In this episode, Rum welcomes Mark Durney, Executive Vice President of Digital and Innovation at Porter Novelli, who shares how his early grassroots experience—running a nonprofit with zero budget—helped shape his approach to agency life and corporate consulting. Mark recounts his transition from client-side roles at a major French tech firm to leading an in-house digital team that grew exponentially under his mentorship. Along the way, he highlights why data is the bedrock of modern pitches, how AI tools like ChatGPT can supercharge planning, and why it’s essential to train junior staff in the basics of storytelling—rather than just sending them “slide shopping.” From navigating political nuances on the client side to embracing a “yes-and” mentality in rapid-fire pitch sessions, Mark offers insights on building a culture that blends innovation, empathy, and a relentless focus on results.

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