Robert John Hadfield's Thick and Mystic Moment - JAN 19, 2024
RJH talks about an interesting way to determine and measure the values that define your life.
In this show, Robert John Hadfield shares a personal story and reflections on the importance of values in both personal and professional life.
Initially, Hadfield recounts his college years, discussing his uncertainty about choosing a career path. Despite aspiring to be a rock star, he was also contemplating a more traditional career. Prompted by his father’s suggestion and recognizing his own creative inclinations, he decided to pursue a degree in advertising, specifically in copywriting.
The conversation shifts to focus on Leo Burnett, a legendary figure in the advertising world. Burnett's approach revolutionized advertising by creating iconic and relatable brand characters, making brands more personal and emotionally resonant. This method was in stark contrast to the fact-based advertising prevalent before Burnett's era.
A significant part of the transcript discusses a famous speech by Leo Burnett titled "When to Take My Name off the Door." This speech, delivered towards the end of Burnett's career, outlined the values he believed were crucial for his company. Burnett emphasized the importance of maintaining creativity, the joy of advertising, respect for individual contributors, and focusing on shared values and emotions. He asserted that if the company ever deviated from these core values, his name should be removed from the agency.
Hadfield uses Burnett's speech to highlight the broader theme of personal and organizational values. He encourages listeners to reflect on what their own “When to Take My Name off the Door” speech would be. This reflection involves considering what values they currently embody, what values they aspire to represent, and what actions or behaviors they would not want their name associated with.
Hadfield emphasizes the importance of aligning one's actions with personal values and the impact this alignment has on how others perceive and interact with you. He concludes by urging the audience to consider what their name represents and to strive to ensure it aligns with their highest values and ideals.
