In this episode, Linda Kaplan Thaler teaches us why grit trumps talent and IQ, how she built a billion dollar ad agency and why women must be grittier than men.
Linda, Chairman of Publicis New York was named one of Ad Age’s 100 Most Influential Women in Advertising. Inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame for accomplishments including iconic campaigns such as “Yes, Yes, Yes” ads for Herbal Essences, the AFLAC duck and Kodak Moments among many others.
Episode Highlights
• 1:55 – Grit takes time to pay off. Hence Linda says Plan B is often better than Plan A
• 4:29 – Resilience is the biggest thing needed to succeed in life and work (2% of prodigies are successful).
• 7:45 – The importance of letting ideas percolate, especially the bad ones (the Aflac duck came into existence this way)
• 15:35 – Why grit trumps talent and IQ
• 17:05 – How to give someone negative feedback in a way that empowers them
• 22:00 – How Linda built a billion dollar ad agency
• 27:30 – Our cultural obsession with geniuses let’s us off the hook and makes giving up easy
• 28:33 – Why women must be grittier than men…
• 33:00 – What always making your bed can teach can teach you about peak performance
• 38:00 – On being diagnosed with breast cancer and having fertility issues: “I got tough and I also lost my fear”
• Related: Get my free 22-page e-book: Natural Attraction: 9 Rules to Attract the Right Man by Being Yourself with No Games or Gimmicks
1. Favorite book for women?
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalinithi
2. Favorite self-care hack?
- Reading trashy books
3. Best piece of advice and who gave it to you?
- “You never do anything that is dishonest” – her dad
4. Female CEO or thought leader you’re into right now?
- Geraldine Laybourne, Founder of Oxygen Network
5. One piece of advice you’d give your 5 years younger self?
- “Don’t wait!”
Resources and People Mentioned
• Linda’s website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Email
• Anti-Defamation League video
