The A-List Podcast

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann chats with his long-time friend and former boss, Bill Oberlander, the executive creative director at OBERLAND. Bill has worked as a creative executive at many top agencies, including JWT New York, Cossette New York, McCann Erickson, Ogilvy & Mather, and Kirshenbaum Bond + Partners. Working on such global accounts as Microsoft, Estee Lauder, Intel and Nike, Bill has helped reinvent brands with his iconic and transformational campaigns.

Tune in as Bill and Tom discuss what it takes to break into advertising in New York City, why philanthropy is important for both brands and people, and how today’s creatives can build a portfolio that gives Bill goosebumps.

Show Notes:

• [0:00 – 2:05] Intro

• [2:06 – 5:17] Bill and Tom discuss working together at Kirshenbaum

• [5:18 – 8:23] Bill’s childhood in South Amboy, NJ, attending an all-boys Catholic high school, and dreaming of a future in the arts

• [8:24 – 13:25] Studying business communications and visual communications at the University of Delaware, and falling in love with advertising

• [13:26 – 15:17] Moving to NYC, couch surfing, and landing his first advertising gig

• [15:18 – 19:49] Becoming an art director at McCaffrey & McCall

• [19:50 – 30:57] Learning the ropes at McCann, working on the Coca-Cola account, and scheduling his first shoot without client approval

• [30:58 – 35:08] Being recruited by Richard Kirshenbaum as his art director, and faking it until he made it

• [35:09 – 41:13] Bill’s first big campaign at Kirshenbaum: El Presidente Spiced Brandy

• [41:14 – 48:49] Reinventing Snapple with the famous “Snapple Lady” campaign

• [48:50 – 56:49] Working at Robin Hood Foundation, the importance of building brands with purpose, and launching Oberland

• [56:50 – 61:16] What Bill looks for when reviewing portfolios today

• [61:17 – 62:44] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

In the latest episode of “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann sits down with creative maestro Dan Kelleher, Chief Creative Officer at Deutsch. Dan has worked at many of the world’s most renowned agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi, BBDO, Cliff Freeman & Partners, and DeVito/Verdi. His work for brands such as BMW, DIRECTV, General Mills, FedEx, and Guinness has earned some of the industry’s top awards. Bill Clinton once said that his favorite commercials were the “Cable Effects” spots for DIRECTV, which Kelleher helped bring to life. Dan was also responsible for bringing us the BMW Super Bowl ad, “Newfangled Idea,” which Ad Age ranked among the best Super Bowl ads of all time.

Tune in to hear Dan discuss how perseverance paved his path to success, what today’s creatives can learn from the “funny vs. not funny” wall, and why honesty is the key to great client relationships.

Show Notes

• [0:00 – 1:35] Intro

• [1:36 – 7:04] Growing up in Plainfield, New Jersey, being passionate about art and deciding that medical illustration wasn’t the right field for him

• [7:05 – 11:35] The Rocky of advertising: how perseverance landed him his first job in the print production department of Ammirati & Puris

• [11:36 – 20:39] Working on his portfolio, attending ad school, and learning the ropes from great bosses

• [20:40 – 29:32] Getting hired in his first creative role as junior art director at DeVito/Verdi

• [29:33 – 34:36] Moving to Cliff Freeman & Partners and selling his first TV spot for Staples

• [34:37 – 43:44] Lessons for young creatives from the “funny vs. not funny” wall

• [43:45 – 49:14] Dan and Tom discuss their time at BBDO working for Gerry Graf

• [49:15 – 54:32] Working at BBDO, getting more client interaction, and filming with Burt Reynolds

• [54:33 – 59:50] The importance of honesty in developing great client relationships

• [59:51 – 62:24] The value of building a strong agency culture

• [62:25 – 69:20] What Dan looks for in a portfolio today and his one piece of advice for young creatives

• [62:21 – 70:50] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe to and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like “The A-List” Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The A-List Podcast: Episode 11 with Kash Sree

In this week’s episode of “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann chats with the brilliant Kash Sree, Group Creative Director at gyro New York. Kash has worked at many of the top agencies across the world, from SS&K to Perreira & O’Dell, JWT, BBH New York, and Wieden + Kennedy. Working on such global accounts as Vaseline, DeBeers, Axe, Nintendo and Nike, Kash has helped create some of the industry’s most iconic campaigns, including Nike’s “Hackeysack” spot with Tiger Woods. Kash was also the recipient of an Emmy and a Cannes Grand Prix for his inspiring work on two different Nike campaigns in the same year.

Tune in to hear Kash discuss his journey from martial arts teacher to art director to copywriter, what he looks for in creative talent today, and why kindness – to yourself and others – is key. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

• [0:00 – 1:55] Intro

• [1:56 – 7:42] Growing up in East London, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken every day, and trying not to be noticed at school.

