On My Radar: Lauren Kulchinsky

What’s the most creative advertising idea you’ve seen recently?

Apple The Greatest. I know that seems like an easy out because everything Apple does is pure greatness. I love the simplicity in this idea. It’s so authentic and real, showing the importance of accessibility for a diverse set of people. It tells a human story first and a product story second. The spot shows how important it is to have authentic representation and hopefully it makes people think about how they tell their story, so it’s a story for all.

What website(s) do you use most regularly? 

It changes constantly but, right now, its bluehavenfrenchbulldog.com; they have puppy videos, and it brings me joy. And then OpenTable, because I absolutely hate waiting for a reservation. 

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought?

A magnetic second monitor that can attach to your laptop. Don’t ask, just get it. It will change your life. 

What product could you not live without? 

I believe the answer is water. But, seriously, I could not live without my Ember mug; it keeps your coffee the perfect temperature, which is essential, especially for those early morning global calls.

What’s the best film you’ve seen over the last year? 

Air; it was highly entertaining, and I didn’t fall asleep.

What film do you think everyone should have seen? 

Man on Wire, directed by James Marsh. It does not have jaw dropping VFX or seamless editorial, or even a cast of talent that would blow your mind, but what it does have is an incredibly inspiring story. I am a sucker for a powerful story. At the surface it’s about Phillippe Petit and his crazy wire-walk between the World Trade Towers, but it’s really a story about belief and how it can manifest itself into reality. We live in a world full of 'no' and 'that’s impossible', but every so often we are reminded that we are more powerful than we think and, if we put our mind to something, we can turn it from a pipedream into a truth.

What’s your preferred social media platform? 

This is a hard one, and its close, but I would have to say Instagram, solely because TikTok is like a time capsule where you open the door, blink, and then re-emerge two hours later. I prefer Instagram because I’m all about the 20 minute scroll. 

What’s your favourite TV show? 

I honestly have so many, but as of recently Ted Lasso has been one of my favourites. It’s just a feel-good show that makes you laugh and want to stand up on your feet to root for the characters. Sometimes you just need to put on a show that is going to make you smile and laugh!

What’s your favourite podcast?

I am a very visual person, always have been, so I am not a huge podcast person but I recently listened to an episode from The Diary of a CEO called Emergency Episode: Ex- Google Officer Finally Speaks out on the Dangers of AI, and I highly suggest taking a listen. There is so much noise surrounding AI right now and its important to educate yourself. The more you learn about the tool, the more you can make AI your superpower not your enemy. 

What show/exhibition has most inspired you recently? 

I wish I could say I had a chance to see the Banksy exhibition, or the exhibit currently at the Brooklyn Museum called It’s Pablo-matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby. Or even Project for a New American Century at the Whitney, but instead I am going to share my recent experience at the Slime Museum in NYC. Let me set the stage by saying I am a working mom with two young kids, two dogs and a bearded dragon so, sometimes, my free time is our free time. I will say that seeing my kids experience things for the first time, and living the experience through them, is an inspiring moment. We sometimes forget to let our inner child come out and play but, when a child touches slime, the joy on their face is contagious, so you just can’t help yourself from joining in the experience.