Mindshare turns 25

Mindshare is 25 years old—marking a quarter of a century’s worth of innovation and growth that #TeamMindshare has brought to clients and the industry at large. We were the first media agency created within WPP, bringing together the best talent across the network—initially from sister agencies like JWT and Ogilvy—and then from across the industry as well. Every year we celebrate our birthday globally at the start of November, and this year we want to celebrate all the amazing people who have been a part of our journey for the past 25 years.

We've asked our people to share what their fondest memory has been over the last 25 years, and what advice they have for the next 25. Their amazing stories span across offices in the USA and Canada, different teams and clients, and the evolution of our industry.

"My fondest memory has to be the murder mystery dinner cruise during the MS leadership conference in Miami.  Just kidding.  I have so many great JWT/Mindshare memories, it's hard to choose.  But one that stands out to me right now, and every time we start annual planning, is the first Purple Head award our ampm team won - it was for Innovation, and our campaign was up against some bigger brands with bigger budgets.  The win was a fun moment for the team as well as a testament to our belief that creativity and innovation don’t always have to come with high price tags.

Never stop learning and never stop teaching.  When people ask me what’s kept me at Mindshare for so long, I tell them it’s being able to work with truly amazing people and resources – I learn new things every single day, and that’s gold for a super-curious person like me.  In return, I love sharing what I know with my team or anyone who wants to learn.  Mindshare has always had a strong curiosity culture, which has served as springboard to some exceptional work; I can’t wait to see what’s next."

"My fondest memory was working on the Ford Global Anthem campaign in 1999 that made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest global television roadblock (1 billion people) ever. I was also the media buyer that worked on a campaign for Bosch “Storm Chasers” in 2012 that won an Effie award. 

My advice for the next 25 years is to stay focused, flexible, and fearless!"

"Upfront week presentations were always hectic but brought clients and teams together for the perfect mix of business and some fun. It was always a great time to get to know clients and team members in a different way.  The late night upfront negotiations were where unbreakable bonds were formed! 

Stay curious, be the type of colleague or leader you wish for and stay HUMAN!"   

"When I look back at the 25 years I have spent at Mindshare, the fondest memories that comes to me are the people I have met throughout this journey.  For me, the most important relationships I have to this day were created within the walls of Mindshare.  In 1998, one plus year into my career, I met the woman who would eventually become my wife and mother to my two children.  Within my department I have been mentored by some of the smartest and kindest people in this industry who to this day are my closest friends inside and outside the work environment.  People who I would hire or have worked and collaborated as part of my larger team are key components of my life to this very day.   

It goes without saying for me, Mindshare and its culture was never just a job for me, rather it is part of my life’s journey.  It is truly the people within this organization that have lead me to never consider leaving Mindshare to this very day.   

In regards to the next 25 years (and yes I plan to be a part of them):  I would hope Mindshare continues to keep to its core values and never overlook the power of the culture within the organization that exists.  As we are all aware, the last three years have been a challenge and in my mind Mindshare has been a leader in the industry on trying to navigate these impossible waters.  More challenges, whether it be client or business challenges, economic or real world challenges, will certainly come up over the course of the next decade +.  I fully trust that the Mindshare leadership (if they keep to its core values) will continue to navigate and properly manage these as best as possible. "

"All of the best memories involve celebrating as a team – celebrating a partnership, and award, just the camaraderie that working hard together drives into playing hard. 

Stay curious – Change is the only constant and life-long learners are the most effective media people.  Balance that curiosity with a healthy skepticism to separate the shiny objects from what will give our clients an advantage. "

"I just celebrated 22 years at Mindshare Canada. It started as an agency of approximately 80 people. We were an extended family. Everyone knew each other,  friendships were strong and we worked together, always as a team wanting to make this new agency succeed.  I remember helping the new business team work on pitches into the wee hours of the night, printing off decks, binding them together, with copious amounts of coffee and pizza. And when we won, everyone celebrated. Over the years, however, we grew. We saw a lot of changes within our network, our offerings expanded and we are now stronger. We may not know everyone’s name anymore, but there’s always a sense of belonging and of team and the goal to succeed. 

Things will change over the years. People will come and go, and come back again. It’s such a great reflection on our agency. There will be really good times, but there will also be not so good times, but you need stick with it. Be patient. There is so much opportunity within Mindshare and the network for you to learn and grow. This is such an amazing agency to be a part of.  Here’s to the next 25 years!"

"I’ve been on the Ford account for the majority of my career and the work has allowed us to stretch the limits of what’s possible.  Over the years, we have done everything from creating a Pro Bull Riders event in the streets of Manhattan, providing aspiring filmmakers with the opportunity to produce music videos that aired during the Grammys, inducting 12 superfans into their own wing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, staging a Toby Keith concert in a Ford owner’s backyard, pairing a fan in a foursome with Phil Mickelson, Wayne Gretzky and Dale Jarrett at the Ford Championship at Doral Pro-Am to reuniting the Griswolds for a National Lampoons Christmas Vacation themed Mach-E spot.  These were ambitious ideas at the start, but through the collaboration of talented and determined team members (and trusting clients) all became reality.  The process, teamwork and excitement of bringing these types of programs to life is what I love most about the job. 

Continue to embrace new ideas and seek the potential of unproven platforms, I can remember a time when there was skepticism surrounding Twitter and e-sports in their early stages and now they are centerpieces for our clients marketing plans. 

Foster relationships with colleagues from other departments and prioritize in-person interactions.  This has a profound impact on how we work, what we can accomplish and will further establish our great culture and identity." 

"My fondest memory was working with an awesome group of dedicated and hardworking team members to onboard the Rogers business in 1 month. While the road was unimaginably tough the team pulled out all the stops to make magic happen, reinforcing my commitment and pride of  being part of such a wonderful company and network.  

M advice for the next 25 years is when faced with a challenge, always look at it as an opportunity for growth and a way to reinvent yourself. I’ve had the good fortune of being offered new opportunities throughout my career and each one brought exciting new challenges for personal growth."   

"My fondest memories of working at Mindshare have been the friendships forged over the years. I am still close to so many I worked with 10-15 years ago. I’m lucky to work for a company who attracts not only great talent but great humans! 

My best advice is to stay curious. Read the announcements, the POVs, the industry newsletters, etc. Soak them up and use them to help inspire new ways of thinking for your clients."

"I’d be in trouble if I didn’t say my fondest memory is meeting my wife on what was my first day at Mindshare. But it truly is a collection of memories that include pride in delivering good work, personal growth, a smattering of professional accomplishments, and too many moments and events to count involving colleagues that have grown into lifelong friends.  

While a lot has evolved in our industry since I began working here, one thing remains.  Human beings sit behind all the data points, views, clicks, % increase or decrease in whatever, so on and so forth.  As technology and innovation continue to evolve and power our industry at an exponentially quicker pace, don’t lose sight of the humanity in the work we do."