Ahead of our AMG ‘7 Minute Mentor’ speed learning session in Melbourne on May 17, TBWA managing director Mike Napolitano reveals how co-creating ideas that can make people think differently is the best part of his job.
TCC: Why advertising as a career?
MN: I have always loved jingles (thank you Mo and Jo). Still to this day I think ‘Cmon Aussie C’mon’ is brilliant.
TCC: If you hadn’t pursued this as a career, what else would you have done?
MN: I wanted to be a doctor. I think the analytical side of my brain still gets a great work out everyday.
TCC: Name three skills or qualities you think you need to stay at the top of your game ?
MN: Curiosity. Honesty. Energy.
TCC: What’s the best part of your job?
MN: Co-creating powerful ideas that can make people think differently is a great part of my day. Working with our people to help them grow their careers and also be involved in big ideas is also a very rewarding experience.
TCC: What’s the worst part of your job?
MN: When you lose business it really hurts.
TCC: What’s your most embarrassing career moment?
MN: There are so many – where do I start! You just have to smile and keep going!
TCC: What’s your career high?
MN: Winning pitches and awards is the best feeling.
TCC: What do you look for in a team member?
MN: Attitude is key. Most of us have the capacity to learn but it’s hard to teach someone if their attitude sucks.
TCC: If you could step back in time and offer yourself just one piece of advice as you started your career, what would it be?
MN: Patience is a virtue. Don’t believe everything you hear. Get shit done.