Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 5: Ed Harris

My guest today is someone who I have admired ever since meeting him when he was working at The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, headquartered in King of Prussia. PA. Five minutes into that meeting, I knew Ed and I would become friends. Our first meeting took place at the request of a mutual friend, who recommended we meet each other as they felt we had similar outlooks on life and business. Turns out, he was right. Ed grew up in Philadelphia and launched his marketing and advertising career at companies like Converse and Timberland, among others, before landing in the CEO chair at Visit Williamsburg this past Summer, where he works with a wide range of tourism partners like Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Ed’s career journey is fascinating, as he could give a Masterclass on leadership and how to inspire a team. We spoke on various topics, including the innovation he participated in during his time working at Converse and Timberland and how both brands reinvented themselves and, in the process, created cult brands. Ed's a savvy marketer, a consummate leader, an adjunct professor at St. Joe's University, and an all-around great guy. Ask anyone who's ever worked with him, and you will hear nothing but praise and admiration for someone who never fails to leave a lasting mark. This interview is jam-packed with solid advice on how to lead a marketing team, how to get people to embrace risk, and what goes into creating a cult brand. We also discussed creativity's role in creating work that cuts through the clutter and drives results. Get ready to be inspired. Here is my Ad Yack, with Ed Harris. #creativity #tourism #travel #leadership #mentor #marketing#teaching #branddevelopment #branding #advertising #risk #ideas