing how people view love and how they love – think dating apps – but our humanity keeps our relationships from veering too much into tech, thankfully. Still, she sees opportunity with tech, even if keeping up with the pace of change can seem daunting.
“We have to embrace it and understand that change is the constant, not the enemy,” she says, adding that common sense is a powerful tool when navigating change.
What drives the staunchly Minnesotan Ross is feeling like she’s doing something that's important, whether it's raising her kids or building an agency or doing work for clients. As a Minnesotan, she also has praise for local company Target, which gives back to the communities it is in. She states that because she wants to make sure that our behaviors as consumers and people mirrors our own values.
A “must do” is spending time “outside of your own echo chamber,” meaning that we need to listen and interact outside of our own comfort zones with people that may think differently than we do, which can broaden our understanding and lead to greater empathy. Additionally, and importantly, Ross believes that “you cannot make a mistake” and that it will all lead to living without fear.
Holly Aguirre, president of St. Louis agency New Honor Society, says there is “no substitute a for effort, zeal and enthusiasm.”
All of those words add up to her attitude that interest and passion for something keep her driving towards success. It’s also how she determines who in her company is fit for certain projects and a good match for the agency when hiring. It’s the difference between merely having talent and using hard work and passion for getting the job done well.
Aguirre doesn’t fear conflict. Where things can go wrong or when somebody isn’t happy, she sees the opportunity to strengthen relationships, negotiate and solve problems. She also thinks people should never stop learning, growing and changing. While that involves self-reflection, it also helps push her to think about her next moves as an agency and industry leader.
Surprisingly, she says a Disney cruise is a "must do," which she describes as “magical.” She is also a keen believer in random acts of kindness — another "must" on her list.
The most important advice she imparts is around how we as humans behave and how brands behave as well. As marketers help brands be better, it's critical to improve ourselves and those around us, to add more value to the world and the work.
For author, illustrator and artist Lisa Congdon, an artistic career path was started a little later in life. Her 30s were formative as, by that time, she hadn’t picked up a paintbrush or even drawn. Through her talent and passion, however, she has created a remarkable collection of work that spans the spectrum, including work with brands like REI and Airbnb and companies like Martha Stewart Living and the Museum of Modern Art. She's also the author of A Glorious Freedom, a collection of interviews, profiles of and essays by women over 40 who are thriving.
Congdon, a Northern California native now based in Portland, Oregon, looks for the good in situations, especially tough ones, and she's had plenty over the years. But she has overcome adversities by concentrating on the good. Congdon recently celebrated her 50th birthday and she believes that with age can come wisdom.
“We need to worry less about what other people think, and I think that's something that doesn't come until you're older,” says Congdon. She wasted a lot of time being self-conscious unnecessarily, and now she believes that the self-aware trait of being able to move through things quickly is beneficial for her life and work.
Self-awareness is an important thread in Congdon's life and perspective, especially as she, “came to terms with being gay.” She had the perspective to know that while one aspect of her life would experience discrimination, she also saw that being raised white and upper middle class gave her a view of the world from two angles.
“I've spent a lot of my life thinking about...what it might mean to walk in somebody else's shoes or experience the world differently because when we don't come to terms with our privilege, we're ignoring the experience of so many people around us.”
Creativity is at the heart of Congdon's work, and she fully understands that being creative is not always a joyous experience, that it takes hard work, but it can ultimately be a joyful pursuit. Her book of interviews is one of those pursuits and it helped her to see that she wasn't the only woman to find her career later in life. That gave rise to her mantra, “Begin anyhow.”
As NYC indie agency Barker’s executive vice president and creative director, Sandi Harari leads up a lean but highly creative team in the country’s biggest ad market.
With over 20 years of experience in advertising and branding, Harari’s talents and experience in health and beauty, fashion, film, and lifestyle marketing verticals have helped the agency win over 35 international awards. She also regularly speaks out to encourage the next generation of women in the industry.
Understanding and managing people is a part of her job she loves, and her superpower, she says, is her ability to say the thing that someone needs to hear at that very moment in time when she is speaking to them, which is a product of emotional intelligence and her “Brooklyn-ness.”
For someone to truly find success at work, she links that to culture and the people they work with. “I think people sometimes underestimate the importance of that ecosystem of people around you in the workplace,” she said.
A must experience for her is failure, as it builds not just character but strength, but also learning how to change is important, especially to this mother of two and being in a high-paced industry like advertising. To keep centered, Harari uses the Alexander Technique, essentially a body routine where she learns how to use her muscles in a more effortless way to stay aligned, which also helps her change.
Harari is a champion for women and for positive change. She is excited for what's to come for the future of her children and she thinks the world is designed for women moving forward. Ultimately, she thinks people need to be themselves, not hiding who they are and be true.
Kristina Prokop, co-founder and executive vice president of special ops at Eyeota in Berlin, has come a long way since growing up near Niagara Falls, New York. After graduating with a biology degree and moving to San Francisco, Prokop gravitated towards the adtech space.
Blending science and advertising with international business landed her in Germany where she has lived for seven years, running Eyeota, a company that provides marketers with the data to reach audiences online and helps them understand customers as humans, not just numbers.
Proving Eyeota could work across three continents was not only a real challenge but also her most significant victory. She gets her can-do attitude from her family – a determined grandmother who graduated from law school in 1927, one of the few women to do so, and two strong parents, including her father who came to the US from Germany when he was 19.
Though her job is demanding, she tries to keep things in perspective and have a sense of humor, which helps a lot considering she lives abroad. Living overseas, she said, is something everyone should experience, and with that comes her ‘must learn’ which is to speak a foreign language.
Imparting her wisdom, Prokop says that for people that are looking to start a business, it is essential to not fixate on fitting in neatly.
“I do not fit into a lot of a lot of typical boxes, and I have been able to show that does not have to stop you from building a company,” she says. “Just keep looking forward and don't be afraid to jump into the deep end.”
For Diana Tickell, chief executive officer at NABS – a support organization for the advertising and media industry – in London, she sees that success involves not only hard work but a lot of luck. However, one can make luck happen for them.
Networks are also critical, and in Tickell’s career journey, she has had the fortune to build her network by working at board-level across the many challenges of leadership, including leading whole organizational change management.
Tickell praises those who have helped her rise up professionally, and she counts learning experiences and feedback as ways to grow. She also knows that sometimes you have to take the difficult path to do the right thing.
Being aware of the impact she has on other people is a must for her.
“Some people call it your shadow. Some people call it ‘be a radiator, not a drain.’ But I think that I've learnt that over time you have to really, really watch this one when you're under pressure because your natural ability to be a radiator or to have sunlight rather than a shadow can actually be challenged when you're under pressure and other behaviors come out and you start to not talk to people,” she says.
She believes that people need to volunteer and do something they haven’t done before to challenge themselves – she went to Sierra Leone to help a friend with a school. She thinks people like her that negotiate in their careers must see potential situations as ‘win-win’ for everyone to come out ahead.
Overall, she thinks the wellbeing of the people in the industry is paramount, from physical and mental wellness to self-awareness, perceptions and positive relations all make for better work conditions and a better industry.
Cindy Gallop discusses the current state of industry affairs realted to sexual harrassment, its root causes and actionable ways to improve the dynamic moving forward
For Deborah Kilpatrick. vice president and co-founder of Source Knowledge, based in Montreal, making mistakes is par for the course — and not something to be feared. It’s not so much just the learning but rather the ability to recover and make faster and better decisions in the future.
“I personally think that perfectionism is overrated,” she says.
Enthusiasm is something that Kilpatrick places a great premium on and is inspired by as well — especially when it comes to taking a position and defending it with rigor. She also believes that we are in a time where she believes there is less enthusiasm, which can stanch strong opinions, especially publicly. But when she sees it — and hears it — it is fuel to make it more contagious.
For Andrea Ring, chief strategy officer of Big Spaceship things seem to have simply fallen into place.
Doing whatever has been in front of her at a given moment, she acknowledged that, though there is ample opportunity, happiness is key and being more intentional is the best course of action — which has informed her choices, especially as it relates to her life.
In fact, its this ideal and idea that brought her closer to her father, with whom she didn’t have the closest relationship — while he battled Parkinson’s disease. Acknowledging that relationships and people are important, she is now armed knowing that she will put the time and energy into making each one special. Taking that experience with her father, Ring realized that she should demand the same at work and used that experience to create a more rewarding career path.
What holds people back, according to Ring, is that we could potentially reveal something about ourselves that, “might not be as great as we think.” But that’s not necessarily a bad thing and forces one to thing about the approach to hard work.
An advocate for running (“run one more mile that [you] think you can run”), Ring believes that can clear the mind and help people make better decisions. A big decision that she believes women grapple with is that of having children and she sees great power in deciding to both have a child or not having a child. Both are equally empowering and that clarity should be celebrated as opposed to being debated.
As far as what she counts as a must learn, Ring has had an awakening and realizes that she has an opportunity to impart meaningful change by looking to hire those in the industry who “may not have had the economic opportunity to find [a strategy] job on their own.” She sees the knock-on effect being a chance to bring in substantial talent and have level of control about positively changing the business for the better.
One aspect of Ring’s work that she finds interesting is that she’s not asked enough questions — and wishes that people would ask more of her. Being in top leadership at the agency, she believes that she is accountable and welcomes the challenging questions about her work.
Fiercely dedicated to the issue of climate change, she believes that we need to hold ourselves and leaders more accountable to the planet and it is, in fact, an existential issue that demands action.
Retail became the first love of Debby Reiner, CEO of Grey New York. Instead of bedtime stories, Reiner wanted her dad to tell her about the new accessory inventory and executive committee. So it’s no surprise that she leads one of the top agencies in the city.
In her mind, at this moment in time, Reiner believes that we should be placing a premium on togetherness — and that is reflected in how brands approach their own station in society. Additionally, applying some focus, rigor and simplicity in the work is key. In fact, overcomplicating the work doesn’t help a brand or agency’s identity and can hold both back.
Holding back is another issue, Reiner believes, for women in the industry. Success, she says, “can be a little bit scary,” but experience and trusting instincts can help get over the barrier and take women to great heights in the business.
Part of that process, and a must in Reiner’s eyes, is to raise ones hand — but also listen more than one talks. From there, a voice can be found and make a significant impact in a career. Moreover, making the right choices — and being able to recognize the opportunity in those choices — will happen often and can be transformative.
Surrounding yourself with the right people can be incredibly valuable. It’s not so much that they are working in parallel for shared goals, but it provides an opportunity to leaders to truly learn and grow as the world changes. Additionally, being with people who are willing to provide candor is critical and Reiner points to several people who are willing to challenge and push the business forward.
