Mike Densmore
New York president
KBS

2) Like a great deal of agencies we’re in constant evolution mode trying to adapt as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality of our output or impact for our clients. The great thing about KBS is the fact that we have already established incredibly robust technology, media and social/digital offerings so our focus this past year has been on talent. We’ve hired an entirely new leadership team along with 30% of our overall agency new hires have significantly improved our diversity. Diversity will continue to be a main focus for our future.

Everyone in advertising knows the lack of diversity within our industry doesn’t properly represent the realities of the world we live in and this issue needs to be addressed with tangible action in order for things to change. And there’s no question industry leaders agree that this is a social issue they strongly believe needs to be fixed. The problem is most people are viewing it incorrectly. Diversity is much greater than just a social issue: it’s actually a productivity and economic issue. There are multiple studies that prove the companies with the most diverse talent base thrive the most from an employee satisfaction standpoint as well as bottom line growth. It’s our mission at KBS to educate others within our industry through our own actions which is why we’re incredibly excited to have partnered with She Runs It and Diversity Best Practices on the Inclusion and Diversity Accountability Coalition (IDAC).

5) I don’t know that I have a New Year’s resolution from a business or personal standpoint. I feel resolutions are easily broken. What I strive to do on a daily basis and apply to both my work and personal life is to be transparent with the people whom I have business and personal relationships with, and hold myself accountable for the plans that I put in motion. I’m a big believer in being actionable, decisive and empathetic with those who are a part of those plans. By taking that approach I hope for reciprocation which I believe builds strong, trustworthy and long tenured relationships. We work in a people business first and foremost so I value partnering with people that enable me to be at my best and I hope I can provide the same value for them as well.

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