ep 127. Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Jimmy Smith, CEO of Amusement Park Entertainment
Episode Title: Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Jimmy Smith, CEO of Amusement Park Entertainment.
Published Date: 02-27-2024
Duration: 1 hour, 35 minutes, 51 seconds
As we all know, Advertising is a powerful medium that shapes our perceptions, influences our choices, and reflects our society. However, it often falls short in representing the rich tapestry of our diverse world.
The advertising industry has been criticized for its lack of diversity in its workforce, campaigns, and leadership roles. It often fails to truly represent different races, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds. This lack of diversity has far-reaching implications, not only in terms of representation but also in terms of the messages we send, and the opportunities it provides.
Diverse perspectives bring creativity, innovation, and fresh ideas to the table. When we lack diversity, we risk perpetuating stereotypes, unintentional biases, and alienating large portions of the audience.
Our guest today, Jimmy Smith, Chairman, CEO, of Amusement Park Entertainment, is a renowned figure in the world of advertising and entertainment. With a career spanning over three decades, he has consistently pushed creative boundaries and championed diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Guest: Jimmy Smith celebrated career spans a diverse spectrum of creative endeavors. His impressive portfolio includes iconic campaigns for major brands, award-winning work, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact through his creative endeavors. Throughout his journey, Jimmy has earned numerous accolades, including being honored as the inaugural ADCOLOR | ONE CLUB CREATIVE Honoree in 2009, securing a spot on the 2012 Fast Company Top 100 Most Creative list, and being recognized as a 2017 Ebony 100 member.
Jimmy's multifaceted talents have led him to excel in various roles, from entrepreneur to environmentalist, creative director to author, and video game creator to producer across television, film, and music. His work has consistently garnered acclaim for its fresh and innovative approach in advertising, as seen in projects such as the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, ANDY's Inspiration Series, as well as Cannes Lions. Additionally, his authenticity shines through in video games, most notably with ESPN EA Sports NBA Street 2. Television enthusiasts may recognize Jimmy's originality, as demonstrated by his Emmy-nominated production, "Gatorade Replay. Jimmy Smith's career is a testament to his boundless creativity, unwavering dedication, and his ability to leave an indelible mark on every creative endeavor he undertakes.
Hello and welcome toA Black Executive Perspective Podcast! Today, we're discussing Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Jimmy Smith, CEO of Amusement Park Entertainment.🎙️
In This Episode we will dive into Jimmy Smith's journey in the advertising industry.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote
00:44 Welcome to A Black Executive Perspective Podcast
00:56 The Importance of Diversity in Advertising
02:08 Introducing Guest: Jimmy Smith
03:31 Getting to Know Jimmy Smith
04:59 Jimmy's Early Life and Family
05:51 The Influence of Family and Early Experiences
06:30 The Power of Names and Identity
09:45 The Impact of Racial Discrimination in Early Life
14:16 The Journey to a Career in Advertising
24:56 Dealing with Racism in the Workforce
25:38 Hiring a Strong Black Woman
27:10 Growing Up Black and Dealing with Racism
27:46 The Role of Parents in Shaping Perspective
30:49 The Influence of Television Shows on Career Choice
31:11 The Journey into the Advertising Industry
34:06 The Impact of Racial Bias in Job Opportunities
35:20 The Drive to Prove Oneself in the Face of Discrimination
45:29 The Importance of Being Ten Times Better
46:48 The Experience at Burrell, an African American Owned Agencyđź‘Ą Guest Information Jimmy Smith, Chairman, CEO, of Amusement Park Entertainment, is a renowned figure in the world of advertising and entertainment.
We're joined by special guest Jimmy Smith. You can connect with Jimmy Smith on:
đź”— Resources Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
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Transcript
# ep 127. Breaking Barriers The Journey of Jimmy Smith Part
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