How are the events of 2021–from the pandemic to the call for diversity, equity and inclusion–impacting the content you create and/or the way you work?
I can’t really think of a single aspect of our industry that hasn’t been impacted. Most of the changes have been positive, in my opinion. Not necessarily easy, but overall positive. One of the biggest exceptions would probably be how much more challenging it has become to properly mentor the younger folks in our teams. So much of what we do is learned through osmosis, just constantly being surrounded by the right people and the right conversations. I feel like we figured most of it out: how to create, manage, sell, produce and distribute the work remotely. And I hope companies can find a way to dedicate just as much energy and attention to helping the new generation navigate all of this.
What are your goals or New Year’s resolution, creatively speaking or from a business standpoint, for your agency or department in 2022?
Our goal is to reposition BBDO SF as a global creative hub. Our CEO Kelly Johnson and I joined the agency just a few months ago, and we’re in the process of building a very diverse team to create culturally relevant work for our US and global clients. Our ambitions are sky high for 2022, and we know with that comes a lot of hard work. But our team is excited for this challenge, and the chronically optimistic version of me has no doubt that we can do it.
Gazing into your crystal ball, what do you envision for the advertising and/or entertainment industry–creatively speaking or from a business standpoint–in 2022?
My crystal ball is telling me that the “great resignation” might end up being a blessing in disguise for our industry. Sure, it’s wreaking havoc right now. But it might also bring a much needed breath of fresh air as the relationships between companies and people, work and life, change dramatically, and we are all forced to look outside of our bubbles for new talent and new opportunities.
