A Conversation with 4As CEO, Justin Thomas-Copeland

As Black History Month comes to an end and we continue our support as an agency, we wanted to connect with someone who continues to move the ad industry forward. Please read on as we have a genuine, open conversation with 4As CEO, Justin Thomas-Copeland. 

Q: What or who inspired you to get into the industry?
 
A: My mother is the primary reason why I considered coming into this industry. She worked in the ad industry for 45 years in client services and client development. I walked into my first agency at the age of around 11 and loved it from then. 
 
After I finished my degree in Computer Science and Information Systems where I specialized in database theory, data design and application development, one of my older brothers told me about direct and database marketing. I felt this was a happy medium of my love for technology, love of creativity and desire to become an entrepreneur. 
 
I had my first experience working for the European Commission Training Program in 1992. Then I researched the best agencies and applied for an entry-level position at Wunderman. The rest is history. 
 
Q: What does it mean to show up as your authentic self? 
 
A: Being who I am is the only way I know how to show up. It means that I trust myself and demonstrate an innate knowledge of self.
It is how I was raised—to believe that is the only way to be. So, I represent my family lineage daily because it is our DNA. 
 
But on a more practical level, this can sometimes mean you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable at not following the crowd. 
It means that you have to trust in your voice, your opinion, your gut instinct. 
 
Q: What impact do you hope to have on the industry?
 
A: To help keep the industry moving forward by championing talent and embracing technological change in the most creative ways. I have worked agency-side, client-side and now association/industry-side and worked across the world. 
 
And I hope that my impact will be felt by my network globally and that they in turn use this as fuel to impact their own places and spaces, and in their own ways. Because those who know me know that if I can do it, they can do it too!  
 
Q: Is there anything additional you would like to share as our industry and agency supports Black History Month?
 
A: We should keep supporting, keep learning, keep understanding and keep providing space for these moments of cultural understanding. My true wish is that this were a daily dynamic of our industry, but we have work to do—both in our industry and the wider world.