• [7:43 – 10:20] Working as a kung fu instructor and trading in martial arts for design school

• [10:21 – 18:19] Beginning his journey into advertising and proving his professor wrong

• [18:20 – 20:52] The importance of research in being a great creative and making a great ad

• [20:53 – 30:05] Getting fired from Ogilvy after 5 months and moving to Singapore

• [30:06 – 34:22] Learning to stand up for his work and switching from art direction to copywriting

• [34:23 – 39:05] Getting a crash course in advertising

• [39:06 – 44:09] Seeking inspiration in culture and applying lessons from martial arts to advertising

• [44:10 – 50:12] “Staying stupid” to avoid bad briefs

• [50:13 – 61:43] Being motivated by fame, getting sued and winning an award

• [61:44 – 69:42] How today’s creatives can impress Kash

• [69:43 – 71:06] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The podcast that asks the world's top advertising professionals how they got started in the business. Hosted by Tom Christmann, CCO of DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency in New York City.

Eric Silver by DiMassimo Goldstein

The podcast that asks the world's top advertising professionals how they got started in the business. Hosted by Tom Christmann, CCO of DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency in New York City.

In the ninth episode of “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann chats with his long-time friend Megan Skelly, the Group Executive Creative Director at R/GA. Megan has been the creative lead on some of the world’s biggest name brands such as Coca-Cola, Target, Stella Artois, and most recently Verizon Wireless. Last year, Business Insider named her one of the “30 Most Creative Women in Advertising” – an honor that she fully deserves.

Tune in and hear Megan and Tom talk about their time together at Kirshenbaum, stepping over dead bodies, not being afraid to be stupid and so much more. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[00:00 – 01:36] Intro

[01:37 – 09:24] Megan talks about her childhood in Connecticut and her aspirations of becoming a painter

[09:25 – 13:40] Living on a pull out couch for three years in Westport and trying to get a job in the recession

[13:41 – 19:20] Moving to New York City and working at Wonderman

[19:21 – 26:00] Megan talks about her role models in the industry

[26:01 – 31:03] Working on Cablevision at KBS and becoming a storyteller

[31:04 – 37:16] “Making it”, using fear as a motivator, and trusting the process

[37:17 – 44:20] Not being afraid to be stupid and knowing your strengths

[44:21 – 46:05] Why the industry is more exciting today than ever

[46:06 – 54:50] The different DNA of R/GA

[54:41 – 55:52] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

In the ninth episode of “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann chats with his long-time friend Megan Skelly, the Group Executive Creative Director at R/GA. Megan has been the creative lead on some of the world’s biggest name brands such as Coca-Cola, Target, Stella Artois, and most recently Verizon Wireless. Last year, Business Insider named her one of the “30 Most Creative Women in Advertising” – an honor that she fully deserves.

Tune in and hear Megan and Tom talk about their time together at Kirshenbaum, stepping over dead bodies, not being afraid to be stupid and so much more. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[00:00 – 01:36] Intro

[01:37 – 09:24] Megan talks about her childhood in Connecticut and her aspirations of becoming a painter

[09:25 – 13:40] Living on a pull out couch for three years in Westport and trying to get a job in the recession

[13:41 – 19:20] Moving to New York City and working at Wonderman

[19:21 – 26:00] Megan talks about her role models in the industry

[26:01 – 31:03] Working on Cablevision at KBS and becoming a storyteller

[31:04 – 37:16] “Making it”, using fear as a motivator, and trusting the process

[37:17 – 44:20] Not being afraid to be stupid and knowing your strengths

[44:21 – 46:05] Why the industry is more exciting today than ever

[46:06 – 54:50] The different DNA of R/GA

[54:41 – 55:52] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The podcast that asks the world's top advertising professionals how they got started in the business. Hosted by Tom Christmann, CCO of DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency in New York City.

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann is joined in the studio by Rob Schwartz, the Chief Executive Officer at TBWA\CHIAT\DAY New York. Before becoming CEO, Schwartz enjoyed a long and very successful career as a creative, winning nearly every advertising award under the sun and spearheading the creative behind some of the world’s most recognized brands such as Nissan, McDonald’s, VISA, and Thomson Reuters, among others. Rob is also the host of his own podcast titled “The Disruptor Series,” for which he interviews people who are disrupting business culture and life.

