Michael Ward » Creative Director

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Interviewed By: Simone Blake

Title:
Creative Director

Brands Influenced:
Lipitor, Abilify, Plavix, and others.

Education:
University of Missouri-Columbia

Hobbies:
Skiing, sailing, and travel

Favorite quote:
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

Favorite websites/online properties:
pku.com, jeep.com, jetblue.com

Can you tell me about an accomplishment or an experience that you are most proud of?
I was driving my car to the train station, which is a couple miles away, and one day I decided it was time to “go green” and ride my bike instead. I stuck with it and was able to ride 9 months of the year, at least. This experience put me in the frame of mind to cut down on our carbon footprint, and many things followed. Now we are considering putting solar panels on our roof…

Tell me about a person or event that has markedly changed you.
Attending a lecture given by Hunter S. Thompson about “participatory journalism” (a.k.a. Gonzo Journalism).

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?
New Zealand—I was lucky enough to spend two weeks there shooting a commercial and I want desperately to go back. It’s an amazingly beautiful place!

Why did you choose to do healthcare marketing/communications?
My sister had chronic kidney failure, which made me want to contribute something to people with serious and chronic conditions.

If you weren’t working in the advertising industry what would you be doing?
Exploring the world on a shoestring.