A-List Podcast Archives | DiGo - DiMassimo Goldstein

10 Lessons From Season 1 of The A-List

By James Nieman | 08/17/2018 | in

With season two of the A-List Podcast launching soon, we wanted to first take a look back at Season one and compile some of our favorite clips into one episode for your listening pleasure.

With over 15+ hours of insightful interviews to sift through, this was no easy task. Each episode is jam-packed with insights, incredible stories, and lessons that would prove valuable to any young creative looking to break into the industry.

With that said, the episode below contains some key takeaways from season 1. Ten lessons from ten different A-listers. Have at it, and stay tuned for more updates on season 2!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 2:47] Intro
[2:48 – 9:00] Terri Meyer & Sandy Greenberg on the importance of a strong client relationship
[9:01 – 10:39] Omid Farhang shares Alex Bogusky’s philosophy of “Malicious Obedience”
[10:40 – 14:02] David Baldwin shares why young creatives should be looking for a good boss, not a company
[14:03 – 17:28] Paul Caiozzo talks about the importance of consistency
[17:29 – 23:47] Why Kash Sree thinks that sometimes, it’s better to stay stupid
[23:48 – 30:17] Rob Schwartz talks about the value of having a mentor
[30:18 – 35:15] Gerry Graf discusses why young creatives should embrace failure rather than be afraid of it
[35:16 – 37:10] Megan Skelly on the importance of humility
[37:11 – 41:03] Jill Applebaum on the dangers of being too picky when looking for a job
[41:04 – 46:10] Greg Hahn on why self-delusion can be a valuable tool
[46:11 – 48:20] Outro

*REMINDER: Fall registration for AdHouse classes has begun! Sign up today and learn from A-listers in the agencies they work! To sign up, click HERE.

“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.

The A-List Podcast: Episode 20 with David Baldwin

By James Nieman | 04/05/2018 | in

On the latest installment of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by David Baldwin, the founder and CEO of Baldwin&, an ad agency based in Raleigh, North Carolina, that was named Small Agency of the Year twice in its first five years. Baldwin is also the former chairman of the One Club in NYC and was an executive producer for the Emmy Award-winning film Art & Copy.

His advertising has been recognized by The One Show, Cannes, D&D, the Clios, the Effies, the Andy Awards, and more.

Tune in as Baldwin and Christmann share stories from working under some of Advertising’s most famous superheroes, talk about the challenges facing the industry today, offer sound advice to young creatives, and much more. Episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 2:22] Intro
[2:23 – 5:49] Growing up in a little West Texas town and being in advertising since age 12
[5:50 – 10:39] Superheroes of the industry, being interviewed by Gary Goldsmith, and living on floors in Manhattan
[10:40 – 15:00] The importance of humility and Baldwin’s transformative educational experience at the University of Texas
[15:01 – 16:44] Baldwin talks about getting hired by McCaffrey McCall and his first assignment as a copywriter
[16:45 – 18:15] Baldwin shares stories about his first partner, Steve Rutter
[18:16 – 24:40] The story behind the Emmy Award-winning film Art & Copy
[24:41 – 28:19] Working under Jerry Della Femina at Della Femina Travisano & Partners and the influential book From Those Wonderful Folks Who Gave You Pearl Harbor
[28:20 – 32:15] Moving from NYC to Portland to work for Cole & Weber and how it was a defining moment for his career
[32:16 – 34:40] The existential conversation that led to Baldwin starting his own agency
[34:41 – 36:49] Baldwin&’s ethos, being benevolently selfish, and living your point of view
[36:50 – 39:02] The criticized McDonald’s Women’s Day stunt and why he loves working for companies that create positive impact in the world
[39:03 – 42:30] The Polaris Duel Campaign he spearheaded at McKinney
[42:31 – 44:13] Baldwin discusses his writing process
[44:14 – 46:15] Facebook’s recent scandal, how the industry is changing, and the pros and cons of being an independent agency
[46:16 – 50:27] Creating his own brand, Ponysaurus Brewing Company
[50:28 – 53:25] Baldwin talks about why he started his agency in North Carolina and why young people should look for a boss to work for, not just a company
[53:26 – 56:54] How Baldwin is building more doors into his agency, being committed to creativity, and what he’s excited for moving forward
[56:55 – 58:00] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 019 with Paul Caiozzo

By James Nieman | 02/20/2018 | in

After a short hiatus, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann returns to the booth for another exciting (and hilarious) episode of The A-List Podcast! This time, he’s joined by Paul Caiozzo, an award-winning creative and the cofounder of Office of Baby, a youngish creative independent agency that’s mature enough to work for companies like Google, Etsy, Zocdoc, and StreetEasy. Before starting his own agency, Paul served as the executive creative director at Goodby Silverstein & Partners.

