I am in the throes of Cannes FOMO, not because I just wanted to go, but because I wanted to have work in the show. I can’t shake it. I'm VCU Brandcenter, through and through. So, I’m OPEN FOR WORK again as a creative.
In 2015, I told Cindy Gallop and the audience at the The 3% Movement that “I wouldn’t work for a job that didn’t work for me.” But, it still holds true. To the agencies and brands, I say:
1) LOVE ME, OR LEAVE ALONE: I am many things. I’ve been advised multiple times (and it was likely correct) to leave more than half of myself at the door, when looking for a creative leadership role. But, nah. I am who I am. I’m also way too seasoned to be a CD, but not seasoned enough to be a CCO (although some of my ad peeps say otherwise.) In addition to creative direction and copywriting, coaching is my superpower. A DEI perspective is more important than ever. And, travel is life. And, all of this makes me an exceptional people leader.
2) PAY ME: I’m a blessing, not a bargain. This is my 25th year in the industry. I know what I'm doing. I know what people make and most importantly, I know what I’m worth. I bring a lot to organizations because there’s no one else quite like me. See point 1.
3) DON’T BULLSH*T ME: If your leadership is more interested in optics than my talent, I’m not the one. I want to be OF USE because of my difference, not USED FOR my difference. The latter is a form of tokenism and I have walked off a gig because the intent was to use me as a figurehead. I am many things, but a token is not one of them. See point 1.
4) NYC IS NOT A DEALBREAKER: I’m open to 2-3 days hybrid, as long as I can get back to NYC as often as possible, preferably each week. *Adds mom of two teen girls to the list of things I am.*
5) DON’T DAWDLE: Returning to the ad business is like reconsidering a bad relationship. Will it really be different this time?? Probably not. So, let's not waste any time. This Cannes halo effect may dissipate as quickly as it appeared!
Go ahead, judge me: https://thebrownscribe.com
#CannesFOMO #PutItOutThere #SeeWhatComesBack