At Grey for close to 20 years, Reiner thinks about what her legacy will be and it is clearly linked to her time at there, though she had successful stints at other agencies, including J. Walter Thompson. Adding to her thoughts is the fact that the agency turns 100 this year and, in the final analysis, it’s all about continuing to engender a dynamic environment.
The path to strategy for Cindy Gustafson, chief strategy officer of Mindshare, started in, on the surface, a most unlikely place: the New York Thruway.
As a toll attendant, she got short glimpses into the lives of literally million of people — tiny micro-moments that built a relentless curiosity, something that she believes is an important foundation for anyone in advertising and marketing.
In looking back, and if she could give herself a piece of advice, knowing what she knows now, Gustafson, who led the launch of Mindshare’s creative media division — an invention studio — believes that being reliable is one of the most critical traits. Being on time, but also following through is what matters.
Bold in her opinions, Gustafson is a proponent of not being comfortable with convention, feeling as though that can be a roadblock to success and a crutch for moving business forward. That improvement also applies to the brief as well — and being better than what’s put in front of people is a sure-fire way to transforming a client’s business. But learning the rote and mundane parts of the job still matter, Gustafson believes, and should never be cast away for the sake of chasing the ‘shiny thing.’
Original, energetic and armed with years of insight and experience, Gustafson is “radically honest both personally and professionally” and believes that being that way (and also a characteristic that people can emulate, even if it’s not 100% natural) creates a great deal of clarity and takes ambiguity out of the equation.
In the end, though, to Gustafson, it’s all about taking every part of her work, talent and point of view, to continue to break convention because originality is an important currency in marketing and can make all the difference to brands and those who work with them.
Gina Alshuler, president and chief executive of Rauxa in Costa Mesa, California, thought that politics was in her future after graduating from San Diego State University in 2001.
A friend asked her if she wanted to work at the agency and she thought that making a few bucks before moving back east would be a good idea — and it most certainly turned out well for Alshuler and the agency, which has a presence in San Francisco, New York. Seattle and Culver City, California.
The energetic Alshuler believes that we overcomplicate our lives because we tend to put too much pressure on ourselves — and act out of fear, thinking about the “next” thing that can create a “perfect life”. She sees this as a reminder to be grateful for what one has at the moment, instead of chasing down stressful dreams that may not materialize.
Bravery, a word that is often spoken in the halls of the advertising and marketing industries, has its foundation in preparation and Alshuler has used that to her advantage and also teaches the younger members of her team to do just that. Additionally, positive energy is a must, even when tough things are happening and having confidence is what can bring it all together for people.
Innate curiosity is another arrow in Alshuler’s quiver. She genuinely enjoys hearing other peoples’ stories, background and how, sometimes, they overcame adversity.
But, in the end, it’s all about working hard — showing up and doing the work — and being bold, tenacious and confident to make that hustle work even harder for clients and the agency.
For almost two years, we have had the opportunity to spend time with some of the industry’s top female leaders in our Exceptional Women of the World podcast — a show that highlights the lives, work, achievements and perspectives of women in the industry.
The show itself is in more of an “audio magazine” format — where we break topics into sections that end up being interesting, provocative and sometimes funny conversations about the journey in this industry.
One of the segments of our Exceptional Women of the World podcast is known as the “must list.” In this part of the show, we ask our guests to weigh in on “must dos”, “must learns”, “must experience” and, finally, “must read”.
As we prepare for the 3% Conference in New York next week, we took a look back at the “must read” part of the show and, specifically, pulled out the responses from past 3% Conference speakers and attendees.
In a way, it’s a reading list of sorts. But, in the spirit of the show and the 3% Movement itself, there is some profound thought and important influence beyond the pages.
Chaos fills the air in the advertising business. But, for Lynn Power, CEO of J. Walter Thompson New York, that’s not an issue.
While some see chaos as something that get people and industries shaking in their collective boots, Power likes change and sees it as an opportunity for invention and innovation — and that’s what excites her most about the current landscape in advertising.
Considered unflappable, Power never fears making decisions. In fact, she believes that making no decision is worse than making a bad decision as the latter allows for course correction and opportunity to grow. Additionally, making some bets along the way are also an opportunity to learn, even if they don’t necessarily come out as planned.
Highly accessible, open and honest, Power values being around people that she trusts and respects — and believes that the best work comes from the collective effort of those who simply want to focus on the work and not politics.
Not short of wisdom, one key aspect of work that Power is especially tuned to is that of the “the hero” — the people who choose not to decompress or take time for their well-being both physically and mentally. More advice that she gives is to not fear going outside of ones comfort zone and to become a good listener — and enjoy the associated silence in those moments.
Well-attuned and self-aware to the current state of affairs, another, and likely most important piece of insight Power believes in is for the industry to be on offense. In the chaos, she espouses the notion of not retreating or being defensive, but rather being proud of what advertising, and agencies, stand for and to continue to impart its talent at a most critical moment in its continuum.
For Kate Hironaka, chief strategy officer of B-Reel in Los Angeles, hearing about the impact of iconic work while at the University of Oregon School of Journalism excited her about the industry.
While the world went gaga over the creative commercial exploits of Apple’s “Here’s to the Crazy Ones,” created by Chiat Day, Hironaka learned about the mother of a socially awkward 10-year old who wrote Lee Clow a letter thanking him for creating something that allowed her child to see the world differently, embrace his differences and say, “I think I’m going to be OK.”
In Hironaka’s eyes, this was what advertising really could be, beyond just selling a brand — and in her career, she has embraced what she learned in Eugene at Wired, Goodby Silberstein & Partners, 72andSunny and now B-Reel.
Level-headed and a pointing to listening as a great strength, Hironaka believes that getting to the point of staying on an even keel takes time, repetition and that, ultimately, it can get one to realize that the pace of the business doesn’t necessarily carry the “crisis” moniker and can allow the fun of the industry to shine through.
Honest support is another hallmark of success, in Hironaka’s eyes. This emotional security allows people to be their very best, can create teams that far exceed expectations and let people say ‘the stupid thing’ without fear. Additionally, having that supper and being constantly ‘in beta’ affords people a journey to try things — some that work, some that don’t — and find unique ways to help improve the work.
Another key factor in success, according to Hironaka, is getting out and really seeing and understanding how people really live and interact with the world. Additionally, she feels its important to not take the things that most consider mundane, for granted. Even in focus groups, a long-time part of the industry landscape, Hironaka finds new things that can make a real difference for clients and brands.
Curiosity is also another skill that is important. By taking a genuine interest in people and their stories, empathy is built and new perspectives created. It can improve the way the industry sees its own stewardship in creating value for brands beyond just sales — and also inform the way the evolve inclusion and support the relationship that are built within the industry.
Support of each other is a big part of Hironaka’s personal point of view and narrative. By consistency being champions for each other, even in the face of challenge and competition, positivity can emerge and engender a welcoming environment that allows for longevity and the best work possible.
For this year's Do It Day, we seek to destigmatize mental health and, in the US, we are working with Mental Health America to find ways to creatively and effectively amplify their message.
Today (October 10th) is the hack portion (the execution phase takes place November 16th)and we spoke with Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO of Mental Health America, to find out his thoughts midway through the process.
Being at an agency for 5 years these days seems like a monumental accomplishment. The fact that Val DiFebo, CEO of Deutsch New York, has been at the same agency for 25 years isn’t an anomaly — it’s testament to her dedication to not just the agency she has called home, but to the industry overall.
Starting as an account manager, the Bronx native has steadily and continually climbed to the stratosphere of leadership in her own way — with honesty, candor and a competitive spirit. But DiFebo is also incredibly loyal to her team and women in the industry and mixes her innate bravery with kindness and care.
DiFebo knows how to read people well, but also doesn’t wait when she sees an opportunity to engage for the greater good — especially with clients. This superpower, she believes, is a learnable trait and one that can be valuable when practiced with mindfulness and empathy of others.
One critical aspect of DiFebo’s own growth, and that of the agency, is her insistence on breaking down the walls of the C-suite. Her open-door policy is a refreshing change from the hierarchal nature of business and affords her an opportunity to know her team better and, conversely, allows the team every chance to contribute meaningfully to the business.
Additionally, DiFebo believes that if an opportunity presents itself, now is the time. Whether it’s building a company, learning a new skill, there is no point in putting off ones passion.
Known industrywide as being a fearless leader, DiFebo is an advocate of failure, but in a way that ensures something is actually learned as opposed to just failing for failing’s sake. A huge theater fan, she points to Hamilton as an example of something that people may have not been ready for, and could have failed, but showed that innovation can be intoxicating.
DiFebo is at her best when she takes care of herself and “puts the oxygen mask on” (in a figurative sense) through meditation and yoga. It helps her get out of her own head with clarity, continuing the practice of being mindful, even as the business of advertising swirls about.
New York through and through, her love for the city and what it stands for is limitless — and it’s a love affair that continues to grow every day with oases, both naturally and culturally, that stimulate the senses and afford a steady diet of inspiration.
But, in the final analysis, it comes down to 25 years in one important place. Work clearly does not define DiFebo, but the fact that she comes to Deutsch each day feeling as though the roots she has planted have helped grow something truly special and unique is reason enough to celebrate a remarkable career that has plenty of delightful chapters remaining.
One can’t say that Sharon Napier is quiet. Growing up in a “loud first-generation Italian family” outside of Buffalo saw to that.
Another thing one can’t say about the CEO of Partners + Napier in Rochester is that she follows the rules.
The competitive fire she exhibits day in and day out sparks her team, which works on a number of interesting clients such as Delta Vacations, BMW and MINI Financial Services, USA Today, Xerox, Robert Mondavi and others.
But that doesn’t mean that Napier, a proud mother with two daughters in the advertising business in New York City, doesn’t make a mistake or two along the way. In fact, she believes that learning from the failures (actually learning from them) has been of great benefit to her over her 20+ years in the industry.
Napier is a massive advocate for women in the industry and strongly encourages, especially young women, to understand their personal brand, know their value and never apologize.
“Every time we say sorry we sort of lose our relevance, our importance, our confidence, our power,” she says.
When is Napier at her best? When she’s competing against all odds, has something to prove or is told she “can’t” do something. When that happens — watch out (in a very good way).
Nowhere was this more obvious when, in 2004, she led a management buyout of the indie shop in Upstate New York.
“There were very, very few woman founders of agencies,” she notes. “In fact, there were no memberships, there were few woman’s groups, there were no banks or VC's willing to invest in women-owned businesses. So, my partners and I just went for it.”
This was also illustrated in stark relief when, after returning to graduate school at the age of 43. After writing a business plan for a family values-led company, the professor scoffed and told her that would hold the agency back and that being a “family” would prevent hard business decisions to be made.
