Shane’s talk in class today was insightful. I am extremely impressed by the career path he has taken, which has made me realize my career path does not have to be linear. One of the best pieces of early career advice that Shane gave was to “keep your blinders down” because you never know when an advantageous opportunity is around the corner. If you are so set on one path, it's easy to miss an amazing opportunity. While people praise putting your heads down and grinding, being overly locked into one pursuit can cause you to miss out on so much.

Another impactful thing Shane shared is that it’s career & art, not career vs art. One can easily feel suffocated in a corporate environment, but you can fulfill different aspects of your passion outside of work. And along with that, not everything needs to be a side hustle. Since high school I have taken up a variety of creative pursuits; crocheting, sewing, tie-dying, etc., and when those become side hustles rather than creativity for creativity's sake, it can be stifling. I appreciated hearing that pursuits outside of work for their own sake are not only important but could also progress my future career.

Favorite quotes: “The best campaigns are always present, but not intrusive” & “Your audience should feel like collaborators rather than consumers”

Thank you again Shane!

What stood out most was his talk about the concept of “BRB” as a tool for creativity and balance. In a world where we’re constantly connected, the idea of intentionally stepping away to recharge and innovate feels more important than ever. His approach to using breaks as a way to foster creativity and protect mental well-being is something I’m going to try to apply in my own life. I’m grateful for the chance to hear from someone with such a diverse and successful career. Thank you, Shane, for sharing your experiences and perspectives with us.

I especially appreciated the segment on balancing career and art. As someone who often grapples with this, Shane's approach made it seem so effortless. It reminded me that I can pursue hobbies purely for enjoyment, without turning them into work.

His discussion on the constant presence of the online world, especially in advertising, was eye-opening. Working in social media advertising myself, I had never really paused to consider why it’s so effective and it's because we're completely surrounded by tech and social media.

Thank you so much, Shane, for taking time out of your schedule to come speak with us. I loved hearing your perspective and how unfiltered and real you were, it really resonated with me.

A significant portion of Smith’s talk revolved around the concept of BRB, which he introduced as a tool for achieving balance, creativity, and control in a digitally saturated world. This concept was incredibly impactful for me. His approach to using BRB as a boundary-setting tool resonated deeply in an era where social media often overwhelms. By intentionally stepping away to “protect mental space,” Smith reminded us of the importance of taking a break for rest and increasing our creativity. As someone studying Communication and Marketing, I found his focus on this balance particularly relevant—highlighting how less, but more intentional, engagement with media can lead to better content and more meaningful branding.

Smith’s emphasis on BRB as a “curated presence” was equally powerful. His idea of “posting less, but better” aligns with modern digital marketing trends prioritizing quality over quantity. In a world where content overload is typical, his strategy of controlled social media consumption struck me as a valuable lesson for professionals in the creative and marketing fields. This method supports mental well-being and allows for more impactful and meaningful communication.

One of the examples Smith shared was his work on the iPhone campaign, Hollywood in Your Pocket. This campaign, showcasing the power of visual storytelling, illustrated how even everyday tools like a phone can be used to create compelling, high-quality visuals. His work with brands like Apple Music, Nike, and New Balance further highlighted the versatility and potential of visual media in brand building. This was particularly inspiring for someone like me, aspiring to work in marketing and communications, showing how creativity and technology can work hand-in-hand to produce memorable campaigns.

One thing that stood out to me most was his discussion on "career vs. art" and "career and art." I personally want to do marketing for video games since I have a passion for video games and the stories that can be told. His discussion furthered my desires to be in an industry that I am passionate about. However, I recognize that I need to avoid making my "art" (enjoying video games) not feel like work. I hope that if I am able to work in the video game industry that I can continue to enjoy both video games and marketing.

Overall, I really enjoyed our first guest speaker. I'm excited for the rest of the guest speakers and hope I can learn as much as possible from them. Thank you Shane Smith.

