Difficult Conversations Podcast

Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician

Episode 134 | March 9, 2021

The Power Of Nice

Linda Kaplan Thaler

Advertising Executive and Author

Linda Kaplan Thaler

Welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Today, my guest is advertising Hall of Famer, Linda Kaplan Thaler, who is responsible for some of the most famous advertising campaigns such as the Aflac duck, the hilarious “Yes, Yes, Yes” commercial for Clairol Herbal Essence, “Kodak Moments,” and the longest running jingle, “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid.” She has appeared on The Apprentice, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and CNN. Linda has won several awards, including the prestigious Matrix Award, Advertising Woman of the year and was named one of advertising Most Influential Woman in Advertising. She founded the Ad Agency Kaplan Thaler Group and currently, she is a renowned motivational speaker and a bestselling author of several books including Grit to Great and The Power of Nice.

Linda tells us about herself, growing up in the Bronx, and a sweet story about her dad that impacted her life forever. She teaches us how being nice actually makes you succeed, and how her agency became the fastest growing agency in the U.S. and one of the Top 10 Nicest Places to Work in advertising. We learn how her little ad agency won the $200 million Wendy’s account, and an incredible story involving a man that was a guard for their building, and how he helped win a big account during a surprise visit from the CEO. Also, Linda tells us yet an amazing story behind the Aflac duck and how that came about, Linda tells us why doing improv is so good for people, and Dr. Orsini tells us how he uses improv in his training as well. We hear a personal story and some difficult conversations she had to endure when she found out she had cancer. We end with Linda giving us communication advice on how to be successful.

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