“That little voice inside me said, ‘Well, watch me’,” she laughs.
“I felt like I could go do counter-culture on this,” Napier explains. “The industry was all about sweatshops and working 24/7 — and the best ideas come out of the agencies that are doing that and I just felt that if we valued peoples families — and family to us meant we respected each other and our clients and the communities in which we worked — we would have created that type of culture, and we could grow.”
A question and issue that Napier ponders is around diversity. Why is it so hard? Why are we still talking about it?
“It’s a business imperative,” she says. “We just put a stake in the ground — and our stake in the ground is that all our seven interns this year are from a diverse backgrounds. I just think that it’s something we've got to stop talking about and that we have to start doing something about.”
To that end, Napier hopes that she can continue to share her own experiences and perspectives — and have peoples’ backs in the industry to help it thrive, no matter where in the world.
Even and especially Upstate New York.
Libby Brockhoff, CEO of Odysseus Arms in San Francisco, is all about breaking convention and keeping ahead — resulting in penultimate moments in creativity, culture and even world affairs.
A few, in her impressive career so far, stand out. First, she, along with the other founders named a new agency in London “Mother,” with the intention of separating it from the male-dominated stereotypes. More recently, her leadership was front and center with her teams supporting both Caitlyn Jenner’s coming out story on NBC and activating President Obama’s arms trade treaty with Amnesty International.
As the CEO of the only Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified female-owned agency in San Francisco, it’s clear that Brockhoff places a great premium on ensuring that the world and brands fully understand her commitment to not only owning and running an agency, but inspiring others to be brave enough to do the same.
Bravery and fearlessness are a constant thread for Brockhoff. She fears nothing — especially large-scale work with daunting deadlines. One looks no further than a global Facebook project to motivate the workforce, at the behest of Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, to take up a good cause, that was to be delivered in less than 10 weeks. Or, YouTube’s massive first paid media campaign that had multiple deliverables on myriad platforms, and had to be completed in less than three months.
Part of the fearlessness may be borne from the rigor she learned at the University of Delaware — an advertising program, led by Ray Nichols, that preached the demands and rigor of day-to-day life and expectations in advertising. What was telling was Nichols’ appreciation for great icons and work in advertising’s past, not skipping over the many women who made meaningful contributions decades ago. To Brockhoff, the discipline, plus the opportunity to have female icons to aspire to, provided a prodigious foundation from which to work.
Brockhoff is not short of opinions and advice. Her “must list” is an eclectic blend of practical (learn to manage finances when you’re young) and creative (see Matthew Barney’s work at a modern art museum). She also believes that creativity and data can actually coexist, but should lean more toward the Moma (Museum of Modern Art) and less Madison Avenue.
Another must? More comedy in the work. (AMEN!!)
But the sage advice that is good for anyone in the industry, not just those breaking in, are around the simple skills: manners, interesting conversations, picking up the phone, doing homework and more. To Brockhoff, these are the things that really show what people really have to offer.
There is no question that Mira Kaddoura, founder and creative director at Red & Co. in Portland, Oregon has been surrounded by plenty of great people in her career. In fact, she counts the legendary Dan Wieden as a major influence — having spent 10 years at Wieden+Kennedy in Portland, working on some of the agency’s most important work including for Nike, Target, Coca-Cola, Travel Oregon and others.
But it's her family that she counts as major influences saying that she was surrounded by plenty of “badass women” in her native Lebanon. The were writers and fighters for rights in the 30s and 40s. Deans of universities in Lebanon and Egypt in the 50s. That foundation, along with her supportive siblings, provided a powerful foundation that she brings to her work and life today.
A major advocate of and for women, no matter the industry, Kaddoura espouses a gospel of leaning how to not listen to the noise and how to find rays of sunshine and energy to find the inherent good in people and the world. With that in mind, she also feels it is important to surround yourself and devote your time to people who give and not the “energy suckers.”
A huge practicer of yoga, she also believes that working from a position of fear is incredibly counterproductive and that conforming to be perfect all the time is toxic. “Embrace who you are,” she encourages, noting that women are in charge of their lives and that being yourself can help engender creative risk, which can help get one out of being stuck.
Worldly, with many global experiences in addition to her upbringing in the Middle East, Kaddoura feels that getting to know any “other," — be it religion, culture or point of view — will not only make work more human, but create an environment of understanding that can open up an incredibly rewarding life.
Caressa Douglas SVP of content & branded integration at Branded Entertainment Network (BEN) knows all about the “deep end.” At 21, she was hired (due to her “aura”) by a product placement company. Unbeknownst to her, the manager who hired her had a partner who was none too excited about her being part of the company and she was told that she had 30 days to close a deal or else.
Without any experience, Douglas not only closed the deal, but began a 20+ year path becoming a true leader in the brand and product integration space.
LA through and through, Douglas, in her experience, believes that there are truths to some of the sayings out there, especially in her world. Two that leap to mind are “Don’t believe everything you hear” and “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” The former helps in approaching collaboration with producers and directors confidently while the former is part of daily life in Hollywood, where preparation and contingency plans are key.
Another part of work that Douglas believes in is the power of conversation and how it can be incredibly helpful in building relationships — something that is vital in the familial world that is Hollywood and especially internally at BEN, where technology and relationships come together for brands. It’s also useful in learning from the rest of the team and encouraging a culture of “it’s OK” — OK to ask questions, OK to not know it all, OK to be you.
In fact, being ones true self if one of the biggest pieces of advice Douglas gives. “You do you,” she says, meaning that each individual brings their care and passion, but in their own way, which can make a profound difference in pursuing a career that is both worthwhile and rewarding.
It seems clear that Danielle Trivisonno Hawley, chief creative officer, Americas for Possible, was destined to build a career that involves words.
One of the core foundations was built years ago through failure — kind of. In “failing” a writing portion of a test as a youngster, she found out that “boring questions lead to boring answers” (the story is gold). Another brick in the wall was her love of creating stories, even from an early age — where she, like her work today, enlisted people to help make her stories come to life.
But the words were (and are) the thing. They matter. It’s her love affair. The ability to use words artfully to articulate emotion is what breeds authenticity. Additionally, a competitive streak and team ethos, borne from being a competitive soccer player, has helped put it all into creative overdrive — and it makes sense that iconic work paved her pathway.
When she first heard and saw the iconic Nike “If You Let Me Play” work, written by Janet Champ, she knew that the creative world was her calling — and it perfectly galvanized her passion of the written word, the thrill of competition and dedication to creating work with meaning.
Hawley has great convictions in her leadership style with thinking that is evolved and places a great deal of weight on the idea of being respectful. Additionally, she feels there is no room for jerks, that respect is beginning to see its well-deserved day in the sun and is a pathway to a style that is generous and simply better.
She also feels strongly that people should listen closely to the beautiful “little voice inside their head,” so that a wide range of opinions are heard and not covered up or usurped for opinions that are made for them which can squelch greatness.
This is likely one reason why Hawley is a master unifier who understands the power of the collective voice, chemistry and how they are an important part of getting the best of out everyone and having a great deal of fun along the way.
As the managing editor at Flipboard, Gabriella Schwarz leads a team of news curators to feature the most important stories to the site’s readers — a role that she takes very seriously. She says her inquisitive nature is what led her to become a journalist in the first place — logging in stops at two dissonant destinations: Fox News, then CNN, where she won an Emmy.
That curiosity is a search to find the best of people’s stories, something that inspires the Seattle native daily.
Schwarz believes strongly that the most important choice a woman can make in life is to be confident, and is something that her mother instilled in her from an early age, a powerful story on its own, which gave her the fortitude to strive and succeed. She spreads the gospel of confidence, forgiveness and self-awareness, a trait that allows for knowing one’s limits, a critical component for well-being and something that can prevent “doing things that you would later regret.”
In five years, Schwarz hopes we are talking about success – what we’ve achieved and the stories that got us there – regardless of gender.
Strongly connected to her family, she is an unabashed cheerleader for her hometown of Seattle and is quick to point out a couple of must-dos in the city — including visiting the impressive Benroya Hall, the home of classical music in the Emerald City.
In fact, the energetic Schwarz counts hearing a classical concert as another must-do for everyone, since most people aren’t as exposed to it anymore. So it’s no surprise that she plays the violin, something she’s had a great passion for after getting her first violin at the age of 4.
A fan of great quotes, cold weather, the color black and doing podcasts, Schwarz is treading an incredibly rewarding path — and contributing a great deal of meaning to not only Flipboard, but how the world views itself through the lens of quality news and content.
For Constance DeCherney, where we’re headed is important — whether it’s in work or life.
DeCherney, who leads strategy at TDA Boulder grew up in Wilmington, Delaware — attended the nearby University of Delaware and found herself, after graduation, at the ACLU, then Planned Parenthood and iCrossing. At every stop along the way, she pushed hard to move everything forward.
How we evolve as an industry is of particular interest and DeCherney believes that we place too much emphasis on authenticity when, in fact, it should be all about intention first. Intention can build a future while authenticity can keep evolution at bay, to the industry’s own peril.
Motivations are also on her mind — and the ability to listen first and talk second, can help engender greater understanding of people, especially in the tenuous climate gripping the country. Knowing and appreciating values is another key marker for moving forward and the inherent ability to relate — or least attempting to relate — can unearth more connection than some realize.
Additionally, in looking back, DeCherney believes that the practice of saying “I don’t know” followed by “Tell me more” can be a powerful force in greater understanding — and that curiosity is a foundation of being successful. Usually being the youngest in the boardroom and staying to the practice has proven to be of great benefit in her career arc.
During her time in Colorado, DeCherney realized that pulling the trigger on leaving New York City, which she counts as a bit of an impulse, has been transformative and grounds her thinking.
Fearless, yet accessible in her approach, she is a huge advocate for challenging young women to think about what they truly want in life and their careers — and how they can be integrated together well. She also believes that leaders should ask people what they want, then give it to them, knowing that collaboration, independence and autonomy can help lead the way.
Tricia Clarke-Stone’s professional yin and yang have made her success, despite her yin being failure. That her yang is being a rainmaker evens out the CEO of Narrative’s story.
Failure is something that is oft-discussed, especially as it related to entrepreneurs — but what is telling is that failure engenders growth and self-awareness. True, from the business end, learning from failure is indisputable. But learning about one’s self is a positive, unintended consequence, especially for Clarke-Stone.
Being a rainmaker, a superpower that Clarke-Stone possess, also has another side. Sure, it can be about building business, but in her mind, it’s also very much about pressing things forward as much as possible, especially in uncharted territories — the white space where great things can happen and “firsts” can thrive, something she realized in her early time with the legendary Russell Simmons, who she now calls a partner at her creative, entertainment and technology agency, Narrative.
