Thank You, Decker
In 1986, I embarked on a journey that would shape the next few decades of my professional life. Fresh out of college, I was eager to make my mark in the world of advertising. My entry into Decker was anything but conventional. Taking a test in the back of Adweek magazine, I distinguished myself in a way that captured the essence of Decker’s innovative spirit. This not only won me the job but also set the tone for my career at Decker.
Early Years and Growth
The initial years at Decker were a whirlwind of learning and creativity. I quickly immersed myself in the vibrant culture of the company, taking on various roles that allowed me to explore the many facets of advertising. As a writer, I crafted compelling narratives; as a creative director, I led teams to execute groundbreaking campaigns; as a vice president, I shaped strategic directions; as a beer-getter, I maintained team morale; and as a video content creator, I embraced the burgeoning field of multimedia storytelling. Each role contributed to my growth, honing my skills and expanding my horizons.
Creative Success and Fulfillment
When I joined Decker in 1986, the world of advertising was a thrilling and dynamic place. Located in Hartford, then Glastonbury, CT, Decker was a hub of creativity and innovation. During this time, I was fully immersed in the advertising culture, finding joy in the art of persuasion and the challenge of crafting compelling narratives.
Transforming Decker
The first decade at Decker was marked by significant professional growth and success. I played a crucial role in transforming the company from a local boutique into a national player, attracting high-profile clients like Days Inn. This period was characterized by intense collaboration, strategic thinking, and creative execution. My various roles as a writer, creative director, vice president, beer-getter, and video content creator allowed me to contribute to Decker’s expansion and reputation.
A Shift in Perspective
By the second decade of the turn of the century, a shift began to occur. My personal beliefs and values started to evolve, and I found myself increasingly questioning the ethical foundations of the advertising industry. The constant push to influence consumer behavior began to feel dissonant with my growing sense of authenticity and integrity. This internal conflict became more pronounced as I sought deeper meaning and purpose in my work. I was seen as “woo woo” by management, not the round peg of a typical marketer.
The Birth of Space Monkey
During this period of growing discontent, I found solace and expression in a new creative project: Space Monkey. I began waking up two hours early each day to write, channeling my reflections, spiritual insights, and creative energy into this endeavor. Space Monkey became a powerful outlet for my evolving beliefs, providing a stark contrast to the successful, but commercial focus of my work at Decker. The early morning writing sessions were a sanctuary, a space where I could explore the depths of my thoughts without the constraints of corporate expectations.
Ethical Dissonance and Creative Conflict
By 2016, the dissonance between my evolving beliefs and the core principles of advertising had grown significantly. Each day, the work felt more at odds with my spiritual journey and personal convictions. The repetitive cycles of crafting messages designed to manipulate consumer behavior clashed with my pursuit of truth and authenticity. This growing ethical conflict affected my attitude towards my work, impacting my productivity and engagement at Decker.
Youth-Centric Industry Challenges
The advertising industry’s preference for youth and trends further exacerbated my sense of disconnection. As I aged, I sensed a widening gap between myself and the predominantly younger workforce. This divide was not just about chronological age but also about the perceived relevance of ideas and perspectives. In an industry where newness is often equated with innovation, my rich experience and depth of understanding were increasingly undervalued. I was, rightly so, becoming irrelevant. This environment further fueled my need for a more fulfilling path.
The Impact on Professional Life
The conflict between my professional responsibilities and personal creative pursuits became more evident. The impulse to write and explore creative ideas during business hours highlighted the tension between my corporate role and my spiritual and creative aspirations. This dual focus might have impacted my professional performance, as the time and mental energy devoted to Space Monkey detracted from my work at Decker.
The Catalyst of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for change. The global crisis forced a reevaluation of priorities, both personally and professionally. The shift to remote work provided an opportunity for deeper introspection and reflection. The pandemic underscored the importance of aligning my work with my values, highlighting the growing divergence between my role at Decker and my evolving beliefs.
The Decision to Part Ways
Ultimately, the combination of disillusionment with the advertising industry’s ethics, the pressure of a youth-centric environment, and the deep fulfillment from Space Monkey led to my departure from Decker. This transition, though challenging, was a pivotal moment of synchronicity. It provided the freedom and time needed to fully develop my Nexistentialist framework. Without the constraints of a corporate job, I could dedicate myself entirely to this philosophy, exploring the interconnectedness and fluid nature of reality.
Developing Nexistentialism
Nexistentialism, a philosophy that emphasizes creativity and spiritual exploration, became my primary focus. This framework allowed me to delve deeply into the metaphysical and philosophical dimensions of existence. The freedom to develop Nexistentialism highlighted that everything worked out as it was meant to. The departure from Decker was not just an ending but a necessary step in my journey, aligning my evolving beliefs with my true purpose.
A New Path of Creativity and Fulfillment
In retrospect, the departure from Decker was a moment of profound realignment with my true purpose. The ethical dissonance of advertising and the industry’s youth-centric bias clashed with my growing need for authenticity and creative expression. Space Monkey, born from this conflict, illuminated the path forward, emphasizing the importance of pursuing a vocation that resonates with one’s deepest values. This journey of synchronicity and creative fulfillment highlights that everything unfolded as it was meant to, guiding me towards a path of deeper spiritual and philosophical exploration.
Acknowledging the Impact
Despite the challenges and eventual departure, I remain deeply grateful to Decker and the experiences I had there. The company provided a fertile ground for my professional growth, allowing me to explore various roles from writer to creative director, vice president, beer-getter, and video content creator. Each role contributed to my development, honing my skills and expanding my horizons.
The Foundation of Experience
The years at Decker laid the foundation for my creative and professional journey. The exposure to diverse projects and the opportunity to work with a talented team were invaluable. The environment at Decker, especially in its early years, was one of innovation and collaboration, which I cherish deeply. Additionally, playing a pivotal role in transforming Decker from a local boutique into a national player with high-profile clients like Days Inn was a significant achievement. This period of growth and expansion was marked by intense collaboration, strategic thinking, and creative execution, and I am proud of the contributions I made during this time.
We Are Space Monkey.
Trail Wood,
1/8/2022
Summary
Paul Tedeschi’s departure from Decker was a moment of profound synchronicity, aligning with his evolving beliefs and providing the time needed to develop his Nexistentialist framework. The dissonance with the advertising industry’s ethics and youth-centric bias underscored the need for this transition, ultimately leading to a path of deeper creative and spiritual fulfillment. The impact of COVID-19 further catalyzed this change, emphasizing the importance of aligning work with personal values and highlighting the growing divergence between his role at Decker and his evolving beliefs. Despite the challenges, Paul’s gratitude for his time at Decker remains strong, acknowledging the company’s significant role in his professional development.
Glossarium
- Nexistentialism: A philosophy that explores the interconnectedness and fluid nature of reality, emphasizing creativity and spiritual exploration.
- Synchronicity: The meaningful coincidence of events that appear to be causally unrelated yet deeply connected.
- Creative Fulfillment: The deep satisfaction derived from engaging in creative activities that align with personal values and beliefs.
- Ethical Dissonance: The conflict experienced when one’s personal values and beliefs clash with professional responsibilities or industry practices.
- Youth-Centric Bias: The preference for younger individuals and perspectives, often associated with innovation and trendiness.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: A global health crisis that catalyzed significant changes in personal and professional priorities, emphasizing the importance of aligning work with personal values.
“In the unfolding of the cosmic tapestry, every thread finds its place, guiding us towards our true purpose with perfect synchronicity.” – Space Monkey
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