DISCLAIMER: The writer of this paragraph was Megan Skelly’s partner for 5 full (and glorious) years at Kirshenbaum in the early 2000’s. While many of the words contained here tend to be what one might describe as “gushy,” this writer assures you, they are 100% true.)
Anyone who’s worked with Megan knows just how lucky they are. Named one of the “30 Most Creative Women in Advertising,” she’s not just an incredible talent, but also (and even more importantly) an incredible person. She doesn’t just talk about integrity, this girl walks it. Treating every client and teammate with respect. Truly caring about the work and the people who create it. She’s the perfect partner—something Mike well knows.
Married since 2005, this dynamic ad duo has created oodles of smart, hilarious (yes, Mike, you are one FUNNY guy!), super award-winning work. And they’ve been each other’s biggest cheerleaders along the way—currently the loudest voices in the stands as Megan continues to make her mark as EVP/ECD at Edelman and Mike begins his big new advertising adventure as a founding partner at Tiny.
Brilliant insights begin...now!
Is ageism in the industry something you thought about in your 30s? Your 40s?
Megan: Of course I did. In fact, Susan, you and I would talk about it all the time. When we were camped out on a couch late at night, struggling to come up with our next good idea, our worries would often wander to this topic. We were plagued by this myth that creatives had to be young to be good. But, as I got older and better at my job, and I saw plenty of examples of others doing the same, I realized that ageism was just our industry’s excuse to not pay healthy wages. Youth = Cheap (This should piss off the youth, btw.)
Mike: I used to joke to the twentysomethings about being old when I was a thirtysomething. Certainly by the time I was a fortysomething. I think it was about me protesting too much…massive denial. So in a sense, yes, I totally thought about ageism before I was a victim of it.
"As I got older and better at my job, and I saw plenty of examples of others doing the same, I realized that ageism was just our industry’s excuse to not pay healthy wages. Youth = Cheap (This should piss off the youth, btw.)"
Is ageism something that’s affected you? What are some of the challenges you faced
as a person who was getting older in the business? Do tell.
as a person who was getting older in the business? Do tell.
Mike: Of all my agency layoffs (feels like every 2-3 years is the sweet spot), only one or two felt like there was a touch of ageism involved. Nothing I could prove, or I had the stomach to pursue legally, but feeling the feeling felt enough at the time to give it some legitimacy. The challenges we face moving forward is to remind ourselves what inclusion really means. Nobody should be expendable in a truly inclusive world.
Megan: I’m sure it has. It’s hard to untangle ageism from sexism for women. I’m sure if i were a man i would be making more money. But I have to tell you, I really enjoy walking into a room now and not being evaluated on if I’m hot or not. Being old has its privileges, and not giving a s*** is one of them.
Tell us about your own creative journey. What are your thoughts on where you are
now, compared to your mindset when you were in the beginning of your career?
Mike: I’m having the time of my life. Finally. I followed a fairly non-traditional path to find my way as a working copywriter. I started in Account Management and clawed my way through portfolio classes at night and side-eye glances from colleagues by day to get the gig. I was almost 30 then. Twentysomething years later, I still feel as hungry, passionate and excited to make believe for a living as I always had.
Megan: I wish I had half the confidence in my own ideas at 30 as I do now. I’ve never felt better at my craft. I’m more expansive, more insightful, faster and braver. I’d totally hire me.
"I wish I had half the confidence in my own ideas at 30 as I do now. I’ve never felt better at my craft. I’m more expansive, more insightful, faster and braver. I’d totally hire me."
Did the reality of the ad industry contribute to the decisions you made/the path you’ve
taken?
Mike: For sure. At the risk of overstating the obvious, the industry is massive. You can’t change the course of a river without a feat of engineering or an act of God. I’m constantly working on the former, hoping for the latter.
