I first heard of Sally Hogshead back in the summer of 2001 at an Adweek seminar in Albuquerque, I believe.
She was one of the speakers of the two-day event and I was very anxious to hear her speak as I have been a huge fan of hers since her Robair Hogshead days in Venice, CA. After her presentation, I went up to introduce myself as she was finishing a conversation with her former boss, Mike Hughes, of the Martin Agency.
I was incredibly nervous but I wanted to tell Sally how much she had inspired me.
What happened next just floored me! Sally greeted me as if I were a long, lost friend, kept eye contact with me throughout our little chat and made me feel like the most important person in the room. I was blown away to how nice she was and accommodating to any questions I had.
I can't remember exactly what we talked about but I do know that I was on Cloud Nine as I had met my first advertising superstar!
After talking with her about creative, I was so incredibly inspired I immediately went back to Houston to write the greatest ads ever to be featured in Communication Arts.
Ok, so maybe things didn't quite go as planned but I never lost my passion after hearing Sally talk.
Fast forward to January, 2003.
I emailed Sally to see if she would speak at an upcoming HAF Luncheon as I was Program Chair and thought she would be incredible. Fearing she wouldn't remember me, I wrote in the subject line, "A voice from the past!". Now here's where it gets funny. She remembered me! Here's proof:
From: sally hogshead <shogshead@cpbgroup.com>
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 18:57:39 -0800
To: Lou Congelio <lou@stanandlou.com>
Subject: Re: A voice from the past!
Lou, hello! Of course I remember you, we were chatting at the podium with
Mike Hughes. I would love to come, the question is when. Right now I'm
nervous to commit since I knwo I have no time. But it is an easy trip it
sounds like. Could we possibly consider it more over the summer? Can you
contact me in 3 months to see what things look like? I'm flattered you asked
and appreciate the note.
Sally
Sally was writing a book called "Radical Careering" when I contacted her and was in the midst of dealing with publishers. Despite this, she agreed to come speak and Houston was rewarded with one of the most electric, inspiring talks ever at the Junior League.
Since then, Sally and I have been able to connect several times more in Los Angeles and again in Houston.
Sally has just finished a new book called, "Fascinate," and I got to tell you it lives up to its promise. I urge you to visit her website, take a look at her blog and also take a look at her new books. I have no doubt that you will become as inspired as I was. Sally Hogshead is a very dear friend and an amazing human being!
