This year’s group of DMN 40Under40 winners have a few things in common. Well yes, they’re under 40. Also they have a proven track record of marketing excellence and leadership, whether they’re in roles supporting global brands, or leading their own thriving start-ups. Over the next few weeks, you’ll get to know our winners, and what they’ve accomplished.
Michael Ruby is the Creative Director (Creative and Content Studio) at Flexport.
What has been your proudest career accomplishment to date?
While I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve done and the honors I’ve been fortunate enough to receive over the course of my career (including this one), I’m proudest of having been able to help a great number of my teammates to grow and achieve in their own careers. Seeing them succeed and garner acclaim is beyond a doubt my greatest source of professional pride.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to future 40Under40 honorees?
Ask questions! Ask for information and “the reasons why.” Ask for the opportunities you rightfully deserve. Ask for help. Don’t assume other people will know what you need or want in order to succeed. Don’t wait for things to come to you. And, importantly, don’t be afraid, embarrassed or ashamed to seek support and encouragement; no one succeeds alone.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5 years?
In five years, I aim to have helped establish Flexport as one of the world’s most successful and admired brands, renowned for our role in transforming global trade through technology. Along the way, I want to have told amazing stories with inspiring and breakthrough creativity. And, I want to have helped build an elite in-house agency of creative/content professionals who are immensely proud of the work they’re doing together and the careers they’re building individually.
What is one interesting fact about you that few people know?
As I began my career in marketing, I was a working actor in New York City, primarily in musical theater. It’s how I met many of the people closest to me in my life, including my wife! When I transitioned to a creative path in advertising/marketing, I moved from performing on stage to writing and producing. And, as a librettist and lyricist, my award-winning musicals and songs have been performed across the United States, and in England and South America.