In fact, when people told her that she couldn’t start a brand agency and an innovation lab at the same time (she was told she needed to pick one) she said simply, “why can’t I do that?” For four years now, the silos have been broken down and her successful businesses continue to thrive.
Clarke-Stone, who earlier in her career saw great success in her time at Emmis Communications, is relentless, in every great way — and in her pursuit of making an impact and redefining the status quo. From a practical perspective, her passion for continuing to develop cultural intelligence (something she learned with Simmons as well) and syncing it with data to put it in overdrive is admirable. Giving up is also not an option for her — and having unconditional love creates support for the drive forward.
If she weren’t in her current role, she firmly believes that she would find great success in finding and empowering talent — which makes sense considering that Simmons empowered her to take her pop culture online media company Global Grind to the next level. That commitment to excellence resulted in Simmons becoming her partner in Narrative — and it is clear that it is a two-way street, with each providing the other with the ability and confidence to learn from each other at every turn.
For Nicola Mendelsohn, Facebook’s VP of EMEA, there is no shortage of energy or optimism.
Beginning her career at BBH in London, Mendelsohn is a force to be reckoned with, relentlessly espousing the gospel of getting out there and “making more stuff”. She also believes that we shouldn’t be afraid to fail and that “done” is much better than “perfect”.
Inspiration is all around Mendelsohn — from her experience in South Africa with small business owners who built their businesses on Facebook to her children from whom she learns every day, especially as it relates to their adoption and use of technology.
Moreover, her contributions, as co-chair of the UK government’s creative council, gives her a front row seat to the challenges of change and allows her to continually advocate for the creative industries
An advocate of doing things that one is afraid of, Mendelsohn, one of the co-editors of The Drum’s special Cannes issue with Sheryl Sandberg and Mark D’Arcy, feels that being out of one’s comfort zone is the best way to learn and that putting the phone down and actually looking up from time to time, especially in cities, can be a revelation.
Additionally, Mendelsohn believes strongly that relationships truly matter — as do the little things in relationships, relaying a story about how she became “phone friends” with the PA for BBH CEO, John Bartle — and how her act of kindness, in giving her an opportunity to meet with him was a critical learning.
In her mind, life is precious and she consistently shows gratitude for her career opportunities, family and friends — and is keen to make the most of it, packing in as much as she can.
For the industry, Mendelsohn is convinced that creativity has never been more important than it is today — and fitting the biggest ideas in the world’s hands is a worthwhile and exciting challenge.
Determination is a theme that runs through Gladys Kong’s life thread.
The CEO of UberMedia’s actions can sometimes belie her manner. Though cool, calm and collected, Kong has the entrepreneurial fire that helped her deservedly ascend to the rare air of the most senior of leadership. And though the manic chaos of startups and entrepreneurialism swirls around her on a constant basis, the Hong Kong native finds great solace in the thrill of the hunt.
Starting her career path with the legendary founder of IdeaLab, Bill Gross, in 1999, Kong’s initial inspiration that illustrated that anything is truly possible began when she was 10 years old and saw the Great Wall of China for the first time. It opened her mind, thinking that if her “ancestors could do this with no technology, what’s going to stop me from doing anything in life?”
A massive sports fan, Kong sees parallels between the path of entrepreneurs, startups and sports. It’s not so much about the wins and losses, but rather the notion of the comeback — knowing that, even when someone is knocked down, they have the capacity to overcome adversity and do what they believe is their destiny.
Like athletes and entrepreneurs, the elements of surprise and strategy are important attributes to Kong. Despite being told she “should be a programmer,” she knew that working with people and leading teams was her future.
Additionally, it should come as no surprise that Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is her recommended read and one that “still stands” in understanding a competitor.
As with anyone in her line of work, data is huge, but, in another surprising twist, Kong is a massive proponent of small — knowing that by filtering the noise and distilling the big into manageable parts, more people can benefit. It’s part of the beautiful art of data that Kong masterfully navigates — the raw notes that “can turn into beautiful music”.
In the final analysis, though, it does come down to her determination, care, vast intelligence, curiosity and intuitive leadership that has shaped a most impressive career and path — one that has no mold and is paved with the chance to be there first at something truly great.
Like plenty of others in advertising, Paige Campbell, president and partner at Grady Britton, didn’t necessarily expect to end up in the industry.
A fine arts major, she was “terrified of becoming a starving artist” and took a design class at the University of Oregon’s journalism school. (Fun fact: Campbell was the mascot for the Oregon Ducks) From there, Campbell ended up at the front desk of a small agency and, over time, from job to job, landed in her current role at the Portland, Oregon-based indie.
In her element juggling multiple things at one time, Campbell is natural team-builder and has built a culture at the agency that keeps people there for long times, bucking the trend of talent moving from one place to another.
Balance is a crucial part of keeping work and life on track for Campbell, especially when change, a constant in advertising, arises. Additionally, knowing ones self is something that she preaches, as it helps unravel the process of career direction and success — providing a foundation of purpose.
Campbell has strong opinions about what needs to change in the agency world for it to thrive, noting that pitching is still a relatively arcane practice and one that is ripe for substantial disruption. To that end, Grady Britton makes it a point to not necessarily pitch, but rather to fully understand a potential client’s business which can lead to stronger overall results.
An open, selfless leader, Campbell cares deeply about the people that make Grady Britton. Additionally, she is in tune with her responsibility to the community and the greater world at large, and constantly believes that, yes, marketing can make a meaningful contribution as long as they are “helping the good guys” of the world win.
In the end, though, to Campbell, it all comes down to integrity — knowing that feeling good about the work, done in the most honest way, is the smartest way to not only run a business, but to live as well.
For Liz Valentine, CEO and co-founder (along with Alicia McVey) of Swift in Portland, Oregon, community is a big deal — and it starts when people walk through the door of the Possible agency. There is a sense of calm but it is quickly obvious that the agency has energy and vitality and is bound together by the work and philosophies that Valentine, McVey and the rest of the leadership convey.
In many ways, Valentine is an ideal player/coach and especially strong at advising women, both inside and outside the agency, to fully understand their worth and value — and to do so with confidence. She coaches women on the important art and craft of negotiation, further helping them see that they can advocate on their own behalf, without fear, and clearly articulate what they deserve, both in and beyond the salary.
Valentine’s fearlessness (praise that she received from a senior male WPP leader) began as she was growing up in the Philadelphia area where her mom, a highly-respected doctor, overcame gender bias in her own career and fought hard for equal pay and equal respect. She took her upbringing and her mother’s influence to heart and has built a very successful business, serving major, global brands with a leadership team that is more than 50% female and an agency that is 60% female.
She advocates taking Cindy Gallop’s closing 3% Conference advice — and encourages women to start their own business. She feels strongly that client-side experience is a powerful part of one’s agency career. And, as all good leaders understand, she knows that leadership is always a work in progress and something that she continues to mold and develop, especially in light of the current political and social climate in the US.
Outside of the day-to-day client work, Valentine and the agency care deeply about being active in the community. Swift’s commitment to Camions of Care, an organization dedicated to education and providing of menstrual health products for low-income and homeless women, is one piece of a broader mission to bring even more good into the world.
Gucci. BMW. The radio biz. Acting. Stunt-driving. All of those things point to talent acquisition, right?
To the naked eye, this tapas of jobs and roles would seem out of place, but not at all for Kathleen Prior-Louis, VP and head of talent for Los Angeles-based SteelHouse. This first act set the stage for act two: her time digging into getting the most out of a wide range of talent.
This eclectic blend of experiences makes an awful lot of sense when you see what Prior-Louis has learned along the way — whether that was in front of the camera or behind the scenes. What has come out of this mishmash is a true sense of empathy and understanding and knowing what is beyond the page when it comes to building a talented team.
Endlessly optimistic, Prior-Louis is a big fan of intuition, gut and instinct. That triumvirate affords an open, flexible mind and heart — and a willingness to see the potential in, not only herself, but others that she works with and recruits. Reading between the lines, she is well-equipped, and armed with her wide-ranging experiences, to not place people, especially talented people, into ineffective or unproductive boxes.
Prior-Louis’s fearlessness and good nature is infectious and the risks that she has, and continues to take, are testament to her many and unique accomplishments — some yet to be realized — in an interesting and fascinating career.
If you think that, tucked away in Alaska, there isn’t much in the way of creativity or outstanding work, Karen King, president and CEO of Spawn Ideas will certainly prove you wrong many times over.
The full-service, independent shop, with offices in Denver and Seattle, embraces its Alaska — and it is an enticing environment steeped in the abundance of the state, especially the outdoors. In fact, the agency has been named one of Outside magazine’s best places to work for five years running.
But what happens at the agency indoors (and, in fairness, outdoors as well) is testament to King’s leadership. A native Minnesotan, King is a mindful leader who embodies a form of leadership that is profound and caring — filled with passion and drive, much like the agency’s staff and the place they all call home — yet leavened with accountability, industry and hard work.
King’s intellect and curiosity are perfect foils, bouncing off each other to form a world and work view that puts curiosity, generosity and cultural understanding at the fore. Make no mistake, though, King and, by extension, the agency think as big as Alaska — and their evolved approach and desire allows them to, as King puts it, constantly “punch above our weight.”
Though Alaska courses through her veins, Minnesota still peeks its way out at just the right times. To wit, the element of surprise and humility in winning an Athena Leadership Award, an important leadership award for women, makes way for gratitude. Additionally, the notion of “Minnesota Nice” is never too far afield and still part of who she is, but firmly founded in her biggest love, Alaska.
Though it could be easy to have a chip on ones shoulder, being in the country’s most northernmost frontier, King chooses another path — one that attacks the constant of change, keeps her always game to lead with courage and further shows, that when it comes to great work, “it can come from here.”
Occupying the unique space between brands, technologists and creative can be an interesting place — and uncomfortable for some. For Pam Scheideler, chief digital officer of Deutsch, it fits like the glove.
Though a technologist at heart, Scheideler understands the machinations of each segment and has an innate ability to bring right- and left-brain people together for the common good, especially when it benefits a brand and CMO.
In fact, one of Scheideler’s key strengths is her ability to teach marketers — one CMO remarked that whenever she talks, there is always something new that she learns. High praise indeed, but a trait that comes with years of agency experience and perspective and her willingness to never hold anything, especially knowledge, back.
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a social work degree, Scheideler went the public path out of school, but found the siren sound of the dot-com boom too enticing to ignore. That said, she firmly believes that technology and the internet are the best community organizing tools and, even for a brand, can have profound effect.
