Call To Action

This week, we tracked a trail through deserts, glaciers, coral reefs, paddy fields, palaces, the DMZ between the two Koreas and an Italian hilltop to catch a copywriter with a lifetime of wild experience behind him. Ciao, Andrew Jolliffe.  For 25 years he’s written ads, strategies, thought starters, content, manifestos and copy. Some of those have won him prizes in Cannes, Paris and New York, but more importantly, he still adores writing them. In an age where concepts cast shadows over craft, Andrew is a true craftsman.  Full of refreshingly smart observations, Andrew talks to us on his organ building apprenticeships, fireworks accidents, Princess Di’s wedding, his "3rd career" in advertising, the internet as a vending machine, an outstanding defence of proper craft, and much, much more.  ///// Follow Andrew on LinkedIn  Here’s his website, entirely written by his clients  A short but very award-winning film he wrote with animator Darren Price   MusiCuvia, music festival in Valcuvia, northern Italy, founded by Andrew 4 years ago  And some Jack Dee for good measure  Timestamps (02:12) - Quick Fire Questions  (06:03) - Andrew's Early Career: Pipe Organ Builder (11:03) - Transition to Firework Technician (16:20) - The Cutthroat World of Fireworks (19:53) - Transition to Advertising (23:54) - Learning the Craft at Ogilvy (25:09) - Understanding People from All Walks of Life (26:14) - The Value of Real Experiences (27:32) - The Internet as a Vending Machine (29:59) - The Importance of Craft in Advertising (32:22) - Consumer Intelligence and Craft (45:00) - Advice for Aspiring Advertisers  (52:06) - Pertinent Posers  Andrew’s book recommendations are:  Atonement by Ian McEwan Saturday by Ian McEwan Black Dogs by Ian McEwan The Pornographer by John McGahern The Plot Against America by Philip Roth  The Howard Gossage Show by Steve Harrison and Dave Dye /////

This week, we tracked a trail through deserts, glaciers, coral reefs, paddy fields, palaces, the DMZ between the two Koreas and an Italian hilltop to catch a copywriter with a lifetime of wild experience behind him. Ciao, Andrew Jolliffe. For 25 years he’s written ads, strategies, thought starters, content, manifestos and copy. Some of those have won him prizes in Cannes, Paris and New York, but more importantly, he still adores writing them. In an age where concepts cast shadows over craft, Andrew is a true craftsman. Full of refreshingly smart observations, Andrew talks to us on his organ building apprenticeships, fireworks accidents, Princess Di’s wedding, his "3rd career" in advertising, the internet as a vending machine, an outstanding defence of proper craft, and much, much more. /////Follow Andrew on LinkedIn Here’s his website, entirely written by his clients A short but very award-winning film he wrote with animator Darren Price  MusiCuvia, music festival in Valcuvia, northern Italy, founded by Andrew 4 years ago And some Jack Dee for good measure Timestamps(02:12) - Quick Fire Questions (06:03) - Andrew's Early Career: Pipe Organ Builder(11:03) - Transition to Firework Technician(16:20) - The Cutthroat World of Fireworks(19:53) - Transition to Advertising(23:54) - Learning the Craft at Ogilvy(25:09) - Understanding People from All Walks of Life(26:14) - The Value of Real Experiences(27:32) - The Internet as a Vending Machine(29:59) - The Importance of Craft in Advertising(32:22) - Consumer Intelligence and Craft(45:00) - Advice for Aspiring Advertisers (52:06) - Pertinent Posers Andrew’s book recommendations are: Atonement by Ian McEwanSaturday by Ian McEwanBlack Dogs by Ian McEwanThe Pornographer by John McGahernThe Plot Against America by Philip Roth The Howard Gossage Show by Steve Harrison and Dave Dye/////

It’s been 5 years since Call to Action® captured our first of what’s now over 140 heroes and allies from the industry front lines to have a chin-wag with. To celebrate, we’re rereleasing a choice cut of our favourite episodes as part of a ‘Best Of’ series. In 2021, baited by a Bedouin birthing blanket, we caught big thinker and bestselling author, Paul Feldwick. The man behind one of our favourite all time ad campaigns, Paul worked at the legendary agency BMP on some of Britain’s most famous brands for over 30 years.Paul talks to us on tonnes of topics, including BMP, being the world’s worst account manager, clowns, talking to real people, what brands can learn from Snow White, Jeremy Bullmore, PT Barnum, fame, shame, purpose, Mrs Brown’s Boys, whether ads need to be "liked", Martin Boase, and a whole lot more. /////Check out his website Follow Paul on LinkedInWe implore you to read both of his fabulous books:  Why Does the Pedlar Sing? Anatomy of Humbug And here’s that famous Barclaycard ad with Rowan Atkinson Timestamps(01:58) - Quick fire questions(07:20) - Paul's early career and transition to account planning(11:24) - Importance of entertaining advertising(17:29) - Discussion on fame in advertising(24:35) - The history of advertising and its impact on creativity(29:33) - The moral implications of advertising and the need for entertaining content(35:32) - Question on creative thinking in advertising and overcoming shame for fame(41:36) - Balancing likability and fame in advertising campaigns(47:07) - Pertinent posers Paul’s book recommendations are: How Brands Grow by Byron Sharp Building Distinctive Brand Assets by Jenni Romaniuk /////

