Age Diversity in Advertising: Valuing Experience for Better Innovation

Age is just a number, but in the advertising industry, it often feels like it’s a checkbox. Last week, watching Eric Clapton still shredding at the Hollywood Bowl at age 79, I couldn’t help but wonder: as we prioritize the fresh perspectives that come with youth, are we as an industry undervaluing the deep experience and insight that seasoned professionals bring to the table?

When it comes to developing game-changing business and brand strategy for our clients, I’ve found that ageism isn't just a missed opportunity; it's a business risk. Diverse teams — including diversity of age — produce better, more innovative work. Our teams have always ranged from go-getters in their twenties to folks with decades of experience and we’ve been stronger for it. Our own CFO was more than twice my age when he finally retired, and he remains one of the most brilliant and insightful people I have ever worked with.

We have so much to learn from each other, and from diverse perspectives. Each generation brings its own strengths, and only by valuing them all can we create work that truly resonates.