One particular quote that stood out to me during his speech was “It’s not career vs art, its career and art”. This really spoke to me and I'm sure to many of my peers as well because, as a lost college student not sure what to do with their life, Smith reminded me that it’s still possible to monetize off of your passions and live a life with financial stability. I feel like a lot of young adults these days are pressured into working jobs they despise, mostly because they are afraid to let go of a secure income. However, Smith was very motivational in the sense that he shared his struggles and emphasized that was able to overcome them, explaining to the class that anything is possible with time and hardwork. 

Connecting to this idea of following your passions, Smith’s ability to turn his creative direction into corporate aid outlines the range of versatility in one’s professional career. He emphasizes the importance of balance - connecting the phrase “BRB” as a tool for creativity and control. This was very insightful to me because I struggle a lot with balance and being blind-sighted by my dreams and ambitions. Smith’s ability to adapt and be open to opportunities is a great reminder for students, like myself, to not be limited to their wants and be open to other opportunities that come their way. As Smith had dreams of being a magazine director and never planned to work corporate, his liking for his corporate jobs emphasizes the idea that we, as students, may find joy in other opportunities, so it's best to give it a shot.

Lastly, I asked Smith a question at the end of his talk, “do you have any advice to balance career stability and creative passion?” into which he responded with the philosophy that there are many hours in the day and it's possible for one to find time to work on your passions and make it happen. His advice was very valuable to me because I often struggle finding a balance between schoolwork and what I actually want to do. I am too wrapped up in finishing assignments and forget to work on what I am truly passionate about. And obviously, if I don't work on it and put in input, there will be no output that gets me closer to what I truly want to do. Smith’s talk was a reminder that it's up to you to decide your future and that there is always time in the day to follow your dreams and find success in that. 

Overall, Shane Smith was a very insightful speaker and I took a lot from his talk. I will make sure to apply his philosophies to my day to day and do something everyday in taking a leap towards my future. 

Thanks Shane!

Overall, Shane's talk was super cool and inspiring. I really loved how he talked about the term "BRB", and made me come to appreciate it. The reason for this was because I think my favorite point of how BRB can be used to our advantage is learning how to make platform evolution work for us. And as someone who uses social media regularly because of my aspirations as a sports reporter/anchor/broadcaster, I found that to be super applicable to what I want to do after I graduate from USC.

I also enjoyed hearing Shane talk about his career and hearing about how he got to where he was. I also appreciated hearing that his career path was not a usual one, especially since I know that my path isn't a usual one, especially with how I've personally gotten to where I am today. Overall, I left class feeling really inspired and will try and apply some of his suggestions and ideas to my own work, especially on social media because I think a lot of what he said will enhance my work.

Thank you Shane for coming to talk with us!

Something that really stood out to me from Shane's talk was his deep respect for his passion. It was inspiring to hear how he chose to protect what he truly loved by not turning it into just another job for financial gain. He shared how important it is to honor your passions, even if it means stepping away from them professionally to preserve their integrity. Shane's decision to move into a different field while still holding on to his passion resonated with me because sometimes, as college students, we overlook the importance of protecting what truly drives us, focusing only on what's practical. Shane's perspective was a valuable reminder that it's possible to respect our passions while still pursuing diverse opportunities.

Listening to your journey from New York to LA as well as your various jobs was really beneficial. Being a senior, it is hard not knowing what path my life will take when I graduate, which is why I really appreciate you sharing your story.

Weaving in the concept of BRB was not only engaging but also eye opening. We rarely think about how connected we are in the social world-but it is true. We are never going away because it is always in front of our face and surrounding us. I think this is both a good and bad thing. In our context of working in the social world, I think never being away from social media gives us an opportunity and advantage to grow ideas and brands.

Thank you again for coming in to speak with us, keeping us engaged and inspired! It is always a pleasure meeting people working in the field I am so excited to enter into!

