Consulting has been an exciting rollercoaster this year, here are the highs and lows.
Highlights
Strategy spice cupboard
Consulting has opened me up to an amazing group of clients working on a diverse range of strategy assignments.
Uber, I created the global creative strategy for their high capacity vehicle (Uber Van)
Disney, I ran a scouting strategy workshop, uncovering their brand and comms strategy for one of their brands for 2020
Facebook, I ran comms planning workshops across the Americas (Sao Paolo, LA, and Toronto)
Girlboss, I worked on an acquisition strategy for their new online platform
Gallo Wines, I helped redesign their integrated marketing communication process for their 80+ wines
I worked with some great agencies too, DDB, Deutsch, FCB, 21CB and Saatchi & Saatchi on a variety of projects from strategy operations to comms planning work sessions.
SuperSizer Strategy Masterclass
With my partner in crime Mark Pollard, we were able to run strategy classes to over 250 strategists in NYC, Chicago, LA, London, and Sao Paolo. An off-hand comment on a podcast turned into an opportunity to travel around the world with a good mate doing what we love.
9,000 new pen pals
Planning Dirty newsletter growth has been bananas. Growing to 19,800 subscribers an additional 9,000 new subscribers in 2019. Three big things changed this year;
Design, collabs, and translators.
Davis Ballard came on and made my shit look hot, I opened myself up to collaborating with more folks, and I had an amazing group of translators helping the message get out to more strategists.
If you would like to see the 26 strategy decks from 2019, it’s in the latest newsletter or you can sign up to the newsletter here.
Planning Dirty Academy
I have always liked teaching and now with the academy online I get to do it every week. In less than 6 months it has grown to over 300 members and the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. You can sign up here.
Contagious Collabs
I’ve always been a big fan of Contagious and now we’re creating a course together on creating innovative campaigns. You have less than 48 hours to sign up for the early bird price of $199 (Available till December 19th).
Lowlights
Loneliness
It sucks. Having been a social person I was surprised to experience it in a serious way this year.
Consulting from home and moving to LA led to me not really speaking to many people every week and feeling isolated with everything being so far away.
A drainer for an extrovert.
Having spoken to a number of middle-aged guys, it seems that I’m not alone and that it’s an unspoken truth. Seeing how much it impacts all other facets of my life it seems like something that deserves more attention.
Thinking is great, making is better.
As a hired brain you don’t get to see the work all the way through to completion. Next year I’m going to get closer to the making of work.
Leadership muscle
Managing the Comms Planning team at BBDO was a career highlight. I loved growing as a manager and learning how to be a better leader. Working by yourself that muscle fades away.
Big Moves 2020
I’m excited about 2020, I’ve learned a lot and Amber and I are making a move back to NYC. So if you have a strategy assignment (>$25K) and would like to collaborate shoot me an email.
Have a great holidays and I wish you all the best in knocking it out of the park in 2020!
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