Raised on the east coast, Scheideler has fully embraced the “LA way”. This “kinder, gentler” approach surprised her at first, but she found that her past life, as a digital mercenary working at agencies for a few years, then moving on to the next challenge, was easily replaced with the long view in Southern California.
That worldview is helpful, as it can better separates work and life. But she’s never afraid of critique in her work as a mechanism to grow and flourish — and those walking the path with her are most certainly the beneficiaries.
As Nancy Hill, CEO of the 4A’s can attest, nine and a half years as leader of the organization, in the trenches through years of change, disruption, ups and downs yields some fairly important wisdom and perspective. Her profile is high and contributions during her tenure are many, but the 35-year veteran of the industry had a profound moment early on that set her foundation.
Being told that she was “too ethical and honest” to be successful in the industry, Hill made it a point, and has spent her career, proving that those words are not only hollow, but untrue — fuel for the fire.
Like a good number of those in advertising, her path was not linear. But Hill’s “North Star” has always been creativity. Opportunities presented themselves and took her on a career walkabout that landed her within the halls of the 4A’s as CEO in 2008.
Baltimore, St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York have been ports of call — but Hill, raised in a small town in Western Pennsylvania, has deep appreciation for what the world can offer. Very well-traveled, she speaks several languages and has engaged with many cultures, which is one of the many reasons she appreciates and can empathize with the opportunities that diversity presents in the industry, an issue she has championed for decades.
A proponent of getting out of one’s comfort zone, Hill’s fearlessness, a trait that is often cited by others, is something that she forced herself into in the early days of her career and has served her well. Intuitive by nature, she has shown grace, kindness and generosity to the industry, even in the face of great challenges.
As she leaves her role as 4A’s leader, there is no question that Hill will continue to imbue the agency and brand worlds with wisdom that has been built from a foundation of honesty and hope that the industry, even as it calls out bad behavior and perception, is willing and able to celebrate itself just as much.
“We are better than that,” is the rally cry that opened 4A’s Transformation in Los Angeles. And it is a worthy way forward.
Susan Franceschini, executive director of ThinkLA, may be in the thick of the Los Angeles ad scene, but she considers herself a neutral Switzerland and loves getting to play with the best agencies, brands, marketers and media companies in town.
Franceschini never would have pictured herself at the helm of LA’s biggest ad club, but with her 10 years in human resources at Davis Elen, four years as a recruiter at Chiat, she was led into a role she didn't even know existed before, and it’s one in which she thrives.
Her superpower is being a good listener, which is a reason she can wrangle the strong personalities of the LA ad scene and bring them together for a greater good, all while remaining calm, centered and focused on the task of shining a brighter light on the market.
She also says we should all ask for help from time to time and avoid the possibility of “hero syndrome”, that moment when intention is swamped by the reality of being overburdened with trying to manage big workloads.
“It brings out the best in you when you ask for help or ask for feedback from people too,” she said.
Franceschini is at her best when she makes herself a priority over work, which isn’t as selfish as it sounds. It’s necessary. Meditation and exercise are just a couple of ways that she keeps things on the center line, blending work and life.
She believes that people must experience working and traveling abroad, which can be challenging and humbling. Her experiences in Paris, working at a male modeling agency, underscores the potential benefits of taking the leap in ones career from time to time.
Authenticity is a big one for Franceschini — knowing who you are and how you show up, navigate and impact the world.
Additionally, Franceschini is a big advocate for living with intention — something that doesn’t necessarily happen in the go-go world of advertising. There is power in knowing how your words, your behavior, your actions impact everyone.
“Stop and think about what you’re doing [and] where you want to go,” she said.
One of the hallmarks of work at Maxus Los Angeles is speed. Speed breeds momentum, momentum results in success and this is where Pam Sullivan, managing director of Maxus in LA, thrives.
Growing the media shop from a team of four in 2011 to a lofty place in the advertising continuum as less an order-taking endeavor and more a consultative powerhouse for clients, has demanded a pep in the step — but never sacrifices keeping the team engaged and giving them the tools and environment needed to excel, especially in the fast-paced word of entertainment, where Maxus has firmly planted its flag.
Knowing how to navigate the ever-moving world helps engender confidence, something that Sullivan learned early on, especially after an incredibly awkward encounter with a client. The mother of two adopted children, Sullivan also preaches the importance of getting past fear, feeling that it is a roadblock to living and working confidently.
Through all of the exhilaration, which is an experience Sullivan holds dear, is a high level of gratitude, a value that she holds in high esteem. Additionally, she believes strongly that empathy is one of the most valuable leadership skills — the ability to walk in someone’s shoes builds understanding.
Deservedly proud of her accomplishments thus far, Sullivan is firmly in lockstep with Maxus global CEO, Lindsay Pattison, in their quest to continue to have an environment that is not just welcoming to women at any part of their career, but one that empowers both men and women to perform and live at their very best.
Any great conversation about advertising in Southern California, on some level, has to include Lee Clow. This six-degrees thing seems to permeate the area though, for Margaret Keene, executive creative director at MullenLowe in Los Angeles, it squarely landed at one-degree of separation.
The ad legend popped up on Keene’s TV screen when she was a teenager. Presenting storyboards to Porsche executives on a cable access channel (this was the mid-80s), Keene really liked the work, thought Clow was cool and was hooked, realizing that advertising and creativity was what she wanted to do.
Fast-forward from groovy cable access TV — Keene kicked off her career working for Clow as an assistant and then spent her early creative days at TBWA\Chiat\Day (the TBWA part of the equation arrived in the 1995 merger) as art director, ACD, CD and then, ultimately, group creative director. After a close-to-4 year stop at Saatchi & Saatchi LA as executive creative director, Keene made her way from Santa Monica, south to El Segundo, where she became the first-ever ECD.
Keene has worked on the likes of Apple, Toyota, Nissan, Acura and Patrón (the latter two, MullenLowe clients) and, as one would expect from a brilliant creative mind, has won just about every award out there. She occupies the rare air of an elite creative leader — deservedly so.
But here’s a peek into Keene and her beliefs — she once won a $100,000 Grand Kelly prize and donated it to the Pedigree Adoption Drive, supporting client work that she cared deeply for.
Caring is an ever-present theme for Keene. She cares about the work. She cares about fun. She cares about the people she works with and has the opportunity to bring along and grow. She cares deeply about family.
In our wide-ranging, honest, entertaining and sometimes (delightfully) random conversation, we are treated to the mind and perspective of a generous leader who is consistently looking for what’s great in the work and the world of creativity.
Mandana Mellano was born in Iran, a child in a world of turmoil. She has lived in four different continents and has traveled the world, speaking three languages fluently and bringing a global sensibility to her job as chief media officer at Fallon.
Mellano has had an impressive career so far. Before Fallon, she was partner and director at Ogilvy & Mather / Neo@Ogilvy, and spent time at Rapp as VP and in director roles at Group M: Mindshare + MEC and Kastner & Partners.
As a successful industry veteran, she doesn’t think women need to compromise their values, capabilities or dreams, and she loves people who have purpose and are able to project that purpose into the world and for others.
If she hadn’t gone into media and marketing? Mellano would have been a cartographer, which isn’t difficult to imagine with her globe hopping. She believes that everyone should live in another country and learn another culture to get perspective and depth in how they see the world
She believes that hitting lows in life and business is ok, because, though the highs can be fun and energizing, the lows make you feel and think.
In business, she is always trying to define the role of marketing automation, since it is a vital part of the industry, and thinks technical advances are exciting but can also be scary.
For Mellano, one word has summed up her life so far: change. Through all the changes, Mellano says she has been building – independence, relationships, responsibilities, teams, capabilities and agencies.
But change, to Mellano, is good and she loves people who embrace it.
For Jamie Gutfreund, global CMO for Wunderman, the word “yes” comes up frequently. Yes to learning from and engaging youth. Yes to inspiring her team to achieve their goals. Yes to being an energetic force, exuding positivity every step of the way.
But, crucially, the word “no” matters too. As life and work can get into overdrive quickly, the ability to say “no” is critical.” I've always been a, ‘Yes, I can do it. I'll get it done’ person. It's where my superpower comes out with energy, but you got to learn to say no.”
Another aspect that belies Gutfreund’s manner is that of being uncomfortable. She is comfortable with being uncomfortable, because it helps her think of new routes to success.
Her move to Wunderman seemed, on the surface, an interesting choice after time at places like Deep Focus, The Cassandra Report and Microsoft. But she saw something in Wunderman that made sense, crucially, for her.
This isn’t cognitive dissonance, but rather a holistic way to keeping outside the bubble of the expected. In fact, her boundless energy, curiosity and ability to connect ideas in unexpected ways demands that she takes a wider view in every aspect of her work.
But in the final analysis, it’s all about the team and the trajectory of what’s next.
“We have a great team of people that are joining the company everyday,” said Gutfreund. “I do get to work with some unbelievably creative and talent people.“
Leanne Smullen likes to be where convergence happens. As the vice president of marketing and training for Denver-based SpotX, a leading video advertising platform that sits in the middle of the convergence of traditional TV and digital video, she is uniquely positioned where she wants to be with a company that has grown rapidly on an international stage.
Smullen also strives to be the best in her other role as a part-time lieutenant colonel in the Colorado Army National Guard, where she helps civilian agencies respond to wildfires, floods and other emergencies.
Smullen is also a certified coach, helping people develop their strengths and become effective leaders. Considering the sometimes intense work she encounters as a soldier and in the professional workforce, Smullen is best when she is calm under pressure.
She has experienced loss in her life, but used her tough experiences to learn and grow, and she expects those she coaches to use their experiences to get in touch with and live their values. Her values are “Buddhist-inspired” and that moderation and practical approach helps her handle any situation.
Smullen thinks that people must also learn emotional intelligence to grow and have the skills to deal with others. As a leader at SpotX and with the military, she sees the importance of making decisions based on what is best for the whole team, and committing yourself to something bigger than yourself. She wants to set an example in all that she does, setting an example by being more self-aware and reflective.
“If you continually learn about yourself and set that example you're living the middle way. It's right where things converge and that's a good place to be,” she concluded.
Trina Phillips has always looked to the stars for inspiration. She was born four months before the moon landing and her childhood was shaped by interstellar science fiction like Star Trek, Star Wars, the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and sci-fi writer Isaac Asimov.
It’s no surprise that she grew up to be a science fiction writer, looking at the world through a sci-fi telescope to help understand the human condition. What is more surprising is that her love for the fantastic found a job in the corporate world. Phillips uses her skills as a sci-fi writer and futurist to help Fortune 500 companies stay ahead of technology at SciFutures, a technology and innovation house based in Burbank, California.
