I don’t know about y’all, but I am absolutely obsessed with Mad Men. When it first aired, I watched it here and there, but I didn’t really watch it-watch it. You know what I mean? Now that I’m in a totally different season of life, I decided to hit play again and wow, it’s even better than I remembered.
This time around, I get to actually sit and enjoy it without interruptions. My girls are grown now, and I think I connect with the show more than ever because I’m fully in my marketing firm era. Watching Don Draper pitch ideas and lead client meetings just hits differently when you’re working in the same kind of world.
Beyond all the scandal, drama, and vintage 60s vibes, this show is packed with marketing gold. One of my favorite scenes is Don’s pitch to Kodak for the Carousel slide projector. Instead of talking about features, he tells a story about nostalgia, family, and memories. He calls it a time machine, not a wheel. That scene is a full-blown masterclass in emotional marketing and storytelling.
Another great moment is when Peggy Olson pitches the line “Any excuse to get closer.” It’s smart, it’s subtle, and it connects. Peggy’s growth throughout the series is incredible to watch. She goes from secretary to copywriter to creative lead. She doesn’t wait for a seat at the table—she pulls up her own chair and makes her voice heard.
What stands out to me is how many clients in the show are scared to be bold. They want results but are afraid to take creative risks. That mindset still exists today. A lot of businesses say they want to stand out, but they play it safe when it’s time to take action. And let’s be real, playing it safe doesn’t get you noticed.
Back then, Sterling Cooper was run by men, and women were mostly clerks, receptionists, and secretaries. That was completely normal for the time. But Peggy broke the mold. She challenged norms, trusted her gut, and proved that creativity doesn’t have to look one way. She inspires me to keep pushing creative limits.
Fast forward to today, and I see the same struggle in the marketing world. Brands want growth, but they’re hesitant to hand over creative freedom. They want marketing to work like magic, but they don’t invest in bold ideas or strategies. The truth is, if you’re a business owner or thinking of starting one, you have to budget for marketing from day one. You can’t just hope people find you. You have to show up, stand out, and be willing to do what others won’t.
So that’s my little soapbox moment. Give your marketing team room to be creative. Trust the process. Take the risk. That’s how you build a brand people actually remember.
Alright, back to Mad Men. If you haven’t watched it—or haven’t in a while—I highly recommend it. And if you have, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What’s your favorite scene? Which character inspired you? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
-Amanda