Adam Robinson is Senior Director of Social Responsibility at ViacomCBS and a great advocate for the Ad Council and our public service communications. See what Adam had to say about creating impact and pursuing your passions.
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?
Adam Robinson: Viacom, now ViacomCBS, has worked with Ad Council in a multitude of partnerships – everything from battling the opioid epidemic to spreading awareness around breast cancer prevention. From creative to strategy, partnerships to inventory, we always make for a good pairing, and even better (stronger) impact.
Q: Social good ads pull at our heartstrings. What social good ad has made you cry or stand up and cheer?
AR: I loved the NIKE ads during the Women’s World Cup – they always seem ready to go and are super relevant and timely. Plus, black and white footage always adds an extra level of “empathy potential” in to the mix.
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?
AR: My job is to help ViacomCBS have an impact in the world. From our employees to our audiences, we are empowering individuals with opportunities and information to engage and helping to tell the stories of everyday people making a difference.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for brands to have a corporate social responsibility plan in the world we live in?
AR: Lots of ways to answer this one so I’ll keep it simple: the same reason it’s important to be a good person… because it’s the right thing to do.
Q: What was the greatest piece of advice someone gave you, and how did it end up helping you?
AR: Don’t ever answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Instead, answer it with “What do you want to be in 3-5 years?” I guess the lesson is to plan ahead but leave enough room (and opportunity) for things to change.
Plan ahead but leave enough room, and opportunity, for things to change.
Q: What age would you want to meet up with your former self, and what advice would you give to that younger you?
AR: 19: Travel, travel, travel
Q: If you were giving a commencement speech to this year’s college graduates, what would you want them to know?
AR: That the goal is not knowing everything, but to be passionate about something.
Q: What value(s) of your organization are you most proud of?
AR: Empathy and honesty
Q: What can we look forward to from your organization this year?
AR: Lots of amazing content that drives conversations and culture!
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?
AR: Bob Marley, Squanto and Shakespeare
Q: In 40 years, what will people be nostalgic for?
AR: Seasons
Q: Tell us what you hope to see more of or experience more of in the next year, using only emojis?
AR: ✌️ & ❤️