Welcome to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

The Tough Get Going

November 5, 2009

by Deaundra Cash

Bob Seelert, chairman of the global advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, visited the Newhouse School on Wednesday, October 28. Seelert is the author of Start with the Answer, a philosophy on the nuts and bolts to great leadership in any industry.

Seelert’s book, based on his 40-year career as CEO of several companies, targets aspiring leaders and helps them recognize how to operate their business, employees, and themselves during a period of economic challenges. “Tough times require the best in performance from leaders,” Seelert said, “…you must set direction, establish standards and unleash the energy of your company.”

Seelert helped students understand how to start their career. With three steps– conduct an honest assessment of what you are good at, ask yourself what is it that you like to do and identify or create a company that values these attributes– he stressed how important it is to take the right steps in pursuing what you want to do. “If you do these things,” he assured, “you will be successful and happy with your career.”

In 1997 Seelert became chairman of London-based Saatchi & Saatchi, moved the headquarters to New York and re-focused the company as a potent ideas company working with many of the world’s leading corporations and brands.

In 2000 he oversaw a merger of Saatchi & Saatchi with the Publicis Groupe of France. The company has improved its financial performance every year since; 2008 was the best year in the history of the company. Seelert’s success at the company is proven by his wisdom about great leadership and he encourages future leaders to know where they’re going before they plot the course.

Start with the Answer reveals insight and practical instruction for anyone who wants to succeed as an executive, business leader, or entrepreneur. While presenting his book, Seelert discussed the 10 things to do when leading in tough times. These principles center around eight dimensions of business life every leader should focus on– preparation, building and managing a career, business strategy, business operations, finance and economics, leadership, culture and communication, and personal spirit and style.

Seelert’s book will help aspiring leaders pave the way to a successful career especially, he said, when the economy has affected all types of businesses. He repeatedly encouraged students to prepare themselves for the long road ahead. “You must work harder than anyone,” he concluded, “and be true to what it is you want to do.”