Mindshare Unplugged spotlights and interview rising stars across Mindshare North America – people who exemplify our core values of Provocation, Speed, and Teamwork. Say hey to Max Kramer (Senior Communications Strategist) from our Portland office and find out what makes him tick.
What inspired you to go into the media industry?
I stumbled into this industry. I was doing a Masters in Media Studies & Management at The New School in New York when I got introduced to the CEO of a programmatic startup. I was studying media theory such as Benjamin, McLuhan, Baudrillard, and Barthes. I took a theory of video games class that deeply influenced me. It was really cerebral and cool, but I was always more interested in the creative application of that kind of stuff. I finished my undergrad during the recession and had never worked in a proper office, so I was pretty eager to jump in and prove myself. The startup was a great experience, and we built some really cool media tech.
What do you think is the most exciting thing happening in media right now?
Honestly, I’m pretty excited to see consumers pushing back on privacy and brands pushing back on digital attribution. The big digital platforms have spent years promising more and more information to attract advertisers, and it worked. However, just because we can reach you on your couch, with your favorite color, at dinner time on a Tuesday doesn’t mean that we should.
What one piece of advice would you give your college-senior self?
Calm down, don’t take yourself too seriously, you are going to be OK, and stand up for yourself and what you want.
Last one: if you got a blank plane ticket today, where would you go – and why?
I would take my wife and 3-month old daughter to see my parents on Orcas Island. Short flight, long drive.