Alie

What resonated most with me was your emphasis on staying open to opportunities and leveraging your unique background as an asset. I found this particularly relevant, as my decision to transfer to USC marked a pivotal shift in my own path, and hearing how you’ve embraced change reinforced the value of adaptability. Your approach to reframing imposter syndrome as a strength, rooted in the diversity of experience, was a refreshing perspective. I often wrestle with doubts about belonging in certain spaces, but your insights reminded me to recognize the inherent value in my journey and background, and how they can enrich every environment I enter.

I was also struck by your discussion of BRB as a tool for controlled social media consumption, which gave me a new perspective on how I engage with digital spaces. I've taken steps to curate my social media feeds, but hadn’t realized how much that choice mirrored the intentionality you spoke about. The idea of fine-tuning these experiences for greater balance and focus really resonated with me, and I’m eager to explore it further. The balance you’ve found between corporate work and your personal artistic projects—each fulfilling different parts of your identity—was both reassuring and motivating, and I hope to cultivate that same clarity in my career and personal life.

Thank you again for sharing your journey and wisdom with us. It’s clear that your career path is a reflection of both self-awareness and openness, and I hope to embody those values as I continue to navigate my own path.

At the start of the class, I didn’t understand how the phrase “BRB” the topic of the conversation could be, but it was impressive how he took this phrase and put so much more behind its meaning.

I loved how passionately he talked about his successes and the path that led him to his achievements. This is why I think Shane was not only a great guest for those who want to work in a similar field as him, but also for those going into different directions, because he showed the realness of finding your way and trying out yourself in many jobs and places.

Thank you so much again for taking the time to come to USC,

Dóri

The advice to take breaks, switch between creative outlets, and continue growing skills beyond one's initial education is particularly inspiring. Thank you, Shane Smith, for sharing your experiences and providing your insights on navigating the creative industry and managing one's online presence.

I liked his open-mindedness about the trajectory of his career, and it reminded me not to be closed off to other opportunities that may challenge the path that I believe I should take. I know I can find joy in other outlets and avenues, and this brings comfort.

I thought it was interesting how he talked about our perpetual connectedness, how it's nearly impossible to completely log off and be unreachable. From an advertising standpoint, this works to the advantage of whoever is trying to sell you stuff, but from a human standpoint, it's exhausting. Finding a way to make advertising feel refreshing and not forced is a unique perspective and approach, one that makes sense when I look at the type of content I gravitate toward. The companies/people that I enjoy consuming content from don't feel polished and curated, but raw and inclusive.

Thank you Shane for coming to speak to us! You're portfolio is extremely impressive and inspiring, and hearing about your experience in your career brings me hope. It was really nice to hear the perspective of a true creative.

One key takeaway was his concept of "BRB" as a tool for controlled social media consumption. In a world where we're constantly connected, I found it insightful how he emphasized the importance of taking deliberate breaks to recharge and foster creativity. This idea of balancing engagement and detachment in a digital world is something I aim to implement in my own life.

Thank you, Shane, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your lecture has motivated me to rethink how I approach both my creative and professional pursuits, and I truly appreciate the wisdom you’ve imparted.

He also told us about using different accounts for different interests. He called it the “Sandbox” approach, which helps keep content valuable and focused, cutting down on the clutter and noise from the broader algorithm. I found that very interesting and it is now something I intend to do for my current job. I didn't even know we had to do this padlet, which goes to show how much his talk resonated with me. I might not take on the 75-day challenge he did, but I definitely see the value in stepping back sometimes to give ourselves some free space.

Thank you Shane for this beautiful lecture!

I also found Shane's "BRB" campaign to be very inspiring as well. Shane explained how "BRB" represents the importance of being able to disconnect from the digital world in order to recharge our creative drive. In the world we are living in, it could be very difficult to step away from the world of social media and refocus on our own wellbeing and creativity. That is why I believe that Shane's message of BRB is extremely important for those of us who are looking to create content on social media as a profession and not lose focus on ourselves and our creativity. Also, I appreciate how Shane talked about the importance of physical and mental health by mentioning the 75 Hard Challenge, which helps improve our physical and mental wellbeing through exercise, reading books, and eating a healthy diet for 75 days. Shane is very grounded with his perspectives on life and emphasizes balancing professional work and our career with our hobbies, physical health, and mental wellbeing which I believe is very important to do.

