thought leadership
Welcome to our blog …a space designed for Fifteen4 news, advice, commentary, storytelling, and well, how our entire team of leaders think. Here is where we keep all the content that gives you a clearer picture of who we are, what we do, how we think [about the industry we love] and the many ways to tell a brand story, without resorting to buzzwords like “data-driven paradigm shift” or “brand story.”
Why the Smartest Work at First Round NYC Had Nothing to Do with Headcount.
At First Round NYC 2025, what struck me wasn’t how different each agency was in scale, but how remarkably aligned they were in their pursuit of clarity, originality, and strategy-led branding. From global agencies like Collins and Wolff Ollins to nimble shops like...
Why the Smartest Work at First Round NYC Had Nothing to Do with Headcount.
At First Round NYC 2025, what struck me wasn’t how different each agency was in scale, but how remarkably aligned they were in their pursuit of clarity, originality, and strategy-led branding. From global agencies like Collins and Wolff Ollins to nimble shops like...
Revisiting Your Values
Sometimes, small changes you’re forced to make reveal bigger ones you may need to make. The last nine months have given all of us the chance to do a bit of reflecting and evaluation. Many companies, including ours, have had to navigate near-death experiences....
The Fifteen4 Holiday Special 2020
Run, Run, Rudolph! It's the most wonderful time of year, so the Fifteen4 team compiled all their favorite holiday tunes into a curated collection of holly jolly favorites for you to enjoy. From egg nog to snowball fights and gift-giving to festive lights, it's time to...
Finding Your Way In with Justin Klugh
This one’s about: baseball, complicated storylines and huge worlds made out of LEGOS, and the importance of mentors. Fighting the good fight in the name of Narrative, Narratology, and — if you will — Wordology. How does one decide to pursue the glory of copywriting?...
Is Code Dead?
In a recent post, I posed the question “Is WordPress Dead?” I was quick to answer no. I’m back with another question, which is more difficult to answer, in my humble opinion. First, a little history I started designing and building websites in 2000. At the time, this...
How to Interview in the 21st Century
Now 150% better with the addition of relevant musical selections sprinkled throughout the post, for your entertainment! Usually I blog about UX or WordPress or other things that interest me, like B2B2C. Today, I want to talk about interviewing. Why? Lately, I’ve been...
Let’s Find Some New Words to Use When We Talk About Your Brand
Sure, you’re innovative. But if you’re so innovative, why are you still using the word “innovative?” All of its power has been taken by motivational posters and About Us pages. “Innovative” no longer means “creating new and different things.” It means “we needed...
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thought leadership
Thoughts, opinions, education...things that will make your professional life better.
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podcast
Every episode of the branding world's greatest podcast: The Design of Experience.
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news
The latest happenings within and around the agency.
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culture
Employee and office musings. Usually humorous, always feel-good.