In this inspiring interview, Paul shares the unique story behind how he got into advertising, how negativity is poison, the challenges and balancing act of starting a new business, why creativity is still the core of advertising, and where he sees the future of the industry. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:36] Intro
[1:37 – 4:59] The meaning behind the name “Office of Baby”
[5:00 – 8:08] Looking back on his time freelancing, Paul shares the lessons he learned from being around a variety of different agencies
[8:09 – 15:20] The power of remaining positive, even in the face of uncomfortable situations
[15:21 – 18:03] How a young web designer from Long Island found himself at a start up in Silicon Valley.
[18:04 – 20:25] Paul shares the inspiring story of how a favor for a friend turned into a lifelong passion for advertising
[20:26 – 24:20] Packing up his life in San Francisco and leaving to go an advertising school in Atlanta, where he discovered how ideas can be applied to art
[24:21 – 28:27] The mentor who convinced Paul to stay in the industry after a rocky start
[28:28 – 31:29] What he’s learned from starting a business and how to deal with the challenges that come with it
[31:30 – 35:08] Paul shares some of his favorite philosophies he learned working under advertising legend Alex Bogusky at Crispin Porter + Bogusky
[35:09 – 38:33] Paul reflects on his time as the executive creative director of Goodby Silverstein & Partners, building a satellite office and selling a vision
[38:34 – 40:34] Tom and Paul chat about “global agencies” and how the fragmentation of people solving a problem can be a problem of its own
[40:35 – 49:06] The current landscape of advertising, and how even in a sea of data and numbers, creativity still reigns supreme
[49:07 – 1:01:29] The future of Office of Baby, the company’s vision, why you should never chase money, and how being kind to others will ultimately reward you
[1:01:30 – 1:02:22] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 017 With Tom Christmann

By Team DIGO | 11/29/2017 | in

On a very special edition of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann switches seats and becomes the interviewee. Lauren Slaff, founder, president, and director of podcast sponsor Adhouse Advertising School plays the role of host as the two longtime friends talk about conquering fears, the importance of leaving your ego at the door, creating a personal brand, and so much more. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 2:30] Into
[2:31 – 6:32] Growing up in New Jersey, and how his childhood love to draw and write stories was inspired by his father “Mongo”
[6:34 – 13:32] Tom talks about the benefit of going to college in Manhattan and the difficulty of getting a job in the recession
[13:33 – 20:11] Getting his first gig at Ogilvy direct, and how young creatives can promote themselves today
[20:12 – 22:39] Living on his own for the first time in Hoboken and rebuilding his portfolio after two years at Ogilvy
[22:40 –24:05] The transition from a big direct agency to working at Kirschenbaum
[24:06 – 31:38] Tom talks about the nerves he first had when meeting Richard Kirschenbaum, why he shaved his mullet, and growing up in the industry
[31:39 – 36:14] Working at the agency of the future, TBWA/Chiat Day
[36:15 – 41:40] Tom recalls his time working with people he long admired in Gerry Graf and Eric Silver at BBDO, and the speech that saved him from being fired.
[41:41 – 48:29] Creating a personal brand and entering into the Freelance world. The importance of personal toughness.
[48:30 – 50:57] Writing every day, the value of being yourself and getting people to start knowing you for your thinking.
[50:58 – 53:10] Networking. Getting over social anxiety and conquering fears
[53:11 – 56:36] Tom gives advice to young creatives and sheds light on an amazing industry
[56:37 – 57:32] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 014 with Roger Camp

By James Nieman | 08/17/2017 | in

In the latest episode of “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by the hilarious Roger Camp, Partner and Chief Creative Officer of San Francisco based Camp+King. During his 20+ years in advertising, Camp has been awarded every major creative award under the sun and has worked on some of the world’s biggest brands, such as Amazon, Nike, Virgin Atlantic, Coca-Cola, and Adidas. He’s about as A-list as they come.

Tune in to hear all about how Camp likes to get naked with his dad, the three-fail rule, how to make brands and businesses conversation worthy, and much much more. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:36] Intro
[1:37 – 7:08] Roger talks about growing up in Jersey, getting naked with his salt of the earth father, and his childhood aspirations of becoming an artist
[7:09 – 10:24] Attending SVA and falling in love with advertising
[10:25 – 19:30] The importance of being able to make mistakes, Roger’s first ads, and working on Comedy Central
[19:31 – 22:48] Heroes in the industry, getting fired, and the power of remaining optimistic
[22:49 – 27:53] Roger discusses his short stint at BBDO and finally getting a gig at Cliff Freeman & Partners
[27:54 – 31:28] The culture at Camp + King and the importance of working with people you like
[31:29 – 35:54] The importance of a brand voice and more advice for young writers
[35:55 – 37:44] Brand behaviors
[37:45 – 41:59] Cliff Freeman’s “Cliffisms”
[42:00 – 49:00] Working at Wieden+Kennedy, the actors strike, and the value of a planner
[49:01 – 51:49] The Camp+King positioning and being conversation worthy
[51:50 – 52:41] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 013 with Bill Oberlander

By Team DIGO | 07/26/2017 | in

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, Intel, Snapple, Target, Coach, Bloomberg, and Nikon. 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 Podcast: Episode 012 with Dan Kelleher

By Team DIGO | 06/28/2017 | in

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