Advertising Age’s Creativity 50!

On Monday, AdAge came out with it’s annual Creativity 50 list, which celebrates what it sees as the 50 most creative people. I am hugely proud, not only because a dear friend is on the cover, but also because of the way my industry has finally begun to view creativity. For years in the industry, I’ve tried to bring a create approach to problem solving, media, storytelling, and even Account Management in general. I am incredibly impressed to see, not only a Community Activist like Reshma Saujani on the list, but also people from the gaming industry (like Legos), Health Care, Publishing, and Entertainment, in addition to the usual creative directors & producers. Thank you AdAge. AdAge’s Creativity 50

The Man Behind The Brand

Sir Richard Branson the restless media mogul never ceases to amaze the public. He always leaves us asking the question “what will he do next”?  It’s a fact that the Virgin brand has partnered with countless industries and verticals, but this article asks the question if the Virgin brand may be spreading itself too thin? Critics have claimed that his Virgin brand is unclear and accuse him of spending too much time on new ventures and too little on ensuring that the ones he already has prosper. The Virgin brand has always been flexible – current projects such as Virgin Galactic and Virgin Oceanic, very well may do well. Branson has started a healthy variety of companies under the Virgin umbrella, some of which have failed, some of which have succeeded. But it’s his ambition to solve problems that serves as inspiration to many, and in addition serves as their connection and admiration for the brand.  Branson has made the Virgin name synonymous with adventure, excitement, and entrepreneurship and with that energy comes a loyal following that will always be eager to see where he and the Virgin brand go next. “I am prepared to try anything once.” he has famously said. He is not afraid to take something on, try to make it better and fail. And because that in itself is his brand, we don’t believe that his many projects tarnish his brand.

Get Teddy Bear Hair

It’s a marketers dream – a movie made about a character that virtually embodies everything your brand does. A fun loving, playful, womanizing, potty mouth and cheeky Teddy Bear brought to life by non-other than Seth MacFarlane, the genius behind Family Guy. The in-film integration and marketing partnership between Universal/Fuzzy Door’s TED, and Unilever’s AXE brand is a brilliant one. (Full disclosure, MSD’s founder, Megha, worked on the AXE brand for 4 years.) I nearly fell over watching the scene in the film with Ted taking a rather feminine bubble bath, with a bottle of Axe Shampoo on the tub. I loved this irreverent placement – not too forced, but impactful. And the co-branded marketing does a great job embodying both brands. Frankly, I wish they went further with the integration – not just a funny spot but some more sharable bits. But Unilever can be proud of this one! Here is the hilarious spot: http://goo.gl/LFFzK