HLK’s Post

In 2019, I embraced a role that many would caution against. There's an old adage in the business world—echoed by one family member's blunt metaphor, "Antréa, you don't shit where you sleep"—suggesting that mixing business with personal relationships is a recipe for disaster. Yet, here I stand, not just to tell a different story, but to celebrate a triumph. When I started dating the CEO of our PR agency, eyebrows were raised. "Never hire your mate," is what many say. But as love and shared ambition intertwined, our relationship blossomed both at home and in marketing meetings. In a move that defied convention, I stepped into the COO role, transforming our partnership into a dynamic leadership duo. The unexpected win? We quadrupled our client base, diversified our services, and increased our revenue year-over-year since taking the helm together. It turns out that when you align on values, vision, and work ethic, the partnership can propel an organization to new heights. Here's what we learned: Transparency Is Key: From day one, we were open with our team about our relationship, setting the stage for trust and integrity. Boundaries Matter: We maintain a professional dynamic at work, ensuring our personal life doesn't cloud our decision-making. Leverage Each Other's Strengths: As a couple, we had insight into each other's strengths and leveraged them to benefit our agency. Unified Vision: Sharing a common goal for our company's future keeps our team aligned and motivated. So, this is for the unconventional thinkers, the barrier-breakers, the ones who see beyond the traditional path. Sometimes, the best way forward is the one you pave together, regardless of the grain. Oh, and I love you, Shankar Poncelet.

Second Chances. I was in London a few years ago, when I learned AE Marketing Group was losing a customer brand - I didn't love the decision, but it happens - that's the agency business. I gave their excutive team my word we would handle the transition professionally and went on with my vacation. Years go by and again I find myself overseas on the phone with one of the executives from that old customer brand. Only now she's the decision-maker and CMO at a new organization. And just like that, over a spotty phone connection and 17-hour time zone difference we had a second chance. Melanie Draheim congrats on being named Chief Marketing Officer at Fox Communities Credit Union and thank you for the second chance. Because of your decision many Wisconsin creatives were given a second chance including David Haznaw, Mike Gillis, Lynne Fraser, Allison Lockwood-Due, Ryan Dembroski, Doug Birling, and more (including Clio's alum Graham Metzger).  We are all thrilled to embark on this journey with Fox - together. So remember - It matters to show up, do your best, be kind, add value, act professionally, and follow through because you never know who might call you on the way to the beach in Australia. BW #Marketing #MarketingAndAdvertising #Branding #Production #Creative #Wisconsin #FinSvcs #CreditUnion #CMO #CEO #Relationships #SecondChances #AgencyLife #Brand #BrandCreative #BrandStrategy

This is what Adorn Media LLP does – it's about setting the stage for excellence, crafting narratives that resonate, and delivering beyond expectations. And today, we take immense pride in spotlighting an exceptional employee - Shreya Ganediwal, a driving force behind our recent Dialled Campaign, whose dedication has not just garnered our admiration but has earned heartfelt appreciation directly from our esteemed clients. The accolade from our clients is not just a feather in her cap, it's a testament to the transformative power Adorn Media LLP has, leaving an indelible mark on our clients. At Adorn Media LLP, client appreciation isn't just a goal; it's a byproduct of our commitment to excellence. Shreya's ability to infuse each project with a unique blend of creativity and professionalism is a testament to our company’s ethos. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shreya for this well-deserved acknowledgement. Thank you, Shreya Ganediwal, for your unwavering passion, your tireless dedication, and the profound impact you consistently bring to our projects. As we celebrate this milestone, let it be a reminder of the heights we can achieve when commitment, dedication, and client satisfaction converge. Here's to many more shared successes and the continued brilliance that defines Adorn Media's journey! #AdornMediaExcellence #ClientAppreciation #ClientSatisfaction #TeamSuccess #CreativeInnovation #AdornMediaTriumphs #CollaborativeBrilliance #CelebratingAchievements #ClientRecognition #AdornMediaPride #InnovationInAction #TeamworkTriumphs