Lastly, I would like to thank Shane for taking time out of his day and giving us this outstanding guest lecture. Shane's insights into his career journey in social media has definitely inspired me and I'm sure others in the class to pursue a career in this fascinating industry.

I resonated with these types of BRB especially BRB for creative inspiration. I always said that the more time I spend on social media, the more inspiration I can receive. The more I view videos, the more I can see what’s working and what the trends are. However, I realize that I’m mindlessly scrolling sometimes, and I’m not even aware of the content I’m consuming. Therefore, I really like the idea of BRB and stepping away to prevent burnout. I can find myself burning out when working on one project; therefore, I want to try to rotate my projects so I can prevent burnout.

Shane's reflection on his career path was what I found most interesting about the presentation. While he admitted that he had doubts and questions about his various jobs in his younger days, the sentiment that he shared with us in class was overwhelmingly positive. His message gives myself and I'm sure many others in the class the confidence to explore lots of different career options, and to not be afraid of working an "undesirable" job because you never know what doors it could open for you in the future.

His theme of BRB was also super relevant as many of us will be entering the workforce soon. Having a job that requires heightened attention to social media seems like it could be very mentally taxing, especially when we use it every day already. The strategies Shane gave us, such as creating multiple social media accounts for different functions as well as getting out and doing something that forces you to be off your phone/the internet for an extended period were super valuable.

One thing Shane spoke about during the Q&A that will stick with me is to think about ways in which you can balance your career AND your art. Whatever art may be to you, think about how you can keep yourself afloat while allowing enough time to sponsor creativity. Shane demonstrated through his career that with enough determination, the two can be merged together.

Lucas

This shift has profound implications for how we adapt to the digital space. As brands, we can harness this constant connectivity to craft comprehensive ad campaigns that seamlessly transition across various platforms. By doing so, we meet audiences where they are, rather than forcing them to focus intensely on a single channel. This approach allows for a 360-degree campaign that is omnipresent, creating a more integrated and engaging brand experience.

Smith also discussed the evolution of platforms and how it can be leveraged to our advantage. Modern audiences are accustomed to consuming content at their own pace, which opens the door for brands to develop long-term storytelling campaigns. By creating content that aligns with this consumption style, brands can engage audiences more effectively over time.

Another key takeaway was the importance of adopting a lighter touch in branded content. Subtle, native content that mimics real conversations can be more impactful than heavy-handed messaging. This approach allows brands to integrate into the audience's daily life more naturally and meaningfully.

Smith emphasized the value of “BRB” as a form of curated presence. Instead of posting constantly, the focus should be on intentional and impactful content. Brands can use social media strategically to prompt real-world actions and create a sense of mystery or exclusivity, much like the case where Bv deleted their social media account to spark curiosity.

Thank you again for your engaging and insightful presentation. Your perspectives on the evolution of digital communication and branding strategies have provided valuable guidance on adapting to our constantly connected world. I appreciate the time you took to share your expertise and look forward to applying these insights in my own work.

Another key takeaway from the lecture that I found to be very helpful was Shane's explanation of "strategic absence". I think the idea of a brand, person, or entity being somewhat elusive and mysterious makes it seem more exclusive. I think that when a brand/person posts less frequently, their absence can actually draw attention to them, as the public starts to wonder what projects or personal experiences they have been up to, which fosters interest and curiosity. This strategic marketing/branding idea is effective and uses social media in a mindful/limited way to ensure that the public is not overwhelmed and bored of seeing the same type of content.

Thank you so much Shane for sharing your genuine experiences with our class. I really enjoyed how passionate you are and your discussion on how there are many ways to be a creative director in your own life was very inspiring.

