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ep 127. Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Jimmy Smith, CEO of Amusement Park Entertainment
Episode 127 • 27th February 2024 • TonyTidbit: A Black Executive Perspective • TonyTidbit ™
00:00:00 01:35:51

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Episode Title: Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Jimmy Smith, CEO of Amusement Park Entertainment.

Published Date: 02-27-2024

Duration: 1 hour, 35 minutes, 51 seconds

As we all know, Advertising is a powerful medium that shapes our perceptions, influences our choices, and reflects our society. However, it often falls short in representing the rich tapestry of our diverse world.

The advertising industry has been criticized for its lack of diversity in its workforce, campaigns, and leadership roles. It often fails to truly represent different races, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds. This lack of diversity has far-reaching implications, not only in terms of representation but also in terms of the messages we send, and the opportunities it provides.

Diverse perspectives bring creativity, innovation, and fresh ideas to the table. When we lack diversity, we risk perpetuating stereotypes, unintentional biases, and alienating large portions of the audience.

Our guest today, Jimmy Smith, Chairman, CEO, of Amusement Park Entertainment, is a renowned figure in the world of advertising and entertainment. With a career spanning over three decades, he has consistently pushed creative boundaries and championed diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Guest: Jimmy Smith celebrated career spans a diverse spectrum of creative endeavors. His impressive portfolio includes iconic campaigns for major brands, award-winning work, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact through his creative endeavors. Throughout his journey, Jimmy has earned numerous accolades, including being honored as the inaugural ADCOLOR | ONE CLUB CREATIVE Honoree in 2009, securing a spot on the 2012 Fast Company Top 100 Most Creative list, and being recognized as a 2017 Ebony 100 member.

Jimmy's multifaceted talents have led him to excel in various roles, from entrepreneur to environmentalist, creative director to author, and video game creator to producer across television, film, and music. His work has consistently garnered acclaim for its fresh and innovative approach in advertising, as seen in projects such as the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, ANDY's Inspiration Series, as well as Cannes Lions. Additionally, his authenticity shines through in video games, most notably with ESPN EA Sports NBA Street 2. Television enthusiasts may recognize Jimmy's originality, as demonstrated by his Emmy-nominated production, "Gatorade Replay. Jimmy Smith's career is a testament to his boundless creativity, unwavering dedication, and his ability to leave an indelible mark on every creative endeavor he undertakes.

Hello and welcome toA Black Executive Perspective Podcast! Today, we're discussing Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Jimmy Smith, CEO of Amusement Park Entertainment.🎙️

In This Episode we will dive into Jimmy Smith's journey in the advertising industry.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote

00:44 Welcome to A Black Executive Perspective Podcast

00:56 The Importance of Diversity in Advertising

02:08 Introducing Guest: Jimmy Smith

03:31 Getting to Know Jimmy Smith

04:59 Jimmy's Early Life and Family

05:51 The Influence of Family and Early Experiences

06:30 The Power of Names and Identity

09:45 The Impact of Racial Discrimination in Early Life

14:16 The Journey to a Career in Advertising

24:56 Dealing with Racism in the Workforce

25:38 Hiring a Strong Black Woman

27:10 Growing Up Black and Dealing with Racism

27:46 The Role of Parents in Shaping Perspective

30:49 The Influence of Television Shows on Career Choice

31:11 The Journey into the Advertising Industry

34:06 The Impact of Racial Bias in Job Opportunities

35:20 The Drive to Prove Oneself in the Face of Discrimination

45:29 The Importance of Being Ten Times Better

46:48 The Experience at Burrell, an African American Owned Agency👥 Guest Information Jimmy Smith, Chairman, CEO, of Amusement Park Entertainment, is a renowned figure in the world of advertising and entertainment.

We're joined by special guest Jimmy Smith. You can connect with Jimmy Smith on:

  1. Amazon
  2. Facebook
  3. X- @jimmysmithape

🔗 Resources Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

  1. Dee@amusementparkent.com
  2. Amazon

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Transcripts

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