Stories from the ?gilvy alumni reunion

Last week, we attended a reunion of Simone’s alma mater, 奥美 —a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our roots. Amid a week where our focus was firmly set on the future, stepping back into the past offered lessons too valuable to ignore. In a time filled with skepticism about the big agency world—claims that it’s all going downhill, and critiques of its relevance—this gathering was a powerful reminder of the community, culture, thinking, people, and inspiration that remain the backbone of our industry.

? What it meant to be there: Simone’s story

Walking into the Ogilvy alumni gathering, I was instantly reminded of the place that shaped so much of my career. It taught me the value of relationships and instilled a foundation for how business is built. I’ll admit, I didn’t immediately jump to RSVP (thank you, Sara Smoler ), but walking into that room and reconnecting with such a diverse, passionate, and accomplished group of people—from former interns to CEOs—was a powerful reminder of this industry’s roots.

In a time when advertising and marketing feel almost unrecognizable—where iconic agency brands no longer exist and change is relentless—it’s easy to lose hope. But my time with these former colleagues reminded me that the industry’s future is built on its past: deep relationships, shared pride, and the drive to create something meaningful together.

Rachel Segall and I often say, “Your network is your net worth,” and NBZ wouldn’t exist today without the shoulders we’ve stood on—many of whom were ex-Ogilvy. The truth is, good relationships—messy, passionate, honest ones—are the backbone of success in this business. And as we look to 2025, the lesson is clear: while much of the industry is transforming, the need for connection, community, and culture remains constant.

?? What it meant to see it: Rachel’s view

I didn’t realize I was walking into the Ogilvy alumni reunion with a minor celebrity (although she has been called the Beyoncé of new business). Every few steps, someone stopped Simone to swap a story, share a laugh, or reminisce about moments that felt more like a movie than a memory (the criminal case wasn’t even the juiciest story being passed around). Watching her in her element, I saw a new side of my partner—someone who hasn’t just worked in this business but left an unforgettable mark on the people in it.

When we finally made it through the crowd and into the party, the energy and nostalgia in the room made it feel like time itself had stitched together decades of stories in one place. These weren’t just work friends catching up; these were reunions of consequence, woven from decades of creating, surviving, and flourishing together. The moment that captured it all for me was when Steve Hayden was quietly brought in. It was a subtle yet powerful testament to the enduring impact of being part of such a storied brand.

As an outsider, I didn’t just see Ogilvy’s history that night—I felt it. Through the reverence for Simone, the kinetic energy in the room, and the stories that flowed faster than the beer and wine, I understood this: a brand’s greatness is built not just on the work it produces but on the people and relationships that sustain it.

That night left me with two realizations: Simone Oppenheimer Mandel is not just my partner—she’s a legend. And if you want to move forward in this industry, you start by honoring the past, learning from it, and carrying its best parts with you.

??A takeaway for the future

So here’s to carrying forward the best of what came before, while leaving behind what no longer serves us. Thank you, 奥美 , thank you to our incredible network, and thank you to this industry for reminding us how we move forward—with gratitude for the past and hope for the future.