Friday, September 2, 2011

Goodbye, Ogilvy

C’est vrai. C’est triste. Today was my last day at Ogilvy. It’s time for a new chapter.

Ever since I came home in January, I’ve been thinking about what I want to do now. It seemed moving back to New York, after two dreamy (and challenging and life-changing) years in Paris, at the (over)ripe age of 38, was the right time for something fresh. Time to consciously set myself up for a new adventure, on a new path, and do it very deliberately and consciously.

Not to sound like an Oprah Wannabe (although you know I am), but I believe we are our own keys to happiness. You can’t wait for things to happen to you. If there’s something you want out of life—whether it’s moving to the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) or writing a book—you need figure out a way to get there (although the chance to move to Paris did just sort of landed in my lap, which leads to never-ending internal debates about control versus fate). Even if it takes years.

So I've thought lots about it and I’m going to a smaller ad agency. One that is more fashion-y and boutique-y. Lipman—the agency—is slick and independent and will have a start-up energy as we’re launching the digital department. It’s going to be intense but I’m excited. Plus, they’re right near Pastis, the High Line, Ten Thousand Things, my new hairdresser and Chelsea Market, and I can walk to work. Sweet!

Ogilvy gave me Paris, and I’ll forever be grateful for that (Ogilvy gave me Paris!!!). My five years there gave me so much more, too, including wonderful friendships and mentors. But now I’m excited to see what the next chapter brings.

15 comments:

  1. Congrats on the move Amy. But maybe your first order of business should be doing something about Lipman's Web site? :)

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  2. Congratulations !!
    Wishing you all the best in your new AD Venture :)

    muchas besos, C

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  3. Congrats A! Yea! Xoxo Tanz

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  4. People actually leave Ogilvy? ;-)

    Can't wait to read all about this newest adventure. Have fun in Paris. Oh, and congrats!

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  5. Wow!! This is deeply awesome news. So excited for you! xx M
    "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours ..."-Thoreau

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  6. God, you never cease to be inspiring, Amy. What great words of wisdom - "You can’t wait for things to happen to you. If there’s something you want out of life—whether it’s moving to the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) or writing a book—you need figure out a way to get there."

    I'm going to do a very Oprah-y thing and print these out and tape them to my bathroom mirror so I see them every day and stop feeling so STUCK in this mire of my life that seems to be going nowhere in spite of what I do.

    Best, best wishes for your new adventure.

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  7. Good luck Amy with the move...I am sure it will be as exciting and challenging as you imagine....xv

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  8. Just in case you lose the key one day: good luck! ;)

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  9. West 14th St.! WOW almost as good as Paris
    Congrats!
    So whose yr new hairdresser?
    Will you kiss and tell?

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  10. Merci, mes amis! Thank you all for your support and well wishes. Ogilvy was a great run and I'm excited for a new challenge.

    Anne (cough, cough), there really is a better web site... somewhere...

    Candice, I love your pun - a perfect headline!

    Carol, I just started going to Takashi at Yui Salon on 11th Street and *love* him and it. Kiss, kiss!

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  11. Congrats, Amy! I can feel your excitement at the move and I can't wait to see what you create!

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  12. Congratulations! Sounds like a fantastic move. I'm so happy for you!
    xo,
    connie

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  13. Congratulations Amy! You will be a star in your new endeavor. A ideal fit no doubt, and time for a fresh start.

    Ogilvy gave you Paris indeed, and it's yours forever.

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  14. What? What's about 38? I thought you are 26...

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  15. Congratulations Amy! So excited about this new chapter and whatever it brings!

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