I am in my element where technology, creativity, and human nature collide — that place where capitalism happens. The world’s rapid rate of change and the undeniable consistency of human nature and its relationship with brands energizes me. My world-view on marketing, and in fact, on business, is holistic. Everything aligned, working together to amplify the brand experience across media, channels, devices and locations.
Over the years, I’ve gained some perspective. Perspective on people and brands and their inextricable connection to capitalism. I learned early on that building business is both science and art. It requires a commitment to revenue and relevance – something I’ve been doing for some time. I built a $170M integrated agency working with some of the finest brands in the world. I co-founded an investment bank. I’ve done M&A and work with private equity and venture capital. I’ve shepherded a public .com out of receivership, done start-ups, turnarounds, transformations, and managed culture change. Undoubtedly, an eclectic skill set of a quintessential generalist. But it more than adds up when considering a holistic approach to building brands and building business. Being a good leader, getting the most creativity out of oneself and others, and doing brilliant work all require understanding the big picture.
Along the way, I try to remember a few simple truths:
Brands are living things with which we have relationships. They must be nurtured and maintained. Building brand is building business.
While capitalism makes the world go around, marketing makes capitalism go around.
Successful companies make their culture and their people a priority. Employees are their first constituency.
In all great businesses, the entire enterprise is aligned around common goals and objectives, everyone living and breathing the company’s brand values, marching to the same drummer.
Technology, tactics, and behavior will continually change. Reliably, the human condition does not.
Never underestimate the intangible power of branding to drive performance and build financial value.
Successful brands are honest and transparent and stand for something of value beyond their core offerings.
In today’s fragmented marketplace, everything is social, and everything is mobile.
And an inevitable truth, great clients make for great work, every time. I’ve been lucky enough to have more than a few.
