Our industry has a lot of great minds and a lot of opinions.
But opinions aside, its what one does that matters. The actual ideas. The ones that get made, and made great.
Whether an idea is in the form of a script, a way to look at the budget to make the impossible possible or what a prospective client sees in the lobby on pitch day - they all matter.
But some people do more and do better. No matter how old I get, they are a kind of hero.
Few know the name John Jay. But anything he does, says really, amazes me.
Sharp, profound and informed. Above all, makes you think a bit different and better about something.
A knower of art, retail and how a restaurant can reshape a neighbourhood while reinvigorating its past (Ping.) A genral doing of things.
These are the types it is great to see enter halls of fame.
I don't know Jon, but I know I like what he's done. Even if it was only the skewers at Ping, I would hold that opinion.
These are his rules stolen from a WK blog:
- Be authentic. The most powerful asset you have is your individuality, what makes you unique. It’s time to stop listening to others on what you should do.
- Work harder than anyone else and you will always benefit from the effort.
- Get off the computer and connect with real people and culture. Life is visceral.
- Constantly improve your craft. Make things with your hands. Innovation in thinking is not enough.
- Travel as much as you can. It is a humbling and inspiring experience to learn just how much you don’t know.
- Being original is still king, especially in this tech-driven, group-grope world.
- Try not to work for stupid people or you’ll soon become one of them.
- Instinct and intuition are all-powerful. Learn to trust them.
- The Golden Rule actually works. Do good.
- If all else fails, No. 2 is the greatest competitive advantage of any career.
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