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Overnight literary star Amanda Gorman stole the spotlight when she delivered her original poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at President Biden’s Inauguration—and now her powerful words will now have the opportunity to reach an audience of 90+ million Super Bowl viewers during this weekend’s pregame show.
It’s understandable to look to this young woman’s moving poetry for inspiration and even redemption. It’s tempting to see a better country in the way she delivered her words and to marvel at her poise and promise.
But I’d caution you against it and so would she. As her poetry so aptly explains, “For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.”
Let history inform your approach to the future
Indeed, agencies must remember to adopt a more reflective approach to moving forward. Before running headlong into an idealized future, ask yourself, who are the “Amanda Gorman’s” of my agency? Are there any?
If Amanda Gorman applied for a job at your agency, would she be accepted? Would she be a cultural fit? Would she have the “right” experience? And does your agency have the systems in place to support that kind of talent? Would she be invited to help pitch new business? Or would she be considered too young?
If, after hearing Gorman’s poem, you’re not asking yourself these questions, I wonder if you listened closely enough to the words:
“We will not be turned around
or interrupted by intimidation
because we know our inaction and inertia
will be the inheritance of the next generation
Our blunders become their burdens.”
Start with where you are today
If you’re truly feeling inspired by the National Youth Poet Laureate’s words, but realize that your organization doesn’t yet embody the promising “new dawn” she describes, there’s still time to make a change. Start with where you are and what you have.
For example, if you loved Gorman’s words, then share with your team. Talk about why they inspired you, what resonated with you and what elements of her poems you want to embed within your company. Make a plan for how to live up to those ideals.
Find ways to infuse moments of culture into your own workplace. You could check for local poetry clubs or book a poet to perform for your office.
Reexamine your hiring practices and look at how you can use your experience to mentor others. How can you share some of your expertise and connect young, diverse talent to other leaders? You can always review a resume or pitch, or help someone practice for an interview. You can find diverse talent by reaching out to high schools and community colleges in your area, and even on LinkedIn. Internships are another great resource to elevate aspiring talent.
The bottom line
It’s not enough to react; we must reflect. It’s not enough to marvel; we must mobilize.
There are thousands of Amanda Gorman’s across this country. They are in high schools and community colleges, and many would love to join agencies in our industry.
Many of us could provide a podium to support diverse creative talent at our jobs. But will we?
For all the latest Super Bowl advertising news—who’s in, who’s out, teasers, full ads and more—check out Adweek’s Super Bowl 2021 Ad Tracker and the rest of our stories about the Big Game. And join us on the evening of Feb. 7 for the best in-game coverage of the commercials anywhere.