Sometimes agencies put themselves, and their internal teams, on the back burner. It often starts off well-intentioned. Just won a new client! Need to impress them! Gotta hold on to that big account! Go go go; give the clients what they want. We all know how this goes. It ain’t pretty. Want to know what the best teams I’ve led have in common? We keep ourselves on the front burner. That's where the magic happens. Ideas flow for front burner teams. Process makes it easier to bring these ideas to life. People are happy, growing, and stick around for years. The money rolls in. New projects come without pitching. And yes - the clients are happy. It’s a win for everyone. This is what my consultancy - Betts & Betz - is all about. Helping creative companies maximize their people, processes and profits. So that work actually works for people. If you’re an agency leader, let’s make sure your teams are on the front burner. I’ll mind that corner of the stove for you. bettsandbetz.com

It's always best to gradually shift into business changes with your client at their own pace, first locating their current status and then with belief take them where they need to be based off goals and merit. It is all a "team" process where both parties have the vision clear. 🤝 Great post by @Sage_comm and VP of Strategic Services, Bayard Brewin. #pr #mercibc #goals #TheSageWay

Boardroom coups and inspiring marketing On March 3, 2004, the annual Disney shareholder meeting in Philadelphia marked the climax of an ongoing battle between Roy E. Disney, Walt Disney's nephew, and Stanley P. Gold. Who both resigned from the Disney board after being muzzled by new policies which were made by Eisner to limit Roy and Stanley’s voices on the board. Roy and Stanley's resignations were a declaration of war against Eisner. This shareholder meeting proved to be the final blow, leading to Eisner first stepping down as chairman of the board and eventually as CEO, due to the successful campaign led by Roy and Stanley. This boardroom coup reveals a crucial lesson: stats alone don't win hearts. People want to connect with your company's spirit and purpose. In marketing, businesses often rely on data to showcase effectiveness, but these efforts often fall flat. Eisner and his advisors tried to prove his worth through numbers, but it was Roy Disney who captured the narrative. While Roy and Stanley did use data to support their claims, their campaign's core message resonated with shareholders and the public. They articulated Disney's lost identity and the need to return to its roots. This led to Eisner's departure and Bob Iger's appointment as the new CEO. The takeaway for business owners? Marketing isn't just about facts and figures. It's about sharing your company's heart and articulating its unique identity. #businessstories #marketing #disney #smallbusiness #localbusiness #smallbusinessmarketing

I have Swift Fatigue, but it looks like maybe I'm alone. Still, I think it's a bummer that more people have care about her attending a football game and her relationship than any of her major professional milestones in the last 6 months. Check out the full breakdown of what people read about the Super Bowl and our deeper dive into Taylor Swift:

Last month was my 10 year anniversary at Tombras. We've grown so much over that time, it would be easy to say the agency is unrecognizable when matched against its 2014 version. But that's simply not the case. Even then, Charles and Dooley's vision for the agency was clear, and our commitment to making aggressive, strategic moves in pursuit of that vision never wavered. A lot of the folks in this photo are evidence of that–– we've added immense talent and intellect to every department and discipline in the agency. The impact of AI disruption across the creative and media landscape will make the next decade the most challenging and transformative in the history of the industry. Our independence will allow Tombras to be one of the fastest to adapt, bringing new innovation opportunities to our client partners along the way. In this context, it strikes me that independence isn't just *a* thing about Tombras, but *the* thing that makes us who we are. And the thing that defines what we're capable of. On to the next 10 years.

Striking Balance Stuart Sullivan-Martin, worldwide chief of strategy officer and global head of creative solutions at Wavemaker, discusses the intricacies of the industry, his professional philosophies and more with Little Black Book

Last night’s recognition by PRWeek US, naming Edelman as the Agency Dynasty of the Past 25 Years, is a reflection of our collective effort and vision. I am grateful to my colleagues who work tirelessly to deliver on the founder’s promise, “It is great to be the largest firm. But we must always strive to be the best firm.” Read my reflections on this journey in my latest blog: https://edl.mn/3vd9Mr9