Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Attitude & Aptitude, Daddyhood, Goodbye China, Grand announcements, Jill, Love, My Fatherhood, Otis, Perspective, Pollution, Sentimentality, The Kennedys Shanghai, Wieden+Kennedy
So I have some big and exciting news. Well, it is for me …
On May 10th, I leave Wieden+Kennedy.
In addition to that, on May 16th, I leave China.
Given both have been my home for the last 7 years – one of the longest periods of my entire adult life – that means this is very big thing for me and I won’t deny it is bitter-sweet.
I’ve had an incredible time and leave with a bunch of memories, stories and learnings that I can honestly say will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Of course, I’ll miss so many things – the people, the culture, the colleagues the clients and the holidays* [ha] – but I still have a lot I want to try and experience and that just wasn’t going to happen if I stayed.
In addition, I need a place where my son can go out and play.
China is an amazing country, but the pollution means there have been too many days where he’s had to stay inside and that just isn’t what I want for him growing up.
That is very hard for me to admit, because I truly love and respect this country and would never want to speak bad of it because I’ll forever be grateful for how it embraced me, educated me and helped me thrive.
As for Wieden … well they have been awesome.
I thought I would stay at W+K forever but unfortunately, we’re a very flat structured, relatively small company, so there’s just not that many options easily available for someone like me. Everyone tried to make it work but as I have no desire to be an MD and feel I’ve achieved everything [and more] that I set out to do in Shanghai – and that I was asked to do in Shanghai – I came to the realization that for me to keep growing, I had to try something different.
That said, there is absolutely no doubt that I have enjoyed one of the most exciting and fulfilling times of my professional career [so far] but right now, I need to go and try some stuff that takes everything I have learnt – from Wieden and beyond – and mix it with a bunch of new experiences and lessons so I can see what happens in a totally different environment and situation.
I’m very excited about that but I’ll always be super thankful for the chance Wieden gave me, especially because they never asked me to be anyone else other than myself.
Even when it annoyed the fuck out of them.
To have done 7 years in the best agency in the World, in one of the most amazing countries in the World with some of the best clients in the World is an incredible honour.
To have earned their trust enough that they asked a planner – a bloody planner! – to start and run their creative talent incubator, The Kennedys, is extra special.
But to have them say you’ve done a good job and you should go and explore but never rule out coming back, shows how special – and mental – they are.
And they are. Very, very special.
And mental.
So what next?
Well, I’ll announce that soon however what I will tell you is I’m swapping one country with an evil government regime for another.
That’s right, I’m moving to America.
To LA to be precise.
I swear this is not purely because I can get away with wearing Birkenstocks the whole time.
But it helped make our decision.
I’ll reveal all soon, but I’m very excited about this next chapter in life.
It will hopefully challenge and teach me a bunch of new things while offering my family the sort of environment they absolutely deserve to enjoy – and I’m incredibly grateful I have the chance to do this, especially at this point in my life.
But it’s even more than that.
You see my parents always said they wanted me to live a life of fulfilment rather than contentment and if they knew their only son was going to have experienced life in America, Europe and Asia, they would be super-proud.
As I get older, I realise what is becoming more important for me is less about how high up the career ladder I go [though, as Harrison Ford said, I won’t undervalue all the work it has taken to get me to my current position] and more about how varied my life experiences are.
This move is another step to fulfilling that … or it will be when it happens. Until then, you’ll have to put up with business as usual, which basically means more ranty rubbish blog posts.
Onwards …
____________________________________________________________________
* For the record, given many of you think I’ve done nothing over the past 7 years except go on holiday, you’ll be ecstatic to know I’ll be leaving Wieden just before I was going to be having my 6 week paid sabbatical. I guess you could call it ‘holiday karma’.
Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Agency Culture, Attitude & Aptitude, China, Chinese Culture, Comment, Creativity, Culture, Cunning, Devious Strategy, Emotion, Grand announcements, The Kennedys, The Kennedys Shanghai, Wieden+Kennedy
So last week – on Founders Day – we saw The Kennedys Shanghai graduate after 9 months of trials, tribulations and torture [their words, not mine]
What an amazing journey … for them as well as for me.
I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t really know what I was taking on when I agreed to launch The Kennedys – Wieden’s creative talent incubator – but it has proved to be one of the best decisions of my life.
It’s been amazing.
Actually that doesn’t do it justice, it has been one of the most rewarding, exciting and creatively fulfilling times of my career.
Seriously.