This week, we ate and left no some crumbs to lure and catch GEN-Z copywriters, Carolyn McMurray and Em Goodier. Co-founders of Word Tonic, the world’s first GEN-Z copywriting community, Carolyn and Em are hell-bent on helping and inspiring more young people to write for a living. Driven directly by young copywriters, it's a space to connect, share advice and learn from both each other and in masterclasses with the world's most noticeable brands like Disney and Google. With over 700 GEN-Z copywriters involved, they’re growing so fast they’ve got brands reaching out to recruit fresh, emerging talent straight from the community. We spill the tea (we’ll stop now) on embracing chaos in your career, building a community as an introvert, why research matters before a GEN-Z marketing effort, flexibility, mentorship, wanky creative directors, creating a diverse and inclusive community, short-term echo chambers, listener questions from Vikki Ross, Dave Harland, Thomas Kemeny and Andrew Boulton, boyfriend dedications, and loads more*.*including a World Cup of GEN-Z words designed solely to get Giles to say “yeet”, “bussin”, and “vibe check”. /////Follow Word Tonic on Instagram Find them on LinkedIn Here’s their website and newsletter And check out one of Carolyn’s recommendation; Farnam StreetTimestamps(01:47) - World Cup of GEN-Z Words (03:31) - Early (chaotic) career paths; from Costa Coffee and cleaning to copywriting (12:31) - How Word Tonic started, the recruitment side, and why you should join (22:46) - How to nail GEN-Z marketing efforts (31:31) - Listener questions (40:51) - 4 pertinent posers Their book recommendations are: Junior by Thomas Kemeny Hey Whipple Squeeze This by Luke Sullivan Lolita by Vladimir NabokovA Self-Help Guide for Copywriters by Dan Nelken The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey/////

This week we asked “Is Pepsi okay?” to bait and catch Coca-Cola Creative Lead, Adam Ross. Creative Lead for Coca-Cola across the ASEAN & South Pacific region, Adam is responsible for translating and elevating global core creative ideas regionally and locally, wrangling agencies around the world, and driving thought leadership across the business.So, gather on a Hilltop and listen as we sing on working on impactful campaigns for the Met Police, the power of brand and why it’s far from dead, “leaving loudly”, serendipity, the power of a great brief, going from agency to client side at Coca-Cola, Cantona, being an agency whisperer, balancing parenthood and leaderships and loads more./////Follow Adam on LinkedIn Listen to his sister, Vikki, on Episode 6 of Call to Action® Check out Adam’s Creative Sparks post each month  And keep an eye out for Vikki’s Copy Safaris Timestamps(02:01) - Quickfire questions (02:56) - His first jobs and first proper job at MediaCom (05:05) - Tackling issues like knife crime and gun violence for the Met Police(08:29) - The role of serendipity in his career (13:07) - Transition to client-side at Coca-Cola(23:17) - Being an ‘agency whisperer’ (26:08) - The power of a brief (31:15) - Leaving loudly (40:55) - Listener questions(51:38) - 4 pertinent posers Adam’s book recommendations are: Emotion by Design by Greg Hoffman Misfits by Michaela Coel Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeld Dave Trott’s books The Course of Love by Alain de Botton The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton/////

This week, we caught Scott ‘The Boom’ to shake-shake-shake the room. Cutting his teeth at Saatchi and Saatchi, Scott Morrison has run the Nike business at Wieden and Kennedy, and been CMO and Commercial Director at Levi’s, Activision and Diesel. Now he brings the Boom! to brands and leaders to Unblock, Unlock and Unleash commercial, creative or cultural impact that transforms business and individuals.Strap in as we wag chins on picking tomatoes, the power of stating intent, the magic of positive disruption, and the art of creating a movement. Scott's not just about making noise - he's about making a real impact. From quiet leadership lessons inspired by Nelson Mandela to the bold moves that drive businesses forward, Scott's got the playbook for success.Listen quick. Tic-tic-tic-tic...Follow Scott on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram Find out more about the Boom! Here’s the Boom! Book Club Read 10 ways future-thinking clients are bringing the Boom! to Business UnusualScott's ISOLATED Talk Leadership Lessons from Marvin and MandelaTimestamps02:07 - Quickfire questions 03:40 - His early jobs and career path06:19 - Importance of being open to serendipity in career choices13:39 - The importance of positive disruption in business21:29 - The "unblock, unlock, unleash" approach25:40 - Defining success and unblocking obstacles33:24 - Stating intent as a powerful leadership tool36:52 - Characteristics of impactful leaders and the concept of learning fast41:25 - Impactful leadership styles and the balance between quiet and loud impact45:37 - Listener questions 51:38 - 4 pertinent posers Scott’s book recommendations are: The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest The Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham

