Steve Harrison’s punch up: Adland’s Progressive Gaze author on kicking politics out of advertising and why DE+I has its demons

In this episode, host Ben Norman is joined by Steve Harrison, the 18x Cannes Lions-winning copywriter, creative director, and author, described by Campaign as ‘the greatest direct marketing creative of his generation’.In recent years, Steve has become known for more than just his award-winning creative work. He has also challenged the creative industry’s abandonment of its commercial responsibility to clients, arguing that “the industry has drifted from commercial selling to social activism, at the expense of economic relevance.”Ben and Steve discuss his latest book, ⁠Adland’s Progressive Gaze: How UK Advertising Lost Sight of the People and Things That Matter Most⁠, and how the demise of purpose has led to the rise of the Progressive Gaze.Steve then makes the case for banishing the politicisation of the advertising industry and explains why the obsession with diversity and inclusion might be making the industry less diverse and inclusive, as well as why so many people are afraid to challenge the Progressive Gaze.Ben and Steve also discuss the challenges facing the working class in marketing, why Steve still feels impostor syndrome after five decades in the industry, and what he wouldn't do with £3,000.