A charismatic and articulate strategist, Larry Woodard is an increasingly rare find in advertising: A leader with a vision of his industry that is about more than just dollar signs. In this age of consolidation, Wall Street and the bottom line; Woodard has concerned himself with the complexion of the industry -- how to find and train a diverse workforce - - and just as importantly, how to broaden clients’ perspectives to understand and leverage the interrelationships among emerging consumer groups. Named to Fast Company magazines Fast 50 for his role in the Oprah Car Giveaway, arguably, the most successful event promotion in the history of advertising; Woodard is funny and sharp with plenty of substance and character.

His agency, Vigilante, like its name, is a bit unusual. First of all, in an industry that, according to Advertising Age boasts fewer than 3% African Americans in managerial positions, Woodard, along with Vigilante's Chief Creative Officer Valerie Graves and Strategic Planning maven Dakota Pippins, all are African American. A walk through the halls however, is like a walk through the United Nations, including employees from India, Israel and Moscow.

"The common denominator is "Urban" People from everywhere come to cities and what happens when the different ideas collide is that trends are born. At Vigilante, we're close to the street, that’s why our work is so different and connects so well with young people." States Woodard.

In a TV spot for General Motors entitled "DJ" has a young, African American DJ rummaging through his extensive record collection choosing records for his gig. He gets into his Pontiac Vibe and motors to an Urban Club. Inside he spins records as young people of all races get lost in the beat. A couple of women leave with him through the back door and they drive grooving to an arresting soundtrack that take its influence from Middle Eastern, Hip Hop and Rock.

"The beauty of this spot is that it is consumer-centric", says Woodard " Our audience has either been to a club just like this one or they want to. They see the eclectic nature of the people and the music as being representative of who they are. They are setting the trends and changing the world"

A print ad for Snapple Beverage Group's Mistic Brand has a white kid with a flaming red goatee and a wild hairdo imploring consumers to "Go Bold"

A Western Union Ad has headlines written in West Indian Patios.

"We are the agency of the future," intones Woodard. "Our staff can't come up with conventional ideas, we aren't conventional"

This unconventional agency has struck a chord, not just with clients, but with judges as well. Vigilante is a three-time winner of the O'Toole Multicultural Agency of the Year award as well as recent London International and Mobius awards. The agency was awarded the Cannes Gold Lion for the Oprah Car Giveaway and the Gold Effie for its efforts for General Motors Pontiac Brand.

Woodard grew up an Air Force “Brat” and has lived in Northern Africa, Germany and Italy. He is well-traveled and an accomplished guitarist. Woodard is engaging and able to connect with the entire spectrum of audiences.

Past Topics:

• Bald Man in a Hailstorm – How to survive hard times by innovation
• The Big Idea for Your Brand – how to apply innovation to any product or service
• The US Advertising Market – An entertaining overview of the segments
• The Client –Agency Partnership- when it works, when it doesn’t
• Best practices for Multicultural Marketing