My full name is Lotenna Oranefo Valtor Enwonwu. I learned how to play the viola when I was 8. The cello when I was 12. I fixed credit card machines at 14 – over the phone tech support. And built a recording studio when I was 17. I saved up and bought all the equipment myself. At 20, I apprenticed at a barbershop. At 24, I got lost on a volcano during a trip to Panama. That same night I went to see a traditional cockfight. I met MC Hammer once. I have three kids, have had two dogs and I’m still with the one wife that keeps crushing me at Scrabble. I’m keen on good times, good work, and genuine people. And I don’t usually use the word keen.
The Design Observer’s The Design of Business | The Business of Design podcast (who has had clients of all sorts of industries, designers, and creatives the likes of Janelle Monáe) – invited me to the show to be interviewed by Jessica Helfand and Ellen McGirt. I had a blast.
The crew over at Speedbumps is amazing. We had a good time talking about … Positioning of Creative teams in the past vs. today (and the future). The relationship between Marketing and Creative teams & the human-centered advantage it brings. How this internal alignment drives brand authenticity – not a buzzword, but something that drives impact for the business. Inclusion — the inspiration it brings in design and learning. And so much more.
AAF (American Advertising Federation) district 4 invited me to be interviewed, speak, and be a judge for the AD Path Student Conference.
Advertising strategy during the big game, which demographics are being left out, favorite spots and my approach to brands. AdForum wanted to know.
So you decided you really want to be a CD. I’m so happy you chose this path. There are so many stories and adventures. Filled with joy and pain. Stress and excitement. Nervousness. Victory. And a ton of amazing people … read more
When I was a boy, I heard “fear is better than respect”. I took it as you needed to make sure people feared you so respect was always shown. This would lead to tasks always being completed correctly. The meaner you were … read more
Pancake Luncheon is a series of conversations between 3 friends who happen to have different professions that only overlap in the corporate norms shared on each episode. A startup founder, a seasoned executive and a creative leader have candid discussions about life in and out of the office … enjoy.