5 Questions for: Andrew Graff, CEO of Allen & Gerritsen

In our 5 Questions for… series, the 4A’s is asking agency leaders across the country to to offer their POVs on some of the most pressing issues of the day. Here, Allen & Gerritsen‘s CEO, Andrew Graff, weighs in. 

1) What’s the biggest challenge or opportunity facing the ad industry right now?

We can’t stop challenging the status quo. We’ve got to be brave about adopting new technologies, and learning completely new ways of thinking about our clients’ challenges. Then it’s all about diving in, head first, and taking risks. We, as agencies, must be willing to evolve every day–so our clients get great work. Eclectic talent believes they can still do cool things in our industry. This kind of open mindedness results in a solid win for everyone.

2) What is the single most significant change you need to make in your agency in the next 12 months?

We want to continue to really push ourselves and our partners to create awe inspiring work that creates positive impact in the world and in people’s lives. I want everyone to feel proud of everything we make, be open minded about collaboration, and remain eager to get started on the next big idea the minute the last one goes out the door.

3) What products/services/unique skills do ad agencies offer that guarantee the industry’s survival for another 100 years?

The core of our business has always been about strategy, creativity and the big idea — those still rule the day. But knowing that we can now deliver a robot or VR experience and ground that recommendation in customer insights is what still positions agencies as the true client partner.

4) What attributes do you look for in your next generation of leaders/managers

Curiosity and passion. A hunger for learning. Guts. A little moxie. And little or no fear.

5) If you weren’t working in advertising, what would you be doing as a career?

I’d be a traffic reporter. Instead of sitting in traffic, I’d fly over it. I’d tweet traffic patterns from a helicopter, or from some kind of futuristic paragliding hoverboard. How awesome would that be?