Megan: Of course it has. The industry always wants you to do the obvious cool thing–that’s what’s rewarded with black and white folded arm portraits in Adweek. Then, six years ago, I had two comparable job offers in hand, one from an industry darling and one from Edelman. I wanted to take the Edelman job - it felt different and challenging–like I could help build something important. My industry friends thought I was nuts. But the amazing man I’m married to posed a question to me I’d never been asked: when are you going to make a decision just for yourself? I took the job at Edelman and I’ve never been prouder of the work I do. Also, the industry darling rescinded its offer, so...
What do you feel creative people over 50 can offer over someone 20 years their junior,
things that are unappreciated, or just plain overlooked?
things that are unappreciated, or just plain overlooked?
Mike: It’s funny how far some of the younger creatives I’ve met, or the students I’ve had at AdHouse, have strayed from the IDEA. Maybe it’s because they’ve been able to become experts at execution on things that used to be trusted only to true experts. Shooting. Editing. Sound Design. Color Correction. The new generation of creatives come to the industry having produced content their whole lives. But have they ever spent an hour with Tim Masick at Company 3? Then they’ve never seen what a master can do when they only do one thing.
Megan: I like what Mike said. Us olds were brought up on the idea. I see a lot of decks that are gorgeous, clever, gif-filled - but have nary an idea in sight. I don’t care how fast culture moves or how short the content needs to be, or what the client said they wanted, the idea is the single most important thing we make.
"Maybe it’s because [younger creatives] been able to become experts at execution on things that used to be trusted only to true experts. Shooting. Editing. Sound Design. Color Correction... They’ve never seen what a master can do when they only do one thing."
What is your advice to people who are nearing or over 40 in the ad industry?
Mike: If you played your cards right, you’re at the peak of your powers – politically speaking. Use whatever leverage you have now as a “senior” level member of the team to protect your own future.
Megan: Be curious. Be flexible. You still have a lot to learn. Focus on the work. And stop obsessing about your title.
How are you approaching the next 10 years? What does your future hold?
Mike: Starting an agency with friends and committing to doing great work for great clients and having a great time doing it…that’s my next decade!
Megan: I think I probably have one of the best jobs in the industry. I’m not itching to go anywhere. The work we do has proven I can use my skills to make change for people. Whatever I do next, that’ll be my filter.
What do you see as potential solutions for ageism in the industry? Any thoughts on
possibly unionizing?
Mike: I’m already a member of SAG/AFTRA, and I certainly see the benefits of unionizing, especially when it comes to things like equal pay.
Megan: Our industry has become obsessed with career pathing. In order to advance as a creative you have to climb the ladder, take on management roles, and move out of the creative practice. I think this ejects older creatives out of the business if they don’t want to manage. I’d love to see the industry create pathways for creatives to advance as craftspeople. And for those of us that do choose management, I’d say one of the most
important responsibilities we have is to remove the obstacles for our teams that stood in the way as we came up in the industry. Ageism is one, and it’s on a looooong list of “-isms” that affect people in our industry that we need to eradicate. That’s a good reason to go to work every day.
important responsibilities we have is to remove the obstacles for our teams that stood in the way as we came up in the industry. Ageism is one, and it’s on a looooong list of “-isms” that affect people in our industry that we need to eradicate. That’s a good reason to go to work every day.
"I’m not the only female ECD in the room anymore. That’s also cool. But we have a long way to go towards real diversity and inclusion."
What are some positive things you’ve experienced as you’ve grown older in the
business?
business?
Mike: The end of the Brilliant Asshole era. Small is the new big. All my friends who are still doing this thing are doing great things. I remain optimistic as always.
Megan: No asshole policies are now the norm. That’s cool. And I’m not the only female ECD in the room anymore. That’s also cool. But we have a long way to go towards real diversity and inclusion. ESPECIALLY in creative, ESPECIALLY in leadership. But that’s another questionnaire.
Who do you look to for inspiration?
Mike: This lady right here.
Megan: Aw, that’s sweet. You too honey. And our kid Maxine. She’s the best thing
we’ve ever made. And I’d flatline without my team.
we’ve ever made. And I’d flatline without my team.
