Episode Summary:
AdTechGod Pod – Special Episode: OhHello Ep. 115 – Scott Hess on Leadership, Joy at Work, and Creating Opportunity Through Mentorship
Release Date: February 3, 2026
Host: AdTechGod (Jeremy O. Bloom)
Guest: Scott Hess (Chief Marketing Officer, Publicis Media & Interim CMO, Starcom)
Overview
This special episode—jointly released between OhHello and the AdTechGod Pod—brings back Scott Hess for an honest, lively conversation about career growth, mentorship, finding joy at work, and the value of community in advertising. The discussion spotlights the Chicago Advertising Federation (CAF) Career Day as an essential launchpad for young professionals and covers Scott’s personal career arc, advice for early-stage talent, and the role of mentorship in shaping careers.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Scott Hess: Introduction and Philosophy
[02:03 – 02:56]
- Scott intros himself candidly:
- Studied poetry, still writes but is “a real job” marketer now.
- As CMO of Publicis Media & acting CMO of Starcom, his focus is on happiness—for people, clients, partners, and communities.
- “That connection between us and all those constituencies is kind of my job. It’s an impossible but a really fun job at this stage of my career.” (Scott Hess, 02:42)
Notable Quote:
“Advertising is kind of pretend business... I’m so thankful I found some place to be a middling poet, that I could also be a business person.” (Scott Hess, 04:19)
2. The Power and Practicality of CAF Career Day
[03:34 – 09:30]
- Both recount early career struggles and breakthroughs aided by mentorship.
- Host Jeremy shares he landed his first job at Clear Channel Outdoor via CAF Career Day, facilitated by mentors Ed Carfagnini and Bob Wolf.
- Scott outlines how CAF Career Day “demystifies our industry and demythologizes people like me and you”—making adtech feel accessible to newcomers.
- Emphasis on the day as both a networking and career-launching platform:
- “It’s entree into a career.” (Scott Hess, 07:44)
- “The CAF Career Day is the door to the world.” (Scott Hess, 08:42)
Notable Quote:
“One of the best things about advertising is you come in wherever you come in... That’s just a starting point. You find your way.” (Scott Hess, 08:14)
3. Mentorship, Vulnerability, and Career Paths
[05:45 – 09:30]
- Jeremy highlights the impact mentors had and stresses the importance of “external advice from people that have been there, done that.”
- Scott reflects on doing “endless meetings for free with people” because of his own meandering start, empathetically relating to both planned and “no plan” arrivals to Chicago.
Notable Quote:
“For people like me that moved to town with no common sense or like you that moved to town with a plan, [CAF Career Day] is a starting point... I feel so jealous of the kids that come to it because I didn’t have anything like it.” (Scott Hess, 08:37)
4. Making the Most of Opportunities
[09:30 – 10:09]
- Career Day’s low barrier: “All you got to do is show up there and the amount of exposure you get... I marvel that any kid that even had a middling interest in advertising wouldn’t show up at this day.” (Scott Hess, 09:33)
- Only downside—“You have to be in Chicago in the fricking winter.” (Scott Hess, 09:54)
Memorable Exchange:
- Jeremy: “February in Chicago is the worst time of year to be in Chicago...”
- Scott: “To be fair, we only have like four good months in Chicago.” (10:17 – 10:22)
5. Advice to Young Professionals & The Joy of Advertising
[10:38 – 14:33]
- Discussion on intergenerational aspirations: Scott’s son pivoted from environmental engineering to advertising, finding more joy.
- “Dad, it’s joyful. I like this.” (Scott Hess, 12:29)—on his son’s realization about advertising’s appeal.
- Despite peers making more elsewhere, Scott’s son says: “Some of my friends make more money than me, but nobody has a better life than I do.” (Scott Hess, 12:49)
Notable Quotes:
“Advertising’s for the people that are a little bit weirder, like to talk about music and culture and be creative every day... it’s a source of joy.” (Scott Hess, 14:18)
“There is nothing like a 22-year-old that’s launching into a career in advertising and their mind is blown by how good our lifestyle is and by the stuff we get to do.” (Scott Hess, 13:55)
6. Final Reflections: Giving Back & The Role of Mentorship
[14:33 – 15:39]
- Both reinforce the value of opening doors and being available to answer “real questions” from the next generation.
- Jeremy plugs Marketecture Live and offers a discount code for listeners, highlighting further educational and career opportunities.
- Scott closes with a classic Chicago/March quip:
- “New York in March is quite lovely. Better than Chicago in February.” (Scott Hess, 15:39)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- “[My job is] making sure that everybody that works at and with Publicis Media and our agencies is happy. Our people, our clients, our partners, the communities that we work in... It’s an impossible but a really fun job at this stage of my career.” (Scott Hess, 02:36)
- “Advertising is kind of pretend business... I’m so thankful I found some place to be a middling poet, that I could also be a business person.” (Scott Hess, 04:19)
- “For people like me that moved to town with no common sense or like you that moved to town with a plan, [CAF Career Day] is a starting point... I feel so jealous of the kids that come to it because I didn’t have anything like it.” (Scott Hess, 08:37)
- “Dad, it’s joyful. I like this.” (Scott Hess recounting his son, 12:29)
- “Some of my friends make more money than me, but nobody has a better life than I do.” (Scott Hess referencing his son, 12:49)
- “Advertising’s for the people that are a little bit weirder, like to talk about music and culture and be creative every day... it’s a source of joy.” (Scott Hess, 14:18)
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Segment | Topic | Approx. Time |
|---------|-------|--------------|
| 00:55–02:03 | Introductions & catching up |
| 02:03–02:56 | Scott Hess on his role & philosophy |
| 03:34–05:45 | Purpose & impact of CAF Career Day |
| 05:45–07:32 | Host’s personal story: mentorship in action |
| 07:32–08:56 | Accessible career pathways, envy of today’s opportunities |
| 08:56–09:30 | Early career aspirations vs. reality |
| 09:30–10:38 | Value of just showing up (CAF Career Day advice) |
| 11:32–13:25 | Scott’s sons and career decisions |
| 13:25–14:33 | The joy, energy, and creativity of advertising |
| 14:33–15:39 | Closing remarks, giving back, plugging Marketecture Live |
Tone & Takeaways
This episode exudes warmth, humility, and optimism. Both host and guest are open about their “non-linear” journeys, honoring the value of mentorship and community. The conversation is peppered with humor, encouragement, and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone exploring or working in adtech, advertising, or related fields.
Takeaway:
- Opportunities abound for those willing to ask, show up, and be a little vulnerable. Whether entering the industry or giving back, the world of advertising offers not just jobs, but—when approached with joy—meaningful, creative careers.