Seeing these guys use their creative talent to brilliantly solve an amazing array of radically diverse challenges was an incredible privilege but the work they created was only part of the reward, because I also got to see how their journey affected all of them individually.
Watching them discover – and start to believe – in their own, individual creative voice was brilliant.
Not just in terms of how it affected the ideas they came up with, but also in how they looked at every challenge given to them.
At the beginning of The Kennedys, there was a sense of cautiousness – a feeling of concern they might do something wrong – but by the end, they didn’t give a shit about what others may think and had the confidence to go full force with whatever they believed.
Of course to get to that stage wasn’t easy … and yet the way we did it was.
In essence there were 2 parts.
The first was we needed the guys to feel they were in an environment where they were safe to be vulnerable.
Our view was that if they ever sensed they may be laughed at, criticised or ridiculed then we’d never get them to explore or experiment with where their creativity could go.
To achieve this, we told them we would never say ‘no’ to their ideas.
We could challenge them … we could ask as many questions as we like … but we could never, ever tell them their idea ‘is wrong’.
The second part was to give the guys challenges that made them vulnerable.
Part of this was to prove The Kennedys was a safe place for them to express themselves without limitation, but the other part was we knew the only way they’d discover the power of their truth was if they experienced real vulnerability and came out of it unscathed.
To do this, the first 3 months of assignments were made up of self expression exercises … from making a film about how you felt when you were made to dye your hair white, to creating art work about eating a live octopus to writing a resume of all your failures and an incredible amount of things in-between.
Now, I’ve got to be honest, a lot of people – including The Kennedys – felt I only did this so I could satisfy my evilness, but that is not the case at all.
When you see the creativity in the work they created later in the course – such as the takeaway coffee cup that turns into a frisbee for a local cafe that attracts lots of dog owners … to the Superhero toothbrush glove that makes 5 year old kids want to actually brush their teeth … to the innovation behind a Nike Shanghai Marathon campaign [to name but a few] – I’m pretty certain it was their comfortableness in their vulnerability that got them to this sort of work.
Nothing sums their confidence like their final assignment.
We asked them to come up with something they could leave at Wieden+Kennedy that defined what they had learnt over the course of The Kennedys.
In a perfect world, it would act as a legacy for them as well as an inspiration for everyone in the agency.
It didn’t take them long to sum up their 9 months experience with this turn of phrase …
“The freedom of creativity”
I liked that. I liked it a lot.
Their belief that creativity was about freedom and that freedom meant that any challenge could be met in interesting and intriguing ways was almost the perfect outtake from 9 months of bizarre and wonderful.
And so what did they do with their freedom of creativity?
This …
Yes … it’s a Street Fighter arcade game, but not like any Street Fighter arcade game.
You see the guys decided to reprogram the machine so it featured them as the fighters and included all their experiences over the 9 months of The Kennedy’s.
The characters.
The locations.
The challenges.
They’re all in there.
Including me … where my ‘special move’ is the F-Bomb, and a Birkenstock comes down to destroy everything in its way.
Cheeky bastards.
Someone at Wieden Tokyo asked me to explain what it was like and I said the best way to describe it was South Park on speed and LSD.
Seriously, it’s utterly mental and chaotic and for that alone, it perfectly sums up the journey and spirit of The Kennedys, let alone the way they used creativity to solve the challenge in the freshest of ways.
But while it is absolutely awesome … what’s even better is the effort it took to make it.
I’m not talking about sourcing the game or even re-programming the game – though they were difficult in themselves – I’m talking about what they did to make sure it was all perfect.
For example, to ensure they could match all the animation of the ‘fighters’, everyone had to take thousands of photographs of themselves – in front of a green screen – in various poses.
THOUSANDS!!!
Then they needed to photoshop it all.
And then animate it.
And that’s before we get to all the other stuff like the background scenes … the animated story sequences and the re-design of the game cabinet.
At Wieden we have this phrase Fail Harder.
It basically means that if you are going to fail, make it because you were going after an audacious goal.
A goal that few would ever dare to try because they would see the obstacles rather than the opportunity.
This game – which they only had 3 weeks to pull off – is the perfect encapsulation of Fail Harder.
Except they didn’t fail.
In fact, it’s so good, I asked them to make another machine so I can have one for home.
I’m thrilled they said yes … Jill, a little less so. Hahahaha.
Portland might have their “Fail Harder” wall but Shanghai has their “Kingdom of Chaos” Arcade game.
I am in awe of these guys, I truly am.
7 strangers.
