Creating Tomorrow

Dear Friends,

For many years I was the head of what was arguably the largest internal training unit of a major international ad agency in continental Europe. It was not only my responsibility to outline a program and deliver key training modules myself. I also vetted interesting and innovative speakers to come and inspire our agency’s staff by reminding us all that there was something more to advertising than how quickly branding was establishing after the onset of a commercial or how large the packshot was at the end of the ad. These people came from many walks of life; e.g.:

• Market Research
• Actors and Actresses
• New Product Development Specialists
• Music Producers
• Animal Trainers
• Idea Management Trainers
• Music Television Researcher
• Recording Executives
• Comedians
• Television News Shows Hosts

You name it; over the course of the years I ran the program, we probably had it.

Although the present economic situation has blindsided advertising budgets around the world, and that has certainly taken its toll on training and development within the agency world, I was happy to see the folks at TBWA in Berlin have not totally crumbled under the pressure. By inviting John Hunt, their worldwide creative director, to their Berlin office to introduce his new book, The Art of the Idea, they are reminding their staff that looking outside the box and beyond the rim of your own plate is what keeps both your mind and your ideas fresh.

What better anecdote for the prevailing present paralysis of thought and deed!

Enjoy!

Trina