Tangerine Blog

10 Questions for Harper Reitkopf

TangerineNY — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:08:36 +0000

Harper B Reitkopf
Senior Strategic Planner, Ogilvy
@itsharper

Where are you right now?

In my living room, on the couch, in my head.

Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?

Via dial-in. I have the same breakfast every morning. I rise very early. Breakfast meetings can sometimes spoil daily ritual.

What was your first job?

I grew up working in my mother’s offices, HAI inc., est. in 1969. They make the arts accessible to New Yorkers left outside of the cultural mainstream – from the elderly, to the incarcerated, to hospital-bound, bed-bound, to the mentally handicapped. Bring your daughter to work day meant witnessing classical ballet in state psych wards. The arts enable us to transcend.

How do you think we can keep talent motivated?

Let them lead. Reward passion. Incentivize creatively.

What excites you about this next decade?

Women are in the lead. We are more than 50% of managers in the U.S., for every 2 dudes who get a college degree 3 women will. We have all the right skills for this new world – we’re listeners, collaborators and gut-instinct –ers. Go girls go.

If you had to make a quick escape where would you go?

Berlin. To run the half marathon on April 1^st. Oh wait, I am already doing that.

What is on your bedside table?

Painting of a nude and my iPad.

If you weren’t in this business what would you be doing?

Head culture junkie curator Madame of some hotshot art house.

Who would you most like to meet for a drink?

Joan Rivers. Hands down. (or Liza Minnelli if Joan had a prior engagement).

What is your greatest extravagance?

My new Brooklyn rental. But boy is it worth it.

10 Questions for Michael Ventura

TangerineNY — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:53:17 +0000

Michael Ventura

CEO | CCO, SUB ROSA

Where are you right now?

I’m in our studio in Manhattan—surrounded by the sounds of conference calls, the gentle hammering of gold for a jewelry collection, and the flickers of lighting tests for an installation we’re doing. Oh, and lunchtime bar-b-que was just delivered.

Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?

I like the Breslin because it’s close to our office, they have some hearty options, and if you get there before 9am it’s quiet and civilized. By 9:45 it’s a madhouse of meetings.

What was your first job?

As a teenager I cleaned and fixed motors and oil burners. It was a pretty hands-on gig. Soon after I moved on to a job as a nightlife reporter in New York. The dichotomy of my work is still as stark as those two jobs were.

How do you think we can keep talent motivated?

It starts with who your hiring – they have to love what they do. Our work is fun, always moving, always motivating, and requires an entrepreneurial spirit. I never have a problem getting out of bed and coming to work. I love what I do and that holds true for all of us at Sub Rosa. Plus, we support and encourage people to maintain and develop personal projects. Letting people be exactly who they are or want to be helps us create more interesting and diverse work for our clients.

What excites you about this next decade?

I’m looking forward to hover boards, jet packs, teleportation, and all of the other promises science fiction dangled in front of us over the years. Short of that, starting a family with my lovely wife, continuing to grow and evolve the nature of our business, and to experiment with the most productive and positive interplay of people, technology, and design.

If you had to make a quick escape where would you go?

The woods, the desert, or the sea.

What is on your bedside table?

Water, lamp, and books in-progress (currently Journey to Ixtlan, Mycelium Running, and Landscape and Memory).

If you weren’t in this business what would you be doing?

I’d be a shaman.

Whom would you most like to meet for a drink?

Tough question! To talk leadership and politics I’d say Abe Lincoln & Winston Churchill. To talk art and design, da Vinci and Dali. To simply have a strange few hours, Helena Bonham Carter and Bjork.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Silence.

10 Questions for Jason Pearson

TangerineNY — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:04:08 +0000

Jason Pearson

Associate Strategist, Redscout

http://jasonpearson.me

Where are you right now?

My apartment in Fort Greene!

Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?

Kaffe 1668 in Tribeca is nice. It’s low-key, and they have incredible coffee.

What was your first job?