Over 9 months.
Given 21 individual assignments.
Producing over 140 pieces of work.
I couldn’t be prouder.
I couldn’t be more thrilled.
I couldn’t feel more honoured to have been a part of it and to have these talented guys in my life … even if they don’t exactly feel the same way, ha.
Of all the great things I’ve done at Wieden+Kennedy, this has undoubtedly been one of the best.
I’d go so far as to say it has been one of the best things I’ve ever done.
So before I end this post, I’d just like to say a big thank you to the guys who helped make this a very special time in my life.
+ The Magnificent Seven … Carmen, Felix, Griet, Matteo, Meng, Quentin and Wenshu
+ Juni Zhu, the Patron Saint of Saints
+ Arlene Lu and Maxito, the dynamic duo and table tennis losers
+ Patrick Rockwell, also known as the fixer
+ Bryan & Yang
+ Azsa
+ Stone
+ Grainne
+ Nike
+ Boom Boom Bagels
+ Jill Barker
+ Paula Bloodworth, Northy and Marula
+ Yvonne … for never raising an eyebrow when we put in our weird expenses
+ Kim Papworth, Joe Staples and Richard Turley
+ John Rowe and Ryan Johnson in Tokyo
+ Blake Harrop, Alvaro Sotomayor and Judd Caraway in Amsterdam
+ Tony Davidson and Ryan Fisher in London
+ Vitor Abud in Sao Paulo
+ Wieden HR who didn’t say anything even when we made The Kennedys do very weird shit
+ Everyone at Wieden+Kennedy Shanghai
+ Everyone who was part of the Kennedys in Amsterdam, London & Sao Paulo
+ Everyone who applied for the journey
… and finally David Kennedy [and Dan Wieden] who let this thing happen because on April 1st 1982, you started a company that believed in the freedom of creativity
If you ever have the chance to be in – or part of – The Kennedys in the future, whether that is in Shanghai or any of the other Wieden+Kennedy offices, grasp it with both hands.
It will change your life.
It did for me and I’m pretty sure it did for the 7 guys who were our guinea pigs in Shanghai.
Filed under: Grand announcements
So today is a big day.
Not just because the wonderful World Cup starts. [Albeit later due to timezone differences]
Nor because it’s a few days before my beloved Jill and Paul celebrate their birthdays.
But because it’s mine.
44.
FORTYFUCKINGFOUR.
How the hell did that happen?
That’s 6 years off 50!!!
That means I have to accept the chances of me becoming an international rockstar, selling stadiums all over the World are almost nil.
As is my chance to play for Nottingham Forest. [Though the way they played towards the end of last season, means that might not be so impossible]
As is becoming a billionaire … unless I count it in Vietnamese Dong.
I know at my age I shouldn’t celebrate my birthday, but I can’t help myself … because as much as sometimes I feel 144, the majority of the time, I feel 21.
Or at least act it.
I have always said 30-40 is the equivalent of the biological clock for men.
It’s the decade where you have a desire to really make something with your life … do things that could make a difference to how the rest of your life turns out. And I still believe that and – to a degree – I did it.
But that doesn’t mean it has to be over when you hit the big 4-0.
As I said before, the older you get, the more I realise I don’t know and the more I want to learn … discover … experience … and that’s why despite being 6 years off the age that I used to consider ‘ancient’, I am putting myself in a position to keep pushing myself forward. Not necessarily from a professional point of view, but from a life point of view.
Whether that’s studying to be a teacher or meeting strange and interesting fellows, I want to ensure I fulfil my parents wish for me, which is to live a life of fulfilment rather than a life of contentment.
Which leads to the title of the post.
Why do I say the Mayan’s were almost right?
Well, because they believed the end of civilisation would happen in 2012.
But it’s not going to happen in 2012, it’s going to happen this year.
And why can I say that?
Because this is happening …
… yep, a baby Campbell is on the way.
If you’re scared, you should see me, I’m bloody petrified.
But I’m also incredibly happy, proud, emotional and excited.
However, what’s even more amazing is how we’re already questioning, evaluating and challenging everything we believe and hope for – and thats before the little bugger is even born yet – so god knows what it will be like when he/she pops out.
For the record, we will not be naming him/her Brian, Freddie, John, Roger or Birkenstock.
Oh, and in a demonstration the universe has a sense of humour, we found out on April 1.
Yes, laugh it up you sickos.
So sorry World, it’s happening – a mini Campbell – but on the bright side:
1. He/she might take after Jill much more than me.
2. If he/she doesn’t, you know you can go out and buy whatever you want, because by 2015, civilisation as we know it will end and that includes no bailiffs knocking on your door demanding cash.
That’s a win:win in my book.
And with that, happy birthday to me … the last one where I get to be the only kid in the house.
Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Advertising, Agency Culture, America, Anniversary, Attitude & Aptitude, Authenticity, Comment, Creativity, Culture, Cynic, Dad, Daddyhood, Deutsch, Differentiation, Emotion, Empathy, End of Year, England, Family, Fatherhood, Friendship, Goodbye America, Goodbye China, Grand announcements, Happiness, Hello America, Holiday, Home, Innocence, Insight, Jill, LaLaLand, London, Love, Martin Weigel, Mum, Mum & Dad, My Fatherhood, Otis, Parents, Paul, Planners, Planning, R/GA, Relationships, Rosie, Sentimentality, WeigelCampbell, Wieden+Kennedy
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Tardis_BBC_Television_Center.jpg
So this is the final post of the year.
It’s been a big year for me and the family.
Then again, it was a big year for the family last year too.
However, whereas 2017 saw us leave Shanghai and Wieden+Kennedy – something that was truly emotional for all of us – 2018 has seen us go from sunny LA, working at Deutsch, living in a house by the beach and driving a custom made Audi to being citizens of cold and rainy London, living in a much smaller house in Fulham, working at R/GA [with some sprinkles of Metallica madness in-between] and traveling by tube to and from everywhere.
And we haven’t been this happy in ages.
Don’t get me wrong, there are things we definitely miss from our life in the US – people, the weather, Otis’ school, free soda refills and bacon mainly – but this move was right for us for a whole host of reasons, personal and professional, and we enter 2019 with the full expectation we’ll still be here when 2020 comes around.
I hope.
It’s funny, when I read the final post I wrote for last year, it is apparent that change was in our minds. We didn’t think that openly, but it seems it was there.
Of course, moving to a country and then leaving in just over a year is not the best thing.
It’s financial stupidity for one.
But these things happen and we are very happy for the amazing experience, though I must admit I’m even happier my wife, son and cat are still talking to me.
Fools.
But while our environment has changed, some things have stayed exactly the same.
Your ability to trash everything I write on here, for one.
And to you all, I say a huge thank you.
Sure, being told I’m a bad dressing, musically ignorant, gadget tosser every-single-day can get a bit tiring, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Because amongst the insults, there’s often pearls of gold in there.
Stuff that makes me think about things a different way.
Stuff that influences how I think about things I never thought about.
Stuff that just keeps me on my toes and interested about stuff.
And I love it.
I love that people come here and share a bit of their time and opinion with me.
Yes, I appreciate moving to the UK and still posting at 6am is screwing up the flow of the comments given the East Coast of America is asleep and can’t insult/join-in until much later … but the fact so many people still write makes me feel very fortunate.
While I have loved the ability to move countries and cultures so many times – and hope to continue doing it, just not for a bit – the reality is that is makes your friendship network difficult.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very fortunate we have technology to keep me in touch with the wonderful people I’ve met in every country we’ve lived [whether they like it or not] and this year I got to catch up with people I’ve not seen in years – from Freddie to Paula – but there is something about having a level of constancy that makes you feel settled.
Bizarrely, this blog has provided me with a bit of that.
Even with people I have still yet to meet.
[Though I met Marcus and Neil Perkin this year and that made me so happy]
While I would never suggest I am your friend, you have been to me – in many ways and at many times, both at moments of darkness and happiness – and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you.
To all of you.
Even you Andy.
When I started this blog way back in May 2006, I never expected anyone to read it, let alone comment so the fact some of you still are – regardless that many Police officers would call it abuse – I’m grateful.
I’m excited about next year.
It will be big.
Not because we’ll be moving … or I’ll changing job … but new things will be entering my life.
From my beloved Otis starting proper school – which literally is screwing with my head – to the much-talked-about-but-not-much-actually-done Weigel/Campbell officially doing its thing in addition to the exciting adventures and exploits my wonderfully beautiful family, my bloody amazing friends and fantastic new planning team will get up to that will make me feel even luckier than I do already.
Being back in England has had a much bigger effect on me than I ever imagined it would.
I am grateful for it.
I am grateful for all I have.
I hope this holiday season and 2019 is one that is wonderful for you all too.
See you in a few weeks. [Yeah, don’t think you get so lucky to not have me come back]