Highlighted Talks

Levi’s: The Product, The Hero

DROGA5 highlighted their history of work for Levi’s, featuring its most popular product—501s—as the heart of each story. From watching their spot “Fair Exchange,” I learned how effective storytelling is crafted when taking risks with the product front and center.

The Journey of Creative Risk Taking

NYU Professor Scott Galloway delivered an inspirational seminar on having strength in one’s beliefs. I learned to surround myself with people who disagree with me in order to properly take creative risks, allowing me to gain new perspectives on productive environments. Professor Galloway spoke about the importance of being a kind human being who is reliant on their values, a simple reminder that is so paramount to a positive lifestyle.

Pinterest: The Internet is Broken, Let's Fix It

Based on the primary issue that technology has a negative impact on Gen Z’s emotional wellbeing, Pinterest created the Inspired Internet Pledge, which compels businesses to make the internet a safer, more mentally healthy place for younger people based on three simple actions: tune for wellbeing, listen and act, and commit to openness. I felt inspired by how a fun & playful brand was able to transcend their tone & voice in order to touch on a widespread issue to serve the greater good. 

AmEx X Delta: Redefining Loyalty

From AmEx and Delta’s description of their successful brand partnership and strong brand loyalty, I learned about the 1+1=3, at least, rule — meaning combining forces to do the most and beyond. I discovered that brand partnerships are the most successful when values are uniform, helping me understand how to find optimal partnerships in my own future campaigns.

Alex Cooper & The Personality Economy

I’ll never forget being in the room with two female icons during Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief Jessica Giles’ interview with Alex Cooper. As Gen Z’s star of podcasting, Alex was both hilarious and empowering—remaining true to her inner self. Something that really stuck with me was hearing this generation-capturing, self-made woman say, “I’d rather be called a bitch 100 times than be quiet about what I want.” This taught me the importance of speaking up no matter the setting and just how far being your true self can get you.

The White Lotus: Creativity & Culture

The creator of White Lotus, Mike White, spoke about abandoning your comfort zone, which is exactly how he managed to create such a successful TV series. I'm grateful for the main piece of advice I took away from this talk: that perfectionism can be an obstacle to achieving true creativity. As a Type A individual, this helped to break down some of the barriers I put up in my creative process, leading me to accept that there is no such thing as a bad idea during the concept stage and that craft is dynamic.