My very first job was seasonal. I worked on a commercial Christmas tree farm in Oregon for 3 or 4 seasons. It was really hard work. From there, I went on to work at a pizzeria and several other restaurants. Let me put it this way– I have an extensive collection of hairnets and name tags.

How do we keep the best talent motivated?

Allow them to contribute their talent! I don’t think there is anything more motivating than feeling like you personally impacted a project. For me, the most rewarding thing is feeling like I made something better than it used to be. It also doesn’t hurt to have a well-stocked liquor cabinet.

What excites you about this next decade?

I’m super excited about design, in general, to continue becoming an expectation in our everyday lives. I’m excited to see how business and government will be rebuilt around technology, and how creativity will utilize open data sources and new forms of collaboration.

If you had to make a quick escape, where would you go?

I suppose it would depend on what I was trying to escape, but it would be between a sleepy town on the Oregon coast or a sunny island at an undisclosed location.

What is on your bedside table?

A Jambox and toy dinosaurs that I forgot to include in my 2-year-old cousin’s Christmas gift.

What is your dream job?

Astronaut and/or time-traveler.

Who would you most like to meet for a drink?

My parents in the 70′s.

10 Questions for April Greaves

TangerineNY — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:01:58 +0000

April Greaves

Freelance Fashion Makeup Artist

Resides in Ñew York City

Where are you right now?

So right now I have just left NYC and am en-route to Belize for a photo shoot…lucky me, it will be my first time…and I love to discover.

Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?

My favorite place for a breakfast meeting would be the Soho House in NY, it’s a great atmosphere for a professional or more relaxed meeting.

What was your first job?

Well my first job was in a law firm, before I started hairdressing, and later, makeup. However technically speaking, I was actually an Avon lady whilst still in school…my mother used to be one, albeit she only took the book to the school at which she worked and then left it in the teachers staff room, which eventually she did for me too..I was not one for the door to door sales thing but every time that box of goodies arrived to fulfill the orders it was like Christmas and I was just mad for the mini lipstick samples!

What is on your bedside table?

On my nightstand are fresh flowers which make me feel happy, a candle…Diptique Myrhh at the moment, The Fran Liebowitz Reader, Guy Bourdin’s Polaroids Book which my boyfriend just gave me for Christmas and last nights cup of Bedtime Tea!

What are your new years resolutions?

It’s the first year I’ve ever made any New Years resolutions…perhaps I’ve not wanted to set myself up for a fall while telling myself they’re cliche, but I’ve already outwardly vowed to make a return to my love of reading a top priority this year; to be more politically aware, as infuriating as it is to gain more knowledge on any state of affairs; and to not ‘waste time’! That and the eternal search for the next best resurrecting skincare line + the ultimate lipstick of course………

How do we keep the best talent motivated?

Perhaps to keep the talent in my particular industry motivated as artists I would encourage honing individual skills and ones own voice alone, while still being open to the wealth of incredible influence out there in the market. There is always room for new and expertise. Find what motivates and inspires you specifically and always learn more each time you work, with a different approach.

What motivates you?

I am personally motivated by beautiful aesthetic details that can be anywhere, changeable landscapes either natural or urban, witty, talented, good-hearted people, someone’s ability to make me laugh, good skin and enjoying making skin look great, makeup that appears to ‘sit in the skin’, the ever changing nature and influence of life and fashion and the fact that ’anything goes’ with a great platform and a brilliant team…

What excites you about this next decade?

The aspects I am most looking forward to in this coming decade are new perspectives and focuses and new experiences. I think it’s the time to take life seriously enough to go for things, while being more relaxed about the stuff that used to seem important!

What excites you about this next decade?

I would most like to meet Carmen Dell’Orefice for a drink. I’ve had the opportunity to work with her a few times and she’s elegant, fabulous, candid and wise, so I would love to talk with her at length…! Or Lauren Hutton, I think she’s the ultimate in luxe, chic, relaxed cool…

What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance materially would probably be quality in general, but if I had to name one thing specifically, I would say never holding back from spending lots of time having fun with my loved ones…

10 Questions for Emily Woolf

TangerineNY — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:15:55 +0000

Emily Woolf

Senior Strategist, Syrup NYC

Where are you right now?

