From the Jury President's Perspective: Emma Harman
Leading Eurobest 2023's Digital Craft, Social & Influencer Jury
We’ve spoken to the 2023 Eurobest Jury Presidents about their hopes and expectations as they get ready to lead their juries in awarding Europe's best creative work.
First up is Emma Harman, Digital Craft and Social & Influencer Jury President for 2023 and Whalar's Global Chief Client Officer.
We are seeing small brands eat market share from big brands through personality, influencer marketing tactics and leveraging the latest and greatest social platform tools.
Emma Harman
Global Chief Client Officer, Whalar
Digital Craft, Social & Influencer Jury President Eurobest 2023
What is the best bit of creative advice you’ve ever heard?
'Do interesting things and interesting things will happen to you.'
Sir John Hegarty
I love this quote as it is so important to pull away from your screen, immerse yourself into culture, music, books, art and everything in between, talk to people no matter who they are - connect with them, ask questions, be curious. Put yourself in places and positions that are interesting, say yes to things, and I often find that's where the magic happens. As John also says 'don't be ordinary'.
What moment in your career defined where you are today?
My break into the TV world at age 22 working for Ynon Kreiz at FoxKids (he is now the CEO of Mattel, spearheaded the Barbie film). He was an inspirational leader and role model and set a high standard. Creative storytelling is naturally at the heart of FoxKids (Disney) laid the foundation for a lot of my work today.
In your opinion, what creates the best conditions for creative success?
From a strategy perspective: 'The Freedom of a Tightly Written Brief', insight, time and a big idea.
And from an execution perspective: Leverage social first creators to take the big idea out to communities and audiences in their language.
What does ‘creative excellence’ mean to you?
Remarkable business outcomes. Transcending audiences.
What’s the most common piece of advice or feedback you find yourself giving your teams regarding reaching ‘creative excellence’?
Accept the process will likely be dysfunctional. Information goes in through the heart.
What’s the one piece of advice you would give to entrants entering work into the Awards?
Showcase the creative, cultural and emotional power in this work, and demonstrate contextual proof that it worked.
Why does having your work benchmarked matter?
It's amazing for your agency, team morale and career progression. It provides confidence to CMOs who are not fully embracing digital and social media.
What’s the best bit of advice you can give to creative leaders looking to foster creative excellence in their teams?
Hire a diverse team, from every background and every lived experience. Foster safety at work. Have lots of fun and laughs.
More From the Jury President's Perspective
"There's been a resurgence of a kind of lightness and humor and having fun."
Hear from Tamara Greene, Managing Director, Global Brands, Havas Creative Network and Eurobest 2023's Brand Experience & Activation and Creative Commerce Jury President.
"If you think an idea is good, pursue that idea and fight for it"
We talk to Juliane Ellrich, Partner / Executive Producer, Zauberberg Productions, as she prepares to lead the Eurobest 2023 Film Craft Jury.
Strive to find the most elegant and simple solution to complex business problems.
Alexander Kalchev, Creative Officer of DDB Paris and Jury President of Direct & Outdoor jury this year shares insights and advice.
"Tap into who you are and experiences that have stayed with you."
Kervins Chauvet is Senior Creative at Wieden+Kennedy. With a background in the music industry in Atlanta, Georgia, he moved into advertising where his writing on racial injustice in America was the mainspring that premiered the Nike Equality campaign to the world. The evocative film was narrated by Michael B. Jordan, featured Lebron James, Serena Williams and other athletes.
Start your Awards journey
Start with the Entry Kit
Everything you need to know to craft your entries for the 2024 Eurobest Awards.
Got a question?
Talk to us. We’re here to help with any questions on entering your work.
Don't miss the deadline
See all the key dates you need to know for the 2024 Eurobest Awards.