Cocktails. Conversation. A candid look at where strategy is headed in NYC.

What do you need on top of innate curiosity, persuasive storytelling and analytical skills?

The strategist’s role is shifting fast; new skills, new workflows, new ways of thinking. At Off Madison, we’re bringing some of the sharpest minds in the business together for two lively happy hour chats, hosted by James Hurman:

Double down on soft skills: With Lara O’Shea and Faris Yakob: on curiosity, storytelling, and the softer skills that keep strategists sharp.

Integrating Technology: With Tomas Gonsorcik and Tom Bates: on AI, new workflows, and the technical nous reshaping how strategy gets done.

Expect honest takes, quickfire Q&A, and actionable perspectives on what it takes to thrive beyond the Madison Avenue playbook.

Space is limited to keep the conversation close and high-value.

Special Guests: We’ll also be joined by friends from startups in ANZ who are playing a role in helping strategists thrive, including Springboards, Mutinex, and Aether.
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‍RSVP to reserve your place.

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Lara O’Shea
Founder & Chief Strategist, Strategy Latitudes

Lara has spent two decades helping brands transform at the intersection of culture, business, and creativity. She’ll share how strategists can stay adaptable, the Swiss-army-knife mindset, as the role shifts beyond traditional adland.

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James Hurman
Founding Partner, Previously Unavailable

James is one of the world’s best-known voices on marketing effectiveness and now builds startups alongside creative companies. He’ll unpack what strategists can borrow from entrepreneurship to stay relevant and impactful.

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Tomas Gonsorcik
Global Chief Strategy Officer, DDB

Tomas leads global strategy at DDB, driving effectiveness and creativity at scale. He’ll explore how strategists should embrace AI, tech, and transformation while keeping the craft human and emotionally powerful.

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Faris Yakob
Co-founder, Genius Steals

Faris helps brands and agencies unlock creativity through strategy and training across 60+ countries. He’ll talk about curiosity as a superpower, and how strategists can carve out space to keep learning in chaotic environments.

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Tom Bates
Co-Founder, Momentus

Tom helps marketing leaders harness AI to reimagine strategy, workflows, and content. As Co-Founder of Momentus, and with years leading creative strategy at Snap Inc, he brings sharp insights on how tech is reshaping the strategist’s toolkit.

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