"What I learned this year" - John Matejczyk.

Well, since I generally ask others to do my work for me, I asked a few people in the company to answer the question for me: What do you hope John learned this year?

Asya, Designer:
That he doesn't look good in orange. White, Black, Blue, Brown, Purple, but not orange.

Kacine, Account Manager:
I hope that John has learned to close the chicken coop at night.

(JM: There were a few incidents this year of carnage when an unidentified beast feasted upon my daughter’s hens. Very sad. Seriously.)

Katy, Director of Project Management and Creative Resources:
I think he's learned that he can't be a dick. His heart's too big and he's too nice. So that's his "thing". He's the nice, great, approachable, smart ECD. Not the dick ECD.

(JM: I was not trolling for compliments, but thank you Katy. This is in reference to when I tried to be a dick for a while to see if it would make me more effective. It lasted 5 minutes or so, and didn’t work.)

Lisa, Media Director:
That the process works better as a team sport, that two heads are often better than one, that vetting an idea or approach through the group makes the work smarter, as everyone brings something of unique value to the equation.

(JM: I can’t tell if Lisa means I knew this, or learned this, or need to learn this. Let’s hope I already knew it, but if I can improve, let’s go.)

Carolina, Account Manager:
I hope he’s learned my name.

Aaron, Copywriter:
Never shoot with kids, dogs, and screens. Especially in the same shoot.
Frank Family 08 is tough to beat on a Monday night at work.
Aaron is prone to fall asleep in limos.

Cali, Queen of Stuff:
My hope is that you realize the importance of surrounding yourself with people that believe as deeply as you do and that quest for greatness is where success lies. I hope you know that you CAN mix business and pleasure! There is a lotta love in this room and that builds respect, which is the core to any relationship! Your spirit is contagious when people are willing to hop on the train and take the ride! I believe in you and will take the train to the end, my friend!

(JM: Cali joins us from a career in elementary school education, so excuse the exclamation points and delightful lack of snark.)

Chas, Associate Creative Director:
John has learned that he can pretend to work on something (like “what have I learned this year”), wait until it’s almost due, and then have other people complete it for him.

JM: Thanks guys. We’re all in this together.

-John

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John is the Executive Creative Director at Muh•tay•zik | Hof•fer.