Phillips sees herself as an outsider in her company, one who doesn’t come from a business background. But that’s also a superpower for her, along with lots of hard work, which she uses to help clients with their storytelling.
Phillips wants to see us work to use technology and science to improve humanity – to eradicate diseases, to make sure people are fed, to raise standards of living, which is why she says that now is an exciting time to be alive.
Storytelling is at the heart of everything she does, and she encourages people to travel to experience new things the way locals do to create their own stories. She likes writing to music, like classic rock, sci-fi soundtracks and even Mongolian throat singing. She thinks diversity is a wonderful thing, that people need to figure out who they are and be the best person possible, and that we all need to look to the future and beyond, because the future is already here.
Dulari Amin, the president and co-founder of “Innovations Company” Phenomenon, based in LA with an office in Chicago, sees innovation happening faster than ever, and it’s her company’s job to help foster it for good.
Phenomenon deals with brand, UX, digital and cultural innovation issues, and wants to use the latest innovations to benefit those who need it most. As the head of it, Amin thinks about women’s safety issues, healthcare and diversity – big ideas but ones that need innovative solutions.
She believes that we, as a society, are inundated with social media and digital interference and that we don’t need to be tied to our devices.
“It’s good to be quiet…to take some time off,” she said.
That said, she is a driven individual, one who would encourage women not to give up, to keep on a career path and don’t plan so far in advance when to have children and when to drop out of the workforce. She believes men should support families too and that diversity means having a balance of men and women.
Coming to America from India when she was 17, she saw early the importance of learning all she could, which she is still doing leading a company of 150 people. Learning takes listening, and it’s something she thinks is of utmost importance, especially asking questions and really listening to the answer.
If she wasn’t leading Phenomenon, Amin would help entrepreneurs start businesses, perhaps guiding immigrants like herself. She grew up in a house of 50, part of a joint family, which taught her to deal with lots of personalities, to compromise and to help tell stories, which is what her agency, er, innovation company, helps do every day.
Amin has a “Six P” model for success and happiness in life, which she is happy to explain. Have a listen.
Having a five-year plan isn’t always essential to your career. So says Amy Small, Global Head of VR at Framestore.
Small has thrived in her career by being open to new opportunities as they have arisen, and those opportunities haven’t always been about advancement or promotions. Sometimes it has been the lateral moves that have proven most rewarding.
Small is all about the journey, about having a satisfying and successful career. The Penn State graduate started as an intern at Disney before moving on to be a manager and director with companies such as THQ and Brash Entertainment. Small got into the interactive category with Victory Games, part of EA Games, then Skyrocket Toys before going into consulting and ultimately to her current position with Framestore, where she looks to expand past traditional gaming into the VR realm.
Small has a love of new business models, and she sees VR as the wild west of technology, where she can help build from the ground up. Unlike some in the tech world, this only child is an extrovert who loves people and loves to travel. Travel sometimes puts her in uncomfortable situations, which lets her rely on her judgment and can be rewarding.
Relying on people is another point she brings up as important – weighing dependents and independents and creating successful teams. Mentoring can be a strength if you find the right mentor. And even though she works all the time, she sees the need to unplug a bit to get refreshed.
As a woman in a mostly male-dominated industry, Small sees the importance in loving what you do, in thinking sometimes way outside the box, and in taking that professional journey to get to a satisfying place, both personally and professionally.
Fjord’s managing director, design strategy, Nandini Nayak knows a lot about the human condition, especially as it relates to computers. The Bangalore native has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and her first job out of school was R&D Lab at Hewlett Packard as a Human Factors Engineer.
Human-computer interaction is a strength for Nayak, and she even points out that she has two “digital native sons” and a “90 year-old digitally savvy mother.” She has used her vast knowledge to build and lead large UI tems and worked alongside design teams with multiple agencies during her time at HP. She moved to Accenture in 2010 because she loved their focus on analytical decision-making and business outcomes.
Even though she is linked heavily to the digital world, she sees her role as a people person and a student of human behavior. As part of Fjord’s innovation leadership team, she drives a program called Data and Design, which is tasked to “try to bring analytical minds of mathematicians closer to designers or artists and create new solutions working that together.”
Nayak believes women need to nurture their careers just as they nurture their children, and that women need to embrace success, not fear it. She thinks public speaking is a must for success, and that dealing with failure and accepting it gracefully can lead to greater success in the long run. She touts her passion project at work, the “Love Index,” which will combine love and business, human and digital into a cohesive study. For Nayak, her core focus on human interactions with the digital realm has led her to her success.
Erinn Farrell has a split geographic personality. The general manager of Minneapolis-based agency space150 divides her time between the Twin Cities and New York offices, meaning she sees both the “Minnesota nice” and the New York hustle often in the same week.
Farrell has grown with space150 over the last decade, rising from project & creative services manager and SVP business management up to her current position, which she has held for a year.
The cross-US lifestyle has been a big change for Farrell, but she revels in being uncomfortable, since it gives her more confidence in her abilities. It’s something she encourages every businessperson to do – be in a new setting, whether it’s a different position on the hockey team (yeah, she did that) to traveling to a foreign country or just getting out of your comfort zone. For her, that creates human connections, which help push your boundaries of acceptance.
Farrell believes in mentorship and learning from those around you and those who have come before you. She believes in pushing herself to always do better, and fighting for change and diversity in the workplace. She feels strongly that she needs to champion that diversity and a strength for women not just for herself and her generation, but for her three-year-old daughter and her generation.
Being a female leader means being intentional, which she considers an attractive trait. Farrell’s intentions are to be brave, be honest and know that she is always a work in progress.
In our first live taping of Exceptional Women Out West, at the WPI North America meeting in Portland, we were pleased to include three truly exceptional and interesting advertising professionals.
Lori Bartle, president of MeringCarson in Sacramento, Mary Knight, ECD at Hydrogen in Seattle and Andeen Pitt, partner at Wasserman and Partners Advertising in Vancouver joined us on stage and shared a great deal of wisdom and perspective on their work, lives, the state of the industry — and there was plenty of candor to go around.
Battle shared a story about how she was perceived as “arrogant” — when, in fact, it’s likely her Midwestern roots, steeped in pragmatism was misconstrued. Knight discussed the importance of relevance and how extra cheese flavor on a Doritos chip made her realize this was the case. Pitt weighed in on the vitality of inclusion and how we, as an industry, should be talking more about it and including more people in the abundance the marketing industry creates.
The conversation also included riffs on curiosity, not ignoring the voices of others and, echoing the spirit of the Portland gathering, why independence is such a big deal.
A wide-ranging conversation and the perfect maiden effort in bringing the views of women from Western North America together in one place.
Kate Jeffers grew up in Oahu, Hawaii and went to the same school as President Obama. It must be a school that breeds success because Jeffers went from competitive outrigger canoe paddler to partner and managing director at Venables Bell & Partners in San Francisco, making stops along her path in Madrid and Paris to develop a positive world view.
Jeffers has been with VB&P – working with Audi, Reebok, Intel and other top brands – since 2004 and before that was with Saatchi & Saatchi Paris and Goodby Silverstein & Partners.
Part of her success has come from making sure everyone on her team has clarity regarding the end goal, but having flexibility in how to get to that goal.
“I think it's super exciting to have to figure out a new way at something, a new way to solve something,” she said.
Her positive-yet-pragmatic nature is built from diverse experiences, which gives her perspective. She believes in business and life you should do things that scare you while having empathy for those you deal with, and her advice to others is to take time to understand who you’re working with and what motivates them.
She also advises that everyone live in another country to put themselves into uncomfortable situations and realizes that the older she gets, the less she sees how little she knows, which is why she is always learning.
Her unofficial motto is “leave people better than you found them.” Considering her ongoing success, she has no doubt done that throughout her career.
We all know great connectors in our home turfs. These are the people who, at the drop of a hat, know how to get the right people together, to talk about the right things for all the right reasons.
Tsilli Pines, founder and director of (the excellent) Design Week Portland (DWP), is certainly one of Portland’s connection mavens. She possesses the uncanny skill and intuition to draw the lines between people in disparate disciplines to create magic. This gift is likely one of the reasons that DWP is a “must-attend” week, not just for design people, but for anyone who likes to be part of something bigger than themselves.
A designer by trade as digital creative director at Fine in Portland, Pines doesn’t just spread the gospel of design but broader creativity as host and organizer of Creative Mornings, the global lecture series darling.
Pines, like most who show honest leadership, is a renaissance person by nature and often has her fingers on the pulse of many things at any given time. Multitasking keeps it fresh — and her hometown of Portland inspires a sense of collaboration and balance, where the community comes together.
A native Northern Californian, Pines feels strongly that dues are to be paid, one must put skin in the game for the right rewards and that, early in ones career, leaning towards “yes” is the right plan of action. At the heart of it all, though, it’s all about getting out there and legitimately making things happen.
Rare are the moments when passions can turn to a career. Those side hustles — the things we believe in — cannot necessarily lead to the promised land of combining work and love. For Maria Scileppi, director of 72U, 72andSunny’s creative residency, when passion isn’t in play, it’s time to make change.
Scileppi landed at 72andSunny, which she calls her legitimate dream job, ironically, after a work trip to Portland where she gave a presentation on finding ones dream job. Her path meandered a bit, but it ultimately landed her in Los Angeles where she and the agency curate a group of makers, from a wide range of disciplines, every three months. 72U is called “a platform for personal growth” and has engaged in a number of interesting and compelling projects that reflect the interests of each class.
A master connector, Scileppi is incredibly collaborative and has designed her life to embrace change. Throughout her career, she has never shied away from playing it safe. She’s made big and small changes — and taken the associated risks — all in the quest of nurturing her ambitions. Some of her life and work experiments might seem counterintuitive, but they are far from it, and are part of the opportunities she has created for herself and others.
Fiercely loyal to Los Angeles, Scileppi continues to live the dream in Los Angeles and her work with 72U is a deep reflection of that passion and love.
Being a working mom is a big deal to Lisa Herdman, SVP of national TV buying and branded entertainment at RPA in Los Angeles. She embraces both with the same fervor, is legitimately a “happy working mom” — with two teenage daughters — and is excited about what’s around the corner for both her work and life.
Her kids are, in her view, the greatest gift in her life. A voracious reader, Herdman studies up on the teenage brain, which helps her understand her daughters, but also helps her understand herself in a relatable way.
“They have fulfilled me, as a person. Which sounds really selfish but I think, because of that, I've been able to give back to them in a really great, strong way of being this happy working mom,” she said.
Though work and life runs at a fever clip, Herdman has found meditation to be critical key that engenders clarity, makes room for more intimate, intelligent thoughts and unlocks balance. It also can take away negativity, that ever-powerful, destructive force.
