Say Yes! to Everything

I didn’t know exactly what to expect when I arrived at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. Networking? Insightful panels? Maybe a little sun? I got all of that… and then some. Beyond the brilliance of industry leaders and innovative brand activations, what stood out the most was the reminder that this industry is as much about people as it is about ideas. Some of my favorite moments happened in between panels- chatting with professors, connecting with newfound friends and asking for advice from professionals who were once in my shoes.

This week challenged the way I think about my future in communications whether that’s in public relations, marketing or even advertising. I’ve always searched for roles that match my skill set, but after visiting the Havas panel, I heard the consistent message of “don’t just look for the role. Create your own.” In a space that’s evolving faster than job titles can keep up, we’re not only allowed to be inventive, we’re expected to be. Say yes. To opportunities, to pivots, to uncertainty. Because saying yes is way more fun (and often more powerful) than saying no.

This was the most insightful panel because it was focused on us- the students. It’s hard to relate to panels of CEOs and CMOs. Obviously these positions are the goals for all of us, but it is difficult to figure out how to get there. This panel focused on the steps these big names in communications took to get to where they are while offering advice tailored to students entering the workforce. 

Of course, I can’t talk about Cannes without mentioning the buzzword of the moment: AI. It was everywhere (even in panels not necessarily surrounding AI). One speaker compared AI’s rise to the early days of the internet- undeniable, unstoppable and integrated into everything. As students who are stepping into a workforce where many entry-level roles are being automated, this is more than just a trend as it’s our new reality.

The panels didn’t focus on resisting AI, but rather on working with it. The consensus? AI isn’t here to replace us, it’s here to replace tasks. Our edge lies in the questions we ask, not just the answers we provide. It’s not about outsmarting the algorithm- it’s about thinking in ways it can’t.

I’m leaving Cannes with more than I can hold. And I don’t mean the suitcase I had to buy because of all of the free merchandise. I am ready to enter this workforce that celebrates creativity and differences in a way that many before me have spearheaded. 

And I can’t wait to watch all those who accompanied me throughout this journey succeed in this field as well.