Beyond the Brief

Funny, insightful and poignant personal reflections about life in advertising from a cross-section of individuals at 4A’s member agencies

The 4A’s has partnered with The Drum to present “Beyond the Brief.” This exclusive series delivers funny, insightful and poignant personal reflections about life in advertising from a cross-section of individuals at 4A’s member agencies. Members can submit their stories here. Eligible submissions will be included on the 4A’s website, and 100 member stories will be featured on The Drum throughout the year.

“The Teacher” — Featuring Chavonne Hodges, McCann

Get to know the Queens, NY native who founded TrapAerobics – fitness classes injected with hard-hitting rap and hip-hop – and who also happens to be one of McCann’s top learning experts.

“Be True to Yourself” — Featuring Monica Bouldin, R&R Partners

Los Angeles is known for having its share of stars, but in the advertising community, very few shine as brightly as veteran marketing communications exec and R&R Partners’ VP Monica Bouldin.

“I Love to Create” — Featuring Jon Arnold, Bohan

From an early age spent reading his big brother’s industry annuals, Jon Arnold, SVP/ECD of Nashville’s Bohan, was destined to work in advertising. Now the Coolville, OH, native adds the “cool” to every project he tackles.

“Ask How You Can Help Someone Else” — Featuring Annie Elliott, RPA

This year’s SXSW was one of the more memorable in recent history, especially for job-hunters and their MacBooks, as LA agency RPA infiltrated their AirDrops with recruitment invites— thanks to ACD Annie Elliott.

“Stay Humble, Stay Hungry” — Featuring Mo Osunbor, J. Walter Thompson

There’s always risk involved with taking on any pro-bono client in a charged political and societal atmosphere–but Mo Osunbor, a senior art director at J. Walter Thompson, knew the payoff of reaching out to collaborate with Black Lives Matter.

“Love and Respect People” — Featuring Howie Cohen, Phelps

There is no casual way to talk about outgoing Phelps CCO Howie Cohen’s legacy in the advertising industry.

“Think About How You Define Success” — Featuring Donna Wiederkehr, Dentsu Aegis

You could never tell Dentsu Aegis’ Americas CMO Donna Wiederkehr the sky’s the limit: at age 14, she was a pilot, flying for her dad’s hot air balloon company — solo.

“Relax, It’s Just Advertising” — Featuring Madeline Adams, 22squared

For Atlanta’s 22squared to deliver results for its eclectic roster — from Publix to Costa Rica Tourism — it needs eclectic creatives like copywriter Madeline Adams to deliver hits every single time.

“We Have the Power to Make a Positive Impact” – Featuring Jason Harris, Mekanism

Take a quick look at some of the work NYC-based Mekanism has created in Jason Harris’s tenure as President and CEO, and you wouldn’t deny his wish to have Morgan Freeman narrate his life story either.