This week we sent off a coupon to catch 1960s advertising copywriter, Howard Gossage, through the eyes and work of Steve Harrison and Dave Dye. As a copywriter, Steve tamed more Cannes Lions in his discipline than anyone else in the world. He’s been on the show twice before, once guesting, once hosting, and is a great friend of …Gasp!. Dave is the true “art director’s art director”. Through his career he’s won everything, worked for the best agencies in the business, and the visual techniques he uses to squeeze every ounce of juice from an idea are frankly unparalleled.  The pair have joined forces to pen and produce ‘The Howard Gossage Show’, a fitting celebration of the fun and fame peddling ad man; one of the industry’s lesser known greats. We gossip on Gossage’s showmanship, breaking conventions, having half an interesting conversation through his ads, writing to somebody, stunts, fame, and so much more. At a time when advertising is disliked and avoided by most people, his legacy feels even more important now than it was 60 years ago. So listen up.  ///// Here’s The Howard Gossage Show  Follow Steve and Dave on LinkedIn  Check out Dave’s Stuff From the Loft And Steve’s biography on Howard Gossage  Timestamps (02:34) - Quick fire questions (Posh Spice or Persil?) (04:41) - How Gossage ended up in advertising  (12:09) - Why now’s the time for a book about Gossage (20:50) - How he broke conventions  (26:28) - People read what interests them  (35:00) - The industry becoming hyper-serious  (45:17) - Listener questions from Vikki Ross and Nick Asbury  (52:00) - The Cannes Lions humour category   (1:00:00) - A dedication to Alice Lowe and Phish Food  Image of Howard Gossage credit: ©George W Dippel /////

Professor Karen Nelson-Field, founder and CEO of Amplified Intelligence, is a leading voice in media measurement known for her research on attention. She chats about the evolution of attention spans, debunking myths around Facebook likes and engagement. Listeners are in for a treat as she explains how to effectively measure attention and its critical role in advertising performance. With a sprinkle of humor, Karen shares the challenges of modern media and the importance of understanding attention quality amidst the noise of digital marketing.

This week, we scoured wardrobes far and wide to catch a man who has dressed rock icons, Sapeurs of the Congo, a blue monster for Ed Sheeran, and even ‘plug boy’ from the Sainsbury’s Christmas ad; Mr Gammon.  Costume designer, fashion stylist, and distinctive English gent, Mr Gammon is the go-to guy for creatively styled costumes. Whether it’s dressing The Rolling Stones, elegant men of the Congo, Usain Bolt, a school nativity like no other, or mum and dad in jeans and a t-shirt; no cast is too vast, nor celebrity too big.We wag chins on his first ever job with an alcoholic called Malcolm, his first proper job dressing Adam Ant, making and selling bermuda shorts at school, being a colourful punk, what he loves about being on set, how a joke about needlework changed the trajectory of his life, managing expectations, where ‘Mr Gammon’ came from, taking 25 suitcases to film Guinness ‘Sapeurs’, making jackets for Mick Jagger, drawing as ‘creative offsetting’, and a treasure trove more. /////Find Mr Gammon on InstagramHere’s his website Loving You is Killing Me by My Life Story And a choice cut of Mr Gammon’s best work: Guinness Sapeurs Sainsbury’s The Big Night The brand new Carlsberg spot 'Curious Beginnings'And DJ Shadow - Rocket Fuel ft. De La SoulTimestamps(02:09) - Quick fire questions, Doctor Who, and the reality check The Rolling Stones gave him (08:14) - First jobs, making bermuda shorts, and designing for Adam Ant (16:05) - His time at the Royal College of Art (20:30) - The ‘common good of the shoot’ when you’re on set (27:55) - Dealing with the opinions and emotions of different people on set(39:39) - His new work for Carlsberg (41:35) - Listener questions (46:30) - 4 pertinent posers Mr Gammon’s book recommendations are: Small Trades by Irving Penn Michel the Giant: An African in Greenland by Tété-Michel KpomassieLearning to Love You More by Miranda July and Harrell Fletcher The Old Patagonian Express by Paul TherouxThe Financial Times Weekend Edition/////

George Tannenbaum, a legendary copywriter and former Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy, shares his sharp insights on the advertising landscape. He delves into ageism in the industry, critiquing the focus on profit over seasoned talent. Tannenbaum discusses the evolution of copywriting, emphasizing the need for depth and creativity against the backdrop of diminishing attention spans. He also reflects on the agency scene of the 80s and 90s, revealing his rekindled love for advertising and the significance of authenticity in attracting clients.