Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast

Hal Curtis, a Creative Director at Bespoke Brand Communications and a key player behind iconic campaigns at Wieden+Kennedy, shares his esteemed journey in advertising. He discusses the importance of storytelling that resonates emotionally, emphasizing principles of curiosity and integrity. Hal reflects on his transition from accounting to creativity, the shift from print to digital advertising, and the balance of strategic thinking with creative innovation. His insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring creatives looking to navigate the ever-evolving advertising landscape.

Jo Hayes, Executive Director of Strategy at Barbarian, never set out to be a strategist - but her unconventional path prepared her for it in ways she never expected. In this episode, Jo shares how running a dance studio in Hoboken taught her the fundamentals of business, data analysis, and client management. She discusses how every job she landed in advertising came through networking, emphasizing the importance of staying connected and always taking the call. Jo also reveals what she looks for when hiring strategists, why resumes don’t tell the full story, and how continuous learning is key to thriving in the industry. Connect with Jo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jomfhayes/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

Welcome to March Adness, our first-ever Agency Tagline Tournament. Inspired by the madness of March and the creativity of our industry. Joined by Ad Age’s Brian Bonilla, we put 32 real agency taglines head-to-head to see which ones stand out, resonate, and stick. From indie upstarts to iconic global shops, nothing is off limits as we break down what makes a great agency Tagline. Brackets were built. Bold choices were made. And it was all in good fun.Follow us on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/

The Crowbar Awards celebrate the brightest young minds in advertising, and this quarter’s winners - Alex Ward, Joe Wint, and Joy Zhou - are shaking up the industry. Their innovative campaign for AMC Theaters redefines audience engagement with interactive billboards and a fan-driven concessions model. In this episode, guest judge Nils Leonard, founder of Uncommon Creative Studio London, unpacks why their radical thinking stood out and how aspiring creatives can push beyond traditional advertising. Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ward-7b7898215/ Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-wint-155b6a23b/ Connect with Joy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-zhou-/ Connect with Nils: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nils-leonard-373b2b3/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

Dustin Tomes, CCO at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York, takes us through his journey from Crispin Porter + Boguski to leading a top creative agency. He shares lessons from working alongside industry leaders like Alex Boguski and David Droga, the role of resilience in career growth, and why creativity should be at the core of every discipline. Dustin discusses his leadership philosophy - being “hard on work, easy on people”- and the importance of fostering a culture where great ideas thrive. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at major campaigns like Hilton’s “Stay” and LG’s rebrand, balancing work and family, and his vision for the future of TBWA\Chiat\Day New York. Connect with Dustin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustintomes/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

In this episode, Tori Nygren, Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director of Hogwash Studios, shares her journey from starting as an assistant at Droga5 - without attending portfolio school - to leading a hybrid creative agency and production company. She discusses how her time at Uber shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and how Hogwash blends creative strategy with hands-on production for clients like Airbnb and World Central Kitchen. Tori also offers practical advice on breaking into advertising, navigating your first on-set production, and why persistence and understanding both creative and business roles are key to success.Connect with Tori: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-nygren/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

In this episode, we sit down with Marla Kaplowitz, CEO of the 4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies). Marla shares invaluable advice for aspiring and mid-level advertising professionals - from finding mentors and sponsors to embracing risks that accelerate career growth. We also dive into how the 4A’s supports agencies and individuals through resources, training, and industry insights. Whether you’re looking to land your first job, climb the ranks, or understand how to evaluate potential agencies, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you thrive.Connect with Marla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marla-kaplowitz-29113821/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

In this episode, we sit down with Fabio Ruffet, Vice President of Creative Brand and Content at Mars Wrigley. Fabio reveals how he transitioned from brand marketing at Bristol Myers Squibb to leading groundbreaking campaigns like Dove’s “Real Beauty” at Ogilvy, before returning to the brand side with Bacardi and now Mars Wrigley. He breaks down how his team balances long-term brand planning with fast, culturally responsive activations, and how working with agency partners like BBDO and adam&eveDDB helps bring iconic brands like Twix, Snickers, and M&M’s to life. Fabio shares how you can connect with him and what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-paced marketing landscape.Connect with Fabio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabioruffet/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

In this episode, Peter Bray, founder and ECD of Bray & Co, discusses how his agency prioritizes inspiration to fuel creativity. He explains the shift from traditional "magic box" solutions to collaborative, ongoing partnerships with clients, where the goal is to inspire and challenge brands to think differently and create lasting impact. Peter explains the agency's philosophy of inspiring not just the client, but the entire company. Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteralexbray/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

In this episode, Marcelo Kertesz, CMO of Manscaped, shares his journey from product design school to leading one of the most disruptive brands in men's grooming. He reveals how, during COVID, he took the initiative to propose a complete rebrand for Manscaped, which ultimately helped reshape the brand’s identity. Marcelo delves into the balance between creativity and strategy, the importance of team collaboration, and how Manscaped continues to push boundaries in branding and marketing.Connect with Marcelo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelo-kertesz-9a1b4a/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all