Introducing Jay Kraidman, whose journey from a professional songwriter has evolved into his role as a content strategist at AW, where he harmonizes brand stories with imaginative digital campaigns to drive real results – and that’s music to our clients’ ears.
When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve always been passionate about music, penning my first song – a bop about Hannukah – when I was around six years old. After a labyrinthine journey, I was fortunate enough to turn my aspiration into a career as a songwriter, contributing to prominent children’s television productions and collaborating with pop artists globally.
Recently, I began releasing music for myself as a singer, and it’s been exciting to receive such a positive response. And although I may be “all grown-up,” I believe we should never stop growing. I look forward to seeing where my dreams will lead me next!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
A pearl of wisdom that resonated with me from a young age (so much so that I used it as my senior yearbook quote) is from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who opined that “no man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” That insight opened my eyes to the importance of embracing the concept of impermanence, which has helped make the honeyed moments sweeter and the barbed times a bit smoother.
What is your favorite thing about advertising?
The constant pulse of innovation and the dynamic nature of the industry ensures that no two days are alike! The thrill of designing campaigns that strike a chord with the audience is like catching lightning in a bottle – electrifying and exhilarating.
I also love that in the world of advertising, being bold and an out-of-the-box thinker is not just encouraged; it’s practically mandatory.
What aspect of your job are people always surprised to find out?
Being a content strategist involves more than just crafting compelling words. It requires a deep understanding of the target audience, brand voice, and each delivery channel’s best practices to create content that not only resonates but is cohesive and impactful. The ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape and analyze data to refine your approach is a key aspect of success in this dynamic field.
Re-name Austin Williams with two other “A W” words.
From the cornucopian creativity to the copious collaboration, this is one Awe-Inspiring Workplace! I used my copywriting superpowers to sneak in three words, ha-ha.