We had the good fortune of connecting with Greg Christensen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Greg, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is everywhere. We’re swimming in it daily without a second thought. But when a new opportunity arises, our awareness of risk intensifies, and we can talk ourselves out of taking a chance. “Live a full life” is kind of a mantra for me and it keeps me grounded when faced with important decisions. Instead of overthinking or listing pros and cons, I ask, ‘Will this help me live a fuller life?’ It’s a question that cuts through fear and helps me focus on what truly matters. For example, starting my podcast felt risky because I wasn’t sure anyone would listen to it or if anyone would want to be a guest on it. But aligning with that principle of living a full life helped me make the leap. And it’s been worth it.

What should our readers know about your business?
One of the ways the advertising industry has been evolving in recent years is the rise of in-house creative services. When I started in the business, going in-house was often seen as a career dead end—it meant you couldn’t get a job at a “real” agency. Today, the script has flipped, and some of the most talented people in advertising are in-house creative directors at top companies. Recognizing this shift, I launched my podcast, Let’s Bring It In, to explore the unique challenges, opportunities, and stories of in-house creative teams.

That kind of shift is reflective of any career in advertising, because to stay relevant, we’re in constant change. If I look at award-winning advertising from 20 years ago, it’s mostly billboards and magazine ads. Today, the best advertising might be an app or a social media activation. But regardless of the medium, it’s the idea that’s remembered. Whether those brilliant ideas are coming from an ad agency, a design firm, or a company’s in-house creative department, if they’re remarkable and well-crafted, they’ll do their job.

What excites me most is fostering environments where great ideas can thrive. That belief drives both my work and my podcast, and it’s what I hope to inspire in others as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Working and living in Europe spoiled me for this kind of question because when I lived in Switzerland, the travel possibilities were endless. About the third time my mom visited she said, ‘Let’s not just stay in Geneva this time.’ My wife and I started debating whether to take her to Paris or Milan for the weekend. After three minutes, we realized how insanely lucky we were to have options like that.

But Texas has its own charm. When people visit us, we always start with food, because Texas does it right. Tacos at Fuel City and brisket at Hutchin’s BBQ are non-negotiable stops. For a road trip, Magnolia Market in Waco is a fun destination—what Chip and Joanna Gaines have created there is amazing. And although it’s a three-hour drive, I never get tired of visiting Austin.

If we’re staying in Dallas, Klyde Warren Park and the Arts District are must-visits. The Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center are world-class museums. And for something truly special, a short trip to the Kimball Museum in Fort Worth lets you see Michelangelo’s first known work, which I’ve always considered paradigm-shifting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a constellation of mentors, and I’m fortunate to still be in touch with most of them. I had the greatest instructors at the VCU Brandcenter. Kevin Lynch gave me my first job. Creative leaders like Mark Figliulo, Dave Loew, and Ken Erke were early role models who showed me what craft and hard work could do. Stan Richards invested in me, moving me from Europe to Texas where an incredible squad of talented people at The Richards Group had my back for over a decade. Of course, my wife Suzy’s been with me from the beginning, and has always been my heart twin. My greatest successes will always come from a collective effort.

Website: https://gregorychristensen.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorychristensen

Other: “Let’s Bring It In” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EciLltiKTwWr6ksr7y6Ne?si=FPtHz7d2R6CFaqCgZDJ7GQ

Image Credits
Headshot photographer: Taylor Vieger

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