My father spent his entire career working for one advertising agency. As a kid I would frequently visit his offices, look at all the ads they were making and ask him lots of questions about how and why ads worked. It was a constant topic of discussion around our dinner table.

If I believed that, I'd become a plumber.

I draw a lot of inspiration from the consumer. It's amazing how empathizing with a consumer can transform your thinking. By putting myself in their shoes, my outlook on the world changes day to day and my thinking stays fresh.

A willingness to take risks. A brand needs an authentic point of differentiation and both agency and client must be willing to support the brand with communications that resonate – even if they aren't always traditional or comfortable.

If one of my three kids will unlock the door for me, I'm met with the aroma of my wife's daily custom gingerbread orders. And if I can make it past the kitchen without sneaking a taste, there are four dogs and four cats that are usually desperate for a little attention.