The Syrup NYC office in Tribeca.

Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?

Pastis. It’s bright, open and never too crowded on a weekday morning.

What was your first job?

When I was 14 I taught 3-5 year olds how to ski…translation I picked up toppled over children that were stuffed into snowsuits and skis that were too big for them. So nothings really changed.

How do we keep the best talent motivated?

At Syrup we begin to think about ideas we keep in mind the Chinese proverb Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand. I believe it’s about giving people ownership and allowing them to learn by doing.

What motivates you?

Seemingly unconquerable problems, playing in the deep-end, being up the river sans paddle…you get the idea. I like to be scared, nervous and unsure. These are great ingredients for the best kind of adventures.

What excites you about this next decade?

The industry seems to be moving back towards genuine client- agency partnerships. The age of utilizing the agency as simply a communications vending machine is long past it’s use-by-date, in my opinion.. This dynamic is opening up how we identify the business problems, opportunities, but more importantly how both collaborate to solve problems with innovation and creativity. These types of relationships should continue to be cultivated. And with any luck, we’ll see solutions meaningful solution that have value and don’t just create noise.

What is on your bedside table?

I need a bedside table.

What is your dream job?

As long as it’s creative and mentally challenging – and has a culture of diverse, interesting and social people- I know I’ll be happy.

Who would you most like to meet for a drink?

Jerry Weintraub. After reading When I stop talking you’ll know I’m dead I’ve been in complete and utter awe of him.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Dinners and drinks. If it’s between taking the time to shop for a bedside table or going for an amazing oyster, steak and proseco dinner…

10 Questions for Tom Morton

TangerineNY — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:48:40 +0000

Tom Morton
Chief Strategy Officer, Euro RSCG NY

Where are you right now?

On case study #44 of the 54 entries that I’m judging for Euro’s internal awards. Mmmm, French post offices…

Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?

The Pret A Manger that has just opened up under our office. I’m just a few meet-and-greets away from my first complimentary latte.

What was your first job?

I was lucky enough to be a trainee planner at BMP DDB in its creative and effectiveness heyday.

How do you think we can keep the talent in our industry motivated?

By knocking down any obstacles that stand in its way.

What motivates you?

The conviction that clever thinking wins in the end.

What excites you about this next decade?

The progressive parts of the industry will become the mainstream, and the legacy parts of the industry will become the history.

What is on your bedside table?

A decorative bowl full of ill-judged man-bracelets.

If you weren’t in this business what would you be doing?

I’d be a talking head on MSNBC.

Who would you most like to meet for a drink?

Until recently, Christopher Hitchens.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I can find the artisan, custom made, limited edition, upgraded version of pretty much anything.

10 Questions for Andrew Holland

TangerineNY — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:38:41 +0000

Andrew Holland

Senior Consultant, Vivaldi Partners Group

Where are you right now?

I’m in our SoHo office. It’s Friday afternoon.

Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?

La Colombe on 4th Street and Lafayette is a good place.

What was your first job?

I worked at a DIY store, when I was 17. I did lots of strange jobs while I was at school and university. The weirdest one of them all was a brief stint at a sheet metal cutting facility. My role was to stack pieces of metal into neat piles. My first job after graduating was working in Moscow for an NGO that was trying to get the Russian government to take the HIV epidemic seriously. I worked as an editor putting together materials for donors. We were a very motley crew, but I’ve kept in touch with lots of people from that time.

How do we keep the best talent motivated?

I’m a fan of Tammy Erickson’s posts on the HBR site. I defer to her on the question of motivation. She writes that “high levels of engagement occur when work experiences reflect a clear set of values that we share.” The challenge is to translate these values into our experiences in the workplace – most companies seems to really struggle with this.

What motivates you?

Several things come to mind: knowing I’m doing valuable work, working with inspiring people, the sense that I’m progressing.

What excites you about this next decade?

