EP 107: Award-winning ads stopped driving growth says Steve Harrison

from Embracing Marketing Mistakes · host Prohibition PR

Steve Harrison has spent over 40 years in advertising. He rose to Creative Director at Ogilvy, then founded Harrison Troughton Wunderman, building one of the most awarded direct marketing agencies in the world and winning 18 Cannes Lions.In this episode, Steve argues the industry lost effectiveness when it stopped focusing on selling and started chasing societal impact. He explains why award-winning work stopped delivering commercial results and why purpose messaging rarely stuck with consumers.Steve also shares a personal leadership mistake. After selling his agency, he took a global role that cost him day-to-day control and real influence, a lesson many senior marketers will recognise.This is a direct conversation about effectiveness, growth, and why selling the product matters again.Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈Subscribe to our newsletter👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

What this episode covers

NOW PLAYING

0:00 46:23

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

No similar episodes found.

Similar Podcasts

TCAST: The Future of Data & AI TARTLE The Data Intelligence Podcast (TCAST) explores the intersection of AI, data privacy, and ethical technology. Join Alexander McCaig and Jason Rigby as they decode the future of data ownership, artificial intelligence, and digital privacy with industry leaders, researchers, and innovators.Each episode delivers actionable insights on:AI and machine learning developmentsData privacy and ownership strategiesEthical technology implementationReal-world applications of data intelligenceFuture trends in digital identity and data marketplacesPerfect for tech leaders, data scientists, privacy advocates, and forward-thinking professionals looking to understand and shape the future of data and AI.Presented by TARTLE, pioneers in ethical data exchange and AI enhancement. New episodes every week.The show is hosted by Co-Founder and Source Data Pioneer Alexander McCaig and Head of Conscious Marketing Jason Rigby.What's your data worth? Find out at (https://tartle.co/)Watch the podcast on Yo Explicit The New Marketing Show Trinity Web Media The New Marketing Show by Trinity Web Media discusses how we as marketers are problem solvers. No one cares about what tools you use to get the job done as long as the job gets done. Explicit Billy Gene Is Marketing Offends The Internet Billy Gene Is Marketing Offensive. Racist. Sexist. Trending. Inappropriate. Brutally honest business advice delivered to you every morning. So, basically the exact opposite of every single business podcast on the planet. Explicit Time To Show Up Nathalie Nahai and Dr Aaron Balick Welcome to Time To Show Up, a unique podcast and video series that ventures behind the scenes of professional success, to explore how we can deploy our deepest values into our professional lives.Hosted by best-selling author, Nathalie Nahai, and renowned Psychotherapist, Dr Aaron Balick, we interview professionals from the worlds of music, marketing, literature and beyond, to investigate how they have manifested their visions at work and overcome significant obstacles to craft a life they love.We also take a deep dive with Hotseat interviews, a series of sessions in which we share practical insights with courageous folks who are daring to take the next step towards transforming their careers and personal lives.From these conversations, we draw out the best theories, practices, and models from psychology, behavioural science and more, to offer tangible ways in which our listeners can apply these tools in their own lives.Alongside this series, we're also launching an exciting new Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Embracing Marketing Mistakes?

This episode is 46 minutes long.

When was this Embracing Marketing Mistakes episode published?

This episode was published on April 21, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Embracing Marketing Mistakes episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!