By Zoe Ades, X&O
Exactly a year ago today I thought to myself this time next year, I’ll be at a large-name agency with a personalized company water bottle on my desk and at the edge of my seat listening in on creative pitches. I’ll be some sort of an associate account executive or a junior creative strategist. I’d be one of many Junior employees with an eager mindset and ready to take on whatever the ad industry would chuck at me. Today, I sit at my desk at a three person company, working alongside top of the line talent (ex CMOs, CCOs, CGO, etc.) as the Project Manager of X&O.
Now how did someone who b-lined toward Ogilvy, McCann, Saatchi, Leo Burnett, etc. end up here? By not taking a calculated step onto the first rung of a giant’s ladder. Instead, I took a leap of faith into an ecosystem where the tiny yet mighty thrives. Something new yet steady and undeniably thrilling.
Before the thrill, there was defeat. I watched all my peers get incredible job offers while I didn’t have a single sufficient lead. Every ignored application felt like a door slammed shut. The industry that I fell in love with for its bold statements, loud campaigns, and enamoring characteristics seemed to have no place for my quiet persistence. Maybe it was time to give up the tireless chase.
Here’s the silly thing about entering the workforce though, the minute you turn away is when you get tapped on the shoulder.
After my very first conversation with founders, Brett Banker and Eric Segal, I unexpectedly got that “edge-of-your-seat” feeling and immediately manifested becoming a part of their dream team. The allure of X&O— the agility, the close-knit collaborations, and the ability to pivot rapidly deeply resonated with me. It was a stark contrast to the rigid, top-heavy structures of the traditional advertising AOR model. I was inspired by a new vision of work, one that aligns with a broader societal shift where the “gig economy” flourishes, where expert freelancers are celebrated, and where small, nimble teams can outmaneuver the behemoths of the industry.
To some, this may seem daunting, a solitary position amidst a sea of experience. Yet, this unique circumstance has not only been a container of growth but also a pedestal setting me up for industry greatness. I’m filled with gratitude and surrealness as I handle significant aspects of projects and interact with clients, which is rare for someone at the beginning of their career.
My position at X&O is equipping me with an array of skills, a reservoir of knowledge, and a network of mentors and colleagues that many take years to develop.
Is it hard? Absolutely. Scary at times? You bet. Do I sometimes feel like I have a million things being thrown at me and I’ll maybe catch two? For sure.
But, I’m learning to trust my instincts/initiative, bring fresh ideas to the table, and articulate those ideas with conviction. Let this be your reminder that our world is dynamic and ever-changing. There is always a space where your ideas are meant to be heard and your contributions will be celebrated.
If it’s even a question in your mind, take the road less traveled, you’ll end up somewhere unconventional and divine.
About the Author
Zoe Ades is project manager at X&O, overseeing project timelines and client/contractor operations. She graduated from Syracuse University and has had internships at McCann NY, Nodd, Fresh Prints and Syracuse University School of Information Studies.