We’re living at a time of accelerated change etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.. Actually, I don’t really care about that. For someone my age, that’s always been our experience. I will say that getting older is definitely a good thing – I want to age gracefully and to become wiser.

What is on your bedside table?

I don’t have a bedside table. There’s a pile of stuff lying around: two copies of Foreign Affairs, a couple of novels – Girl Meets Boy by Ali Smith and The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham – and some contact lenses. Somewhere there’s a teddy bear as well.

What is your dream job?

I would love to be the Mayor of a large city. It’s the perfect mix of solving complex problems and being able to make a difference.

Who would you most like to meet for a drink?

I’d like to meet George W. Bush. Lots of people who have spent time with him claim that he’s not the tongue-tied idiot he appeared to be. I’m intrigued by a public figure who may surprise you in person. We’d hang out at his ranch and I’d try to get him talking. I’d ask about his life, his motivations and the decisions he made during his presidency.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I moved to New York with eighteen cardigans. It was about 80F at the time. A lot of grandmothers were very upset when I left Britain. Other than that, taxis, shoes, and books that I never get around to reading.

10 Questions for Chioma Aduba

TangerineNY — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:42:08 +0000

Chioma Aduba

New Business Associate, Grey

Where are you right now?

At work in the Flatiron District.

Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?

I’m not a morning person, so I typically try to avoid breakfast meetings. I’d rather go for after work snacks. For that, I’d have to go with Patroon — rooftop if it’s nice out.

What was your first job?

I was a waitress at Friendly’s and it was one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had. You’re on your feet for hours, smiling at people (even when they’re not smiling back) and at the end of the day you walk out covered in sticky ice cream and smelling like sweets. I think hard jobs are a good first job, sets the bar.

How do we keep the best talent motivated?

By giving them a voice. No one wants to feel like their opinions don’t matter and that they are not contributing, in some way, to the final product. No matter your age, level or skill set, everyone just wants to feel heard.

What motivates you?

A challenge. I like being in a role that I have to grow into. I like being surrounded by people who are at the top of their game. It’s like osmosis.

What excites you about this next decade?

Witnessing such a big technological evolution. I still remember A-traks and I had Atari. I’m so impressed by their 2011 equivalents and how quickly they’ve arrived! I can’t even image what is next, but I hope I have a front row seat. I remember watching the Jetson’s and thinking how impossible their world seemed. But we do have moving walkways in airports and video conferencing phones. We’re getting pretty close.

What is on your bedside table?

My journal. I’ve had it for almost ten years, but didn’t start writing in it until I spent six months backpacking through Central and South America. And I’m glad I did. There are some good stories in there.

What is your dream job?

I always like to think I’m in it.

Who would you most like to meet for a drink?

Oprah. We both love tequila.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Either travel or handbags, but never both at the same time. I’m usually sacrificing one so I can indulge in the other.

10 Questions for Steve Gatfield

TangerineNY — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:20:10 +0000

10 Questions for Steve Gatfield

Co-Chairman, Naked Group

Where are you right now?

I am at Logan Airport hoping a storm will pass so I can come back to NYC tonight

Where is your favorite place for a breakfast meeting?

Cookshop or Tarralucci e Vino

What was your first job?

Behavioral psychologist attached to an NHS Dialysis Unit in the UK

How do we keep the best talent motivated?

Endless stimulation and feeding curiosity with the license to experiment

What motivates you?

See the above

What excites you about this next decade?

The potential to do huge things with small resources…the organisation will be fluid and a networked ecosystem not an institution

What is on your bedside table?

The Folly of Fools by Trivers…it’s about the evolutionary biology of self deception

What is your dream job?

Something joyous,inventive and boundaryless …I’d love to run a theater company again

Who would you most like to meet for a drink?

President Obama…I want to understand his version of what happened to hope

What is your greatest extravagance?

Every day good wine,every week fine strong French cheese,every year a Swiss watch for my collection

A Sign, Surely.

TangerineNY — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:46:46 +0000

See post here!