-Amina Suleman

Shane gave some great advice. Towards the end of his presentation, a student asked him, “Do you have advice for startup businesses?” His response was to “not be too annoying.” The example he used was the Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl commercial and how you can find that same video everywhere, i.e. on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc. It can get annoying seeing the same video being reposted over and over again. His advice is, if a business, especially a startup one, is going to launch a new project, then it’s better to use a variety of content across different platforms. For the Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl promos, he suggested that it might’ve been better if his team had created different types of content rather than uploading the same video on every platform, such as creating a “Top Hits Kendrick Lamar” playlist on Spotify, a storyboard on Instagram, etc. I think this advice is a very helpful marketing tip for every business launching a new project so that they can reach audiences in creative, engaging ways. 

I would like to thank Shane for taking the time to come and speak to us. His presentation was truly motivating and I aspire to one day have the same work ethic, drive, and success that he has.

Shane Smith’s presentation concerning BRB was very impactful with the way that I interact with media. A point he made that stood out most to me was using “BRB as a tool for balance, creativity, and control”. By choosing to BRB from social media, we can give ourselves a much needed break and allow time in our hectic lives to actually do something in the real world. This concept of stepping away from social media further encouraged me to do something with the hopes of expecting something to come out of it. As I take a break from the digital world, I allow my brain to take a breather and can allow room to explore other avenues to life.

Thank you Shane for the amazing opportunity to be inspired with your journey. I know I’ll take the lessons learned and carry it on with me as I step into the scary post-grad life. Thank you again and I can’t wait to see all the cool new projects you explore in the future.

Shane Smith’s presentation concerning BRB was very impactful with the way that I interact with media. A point he made that stood out most to me was using “BRB as a tool for balance, creativity, and control”. By choosing to BRB from social media, we can give ourselves a much needed break and allow time in our hectic lives to actually do something in the real world. This concept of stepping away from social media further encouraged me to do something with the hopes of expecting something to come out of it. As I take a break from the digital world, I allow my brain to take a breather and can allow room to explore other avenues to life.

Thank you Shane for the amazing opportunity to be inspired with your journey. I know I’ll take the lessons learned and carry it on with me as I step into the scary post-grad life. Thank you again and I can’t wait to see all the cool new projects you explore in the future.

I really enjoyed his "BRB" message. In today's day and age, we can easily remain in "work mode" and forget to take care of ourselves, whether that be physically or mentally. In order to complete our best work, we must also invest in ourselves. Shane shared how he really enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities. I do as well. His story inspired me to get back to doing the things I love and to take time for myself and put my phone down.

Shane also talked about "career and art." I want to tie the two together but I am often discouraged. Shane's presentation inspired me to follow my heart and pursue what I truly am interested in and not do what everyone else is doing.

Thank you Shane for opening my eyes and reigniting my passion and creativity.

-Cierra Aparicio

I also enjoyed learning more about what a creative director does in different environments whether that's corporate or a more creatively open work environment. Hearing of how his role was at Vice compared to Apple was very interesting. Vice gave him a lot of creative freedom, however, he said he really enjoyed the structure and opportunity at Apple as well. This goes hand in hand with his philosophy of "Its not career vs art, its career and art" which really resonated with me. I feel like it seems difficult to balance both, but Shane made it sound very possible. Overall, I really enjoyed his lecture!

There were many things that stood out to me, but specifically the different perspectives of how people can apply BRB to their everyday lives. BRB for creative inspiration was a key takeaway that resonated with me since I’ve never thought about taking a break to allow the best ideas when stepping away. I feel at times that I always want to push out work when related to my career, though I don’t think about my mental health or giving myself time to rest. Personally, I feel very competitive when pushing out my work (quality) and this concept gives me reassurance when I deserve a break. I would definitely apply this to my mentality as I pursue different jobs and careers, and find hobbies that I love. Additionally, I thought it was interesting to see how BRB can be seen through personal life and professional life!

