Day 1

Cannes Lions 2018 – Monday

Day 1… wow. To begin my first day at Cannes Lions, I spent the morning in the basement of the Palais looking at Direct Lions work. I loved starting my day this way, being inspired by creative work and influential ads, seeing those around me intently admiring the work up for awards. It gave me the energy I needed to being my first session with Google India’s Umma Saini. In this session, Saini emphasized the importance of living a meaningful life because you will never be sure of the next moment. She discussed using a career path or any type of platform to advocate for others, because even as an individual we can all “put the wheels of progress in motion”. Saini even let me interview her after her speech, where she gave advice to women by telling them to never quit persistence. Next, I popped down to the cabanas to visit with Steve Barrett of PR week. When asked what kind of qualities and skillsets he looks for in employees, Barrett answered by explaining one must be comfortable in an ever-changing, fast paced environment, and be enthusiastic to learn new things rather than have to be taught to have the right attitude. Soon after him I met with Ellen Mardiks, of Golin, where I learned from her shining positivity that personality goes a long way in the networking world. Her best advice was to relax and genuinely have fun at the festival, because you never know who you could be sitting by during lunch at Facebook beach! Finally, I went to an interactive workshop for Happiness in the Workplace. It was eye opening to relate to so many people of different ages and job descriptions just on the stresses in the work place, balancing social and home life, and how to best manage. At the end of the day I ended up at the Spotify invitational cocktail party, where I met with a woman on the Jury who gave an insightful tidbit about being on the other side of Cannes, and the excitement she had for the entries. I also got the opportunity to converse with people from all different countries and organizations, including excited Young Lions competitors. All in all, day one was long, hot, tiring, and the most incredible thing I have ever seen. Can’t wait for the rest of the week!