During my time as a copywriter at Ogilvy, I had the opportunity to work on prestigious brand accounts such as British Airways and Land Rover, two pillars of British industry. Ogilvy, often hailed as the architect of modern advertising, is not just a name but a tradition. This tradition is built on an unparalleled understanding of consumer behaviour and a meticulous, almost scientific, approach to advertising. David Ogilvy’s legacy is rooted in a belief that great advertising is born from deep respect for the consumer’s intelligence, paired with rigorous research and data. His methodology—crafting compelling, fact-based copy that speaks to the desires, needs, and aspirations of consumers—has shaped the industry as we know it.
At Ogilvy, I learned the importance of blending emotional appeal with logical reasoning, creating advertising that not only catches attention but also drives action. David Ogilvy’s famous emphasis on research-driven insights—understanding what motivates a consumer to make decisions and aligning the brand’s message to these motivations—became core to my approach. His work for brands like Rolls-Royce, Dove, and Hathaway taught us that advertising must sell, but it must do so in a way that honours the consumer, providing them with value and truth.
Carrying these principles forward, I’ve adapted Ogilvy’s methods to the digital landscape. I’ve extended his time-honoured approach into the social sphere, ensuring that messaging is as powerful in a tweet as it is in a full-page ad. More recently, I’ve pushed these ideas further, experimenting with AI-driven communication, continuing Ogilvy’s tradition of innovation. Through these experiences, I have not only honed my craft but also kept alive the foundational principles that make advertising both an art and a science—principles laid down by the man who revolutionised the industry.
