News & Updates

1. What book(s) or article(s) did you read this past month that stayed with you? What takeaways do you have?

2. What event(s), talks or experiences did you attend this past month that stayed with you? What takeaways do you have?

3. What podcast(s) did you listen to this past month that stayed with you?

Conscious Branding

1. What does “conscious branding” mean? Is it a philosophy that any brand can employ, including non-consumer-facing brands? Share any thoughts on what “consciousness” means and why it matters.

2. We know that the circular economy approach is embraced for manufacturers/retailers (ex. Nike). Can non-manufacturers embrace circularity of brand? Can service companies? Share any thoughts!

3. What is an example of a common “trap” of a cultural trope that you’ve seen brands really easily fall into? Share any thoughts on the trap of tropes!

Fandom, Community & Experience

1.  Share a thought on “being imperfect” from your Sid Lee era. Does embracing imperfection help or hinder the creative process? Does “perfect” exist in the ad world (and beyond), anyway?

2. Weaving in the story of the work you did with Real Madrid, how is fandom the “aha” moment in sports? If a brand is looking to create raving fans, whether they are a “sexy” brand or not, what is the first step to think about? 

Leading from the Middle

1.  A recent survey of middle-managers by McKinsey showed that just under 20% of managers felt that their organizations had helped them become better people managers. Do companies assume that someone promoted based on excellence in a role can manage people? Share any thoughts that come to mind on the mental shift to be made, on the side of either the employee or the employer.

2. The C-suite gets a lot of attention, but the middle-manager’s role is a complex and underserved one. Middle-managers need to manage both upward and downward – all while managing themselves. What does managing upward and downward really mean? Share a story or thought that comes to mind.

3. Share the story of your work with the Montreal Holocaust Museum as a Board member. What was the one thing you felt particularly inspired about when it comes to that role?