Fly or Die?

fly or die

Tuesday, August 10, 2004
The stars align Tomas and his Art Director, Zul, Jenna and I, along with Big Billy are in this big-big hush-hush meeting. Donna is there too. With Rahman, her Group Account Director. "What's the fuss?" I whisper to Tomas. "New business," he whispers back. True enough, Rahman announces the new client on our roster - a regional alignment thingy. That basically means a brand moves from one agency to another globally (or whatever region the alignment covers). Due to some string pulling, pitching and bitching on the international front, we get a new client. And another agency loses it, even if they have been slogging their pitiful butts out for that client, turning in great ads, and making the sales chart skyrocket. It is no fault of theirs. And no merit of ours. That's how cruel advertising can be. "Massive, massive account," Rahman continues. Rahman is a typical kiss-ass-cover-backside suit. Strategically sloppy but great with the clients. He's tongue is oiled, as they say. I don't have good vibes about him. "Yeah, we'll have 2 teams on it. In the long run, we might get dedicated teams ... but let us see how this pans out first. Gauge the workload and shit," Billy says. I glance at Tomas and think, I guess we're on. And I feel my heart lift. Whoop! Tomas and Zul are the top nutters in the agency. They're great at their work. And though I've never worked with them on a project, I love these fellas. They don't just shoot the breeze, they do the work. And they do it brilliantly. I will learn much from the Jedi Masters. More so now that I'm having such problems with Jenna, it will be a welcome diversion. And perhaps, just perhaps, Zul can help Jenna come down to earth. Rahman continues downloading the brand strategy, positioning and stuff but I don't quite hear him. I'm happy and thinking happy thoughts. This is a big break for me. And the first time in a long while, there is a reason to come to work every morning. I could fly. I smile gleefully as we file out of the meeting room, and link my arm with Tomas'. "My god," Tomas hollers, "Billy, do I have to work in such close proximity to this woman?!" "Tomas," Billy yells back, "this is as lucky as you'll ever get." We laugh, and if I hear right, he mutters under his breath, "Yeah." Pencil chewed at 11:16:00 pm //
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