As Reddit's Director of Sales, he’s an ambassador for one of the most diverse and vibrant online communities. But most importantly, he’s our newest Champion For Good. Take the time to meet our incredible partner Bryan Rosenblatt!
Q: How have you worked with the Ad Council? What campaign(s) have you supported and what was the project you worked on with us?
BR: We're really proud of the partnership between Reddit and Ad Council. Most recently, we partnered on a campaign around suicide awareness. We hosted an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with experts who answered user questions on the subject. We had thousands of users engage in the AMA, pushing it to the top of the Ask Me Anything community. While suicide can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss with family and friends, we think Ad Council’s AMA did so well due to the pseudonymous nature of the Reddit platform. Our users feel comfortable being open, honest and discussing difficult topics because they aren’t beholden to a traditional social media identity.
Q: How do you or your team integrate social good into your work, or how do you think your brand is making the world a better place?
BR: Reddit gives everyone on the internet a home. Whether you're a new mom, an NFL fanatic, or someone looking for fashion and beauty advice, there is a community for you on Reddit. This extends to more serious topics such as depression -- we see hundreds of thousands of users coming together on Reddit to share their stories, seek and give advice, and find a support system for whatever it is they are going through. While there is still a social stigma attached to topics like mental health, Reddit provides a place where users can be their most authentic selves, in both good and challenging times.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for brands to have a corporate social responsibility plan in the world we live in?
BR: Social good is an important consideration for any brand today. Beyond being the right thing to do, we operate in a time when consumers (especially millennials) reward brands and companies for their social good efforts and expect transparency around what they’re doing and their impact. Aside from a responsibility to consumers, employees increasingly consider a company’s values and social good efforts in making career decisions. As humans, we want to work for and support companies that give back.
Q: What was the greatest piece of advice someone gave you, and how did it end up helping you?
BR: Follow your gut. It seems like simple advice but it's not always easy to follow (or recognize). All of the best decisions I've made were because of a gut instinct, including joining the team at Reddit. Conversely, some of the hardest lessons I've had to learn have been as a result of ignoring it.
Q: What age would you want to meet up with your former self, and what advice would you give to that younger you?
BR: 2009 - "Have you heard of Bitcoin?" :)
Q: If you were giving a commencement speech to this year’s college graduates, what would you want them to know?
BR: Don't put so much pressure on yourself to have it all figured out. Your first job is an extension of your education and you will start to learn what you like and what you don't. The important thing is to have an open mind and focus on adding value to your team while learning about yourself.
Q: What value(s) of your organization are you most proud of?
BR: “Keep Reddit Real.” This is about encouraging everyone to be themselves. Diversity and authenticity are what make Reddit so special, and I see every day how this applies to the office culture.
Q: What can we look forward to from your organization this year?
BR: In the last year, we've shipped more updates and product than throughout Reddit’s 12-year history. We’re sustaining and accelerating that momentum as we prepare for the much-anticipated redesign, enhanced ad offerings, exciting partnerships and brand new products and features to take Reddit to the next level. We have a busy year ahead.
Q: You’re planning a “Change the World” dinner party and you can invite anyone (living, dead or fictional). Who are three people on your list?
BR: Larry David, Oprah, and Superman
Q: In 40 years, what will people be nostalgic for?
BR: Driving cars