Herdman, a master negotiator, is never short on wisdom, especially one that stands out: to not be so concerned about what other people think about you. It gets in the way of focus and success and ultimately does no good. Additionally, a good dose of empathy is another piece of the puzzle. These two ideas seem at odds but, in fact, they are perfect mates in the quest to do good work and have an enjoyable life.
Her point of view has carried her through 23 years at RPA — and has earned her well-deserved praise as a leader who does both an amazing job and enjoys it at the same time.
For Pam Fujimoto, executive creative director at Wongdoody LA, the headline quote permeates her point of view — and there are myriad practical reasons why this is so obvious. You can’t fake your way to client success. You can’t fake something that resonates with consumers. To that end, Fujimoto self-professes that she “geeks out” on learning everything possible about a client. Just ask Coffee Bean and the other clients who rely on WongDoody’s talent, perspective and focus.
Focus is a big part of Fujimoto’s back story. A devotee of Pacific Northwest creative legend Tracy Wong, she made it clear to him that this was going to be her first agency gig.
His advice? Direct encouragement.
You’ve got the skills, but get the book in order. Undaunted, Fujimoto, a University of Washington graduate, did just that — and after a stint at Art Center in LA, Wong hired her, saying that it was the best book he’s ever seen. Like Wong, Fujimoto is direct — but always fair — and it’s all meant as a way to not waste time and unnecessary effort. The result is continual learning and improvement.
Make no mistake, though, Fujimoto, a Seattle native, is grateful for the opportunities she’s had and the work she’s had a hand in (Alaska Airlines’ “Sky High Airlines” campaign is a personal favorite) — and she passes that on to the next generation of talent she mentors, especially WongDoody interns who she says are extremely valuable to the agency’s work.
Fujimoto’s honesty is refreshing and permeates both her work and life. Mother of twins, she is highly nurturing to her family and team at WongDoody and loves seeing people at the agency, at any stage of their life, “figure things out” to become better, more accomplished professionals and human beings.
For Mary Nichols, account director at Murmur Creative in Portland, the past is filled with learning — especially in this industry. Growing up outside of Chicago, her father was general counsel for Leo Burnett and at any opportunity, she was at his side at the agency.
“Our clients are putting you through college,” she mentioned her father saying.
That was the first initiation into the importance of connection and loyalty to clients.
But in her second job, working for Coors in Colorado, another, more important lesson emerged — to be herself — and it came from criticism. Playing into the “old boys” network way of thinking, Nichols veered from her own way of presenting, trying to be “cute” and fit the audience. Her boss said simply that there was never any reason for that.
“You are smart. You're accomplished. You're strong. You just need to be you. Don't throw the woman card out there when you're presenting, just throw the Mary card out there,” he said.
Sage advice and a great foundation from which to work.
In Portland, Nichols exemplifies her rich past, abundant now and bright future. A highly-social master connector, she is very much in tune with the realities, both good and bad, of the place she calls home. Make no mistake, Nichols is infinitely optimistic and a great caretaker of her work and life — including raising her six children — but the fact that there is still a great deal to be accomplished is a driving factor. Her natural curiosity combined with a love affair for clients and the promise of humanity helps illuminate the potential of all that’s around her, including the Rose City.
Nichols deals from the deck of life daily. And those who experience “the Mary card” are always better for it.
Resiliency comes in many forms. For Rebecca Armstrong, principal and managing director at North, a Portland independent agency, both work and life are part of the narrative.
Running a successful business.
Overcoming stage two invasive, triple-negative breast cancer.
Those are just two of the things that Armstrong, a highly-revered and respected leader in Portland’s advertising community, tackles with aplomb.
Her confidence manifests itself through humor and an uncanny combination of candor, calm and restraint — possibly, in her words, due to being British. Her “game face” is far from dispassionate, it is filled with emotion but tempered with an innate ability to get to the point. That economy of words is testament to her truly being a great listener in every sense of the word. When Armstrong ‘drops the mic,’ which is often, there are substantial points to be made, all with care, empathy and understanding.
Highly curious, Armstrong embraces hard work, paying ones dues and the unique culture that is around her, both personally and professionally. Experiencing life — getting out of the circular bubble that is advertising — is part and parcel of her unique spin on enjoying life, work being an important piece of the narrative. What’s most important to her, and the talent she works with, is that this life, and work, is to be enjoyed, not merely ‘endured’.
On life and work — the ever-elusive and perpetual conversation about balance — Armstrong ‘leans in’ but only to a point. The most important part of being not just a female leader, but a leader overall, is having a voice at the table in a way that makes an impact.
And what an impact she has made on North, Portland’s advertising community and the industry everywhere.
Working in the entertainment industry does not define Kathryn Schotthoefer. Neither does her multi-cultural background. Neither does her former existence as a musician or her philanthropic efforts.
All those aspects of her do combine, however, to making her the successful person she is today, which is the president of M&C Saatchi, Heavenspot – a socially-powered digital creative agency in Los Angeles.
“I'm a mom, a board member, a startup advisor and an activist. I'm a musician, a writer and a pretty good cook,” said Schotthoefer, and all those things still just scratches the surface of who she is.
As the president of Heavenspot, she has worked with some of the biggest clients in the entertainment business, including ABC, AMC, the Coachella festival, the movie industry, and a rising number of clients in the gaming and app world.
Many may see her as fearless, but she notes that everybody has some sort of fear. It’s conquering that fear with confidence and assurance, like her 6-year-old daughter, who dances in the street and speaks her mind, or middle eastern refugees who escape horrible situations to care for their families in unknown lands.
Schotthoefer finds people interesting and complicated, and she thinks watching how humanity evolves is fascinating. She would also rather be texted than called, that way she can have multiple conversations without having to spend time talking.
Her advice to others is: be who you are, not who others think you should be. She also believes everyone should learn how to cook, even if it’s just the basics, and knowing basic travel phrases in major languages can get you through many situations and help you connect with people.
Ultimately, she is a people person, which has led her to work with the Global Gift Foundation, which funds life-changing projects for women, children and families in need, something that recently found her accepting an award for her efforts. Schotthoefer truly thinks everyone must open themselves up to love: loving friends, loving children and being open to receiving that. “That, to me, is the pinnacle of human experience.”
The path Hilary Craven, CMO of Red Tettemer O’Connell and Partners (RTO+P), has taken has been filled with interesting and unique opportunities — and paved in industries that are notorious for being “boys clubs”: action sports, entertainment and music. However, Craven has always been well-grounded and is a fan of finding, working with and nurturing talent first.
Both men and women have been part of her story — including 72andSunny’s John Boiler and legendary experimental filmmaker Stan Breakage — but mentoring talent, especially helping women find their most authentic selves, drives Craven.
Craven places a great premium on a childlike, beginners mentality to get to the heart of not just what’s relevant, but what’s powerful. That notion follows her perspective on career — and how being a rookie, in the form of working as an admin or PA, mixed with hustle, can tee people up to be better leaders in the industry due to understanding, learning and empathizing with other people’s positions.
Deeply into the exploration of culture, Craven is constantly seeking to understand what culture really means, pulling from her vast and eclectic reservoir of experiences and tastes, especially music. That journey is filled with course changes, something she embraces wholeheartedly.
Open and kind, Craven is a master connector and she is always willing to make the time and effort to connect the right people — all in the pursuit of, quite simply, doing awesome things together in the industry.
Sometimes, those blazing trails don’t necessarily seek the spotlight. The quest and passion of doing good work and the right things comes first. Ginny Golden, group creative director at AKQA in Portland, is in the midst of an undoubtedly stellar career — with scads of well-deserved recognition from the likes of Cannes, ANDY’s, The One Show and more — but the foundation laid at American University speaks volumes about treading paths first.
At American, Golden created her own degree, Multimedia Design and Development,combining her love of all things artistic and digital. The framework built created the degree program at American that still exists to this day and produces outstanding talent.
Golden places a great premium on humanity and community — in both her travels and work. Her leadership with New Avenues For Youth in Portland, in launching a fashion brand for homeless youth, underscores her commitment to the city, a place she has called home since 2011.
She also empathizes with the vulnerability creatives feel about their work — and shares her experiences and wisdom, showing how confidence and the ability to sell ones work and talent can be transformative. To Golden, she feels a responsibility to help lead and to also put meaningful work out in to the world — and it’s all about excellence instead of perfection.
Eclectically curious, Golden on the edge of what’s next in the industry and technology and her next discoveries could very well unearth new trails for everyone to explore together.
Independence and passion are two traits that can either get you far in life or make you self-destruct. For Zihla Salinas, managing director, Doner LA, success was the only option.
The self-described half-Cuban, half-Dutch, six-foot-tall “aggressively blonde” EVP and managing director has helped the agency grow over the last year-and-a-half that she has been with the company, and she has done so through her love of creativity, her conviction and that independent streak which she attributes to her mother.
“That even started from the age when I was seven years old and we would go to the dentist office. She would ask me to go check myself in at the dentist. She wouldn't do it for me. She wanted me to go up to the receptionist, sign my name in, and tell them that I was here for my appointment,” said Salinas.
Even with her strong will, Salinas knows how to be warm, humble, work within a team while driving success, and know how to lose gracefully in a tough business in an even tougher town.
She wants women in the business to know their value and speak confidently, looking to women who have already made it for mentorship, so more women can rise to executive positions.
Running a technology practice in a communications firm can be daunting on its own.
Add in the fact that the practice is based in one of the world’s most dynamic tech markets, Seattle and Bellevue, Washington, and it gets downright massive.
But that’s all in day’s work for Dawn Beauparlant, head of technology for WE Communications. The Texas native has called Seattle home for over fifteen years and was president of the agency’s Microsoft account leading a “kickass team that is always thinking and dreaming about what’s next for Microsoft.”
What stands out about Beauparlant isn’t the impressive resume or work — it’s the combination of Texas confidence and thoughtful ability to balance the present and the future for companies such as Microsoft, T-Mobile, F5, Honeywell and others — and doing so in meaningful ways, exploring the “gray areas” of technology using wisdom and good judgment. These are the “small” things that are a big deal and borne from a dedication to listening and being attentive.
A master storyteller who has been at the forefront of some of the industry’s most important stories, including Microsoft leadership changes involving Bill Gates, Steve Ballmen and Satya Nadella, Beauparlant is fiercely loyal to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, constantly searching and letting her natural curiosity lead the way.
It can challenging to be super-focused but have a wide view of the world at the same time. Not so for Britt Peterson Fero, SVP and head of strategy for Publicis Seattle. Chalk it up to a combination of opportunity and experiences, leavened with that “Midwest thing” — a work ethic that started with family in Iowa and continued with the “family” that is Fallon in Minneapolis (she counts Pat Fallon as a major influence on her career and life).
