Meet our newest Champion for Good: Gregory Stock! Gregory is the Head of Content & Strategic Partnerships at Firefly, a brand that promotes outdoor advertising on rideshare cars and ultimately compiles data to create smarter cities. What's even more amazing about Firefly? They've committed 10% of their inventory to nonprofits, regional governments and social causes. Here what Gregory had to say about social good and growing your career.
Q: How have you worked with the Ad Council? What campaign(s) have you supported and what was the project you worked on with us?
Gregory Stock: Firefly started with campaigns in San Francisco and Los Angeles markets. We started with the Smokey Bear creative, educating the public on how to prevent wildfires. We have campaigns planned out for the entire year, which include our newest market - New York City.
Q: How do you or your team integrate social good into your work, or how do you think your brand is making the world a better place?
GS: As a start-up, our co-founders Kaan Gunay and Onur Kardesler, wanted to establish a value of social good to everything we do as a technology company. They know the power of communication and crafted the company to be a win-win-win for our drivers, our audience and communities.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for brands to have a corporate social responsibility plan in the world we live in?
GS: It is imperative. We live in a time where business cannot turn a blind eye to the rising number of social issues facing the globe. We live in an increasingly complex world where business has the opportunity to be a major influencer in improving the futures of our cities and communities. In addition, citizens expect more of business. At Firefly, we hope we can build reciprocal relationships between our driver partners and the communities we operate in.
Q: What was the greatest piece of advice someone gave you, and how did it end up helping you?
GS: I had a professor my freshman year of college tell me, “Gregory, you have so many sparks – find a way to turn into a flame.” These words have stuck with me for years in my quest to create impact no matter what organization, business, or community I play a role in. I always want to find how my strengths can best benefit the whole.
I had a professor who told me, 'You have so many sparks, find a way to turn them into a flame.' Now I always try to find how my strengths can best benefit the whole project.
Q: If you were giving a commencement speech to this year’s college graduates, what would you want them to know?
GS: Be curious and ask questions. As humans, we are naturally curious, so I am an advocate for digging into our natural skills as humans, which include the creative process and being inquisitive. I think it is more important than ever that we shape our society into a society of learners and doers.
Q: How has your organization improved or innovated the digital landscape in the last year?
GS: Firefly is pioneering in the out-of-home and digital landscape. It is exciting to witness the future unfold and be a part of crafting the futures of these cities. I do believe that the technology sector has an incredible power to collaborate with brands, cities and social impact organizations to improve the overall quality of life for as many people as possible. I am excited by the capacity of our devices to create moments of wonder and awe when you least expect it.
Q: What can we look forward to from your organization this year?
GS: As I mentioned previously, we are excited to be a part of the New York City landscape. I am excited to partner with New York organizations and highlight the Ad Council campaigns that will speak to New Yorkers across all the boroughs.
Q: In 40 years, what will people be nostalgic for?
GS: I love how vinyl has never gone away because the sound quality is the best. I think we will see a deep desire for craft, detail and high quality.
Q: Tell us what you hope to see more of or experience more of in the next year, using only emojis.
GS: 💯💪🏼🏊🏻♂️🚀