I attended the American Advertising Federation’s 61st Annual Advertising Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York last week. I was a guest of my employer of 25 years, Procter & Gamble. P&G was being inducted into the Hall of Fame as an institution, the first time this has happened in the 61 years of the Hall of Fame. Previously this honor was reserved for individuals who have made a huge impact in the marketing industry.
I have been to this event several times, and served as its Chairman one year. It is the best recognition event in our industry. Its standards are very high, and each honoree’s story is told in a unique way. It is always a personal, emotional event.
This year was no exception. Each of the honorees speak for a few minutes, and it is priceless. Here are some of my “takeaways’ from the lessons of these great leaders:
– Gerry Laybourne, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Oxygen Media, LLC, on the power of mentoring, which led to the creation of the Mentors Walk, now in 10 countries. Also Gerry waxed on how the power of great advertising, led by inspired agencies, helped lead to the success of Nickelodeon and Oxygen.
– Bill Lamar, Former CMO, McDonald’s USA, on the importance of family love, and at McDonald’s on the breakthrough results when teams really came together. I also learned Bill is bent on learning new things — becoming an avid gardener and musician in this chapter of his life.
– Bob James, Former Chairman and CEO, McCann Erickson Worldwide, on “if you can conceive it you can achieve it” as the attitude that guided his career. Also on being true to who you are as a person and institution … play to your strengths.
– Roy Eaton, Former VP, Music Director, Benton & Bowles, who treated us to Chopin as I have never heard, on the impact one individual can have on a life … a mentor believed in him and literally saved his life.
– Wally Snyder, President Emeritus, American Advertising Federation, on what can happen when a company, an industry, embraces multiculturalism … and on how far we have come and how far we still have to go.
– Marc Pritchard, Global Brand Building Officer, P&G, on the impact in a company when leaders progress and build on what came before them, “standing on the shoulders of giants.”
– Bob McDonald, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, P&G, on the power of purpose to inspire and deliver greatness, and on the need to never forget that companies thrive when the people they serve are delighted, respected, and listened to.
– Pat Fallon, Chairman Emeritus, Fallon Worldwide, on how to attract talent, which drives success, and on the tone a leader sets when he or she simply never gives up … because that is what clients deserve. Pat also beamed with pride in his five children.
– Elizabeth Arledge and Patricia Arledge Loonie, the daughters of Roone Arledge, 1931-2002, Former President, ABC Sports and Former President and Chairman, ABC News, on their lessons from Dad: Do your best in whatever you choose to do, set your standards very high, and work hard. Sounds like my Dad and I imagine many of yours!
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