6 Quick Questions for Joyce Thomas

Joyce Thomas has worked her way up from a job she didn’t want to a position only a handful of people in the advertising industry can claim. The creative genius behind MasterCard’s "Priceless" campaign, and many other popular taglines and commercials, sat down with Kidult to share her views on how teens can achieve their goals.

Tell us about your job.

Up until a few weeks ago, I worked at McCann-Erickson which is a global ad agency. I had two jobs. I was Chief Creative Officer and I headed the board of the Global Creative Group. After working at McCann for 16 years — and as CCO for 6 of them — I decided it was time for a change. I'm taking 6 to 9 months to explore, write and travel. I'm headed to India in November and then a cross-country drive early next year. When I get back, I'm going to talk to non-profit groups, forward-thinking companies and maybe some small innovative marketing companies.

What opportunities led you to where you are today?

There are a billion opportunities. For me, it was a slow and steady climb. I started with an entry level job I didn’t want and I kept working toward better jobs until I ended up with the big one I wanted.

Tell us about a mistake you’ve made and how you corrected it.

I've made many mistakes. Everyone does. You have to learn to correct them. I’ve put people together who didn’t work well as a team and I’ve had to undo that or speak to them and help them work it out. I can’t think of a specific example. I think that means I correct my mistakes quickly.

What are the qualities of a good leader?

A good leader has to be looking ahead. When you're at the front of the line you have to see what’s going to happen versus what’s happening right now. You have to be fair and able to bring out the best in people. Also, a leader has to be right there with the troops. It's important to demonstrate that you're working hard like everyone else.

What advice do you have for teens who want to follow your career path?

Don’t expect to land a perfect job right away. Get a job where you can learn from good people. Learn what you can, look for the next job where you can learn more and keep going. Never be complacent. Never stop.

Are you a Kidult?

If that means I’m a kid and an adult, then yes I am. I don’t let my kid side show all the time but I'm the mother of Kidults so I know what they are. I have a 23-year-old and a 19-year-old so I know that spirit of fun and curiosity, and I applaud it.

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