Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Advertising, Agency Culture, Attitude & Aptitude, Authenticity, China, Comment, Creativity, Culture, DLin, Emotion, Empathy, Experience, Fulfillment, Love, Loyalty, Planners, Planning, Rodi, Wieden+Kennedy
Living overseas is something people often say they want to do, but don’t.
I get it, it’s a big thing, and for some people – they have obligations and responsibilities that mean there is no chance of being to embark on an adventure, even if they were able to.
But there’s others who are in a totally different situation.
Where there is nothing really holding them back but don’t because they spend their time focusing on what they’ll leave behind rather than also appreciating what they’ll gain.
One of the things you get from taking the leap – beyond the incredible experiences, lessons, values, creativity and madness – is friends.
And that’s why a few weeks ago an English/Italian, Russian/Australian and Taiwanese/American – who all met and worked together at Wieden+Kennedy Shanghai but now all live in different countries – were able to meet in London for a steak, a laugh and a glorious bitch session.
This would literally not have been able to happen if we all had individually chosen to stay in our home countries rather than embrace the unknown and the uncertainty … but we did and a lifelong friendship were formed.
I say lifelong, but as they are both now bigwigs of strategy at Apple, I bought them each one of these special edition ‘Apple Watches’ …
… so there’s a good chance I may never see or hear from either of them again.
Which is why if this story isn’t the best ad for planners to go and experience and explore working in other countries, then I literally don’t know what is.
20 Comments so far
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You’re more evil than good, but you’re definitely good.
Comment by Bazza February 13, 2020 @ 6:39 amI’d say it’s 50:50. On a good day.
Comment by George February 13, 2020 @ 6:52 amA very good day.
Comment by Bazza February 13, 2020 @ 7:03 amWhich doesn’t happen that often, apparently. Ha.
Comment by Rob February 13, 2020 @ 7:10 amevery 70 fucking years.
Comment by andy@cynic February 13, 2020 @ 2:35 pmYou bought watches that resemble the Apple logo for people who work at Apple? You are a mischievous soul. Watches aside, this is a very good post. Moving overseas changed my life as it did yours. I understand this is not an option for everyone but for those it is, they should grasp it with both hands. Well said and well done Robert.
Comment by George February 13, 2020 @ 6:56 amYep I did. And the best bit – apart from making them wear them at their Apple conference the next day – was they were so cheap and nasty (the watches, not my mates. But then again ….) that they gave one of the guys an allergic reaction thanks to either the nikel in the case or the plastic from the most flimsy strap I’ve ever seen. Double win. Ha.
Comment by Rob February 13, 2020 @ 7:12 amSee first comment on this post. #vindication
Comment by Bazza February 13, 2020 @ 7:18 amWas the bitch session about you?
Comment by Bazza February 13, 2020 @ 7:02 amIf it wasn’t before, those watches will have helped it.
Don’t be jealous Baz, I have one for you too. Ha.
Comment by Rob February 13, 2020 @ 7:13 amI couldn’t agree or like this post more. Especially the copyright infringement watches. Hilarious.
Comment by Pete February 13, 2020 @ 7:26 amYou could like it more. You could like it so much you send me money. I know you won’t … and I do appreciate the compliment, just pointing out your exaggeration. Ha.
Comment by Rob February 13, 2020 @ 7:52 amI think you are doing yourself a disservice Robert. You did more than just move overseas, you committed yourself to the culture and the communities. That is when the real rewards of overseas experience come. Excellent post.
Comment by Lee Hill February 13, 2020 @ 7:44 amWell I would hope everyone does that. I know they don’t – but I still would imagine the vast majority do.
Comment by Rob February 13, 2020 @ 7:57 amfucking stockholm syndrome.
Comment by andy@cynic February 13, 2020 @ 2:34 pmBrilliant.
Comment by DH February 13, 2020 @ 3:20 pm+ 1
Comment by Bazza February 13, 2020 @ 7:08 pmx1000%
Comment by Katie February 13, 2020 @ 6:34 pmAssuming they’re smiling because they don’t work with you anymore.
Comment by Billy Whizz February 13, 2020 @ 8:01 pmI always thought I’d want to go out of my home country and stay there. Still somehow I feel I’m not ready.
Comment by Vrushali February 26, 2020 @ 3:43 am