In this episode of the Change Podcast, host Jeffrey L. Bowman speaks with Alston-Simone Bowman, a Generation Z creative producer with experience that spans two agencies, FCB New York and Joan Creative. They discuss Alston’s journey from the aspiration of being a documentary film maker while at Spelman College to now being a newly promoted producer within the advertising industry. The conversation highlights her development, what it feels like to be in rooms and on-set as a talent, woman and creative. They highlight the stories she’s heard from others in the industry and her point of view of how things can be different given she is from the COVID generation and started her career remote, hybrid and now returning to office. The discussion also touches on her creative outlets and passion projects for building a creative community outside of work.
Keywords:
Change Podcast, Reframed, Total Market Approach, Gen Z, Filmmaking, Advertising, COVID-19, Storytelling, Marketing, Diversity, advertising, workforce, diversity, creativity, Gen Z, recruiting, accessibility, corporate culture, future of work, creative economy
Takeaways:
- The last chapter of the book discusses the future of the total market approach.
- Alston's journey into advertising was influenced by her background in filmmaking.
- Growing up in New York City sparked Alston's interest in production.
- Alston's early experiences in production shaped her career path.
- The pandemic significantly impacted Alston's senior project and filmmaking process.
- Alston's documentary focused on the changing landscape of Harlem.
- There is a generational disconnect in understanding workplace dynamics.
- Gen Z is adaptable and faces unique challenges in the workforce.
- Work-life boundaries are more defined for Gen Z compared to previous generations.
- Alston emphasizes the importance of storytelling in filmmaking. One job in America doesn't cover full expenses.
- Advertising is seen as a stable creative career.
- Corporate creative differs from traditional creative roles.
- Advertising has set processes that can limit accessibility.
- There's a lack of imagination in adapting talent for advertising.
- Recruiting diverse talent is crucial for the industry.
- The industry must adapt to modern consumer needs.
- Gen Z's perspective is vital for future advertising strategies.
- Advertising has evolved from propaganda to influencer marketing.
- Key stakeholders must support change for progress.
Chapters:
00:00 Season Finale: Reflections and Future Insights
09:48 Austin's Journey: From Filmmaking to Advertising
19:47 Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19 on Filmmaking
29:58 Generational Perspectives: Understanding Gen Z in the Workplace
30:20 The Struggles of the Modern Workforce
33:16 Advertising: A Stable Yet Corporate Creative Path
35:44 Bridging the Gap: Accessibility in Advertising
39:28 Recruiting for Diversity: Changing the Industry
42:34 Adapting to Change: The Future of Advertising
45:54 Encouraging New Talent: The Role of Gen Z
51:59 The Evolution of Advertising: From Propaganda to Influence
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