One of the joys of being an agency president or creative director is that you get credit for the work the people around you create. I’ve built my career on the talents of a lot of talented people. I didn’t develop the gecko. In fact I tried to kill it. Four times. No kidding.
For the past couple of weeks I’ve been getting fabulous notes from wonderful people complimenting me on all kinds of things. Allow me to brag for a moment. Last Friday more than 1800 people from more than 20 countries read an average of almost three pages on this website. I’ve heard from Fortune 500 chairmen, media chieftains, marketing leaders of all stripes and from many of the best agency people on the planet. (I hope you’ll all forgive me for not responding individually.) Like Lou Gehrig, I realize I might just be the luckiest man on the face of the earth.
About 15 years ago, the agency did some work for the group that started “Take Our Daughters To Work Day.” I remember one of the directors saying she wished a campaign could be developed to help black teenage girls gain confidence. So many things in society–in the media, in middle schools and high schools, in music, in pop culture–were conspiring to reduce their self-esteem. It’s haunted me for years that I was never able to pick up that banner. It would have been a good and important thing to do. And now that I think about it, I bet a lot of people could use a pat on the back.
So here’s my idea. In addition to sending me a note about how wonderful I am (and, yes, I still want those notes), send one to someone else–someone who may not get all the hurrahs I’m getting. Maybe it’s your kid’s teacher. Maybe it’s the woman in the next cubicle. Maybe it’s a niece or nephew who’s been through a rough time lately. Maybe it’s your oldest friend. Maybe it’s your newest. Everyone deserves to hear the things that will be said about them at their funerals before their funerals.
If all 1800 of us sent that note this week, 1800 people would have a better weekend. And wouldn’t that be nice?
Done.
Thank you Mike for a wonderful thought.
I have sent three. 1797 to go. Peter.
I’m in Mike. Wonderful idea. Thinking about you. Love, Joe
I love you so, Mr. Hughes. Gonna put some kind acts into overdrive. You’re my favorite Uncle. (A far better Uncle Charlie than that imposter William Demerest on “My Three Sons!”)
Love, peace, continuing humor and strength to you and Ginny.
Mike,
thank you.
For you, anything! xo
Thanks Mike, I have written a note to two friends who were there for me during a difficult period in my life but have since fallen away.
You continue to be an inspiration.
Regards,
Chris Harrison
Martin Interactive alumn.
This is a beautiful thought and perfect idea. I recently recalled an old gospel song I used to hear when I was growing up that talks about giving people their flowers while they are alive; while they can still smell them. It came to me in a time when I needed to be reminded of such things. I started writing a book about it, but I got busy and put it aside. You’ve reminded me again. Thank you for inspiring me in more ways than you’ll ever know. You are in my warmest thoughts and deepest prayers. Marlena
This is a beautiful thought and perfect idea. I recently recalled an old gospel song I used to hear when I was growing up that talks about giving people their flowers while they are alive; while they can still smell them. It came to me in a time when I needed to be reminded of such things. I started writing a book about it, but I got busy and put it aside. You’ve reminded me again. Thank you for inspiring me in more ways than you’ll ever know. You are in my warmest thoughts and deepest prayers. Marlena
What a great suggestion. On it.
And this is yet another reason that I love you. Will do. Love, Susie
thanks mike. such an inspiration. still. continued prayers your way.
Your wisdom knows no bounds. Consider it done. Thanks for being you Mike.
On it.
Mike, If you keep coming up with brilliant ideas like this, God’s going to have to insist that you stay right here with all of us lesser humans.
Forget Dylan Thomas, you’re showing us how to go gentle into that good night. I think of you often lately. I’m so pleased to know you.
Once again you encourage us all to be better. Kindness is always the right answer….thank you for the reminder. I wrote 7 notes yesterday and will write more today, tomorrow, Saturday…..please never doubt how wonderful you are and the depth of the impact you have made on the lives you’ve encountered. Much love going out to you and Ginny!!
Mike, great idea. As usual. Keep ‘em coming, you make the world a better place.
Writing and sharing now. Thanks for the reminder. This is something that should be a habit for everyone.
Writing and sharing now. Thanks for the reminder. This is something we should all get in the habit of doing.
Mike, I’ll never forget what a great inspiration you were to all of us at TMA. All the work we did for “take our daughters to work day” would never have been possible if we didn’t have you as our internal champion!
Dammit. I did it.
My dad appreciated it, too.
Thank you, Mike.
Mike, just another voice among the thousands of people who’ve had the pleasure – and the inspiration – of working with you during your incredible career. During those early days in the 70′s when you were working at LBL in Richmond, I was totally impressed by your creativity. Since then, of course, I have realized there is so much more. As great as the achievements of you and your agency, I am struck even more with your humanity and humility. I believe I have to revise an old homily – “Nice guys finish first.”
I hope you’re not quite finished yet. But thank you for keeping my faith in people, and even more especially, the advertising profession alive. It has been an honor to cross your path.
Thanks Mike. Done. You are an inspiration for me.
This sentiment took me back to thoughts about my Dad I once shared with you…thanks for that. I’ll make this happen today.
Thank you Mike for reminding us what’s truely important in life. Done!
Good to know your creative direction is as good as ever Mike. Faithfully following and sending you and Ginny love, admiration and the good energy that flows from human connection.
Inspired. Thank you.
Done. Just told my brother I was proud of him. I’ll try to do more. Thanks for the inspiration, Mr. Hughes.
Okay Mike. Here you go. I only know you by your writing, and I only know Martin by their work, but both have always exuded humanity, brains and heart. Thank you for it all.
What a fantastic idea! Thank you Mike.
Yes, it’s important to say it out loud . And you’re wonderful, too, Mike. You’re in my prayers.
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