In this episode, Tom and Schwartz break down the differences and similarities between agencies in LA and New York, discuss the managerial prowess of pirates, and talk about how the position of CEO is still very much a creative role. Show notes below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:02] Intro

[1:03 – 4:12] Rob’s childhood in New York and aspirations of becoming a writer

[4:13 – 9:30] Rob’s story of tearing up his LSAT during the test

[9:31 – 11:20] Rob’s experience in a leadership training school

[11:21 – 15:50] The epiphany that ultimately launched Rob’s advertising career

[15:51 – 20:43] Becoming an ad geek historian

[20:44 – 26:50] Mentorship and the value of work ethic

[26:51 – 28:59] The fear of failure

[29:00 – 34:20] The difference between agencies in LA and New York

[34:21 – 36:27] Working with supreme talent at Team One

[36:28 – 39:20] Catching the eye of Chiat

[39:21 – 47:20] The transition from a creative to a CEO and why it’s cooler to be the pirates than the navy

[47:21 – 50:17] Rob’s advice to young creatives

[50:18 – 52:13] The future of advertising

[52:14 – 55:52] Recommended books and “The Disruptor Series”

[55:53 – 56:56] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann is joined in the studio by Rob Schwartz, the Chief Executive Officer at TBWA\CHIAT\DAY New York. Before becoming CEO, Schwartz enjoyed a long and very successful career as a creative, winning nearly every advertising award under the sun and spearheading the creative behind some of the world’s most recognized brands such as Nissan, McDonald’s, VISA, and Thomson Reuters, among others. Rob is also the host of his own podcast titled “The Disruptor Series,” for which he interviews people who are disrupting business culture and life.

In this episode, Tom and Schwartz break down the differences and similarities between agencies in LA and New York, discuss the managerial prowess of pirates, and talk about how the position of CEO is still very much a creative role. Show notes below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:02] Intro

[1:03 – 4:12] Rob’s childhood in New York and aspirations of becoming a writer

[4:13 – 9:30] Rob’s story of tearing up his LSAT during the test

[9:31 – 11:20] Rob’s experience in a leadership training school

[11:21 – 15:50] The epiphany that ultimately launched Rob’s advertising career

[15:51 – 20:43] Becoming an ad geek historian

[20:44 – 26:50] Mentorship and the value of work ethic

[26:51 – 28:59] The fear of failure

[29:00 – 34:20] The difference between agencies in LA and New York

[34:21 – 36:27] Working with supreme talent at Team One

[36:28 – 39:20] Catching the eye of Chiat

[39:21 – 47:20] The transition from a creative to a CEO and why it’s cooler to be the pirates than the navy

[47:21 – 50:17] Rob’s advice to young creatives

[50:18 – 52:13] The future of advertising

[52:14 – 55:52] Recommended books and “The Disruptor Series”

[55:53 – 56:56] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The podcast that asks the world's top advertising professionals how they got started in the business. Hosted by Tom Christmann, CCO of DiMassimo Goldstein, an inspiring action agency in New York City.

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and chief creative officer of DiMassimo Goldstein Tom Christmann chats with the one and only Gerry Graf, founder and chief creative officer of Barton F. Graf.

Before starting his own agency, Graf spent the better half of two decades making award-winning creative for some of the most well-respected agencies in the world, such as Goodby Silverstein and Partners, BBDO, TBWA/Chiat Day, and Saatchi among others. For his outstanding work, Business Insider would later label him “The Most Creative Man in Advertising”.

Tune in as Gerry tells Tom all about his time writing for the “SNL of Notre Dame”, hunting rats in Venice Beach, the importance of making your own opportunities and why creativity is valued more today than ever. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

• [0:00 – 1:42] Intro

• [1:43 – 4:56] Tom and Gerry’s past at BBDO and what it was like growing up in Lexington, MA

• [4:57 – 7:30] Going pre-med to Notre Dame

• [7:31 – 13:07] Writing for the Keenan Revue – the SNL of Notre Dame

• [13:08 – 14:23] Post Notre Dame life and hunting rats in Venice Beach for six months

• [14:24 – 17:15] Hating life as a stockbroker for two years in Boston

• [17:15 – 22:03] Gery’s first portfolio, getting denied from agencies, and the introduction of Ken Fitzgerald

• [22:04 – 25:48] Being offered a job at Saatchi & Saatchi while on a payphone in Grand Central

• [25:49 – 27:13] The walk of shame

• [27:14 – 29:22] Emulating Cliff Freeman

• [29:23 – 37:50] Gerry’s “pull the rug” copywriting trick and getting his big break on Snickers while at BBDO

• [37:51 – 44:54] Working at Goodby and finally Reuniting with Ken Fitzgerald after over a decade

• [44:55 –50:25] Making your own opportunities, asking the right questions and not giving up

• [50:26 – 52:43] Selling and maintaining a good idea

[52:44 – 57: 42] Getting in the industry today and valuing creativity

[57:43 – 58:57] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.