Talent Champion – Jason Lonsdale

Talent Champion Spotlight

AEF Talent Champion - Jason Lonsdale

Jason Lonsdale
Head of Brand Strategy
Ogilvy New York

Jason Lonsdale joined Ogilvy in 2018. He was previously consulting on brands such as Puma, Diageo and Verizon, and, prior to that, worked as US chief Strategy officer at Mekanism.  A true internationalist, Lonsdale’s advertising career has spanned London, Toronto and Sydney, as well as his native New Zealand, and he has been instrumental in award-winning work on brands such as LG, Toyota, McDonalds and T-Mobile.

What prompted you to get involved with the AEF and why are you passionate about the future of the industry?

Ogilvy has a long-standing relationship with the AEF, and I’m proud to be involved.

As a believer in the power of creative, human-centric ideas, I’m very bullish about our industry and its ability to drive business growth.

What is the best career advice you've ever received?

Ask a lot of questions. Never settle. Go to weird places for inspiration (where the herd has been, the grass has been eaten).

Who was your favorite professor and why?

My second-grade teacher, for encouraging a lifelong love of reading.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

That moment when an idea is conceived in a conversation and everyone’s eyes light up and we see something heretofore considered impossible.

"Our future marketing and advertising leaders are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a meaningful career that will make a positive impact on society."
— Gord McLean, President and CEO at ANA Educational Foundation