Well, it’s official. I’ll probably be the last one arriving in New York for this trip, right around 5 a.m. Monday morning after the Eugene Half-Marathon. That gives me even more time to reflect on what I’ve learned and what is still to come (and also stretch — a lot).

I think back to fall term when the SOJC was celebrating 100 years and they hosted a panel of some of the best creative minds in the industry. Helmed by our fearless leader Deb Morrison, the panel consisted of data experts, brand whisperers, prolific professors, and innovative leaders (seen below).

It was a cramped room with no seats left, full of alumni and students alike. The session lasted a little more than an hour but still, the information presented was palpable. Here are my main takeaways:

Storytelling is as ancient and essential as fire or the wheel 

It’s one of the oldest, most important tools we have. It’s our power to wield it wisely.

Tell stories with data

We have more data in this lifetime then we even know how to comprehend. That’s our job. Decipher it, use it, change the world with it.

Superficial is the complete lack of caring to make an ad resonate

There’s good work and then there’s great work. We’re aiming to make important work.

We have to make the environment personal — aim for the heart

For so many the environment doesn’t resonate as an issue, it simply doesn’t affect people. It’s time to make it connect on a deeper level for each and every person. The environment is not some distant issue; it’s here, it’s imperative, it’s right now.

Read, read, read 

Hence my kindle. Next up, “The Sympathizer.“

With that, here we go.

• Kyle Heiner, 5.5.17