Cam Blackley and Dave Bowman discuss career tips and Snapchat's origin in a fun chat. They explore creative success, innovative campaigns, challenges in the industry, and the importance of finding the right creative environment. The episode also touches on music journeys and bizarre hypothetical scenarios.
Luck-driven entry into advertising led to successful career growth.
Importance of mentorship and generosity in creative leadership.
Embracing innovative campaigns while overcoming challenges for impactful outcomes.
Deep dives
Transition into the Creative Industry
Starting his creative journey with a luck-driven entry into advertising through a work experience position, the individual began their career during a communications degree. Turning down various temporary job opportunities and immersing themselves in different work environments, they eventually landed a position in an advertising agency through a unique and somewhat accidental work experience stint. Their passion for creativity and willingness to learn and adapt led them to embrace various responsibilities, honing their skills amid supportive colleagues while navigating the challenges and competitiveness of the creative industry.
Navigating Career Moves and Creative Leadership
Experiencing career transitions from various creative roles in different countries, including New Zealand and the United States, the individual highlighted the importance of generosity and mentorship in creative leadership. Working with influential figures like Michael Sullivan and Mike at Sachi, they learned the value of guiding and supporting fellow creatives, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional development. Embracing opportunities to grow and contribute to creative projects, they emphasized the significance of transparency, trust, and strategic decision-making in driving successful creative outcomes.
Challenges and Successes in Creative Projects
Engaging in innovative and at times controversial creative ventures, the individual shared insights into their experiences with executing unconventional campaigns and overcoming legal and logistical challenges. Notable projects, like the beer relay concept for Two E's, demonstrated their ability to navigate client expectations and regulatory boundaries while maintaining creativity and humor. Despite facing obstacles such as legal threats and client absences during shoots, they found fulfillment in delivering impactful and memorable campaigns, balancing creative freedom with client collaboration for successful project outcomes.
Career Journey and Evolution in Advertising Industry
The podcast episode delves into the speaker's career journey in the advertising industry, highlighting key career transitions and decisions. Initially, the speaker describes negotiating various job opportunities, including working with different agencies, before ultimately co-founding their own agency, Special Group. The narrative then unfolds into the challenges faced in leading a department post-client losses and navigating the pitching process to revitalize the business. The discussion further touches upon the speaker's pivotal role in winning significant clients like IAG insurance and SGIO, showcasing the importance of effective teamwork and strategic transparency in achieving business success.
Transition to Google Zoo and Creative Innovation
The latter part of the podcast episode shifts focus towards the speaker's transition to Google Zoo and their role as the creative chief, emphasizing the unique creative approach at Google. The speaker elaborates on the division's mission to blend technology with creativity to create groundbreaking brand experiences. They highlight Google's user-centric approach and the diverse spectrum of creative opportunities within the company. The discussion contrasts the traditional advertising creativity with Google's engineering-focused creativity, emphasizing the collaborative and innovative environment at Google Zoo that fosters unconventional and pioneering ideas.
In this episode, Cam Blackley talks to Dave Bowman about his new role as Creative Chief at Google Zoo, his tips on getting a career for a 21st birthday present, and his dubious role in the invention of Snapchat.