New tech, new client demands and new ways of defining what great work looks like are rapidly transforming the ad industry, but for Justin Thomas-Copeland, these are not challenges to fear.

The new CEO of the 4As joined the latest episode of Campaign Chemistry to discuss his first 100 days in office, from his transition into leadership to his vision for the future of the advertising organization that services ad agencies. He discusses the need for agility in serving members, with a focus on developing next-gen talent, driving human ingenuity, enhancing community engagement and lastly, leveraging technology to better deliver 4As offerings.

Thomas-Copeland also shares his take on the future of awards in the industry, the impact of entertainment and influencers on the ad industry and what brands he thinks are driving the future of marketing.

The Takeaways

1. Grace is essential when transitioning into new positions, especially in leadership roles.
2. Talent development, incorporating technology and community engagement are amongst the key focuses for the 4As moving forward.
3. Copeland aims to foster a culture of human ingenuity within the industry. Agencies need safe spaces to learn and grow, especially in the age of AI.
4. Talent management is a key concern for agencies.
5. Brand building must adapt to new consumer behaviors. There used to only be ad agencies to execute brand messaging; today, there are a variety of services and specialized agencies to choose from.
6. Technology is reshaping the competitive landscape.
7. Awards need to evolve with industry standards and the incoming wave of new creatives who care less about awards and more about brand purpose and effectiveness.
8. The entertainment industry and the creator economy are changing marketing dynamics.

AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!

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On this episode of Campaign Chemistry, Luz Corona speaks with Jonathan Adashek, the SVP of marketing and communications at IBM. They explore how IBM’s 113 year-old legacy fuels innovation, why story “showing” is central to brand identity and how career growth often emerges from uncomfortable moments. From the launch of the “Let’s Create” campaign to weaving AI into the marketing strategy, Adashek discusses leadership lessons, team dynamics and the future of B2B marketing with humility and clarity.

AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!

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When Dani Mariano joined Razorfish eleven years ago, the agency playbook looked very different. Today, she finds herself writing an altogether new one. With clients chasing market share and AI’s ever-growing influence on collaboration and creative work, Dani describes how she’s moving Razorfish forward with smart, adaptable strategies.

AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!

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And the winner is...Uncommon Creative Studio.

In this episode of Campaign Chemistry, the Campaign team took a special field trip a few subway stops away to the NY headquarters of Uncommon Creative Studio to clink champagne glasses with its co-founder, Nils Leonard, celebrating the agency's recent win as Campaign's Agency of the Year in the US. Leonard discusses the innovative projects that have defined their brand, like the New York Fashion Week viral sensation Rat Boot, and the journey of starting the UK-based agency after leaving his successful tenure at Grey London. He discusses the state of creativity in today's world, along with the lessons learned and the principles that guide Uncommon's work.

AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!

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For AKQA founder and former chief executive Ajaz Ahmed, leadership is about one thing: being a decent human being.

On the latest episode of Campaign Chemistry, Ahmed opens up about his WPP departure, the cultural cost of bureaucracy in holding companies and why this is a “golden era” for independent agencies. He shares more details around his latest venture, Studio.One, and how he’s leaning on his lived experience and career lessons to build for what’s next. Ahmed also weighs in on the current Cannes Lions scandals surrounding fabricated award-winning campaigns and it reflects a bigger misalignment in the ad agency world.

The sound bite

“Incentives within holding company structures often prioritize awards over client ROI or satisfaction — and that misalignment drives the wrong behaviors.”

The takeaways

1. Indie agencies are having a moment.
2. AKQA was built for the internet era — Studio.One is built for the AI era.
3. Clients want people, not processes weighed down by bureaucracy.
4. The algorithm is not a replacement for the human spirit.
5. Holding companies are losing their spark and that’s why talent is flocking to independents.
6. Business incentives that prioritize trophies over ROI and client trust encourage the wrong behaviors.
7. Leadership is about being a decent human being.
8. Legacy isn’t about scale — it’s about impact and the culture you create.

AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!

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When it comes to Kudzi Chikumbu’s career success, it’s not just one thing setting him apart.

The creator, author and now podcast host shares his journey from being an accountant to being one of the first employees at Musical.ly before it turned into TikTok and everything in between. After becoming a key player in the creator economy as the head of global creative marketing at TikTok and the creator behind the popular fragrance account, SirCandleMan, the multi-hyphenate has a firm grasp on creating content that cuts through the noise.

Chikumbu also discusses the evolution of TikTok, the challenges and joys of navigating fame and the importance of having an “offline life.” He delves into his podcast, 'Not Just One Thing,' which aims to provide a career playbook for those seeking guidance from successful industry leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Chikumbu played a significant role in TikTok's growth from its early days as Musical.ly.
• The creator economy allows individuals to explore multiple passions and identities online, as seen in Chikumbu’s entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Sir Candleman emerged from Chikumbu’s love for fragrance and storytelling after a shopping encounter in Paris.
• For creators to protect their peace, it's essential to maintain a real offline life.
• When it comes to creating, Kudzi encourages listeners to let go of others' expectations and pursue their passions.
• Taking intentional breaks is crucial for avoiding burnout.
• Chikumbu highlights emerging voices in the fragrance industry like Funmi Monet, who is quickly becoming a force in fragrance culture.

Key sound bite

"Just do it scared."

AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!

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In this episode of Campaign Chemistry, Kirshbaum discusses the evolving landscape at the intersection of music and advertising. He highlights the rise of niche artists and "third places," the current state of messiness when it comes to AI and copyright and music festivals like Governor's Ball turning into "brand ball." The discussion also covers successful brand activations during events like Record Store Day and Super Bowl, as well as predictions for 2026.


Key Takeaways

1. The music industry, much like the ad industry, is shifting towards niche interests, artists and genres.
2. Vinyl sales are increasing, even among consumers without record players.
3. AI is becoming a tool for artists, not a replacement.
4. Record Store Day has become a significant cultural event amongst beer brands like Dogfish Head and Coors Light.
5. Super Bowl performances can significantly elevate an artist's profile, as seen in Kendrick Lamar's continued rise in mainstream culture.

Key sound bite

"Budweiser's [One Second Ads] campaign didn't move the needle."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Intersection of Music and Advertising

02:46 Trends in the Music Industry

05:31 The Role of AI in Music Creation

08:39 Ethics of AI and Music Rights

11:14 Record Store Day and Brand Activations

14:06 The Impact of Super Bowl Performances

16:44 Future Trends in Music and Marketing

AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!

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Join Frank Mazzola, chief creative officer, Real Chemistry; and Alok Gadkar, cofounder, CEO and CCO, Tuesday Communications, to hear stories from behind the jury room door. As members of this year’s Pharma Lions Jury, Mazzola and Gadkar share what it’s like in the room, trends from this year’s awards and how pharma clients can get engaged.

AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!

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