One of my other key takeaways from your presentation was the idea of “strategic absence.” I learned that this involves intentionally stepping back from online activity to achieve specific outcomes. Absence builds intrigue, it generates excitement for returns, and avoids oversaturation. Most importantly, however, it gives people a break from social media which can reduce stress and anxiety. 

Thank you Shane for sharing your experiences. I truly admire your drive and determination. I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!

Interestingly, Shane also pointed out that "BRB" can still be useful when applied as a tool for creativity, balance, and control. In a world where digital fatigue is real, stepping away from our screens can lead to more intentional, mindful moments that foster creativity and prevent burnout. Shane’s insights on this subject were both thought-provoking and timely, reminding us that even as technology evolves, it’s essential to find ways to maintain balance.  

Sending a huge thank you to Shane for taking time out of his busy schedule to come speak with our class. I appreciate him sharing his invaluable insights, especially around portfolio building, where he reminded us that it's not about the big brands we work with, but about showcasing our unique creative abilities through personal projects. His perspective was inspiring and insightful for someone like me who’s looking to blend creativity with a corporate mindset.

~ Dejanae

I particularly remembered that he mentioned a sentence – Do something, and something will happen. I totally agree with this because it makes me think a lot about my past. I tend to get scared before I start something, but after I start it, I realize that things go in a good direction. Hence, I tried to change my mind. I feel like it made my life easier without thinking a lot. Besides, I remember Shane mentioning that being a corporate creative director is quite different from what you might think of when you think of your favorite music artist or brand. It also makes me think much more deeply about this career. Finally, I really want to thank you for Shane Smith’s lecture! Joy Cai

Who would have thought that an acronym born from the early days of texting when phone screens were too small for full phrases, could come to represent something far more profound. Shane’s ability to transform ‘BRB’ into a metaphor for life speaks volumes to his undeniable talent and creative genius. The talk brilliantly framed ‘BRB’ as a symbol to step back and take intentional breaks. He explained how it could aid in enhancing career stability as stepping away creates the mental space necessary for innovations and breakthroughs. Using ‘BRB’ as a career strategy one can pivot and reinvent themselves. This could mean exploring new career paths and the development of new skills and insights that can drive long term success. This sets one up to become a well rounded force, something crucial to standing out in today's volatile job market. 

His pivot to discussing how using ‘BRB’ could be an advantage in marketing was extremely enlightening as well. He highlighted how ‘BRB’ could embody the concept of a curated experience i.e the idea that less is more. ‘BRB’ can encourage a shift toward intentional posting as posting less but with more thought creates a more meaningful curated presence that resonates deeper with followers. This insight is extremely valuable to me as I think about marketing strategies for my event planning company. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed his talk and will definitely apply these insights to my own career journey.

Regarding Shane's career, I appreciate the tenacity and open-mindedness he displayed in every single profession. Shane took advantage of all opportunities presented his way, and it truly paid off, even if it didn't feel that way in the moment. Shane's attitude towards opportunities is a great reminder and an example of how being open to opportunities can lead you on an incredible journey.

Shane's humble beginnings in New York are also an excellent testament to the saying, "It doesn't matter where you go; it's where you end up." Shane went from a little apartment in New York to an incredible job at Apple. Shane also worked as a Creative Director for Vice. While these jobs are all incredibly impressive and achievements that cannot be understated, I believe the most significant success Shane achieved was the ability to keep his passion alive. As mentioned in the "brb" section of Shane's speech, balancing the creative side with the corporate side is something that Shane has mastered. It is an incredible reminder to never lose sight of what's essential and where we started. The artistic-passion-based projects are just as important, if not more, than the corporate jobs because they kept Shane's fire alive. Furthermore, Shane's advice to only accept jobs that make you feel fulfilled is also incredible. The corporate world can get convoluted, but as long as you have passion, that will lead you through it all.

