DERRY GIRL Lisa McGee extols the power of stories
Three ads shown by Leo Burnett CCO, Chaka Sobhani, showed the power of advertising to produce laughter – and tears – in a very short time frame.
OUR MISSION IS TO VISUALISE AN INDUSTRY THAT INCLUDES ALL OUR CULTURAL HERITAGES
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Instead, they phone us and say, ‘Based on intel on the ground and people we’re working with, we think there’s a story.’ And they know I’ve got their back. It’s terrifying. I didn’t sleep very much the first few weeks, worrying about them.” Caring for the team, who are literally witnessing war crimes, has been a priority. “With mental health, it’s not just about the teams going in. It’s everybody. This was one of those stories where everyone in our newsroom was involved – and we are having to look at really upsetting images. But they’re important. We can’t sanitise it, but it was relentless.”
people of every background better opportunities to train, network and find employment in the advertising and creative sectors. “Our mission is to visualise an industry that includes all our cultural heritages in this country, different ways of thinking – neurotypical, neurodiverse – and all age groups. Why can’t we have multigenerational offices? Why can’t the entry-level employee be in their sixties? An industry that is as diverse, wonderful and unique as the consumers of our brands.” Owen pointed out that the creative industries have a long way to go before all the ecosystem is truly representative. “However, the good news is that talent is all around us. Obviously, the legacy systems
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A QUESTION OF HERITAGE In one of the most pivotal segments of the conference, four speakers took to the stage to present ten-minute pitches about improving the advertising and media industry. Ally Owen, founder of Brixton Finishing School, explained her organisation’s purpose of championing under- represented talent, giving
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we have, where we’ve traditionally leant into
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certain types of community or education, have led to a lopsided industry.” BIGGER PICTURE Among broadcasters, Sky has distinguished itself as a trailblazer in new technologies, as well
Read our Genius Interview with Jake Dubbins on page 92.
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