Jimmy's desire to express and communicate saw him entering into a lifelong love affair with advertising. The challenge of taking on new assignments has since kept M&C Saatchi's Innovation/ Digital Director on his toes and driven him farther than he could ever have expected. Below, is a snapshot of the man whose idiosyncrasies are as diverse as his character.
What first sparked your interest in advertising?
My first love was design; advertising came as a love affair. I realised at one point that even the best designed products won’t make it if not communicated well.
What gets you up in the morning?
Three alarms with three different ringtones and my five year old singing in the toilet.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The diversity of jobs and clients, and the priviledge of not having to work on the same task for long.
What would you say is your strongest skill?
The ability to constantly evolve and adapt to new challenges and situations.
Who do you ultimately want to become?
A better version of myself.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I have a whole basement filled with electronics, tech equipment and computer products. I just can’t resist a new gadget.
What do you do to keep your ideas fresh?
I am not afraid of throwing away old ideas; they only stop you from evolving. The minute you let go of them, you find new ideas coming your way. They never run out.
What’s your motto in life?
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.
What keeps you in the game?
Knowing that it can always be played better.
What keeps you up at night?
Emails and SciFi TV series.
What would be your worst nightmare?
My kids growing up and not having been able to be foolish enough with them.
What inspires you most?
People who are both successful and humble at once.
What is the gadget you cannot live without?
I am a technology driven person, I need to be connected all the time. By default I would say my laptop and phone, but in reality it is my camera; I love taking pictures - They are what remain when all the memories fade.
What quality do you most look up to in a woman?
Wit.
What quality do you most look up to in a friend?
Honesty.
Who would you like to sit next to on a seven-hour flight?
An empty seat.
If you could live for one day the life of another person, who would it be?
The Dalai Lama, I would love to experience his inner peace.
If you could have dinner with someone, living or dead, who would it be; and what question would you ask him/her?
Leonardo Da Vinci: He is a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, artist, geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer. He is the most diversely talented person ever to have lived.
Question: How did you do all that in one lifetime?
What do you consider to be the greatest headline of all time?
What's the worst thing to lose as we get older? Our hair?
Our teeth? Our curiosity?
The Economist.
What business tip would you give the newbies?
Be humble, be kind, be hardworking, be different and be patient. There are plenty of opportunities for talented people who develop their skills and constantly evolve. The key is to push yourself beyond your potential and constantly compete with yourself. You are your greatest competition.
What is the one thing you wish you have designed?
The Lebanese currency.
If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why?
Thor’s powers, I really want to lift that Hammer.
Who Are You?
I am.... constantly evolving.
I like.... coconut flavoured snacks.
I want.... to spend more time with my family.
I have.... more than I need.
I wish.... I can time travel.
I hate.... deceit.
I fear.... losing my sense of humour.
I Google.... to make sure what I do is innovative.
I wonder.... why common sence is not common.
I regret.... nothing.
I love.... positive people.
I need.... the Apple Watch to be delivered sooner.
If I ruled the world.... I would make it weapons free.
I dream.... of the Lebanon that I would like to retire in.
My Favourite…
Dream Destination: New Zealand.
Restaurant: La Villa D’Este - Nice.
Hotel: W Hotel New York.
Meal: Mloukhieh.
Quote: The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.
Book: The Devine Comedy.
Movie: The Budapest Hotel.
Flower: Hooker’s Lips.
Animal: Dog - German Shepherd.
Poet: Edgar Allan Poe.
Music: Sing Sing Sing - Benny Goodman.
Painter: Vincent Van Gogh.
Heroes: Hulk.
Website: www.jimmyghazal.com
Blog: http://techiedad.me/