Thank you so much, Shane, for sharing your valuable wisdom and incredible story. I will be embodying these values on my path. I appreciate you so much for spending your time chatting with us! Thank you again for the great visit and impactful insight.

Nana <3

Your portfolio provided so much variety and insights that highlighted your strengths and talents which came full circle with “BRB”. I also really loved the philosophy of it and how many of us don’t let others know that “we’ll be right back” in this digital age. How we need to balance our time between the personal and digital world. The development of this has so much potential that can influence our contemporary society just like your work has on us over the years from Vice, Apple, and in music working with A-list music artists.

As a senior at USC, I feel motivated to take up any opportunity even if it doesn’t complement my chosen career path, just like you did when you shared your journey. I admired how much variety you stepped into throughout your career and your networking initiatives. Especially since you are very passionate about photography, it led you towards working with big brand names which was very inspiring. You stayed open-minded no matter where those challenges were going to lead you, I noticed that you trust your talents to lead you to bigger ventures throughout your career. Which is something all of us should have faith in as we’re all very talented individuals. 

Thank you so much Shane!

This is something that I’ve struggled with when trying to create my own path in the social media marketing industry. Efficiency vs. creativity are two concepts that are difficult to find balance between, but as Shane said, “It’s not career vs. art, it’s Art and Career”. These are words I will continue to remember for my entire professional career. 

Thank you so much for your time, Shane, hearing your story is both inspiring and valuable for prospective creatives. It was incredible to hear an unfiltered version of someone’s journey in the space, highlighting both the highs and the lows.

Further, another impactful part of Shane’s talk was his discussion on "career vs. art" and "career and art." One of my biggest joys in life is the ability to storytell, to immerse someone in a setting and narrative and time that is directly linked to emotion. If I ever do pursue marketing full-time, I plan to synthesize this passion for immersion in a professional position. However, while Shane’s insights did reinforce my desire to work in a field I’m passionate about, they did also remind me of the importance of protecting my joys and peace found within that passion without letting it reduce down to simply a job. 

My takeaway was the conclusion that by intentionally stepping away from social media, we can recharge and make space for real-world experiences, and how this approach also applies to brands; using lighter, more subtle content can be more impactful than aggressive advertising. By blending into people’s daily lives naturally, brands can create meaningful connections without being overwhelming. His focus on intentional presence, both personally and professionally, has motivated me to be more thoughtful about how I engage with media and prioritize time for myself. Alyse.

Additionally, I appreciated Shane’s viewpoint on how to turn being at the start of your career in a job into an advantage rather than a disadvantage. He said that since our generation grew up with social media and lives and breathes social media, we have a great viewpoint on what a good campaign looks like. This is a perspective that is very helpful for me.

Thank you so much Shane!

He also had a quote at the beginning that really stuck with me throughout his whole presentation, “Do something, and something will happen.” While talking about his past roles and how he got to where he is now the quote kept repeating in my head. He really did do something and it got him all the way to the presentation he gave us. He has been able to curate his portfolio and broaden his experiences in incredible ways. Seeing how well rounded yet balanced he is was very impressive. It was so interesting to see the behind-the-scenes of all of these huge projects because you typically don’t think about how something came to be, just the finished results.

I am really glad that Shane was able to be our first guest speaker of the semester! He did a great job at keeping me engaged the entire time. I enjoyed his deep dive into various brands. He definitely showed me another side to this multifaceted industry. Thank you so much Shane!!

He highlighted how blending art and career can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic professional life. His journey through marketing illustrated that creativity doesn't have to be left behind when pursuing a career; instead, it can enhance and elevate professional endeavors. By integrating artistic vision with strategic thinking, Shane showed us that marketing isn't just about selling products—it's about creating compelling narratives and engaging experiences. His success underscores the idea that embracing one’s artistic passions can indeed drive innovation and success in the business world.

Overall, Shane was very informative and insightful who gave me inspiration and hope for the future. Thank you so much Shane!