A straight shooter, Fero manages to strip away the clutter to get from A to Z in the most direct path possible and the willpower to see things through every time. She also exhibits a guile and fearlessness that is infectious — a highly productive self-belief that influences the strong work of the agency in Seattle, a city that she is most loyal to.
Most certainly a star in the constellation that is Publicis, Fero is present in the moment and knows that everything worthwhile is not given but earned.
It started with an insatiable appetite for the written word. DNA Seattle creative director Kammie McArthur dove in to newspapers, magazines — anything she could get her hands on to feed her curiosity. Born from those formative days, a deep love of writing emerged. More connections were built over time, building a powerful story that is interesting and filled with passion for work, life and the moments to peace that create a sense of calm and place.
Connecting with the land and nature.
Connecting by disconnecting.
Connecting by listening more.
Connecting to culture and the world.
Connecting the future through a dedication to mentoring.
Connecting to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
Though she grew up in Northern California, and spent time working in France, McArthur is undeniably part of the Emerald City’s fabric as a creative leader. Much like the city and region itself, the pioneer spirit, the willingness to take the right risks, not fearing its quirks, are arrows in an interesting quiver, clearing showing her creative (no pun intended) DNA.
Storytelling has always been at the heart of everything Shannon Pruitt, President of The Story Lab, has done throughout her life. Growing up in southern Oregon, Pruitt took pen to paper and wrote stories at the kitchen table, reading them to whomever would listen, including her stuffed animals.
Throughout her incredible career, one that has seen her rise from an account manager at MasterCard to management positions at Mark Burnett Productions, Warner Brothers, Brand Arc and her own successful SMPI Marketing Group, Pruitt, a proud University of Oregon graduate, has told her stories to ever-widening audiences.
Now, as President of The Story Lab, a Dentsu Aegis Network company, Pruitt is the main link in the story chain. She leads a team that works every day to develop, create and distribute stories for a roster of clients who value the quality and integrity of telling the best stories possible.
Pruitt is proud to lead a team, including a number of women, in a company where she helps empower them to be their best, even as she admits that the always-desired work-life “balance” can be difficult. Her success is due to constantly learning, experiencing other cultures and countries, treating people well — and understanding that a shared humanity is a story that everyone can celebrate.
The great unknowns in work and life can be daunting. For a then-24-year-old Tami Hurwitz, general manager, Office campaigns and marketing automation, Microsoft, it was a trip to Argentina to help launch a product for the company she was working for at the time, Procter & Gamble. A competitor took the brand name and attempted to position P&G in an unfavorable light — and the team there feared that Hurwitz would get nervous about the environment and head right back to Cincinnati.
Not a chance, Hurwitz took the opportunity and not only ran with it, but built a foundation that serves her today, especially in her role at Microsoft.
Our conversation at the Marketo Marketing Nation Summit covered a lot of ground, but the themes of challenge, risk and realism permeated throughout. Her leadership style is steeped in the right kind of experimentation — the thoughtful variety that is willing to give things a go, not for the sake of just doing it, but seeing where results and people can grow.
Not knowing what’s next is exciting and, for Hurwitz, digging in and learning about what’s next makes her an outstanding leader.
Growing up in Boston, one of 9 children, Michelle Cardinal, co-founder and CEO of R2C Group in Portland, Oregon, got the TV bug. Big time. 70s TV, according to Cardinal, was an escape and it was part of the foundation that led her to LA where she began her career as a media buyer in the informercial business. From there, the evolution began — a commitment to continually elevating television marketing and doing something unheard of in the go-go, get-the-quick-hit 90s: helping brands use television to build for the long-haul.
Setting her sights on going big with the likes of Phillips, Hoover Braun and Estee Lauder, Cardinal played the role of outsider, putting aside conventional thinking to build R2C Group.
Even the home base of Portland has an outsider feel, but Cardinal is loyal to The Rose City and proud that it is part of the story. In fact, she’s playing an active part in being part of the solution of Portland’s homeless problem — another important way of thinking big.
Like her family, Cardinal’s team is tight-knit. She also preaches self-awareness and respect as core values and something everyone should learn and understand. The passionate outsider, ready to keep “proving ‘em wrong,” is unstoppable — and committed to excellence.
Exceptional Women Out West is a podcast that highlights and celebrates both the great achievement, lives and POV of amazing women in the Western US and Canada. Listen to previous episodes here. If you would like to nominate women out west to be part of the show, please contact North America Editor at Large, Doug Zanger.
It has been an unintended path for Jean Freeman, owner and chief operating officer of Culver City, California-based Zambezi. But, when she attended a Disney focus group that her father, a marketing executive and CEO, ran, the seeds may have been planted for today.
However, for a time, she thought she would be a lawyer. Then, Freeman was slated to be in the Peace Corps, until civil war broke out in the South Pacific, where she was assigned. On a whim, she applied for a job at Fallon in Minneapolis, ending up getting a gig as an assistant account executive. She remained at Fallon for two and a half years, soaking in wisdom and care from the late, great Pat Fallon. After her time in the Twin Cities, she went to graduate school at Northwestern and made her way to Portland for a stint at Nike.
Throughout her journey, Freeman has experienced working at all types and sizes of companies — with the associated up and downs. She has learned the importance of listening, a trait that wasn’t necessarily her forte in her early years and how “no” is not rejection, but a place to start a conversation to get to “yes.”
As the owner of the 45th largest woman-owned business in the Los Angeles area (she was part of the team that bought out Kobe Bryant, who was main investor of the agency at the onset), she feels a keen sense of duty to be an active advocate for women and families in the workplace — and continues to not just talk the talk, but walk the talk in every possible way.
It’s always about having a sense of self and trusting instincts that has brought Jean Freeman to today — and her leadership signals a bright future forward for not jut Zambezi, but the industry at large.
The shiny lights and glimmer of the advertising and creative world don’t often cast their gaze to Calgary — unless, of course, you’re talking about Critical Mass. The highly-awarded experience design agency proudly calls Calgary home and Dianne Wilkins, Critical Mass CEO is fiercely loyal to those roots. Those Canadian lights shine brightly both at home and at their offices around the globe where the Critical Mass culture stays true, no matter the country or city.
Wilkins is all-kinds-of-grounded and has a very interesting pathway to today. She thrives where some recoil — when the pressure is on, when time is short, when speed is the order of the day, when situations are uncomfortable. And, oh, by the way, it’s always done with plenty of smiles, wit and a keen sense of being “real.”
Our conversation, recorded during SXSW in the courtyard of a South Austin boutique (long story), is revealing, filled with candor and decidedly real.
On the surface, when one looks at the list of accomplishments, The CyberCode Twins are on a fast, high trajectory. TEDx talks. Awards from tech competitions and hacks such as the NASA International SpaceApp Challenge, AT&T Developer Summit, and recently a top-15 world finalist for IBM Global Mobile Innovator Tournament.
When one looks deeper (and one must look deeper), it's obvious that 25-year-old twin sisters America and Penelope Lopez are doing more than just taking home well-deserved accolades. They are right in the middle of a movement to share their talent and wisdom — and to give greater access to the technology world, especially for Latina women. Their keynotes for Girls Who Code, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, in addition to the awards, are testament to never giving up.
And even though their world is moving fast, they are grounded.
Raised in East Los Angeles, the sisters are deeply proud of their heritage and celebrate where they come from — showing that great talent is truly everywhere, just waiting to be discovered. Along the way, America and Penelope have developed a strong community of support, from special ed teachers to an entire world of technologists ready, willing and able to help.
Leaders in the truest sense of the word, there is no doubt that we’ll keep hearing about how The CyberCode Twins will continue to transform access and inspire positive momentum for as many people as possible around the world — but never far from East LA, where their hearts will always be.
According to Kat Gordon, founder of the 3% Conference, she’s always been “used to being the only woman in the room.” Three brothers. Time at Sports Illustrated, PowerBar and other male-centric brands. Now, with her husband and two sons — the greatest gift she’s ever been given. A few years ago, as she puts it “the advertising world was just a little too male even for someone like me who is used to being the only chick in the room.”
This is where social change and a movement began — the annual 3% Conference, dedicated to championing creative female talent and leadership.
Though there has been improvement, with senior female creative leaders now making up about 11% of the industry, Gordon and the industry acknowledge there is still substantial progress to be made.
In our conversation, a number of topics are covered. Getting enough sleep (she’s a big fan and takes it seriously), non-conformity (she suggests a wonderful book by Adam Grant), avoiding the trap of popularity contests (counterproductive, she mentions) and the wisdom of Cindy Gallop (she’s a role model) are just a few morsels of a delicious dish of insight and a peek in to a more exciting future — something the world is ready for — that empowers everyone in the industry.
Accountability can be a rare commodity anywhere. Under the searing hot light of creative expectation and expression, advertising and marketing, in particular, can sometimes miss the mark. Keri Elmsly, executive creative director of Second Story in Portland, Oregon takes the other view — that accountability is serious. She embraces the challenge of breaking through the noise — and it shows in her work and leadership.
Elmsly’s point of view allows for experience and thoughtful wandering to lead the way — with unexpected moments catalyzing breakthrough thinking. Her work is steeped in the idea that limits constrain beauty and effectiveness. An advocate for testing, she knows that the right adjustments, even when work is “almost done,” can be transformative.
The word “immersive” often gets thrown about. But, in Elsmsly’s view, legitimate immersion is not a word — it’s a mission — and knowing when to trust those internally around her and outside of the industry is a key secret weapon that allows people to make time fall away and be part of something.
Enjoy our conversation filled with a unique journey that will encourage you to chart your own.
From growing up in India to making her way to the middle of Illinois for graduate school, Seema Miller, chief strategist for David&Goliath, has made it her business to embrace vulnerability and naïveté.
Miller’s path is filled with awakenings. Determining what she was willing (and not willing) to give up, the myth of “having it all,” and learning to “do something that scares the living shit out of you” are just a few pieces of sage wisdom for not just women, but anyone in the industry.
Enjoy our conversation filled with surprise, candor, some interesting takes on cognitive dissonance — and a point of view that is certain to inspire.
"Fearless," in the dictionary, should include a picture of Margaret Johnson, ECD/Partner at Goodby Silverstein & Partners in SF. From early days cold-calling creative departments to breakthrough work that makes a difference, Johnson is a forward-looking leader who embraces what makes unbridled creativity so great.
Enjoy this inspiring, wide-ranging discussion that touches on: the importance of the side hustle (which led to an important piece of work from the agency), Sundance, Burning Man, midday karaoke, getting past the paralyzing nature of fear and more.