Cannes Lions: The People

My first Cannes Lions will be an experience I will never forget.?I wrote about the work and innovation, both of which were in the top five of my favorite things about Cannes Lions.?Today, I am going to talk about the people.

I was struck to be surrounded by so many people “like me.”?All these people loved consumer insights, strong strategies, great creative work and most importantly, building brands.?

I saw colleagues from past companies and dear friends such as Jim Stengel , Suzanne Tosolini , Mathilde Delhoume-Debreu , Kimberly Doebereiner , David Grebert , Serfi Altun , Douwe Bergsma , Jerri DeVard , Najoh Tita-Reid , Michelle Froah , Jean-Paul Jansen , and Chamie Baldwin . ?It doesn’t matter how many years go by… these are my people.?Around them, I can breath fresh air.?It was like no time had past.?We immediately caught up on our lives, professional successes and challenges.?We toasted long time friendships and the future journeys.?I feel so fortunate to have these people in my life.??

From University of Florida, my alma matter and where I currently sit on the Advisory Council, I met with students and faculty.?It was special to see J. Robyn Goodman and James (Dimitri) Babanikos . Professor Goodman and I had a long conversation about the experience and its impact on the students.?Not surprisingly, we discussed how many of the emerging industry elements are already incorporated into the curriculum.?We discussed areas where professionals can help students more.?For example, I was asked to provide advice to students about speaking with professionals at Cannes Lions.?My advice… talk about the work.?Which is your favorite and why??In addition to being a great conversation, it will give others a glimpse into how you think.?Once a Gator, always a Gator.?It’s true, I bleed orange and blue!

I also made new friends at events and as part of the Cannes Lions CMO Accelerator program.??I really enjoyed getting to know Marissa Jarratt , Marissa Eddings , Brieane Olson , Tom Duncan , Ashley E. Gibbs , ? Jeff Long , ? Amy Lund , Steve Latham , Bea Asavajaru .?We shared so many stories, personal learnings and best practices.?There is no question I will cross paths with these people again.?Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later!

So, you can understand why “the People” is one of my favorite things from Cannes Lions.?While the work is what brings us together, the bonds and trust keep us connected.??