'Capitalize on every opportunity': 7 questions with Cliff Atkinson, Saatchi & Saatchi LA and Kirsten Atkinson, Walton Isaacson
Editor’s note: ThinkLA’s DIG (Diversity, Gender, Inclusion) initiative has been created to celebrate and work towards greater diversity in Los Angeles. ThinkLA and The Drum are pleased to highlight African American leaders in the Los Angeles marketing community, their thoughts on the industry and how to build greater momentum for all.
Cliff Atkinson, senior communication director, Saatchi & Saatchi LA, and Kirstin Atkinson, VP, media & branded Integration, Walton Isaacson
What was your first job in advertising?
Cliff: My first job was in New York as a media coordinator - a specially-created role for me at Media.com (part of Grey Advertising). This role was a split reporting structure to Account and Media focusing on digital which helped me learn the foundation of media planning and help build a solid understanding of digital creative and how it works.
Kirsten: My first job was in Chicago at Starcom Worldwide. Back then, the media discipline was still in its infancy stage. In fact, Starcom had just been created as its own agency outside of parent company Leo Burnett. I majored in Mass Media Arts, with a concentration in PR. When I interviewed for the position I remembered thinking, how different could media be from PR? It didn't take me very long to find out!
What is the most rewarding aspect about your job; what makes it all worthwhile?
Kirsten: The most rewarding part of my job is being able to solve complex business challenges, pushing media innovations to create first-to-market programs and literally being on the forefront of the industry as it shifts.
Cliff: I'd say growing and developing my team and seeing people get better in their careers. I take pride in advancing and promoting my team. I also enjoy learning about new things and new emerging technologies - staying ahead and understanding the marketing opportunities within these technologies and making them come to fruition.
What's the best compliment you've ever been given?
Cliff: I've been told on several occasions that I have a skill of making complex things simple and understandable.
What advice do you have for young black people in advertising?
Both: Capitalize on every opportunity to show their value. Actively participate in meetings, build meaningful relationships and always ask questions as there is not always a second chance. Take every opportunity to make an impression and show that you belong. Show that you are an asset to the company and that you take your career seriously.
How can we support more diversity in advertising?
Both: Educate recent grads about the advertising industry and provide the right training and mentorship to help them succeed once they're in.
What's something about yourself that would surprise people?
Both: Many people may be surprised to learn that we have been in the advertising industry collectively for 36 years, worked in the LA market together for 13 years and have been at the same agency twice in our careers. And also that 2017 is our 10-year wedding anniversary!
What should people expect from you in 2017?
Both: We plan to be more active together, as a couple, in the industry this year. Because of our busy lives we tend to take for granted how unique it is to be senior Black leaders in an industry that is sorely underrepresented in terms of diversity. Therefore our plan is to reach back and help others while also celebrating the journey that we've forged together.