Talking to Ourselves Ari Weiss
May 7, 2018
Ari Weiss, Chief Creative Officer of DDB North America, is a trailblazer in advertising, celebrated for his award-winning campaigns for Axe, Playstation, and Netflix. He shares insights about his unique upbringing, influenced by pop culture and sibling rivalry. Ari offers a candid look at creativity under pressure, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the balance between legacy and innovation. He reflects on the challenges of collaboration, jealousy, and the necessity of nurturing talent in the ever-evolving advertising landscape.
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Ari's Upbringing
- Ari Weiss grew up in Berkeley, California, where his parents initially pursued a "hippie" lifestyle.
- They later transitioned into a successful jewelry business after trading Native American jewelry.
Sibling Dynamics
- Ari, the eldest of four siblings, jokingly suggests he was the COO of the Weiss children.
- He admits to sibling rivalry, particularly with his brother Adam.
Early Career Setback
- Ari Weiss initially faced rejection from BBH in 1999 after submitting his book.
- He later became CCO of BBH, drawing a humorous comparison to Michael Jordan's basketball journey.