Maintaining Integrity and Avoiding Superficiality in the Agency World

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Buonaguidi, AKA Real Hackney Dave. He is Hackney-based artist who combines the visual and verbal language of advertising and propaganda with unique imagery and materials of found objects and ephemera.

In a previous life, Dave worked in advertising for over 35 years, founding several creative agencies including St. Luke’s, 4Creative and Karmarama. In 2003 he created the iconic MAKE TEA NOT WAR poster for the anti-war march. It now is part of the collection at the V&A and hangs in the Trento museum of modern art. He also played cricket for Italy.

He is 59 and Dave shares his journey with unfiltered honesty, from the moment we sit down. Dave's story is about defying norms, facing life's challenges, and finding his true calling in the art world.

Dave isn't and wasn't your typical boardroom executive. He loves chaos and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. At 50, Dave had a wake-up call. Friends were passing away, his parents were getting older, and he realised that life is short. This pushed him to make some significant changes. Those experiences taught him a lot and ultimately led him to his true passion and pulling the plug on everything in his life - the worst 3 years of his life.

Dave doesn't shy away from sharing his personal struggles. He opens up about a dark incident from his past, the end of his marriage, and the challenges and life. He talks about feeling ashamed and the pressure to fit into societal norms.

Finding happiness was a journey for Dave. He emphasises the importance of discovering what you love and going after it with everything you've got. His story is all about resilience and pursuing happiness on your own terms.

Generosity and genuine connections are crucial to Dave. He believes that being open and saying "yes" to opportunities can lead to amazing experiences. Now, Dave lives a stress-free life, embracing who he is without any hidden agendas. He encourages others to be themselves and to act with kindness.

Throughout our conversation, Dave shares some incredible insights. He talks about growing up in a challenging environment, overcoming personal demons, and the pressure he faced in the advertising industry. He also shares how he found joy at 50 and beyond. He is looking forward to the next decade.

Join us for this inspiring and in parts hilarious conversation with Real Hackney Dave as he shares his unique perspective on life, advertising, art, and the importance of living your life not someone else's. Whether you're looking for motivation or just a good story, this episode is not to be missed.

Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Real Hackney Dave's candid reflections and unapologetic approach to life.

Dave #YouAreAClassOfYourOwn

Guest:
https://www.instagram.com/realhackneydavehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/david-buonaguidi-79b4982

Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997
Watch on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad

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Website:
https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast

Host: Mira Magecha
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha
https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha
Creative Director: Alex Payne
https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne
Editor: Josh Partridge
https://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker
Music: Jay Witsey
https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey

Episode bought to you by: play for change
https://www.playforchange.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/play_forchange
https://www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd