Randy Gerstenblatt, one of the most well known and well liked people in the business, joins this edition of Careers in 20/20. From senior sales leadership positions at ESPN, Six Flags Entertainment and Captivate, Randy has established an impressive track record of success. In addition to his proven sales experience, Randy also has been a … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Randy Gerstenblatt
Careers in 20/20 – Maria Weaver
Maria Weaver, CMO of Comcast Advertising, is my guest for this edition of Careers in 20/20. A proven leader with an impressive track record of success in our industry, Maria oversees marketing strategy, creative services, product marketing, demand generation and sales development for both Effectv and Freewheel. Maria has been recognized for her work as a … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Maria Weaver
Thought for the Week – Marcus Aurelius
You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Ladders versus Jungle Gyms
I'm not a fan of ladders. While I wouldn't describe myself as afraid of heights, they aren't my thing either. And as I age I grow increasingly afraid of falling. What I've learned to be more debilitating than a fear of heights, however, is the mindset that one should view their career path like a … Continue reading Ladders versus Jungle Gyms
Careers in 20/20 – Megan Cunningham
Megan Cunningham, a pioneer in brand storytelling and the Founder/CEO of Magnet Media, joins me for this edition of Careers in 20/20. She's an industry leader whose clients include Google, Chase, IBM, Goldman Sachs and a host of other blue chip brands. Megan is a passionate advocate for change, delivering great work and innovation, which in … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Megan Cunningham
Careers in 20/20 – Cliff Marks
Cliff Marks, one of the most accomplished executives in the media business, joins me in this edition of Careers in 20/20. He is the President of NCM, National CineMedia, the largest cinema advertising network in the U.S. Prior to joining NCM, Cliff spent 14 years at ESPN/ABC Sports, rising to SVP National Sales. Cliff brings … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Cliff Marks
Thought for the Week – Jim Valvano
My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.
Observing Juneteenth
This year millions of Americans, myself included, are observing today in a way they never have before. It is the day traditionally celebrated by African Americans to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865 Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that slavery was abolished. News traveled slowly … Continue reading Observing Juneteenth
Your Status Meetings Are Against the Law
"Let's go around the room and get everyone's updates. Fred, we'll start with you." Similar to the deafening roar emitted from race cars immediately following the "start your engines" announcement at the track, the words above are a virtual guaranteed trigger for everyone but Fred in the status meeting to open their phones or laptops … Continue reading Your Status Meetings Are Against the Law
Careers in 20/20 – Rob King
Rob King, Senior Vice President, Original Content at ESPN, joins this edition of Careers in 20/20. He is one the industry's most accomplished and well respected journalists and story tellers who has held a variety of roles during a 30+ year career. He joined ESPN in 2004 and during his career at the company he’s … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Rob King
Thought for the Week – Eleanor Roosevelt
A stumbling block for the pessimist is a stepping-stone to the optimist.
Who do you play for?
There’s a great scene in the Disney film “Miracle” about the 1980 US Olympic hockey team. Coach Herb Brooks is making the team endure countless punishing sprints following a lackluster effort in an exhibition game. At one point he reminds the players that who they play for is bigger than them: “The name on the … Continue reading Who do you play for?
Careers in 20/20 – Meridith Miller
Meridith Miller, VP of Marketing for Ampersand, joins me for this edition of Careers in 20/20. Before she orchestrated last year's successful rebrand of NCC to Ampersand, she held various senior business development roles for leading digital companies such as Twitter, Google and Mopub. Meridith started her career as an attorney. Meridith's multi-faceted background and accomplishments … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Meridith Miller
Careers in 20/20 – Steve Takeuchi
Veteran media executive Steve Takeuchi has been on the cutting edge of the trends driving ad sales for almost twenty years, including TV/digital integration, multi-platform asset management and the implementation of advanced advertising technologies. Currently he leads planning and advertising management for Hulu. Few are more experience at managing through change than Steve, so his … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Steve Takeuchi
Thought for the Week from David Lloyd George
Don't be afraid to take big steps. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.
Careers in 20/20 – Tom Dondero
One of the most well-liked and engaging pros in the business, Tom Dondero, joins this edition of Careers in 20/20. His career includes successful runs in sales at ESPN and USA Today. Tom is is the founder of Mindful-TDM a consulting firm specializing in media sales optimization and executive development. He works every day with leaders … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Tom Dondero
Diversity Now
The focus of For What It's Worth is building careers in marketing and media. I don't write about politics here. Yet it's difficult to stay silent when faced with repeated, unspeakable criminal acts against innocent African Americans by bad cops who should have had their badges and guns taken away long ago, violence and destruction … Continue reading Diversity Now
#BlackOutTuesday
Careers in 20/20 – Brian Wong
Today's edition of Careers in 20/20 features Brian Wong who at one point was the youngest person to ever receive venture capital funding. He is the 28-year-old co-founder of Kiip, a mobile consumer engagement platform that advertises in “moments” in 10,000 apps. Kiip was recognized by Forbes as one of the “4 Hot Online Ad Companies … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Brian Wong
Thought for the Week from Yousuf Karsh
Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness.
Careers in 20/20 – Keith Bowen
My friend and former colleague Keith Bowen is my guest on this edition of Careers in 20/20. Keith, the Chief Revenue Officer for Altice USA, is one of most accomplished sales leaders in the industry, including top roles at Charter Communications, Tribune Media, Radio One and Turner. This is a great opportunity to learn from a … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Keith Bowen
Careers in 20/20 – Mike Baker
Mike Baker brings the perspective of a highly successful entrepreneur to this edition of Careers in 20/20. During the past 15+ years he's created three software and data analytics companies that resulted in nine figure exits for investors. Most recently Mike was the founder and CEO of DataXu, a leader in AI-based solutions for the media … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Mike Baker
Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
In Flanders Fields - Lt Col John McCrae (1872-1918) In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, … Continue reading Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
Thought for the Week from Warren Bennis
The manager administers, the leader innovates. The manager maintains, the leader develops. The manager relies on systems, the leader relies on people. The manager counts on controls, the leader inspires trust. The manager does things right, the leader does the right thing.
Thanks to Kellen Buhr
You may have noticed the slick opening animation on recent editions of Careers in 20/20. I can't take credit. A terrific, talented young marketer named Kellen Buhr graciously put it together. Kellen recently finished his graduate degree at Boise State and moved to New York City in search of his first ad agency gig. As … Continue reading Thanks to Kellen Buhr
Careers in 20/20 – Joan Gillman
Joan Gillman, my friend, former boss and industry trailblazer across media, technology and politics, joins me for this edition of Careers in 20/20. From Capitol Hill to global boardrooms Joan has led a cutting edge career. Before she became an independent director serving on a number of corporate boards, I worked for Joan when she … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Joan Gillman
Careers in 20/20 – Josh Grau
Josh Grau is my guest in the latest Careers in 20/20. He is an accomplished marketer, teacher, advisor and leader who has worked for successful start ups as well as some of the premier brands in media. Currently Josh is the Chief Brand Officer at YEXT, the search experience cloud whose mission is to help … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Josh Grau
Thought for the Week from Leonardo da Vinci
He who can go to the fountain does not go to the water jar.
Careers in 20/20 – Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is one of the most prominent and well respected voices in technology, marketing and media today. CEO of the Palmer Group, Shelly influences people globally across the industry through his podcast, widely read daily newsletter, frequent appearances on Good Day New York, CNN and CNBC, and influential books. He's an entrepreneur who has … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Shelly Palmer
Reinventing Sports Media In the Covid 19 Era
What impact will the pandemic have on upcoming sports media rights negotiations? Once the games return, team owners, league executives and collegiate sports administrators face huge decisions about the primary financial engine that drives each of their respective sports: the television broadcasting rights. Those decisions will impact millions of Americans. To cut to the chase, … Continue reading Reinventing Sports Media In the Covid 19 Era
Careers in 20/20 – Sean Hanrahan
It was a thrill to have my friend and former boss Sean Hanrahan join me for a Careers in 20/20 discussion. Think of all the amazing sponsorships and marketing activations ESPN has done for the past 20 years and you will begin to understand the impact on our business of Sean's creativity, innovation and leadership. … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Sean Hanrahan
Thought for the Week from Robert Browning
Motherhood: all love begins and ends there.
Careers in 20/20 – Sandra Garcia
Sandra Garcia is a savvy, rising star in media sales and marketing. She is the founder, owner and lead marketer for Encounter Your Potential, an agency that helps global companies with brand elevation, PR and brand awareness. Before becoming a successful entrepreneur, she held corporate marketing roles at Time Warner Cable and CNNMoney. A former … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Sandra Garcia
We Are All Surfers
I originally posted this short piece about career transitions on February 24, 2020. Little did I or anyone else know at the time that a global pandemic would strike in the coming weeks and, among other things, cost millions their jobs. Sadly, the message of this post is more relevant than ever but I hope … Continue reading We Are All Surfers
Careers in 20/20 – Josh Richman
Josh Richman started with his dream job out of college, working for Rolling Stone. He found his calling in marketing and advanced his career by moving with the trends in the industry. From ESPN, to Tribune Media, to DailyMail.com to leading start ups in the CPG space - Josh's path offers many lessons. He joins … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Josh Richman
Thought for the Week from Bill Ackman
I’ve always had this view that success is not a straight line up. If you read the stories of successful people, almost every successful person has had to deal with some degree of hardship, whether that hardship is personal hardship, health-related hardship, or a business issue.
Careers in 20/20 – Brian Keane
As the founder and president of SmartPower, Brian Keane is a global leader in the renewable energy movement. Author, entrepreneur, grassroots organizer, and veteran of presidential campaigns, he's built an impressive career in politics and public service. He joins me in the latest "Careers in 20/20" to offer great advice for anyone seeking to make … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Brian Keane
Careers in 20/20 – John Kosner
For more than 25 years John Kosner has been at the forefront of the massive transformation in the ways we watch, engage and interact with sports on every screen. All sports fans have been impacted by his work. John was the EVP/General Manager for ESPN Digital and Print Media for many years in addition to … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – John Kosner
Careers in 20/20 – Rob Simmelkjaer
Lawyer, senior media executive, TV journalist, entrepreneur - Rob Simmelkjaer has worn many hats successfully in his career. He helped launch ESPN's coverage of the NBA. At NBC Sports he introduced a number of new businesses and covered the Olympics as part of the on-air talent team. Now he's running a start up he founded … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 – Rob Simmelkjaer
Thought for the Week from George Crane
There is no future in any job. The future lies in the person who holds the job.
