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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” 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 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 016 with Bobby Hershfield

By James Nieman | 10/04/2017 | in

This week on The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann interviews Bobby Hershfield, Partner and CCO at SS+K. Hershfield started his career in account management before eventually shifting over to copywriting during his time at Wieden+Kennedy, and since then he has spearheaded the creative for some of the world’s biggest name brands such as Dell, JCPenney, Target, CNN, and Johnson & Johnson.

Listen in as Hershfield talks about what makes an all-star account person, working with former A-List guests Eric Silver, Ty Montague and David Angelo, and why he ultimately took a pay cut to become a creative. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:19] Intro
[1:20 – 3:59] Hershfield talks about what it was like moving around a lot as a child, how he had to adjust, and meeting new people
[4:00 – 5:18] How Hershfield first discovered advertising from a Tom Hanks movie
[5:19 – 6: 53] Creative Writing at the University of Michigan, applying to letterman, and graduating in a recession
[6:54 – 11:01] Getting his first job at DDB in account management, being let go and having to work as a video store clerk before finally getting another job at Chiat\Day
[11:02 – 13:29] Working with Eric Silver, Ty Monague, David Angelo at Chiat\Day
[13:30 – 17: 34] The first “virtual office” and taking creative classes
[17:35 – 19:00] What makes an all-star account person?
[19:01 – 23:31] Hershfield’s mentors in account management, the feeling you get after he was let go, and the story of how he hung around until he was rehired
[23: 32 – 27:00] Accepting an offer at Wieden+Kennedy, the difference between New York and Portland, and how the culture at Wieden focused on the work and not the lifestyle
[27:01 – 31:19] Moving to New York to take a pay cut and shift to the creative side
[31:20 – 35: 24] Thinking irresponsibly and the different line of thinking you have to adopt to be a creative
[35:25 – 39:44] Working Albert Brooks for his first commercial
[39:45 – 43: 35] What it was like working under Ty Montague and the benefit of tough love
[43:36 – 47:20] Managing a team, being a mentor, and when you know it’s time to become a creative director
[47:21 – 53:47] What Bobby looks for in a young creative, what made Gerry Graf a special teacher, and the many advantages of attending Adhouse
[53: 48 – 54:43] 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 11 with Kash Sree

By James Nieman | 06/15/2017 | in

Podcast

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 Podcast: Episode 010 With Eric Silver

By James Nieman | 06/06/2017 | in

Podcast

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and Chief Creative Officer of DiMassimo Goldstein Tom Christmann chats with award-winning creative genius Eric Silver, McCann’s North American Chief Creative Officer. Since kicking off his career as a copywriter in the 90’s, Eric has left his creative mark on some of the top agencies across the country, working on many of the biggest brands in the world from Nike to ESPN. Recently, Eric brought us the renowned “Fearless Girl” statue that famously stares down Wall Street’s “Charging Bull”.

Tune in to hear Eric discuss his circuitous journey from aspiring attorney to copywriter, the value of attending ad school, and the one piece of advice he gives to new creatives entering the advertising industry today. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:25] Intro
[1:26 – 4:34] Eric’s childhood in Orange, CT and sneaking into movie theaters
[4:35 – 8:25] Attending law school in Los Angeles and realizing that law wasn’t right for him
[8:26 – 10:20] Considering a future in advertising for the first time after seeing a Nike ad
[10:21—17:19] Eric’s journey into advertising and why he advises young creatives to attend ad school
[17:20 – 21:15] Landing a job at Larsen Colby, finding his first partner and building a tribe
[21:16 – 30:10] David Angelo’s passionate speech at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York and moving to Earl Palmer Brown
[30:11 — 31:54] Eric and Tom’s advice to young creatives today
[31:55 – 35:07] Finding his mentors at Wieden & Kennedy
[35:08 – 44:07] Eric’s first big TV spot: the retail assignment nobody wanted
[44:08 – 49:15] Leaving advertising for David Letterman
[49:16 – 56:33] Working at Cliff Freeman & Partners, BBDO and DDB
[56:34 – 1:02:26] Collaborating with Rob Reilly on “The Fearless Girl”
[1:02:27 – 1:03:44] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 009 with Megan Skelly

By James Nieman | 06/01/2017 | in

The A-List Podcast

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 Podcast: Episode 008 with Rob Schwartz

By James Nieman | 05/17/2017 | in

A-List podcast

“Everything is interesting. If you find something boring, then you’re boring”

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. Full episode and 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.