In The Room > Zoom

By: Peter Madden

After over a year of meetings, discussions, presentations, and more meetings with a prospective client—a global powerhouse in the finance space—the big day had arrived. And it was the longest—and arguably—the best day in my career since I started AgileCat 24+ years ago.

We were invited to the final pitch on the other side of the country. How quickly can someone say “Yes”? In my case, it was hardly a second.

Sure, I understand the convenience of Zoom, Teams, etc. And there have been many times when my schedule on a day is so wall-to-wall, where a client or prospect is in a hurry-up offense, and virtual is the only option that fits just fine—as opposed to spending a few hours in the car and having to flex important meetings.

But not in this scenario. No chance. I felt like I could have run to their glorious HQ and closed the deal.

I beat my alarm to the punch (love when I do this). Not out of any kind of nervousness, though sure there was some. I heard a quote a long time ago: “My passion wakes me.” And that was very much the case as I put some coffee on in the dark at 3 a.m. before a quick workout. Out the door at 4 a.m. and off to the airport. While in the air, I scribbled my thoughts and major points I wanted to hit with ferocity. I couldn’t get there soon enough.

After what seemed like years, we were finally in their sizable conference room with their marketing team, and many others dialing in from all over the States and overseas. I’ve never been more thankful to be in person—especially when considering the shutdown and post-shutdown period, where I labored in my little Zoom square, attempting with all my might to get across my energy, my passion, my intent to those on my laptop screen.

Virtual has always felt—and feels—as flat and two-dimensional as the screen my face occupied. My voice—tinny. My bulldogs—barking. My energy—flat. I’m someone who likes to walk around a room, talk with my hands (30% Italian, according to 23andMe—Grazie, guys!), and make real eye contact. It’s just who I am.

Long story short, it just felt fantastic to be in person with my team and theirs. There were no barriers that virtual can sometimes create. It was a balanced, collective discussion about our (many) creative ideas and strategies. Robust Q&A followed our formal presentation—which I always feel is the real “meat” of any meeting. And the collective chemistry was palpable.

As AI and robotics dominate headlines and people gravitate toward an easy way out through the virtual method, call me old school—but in a creative business, nothing beats putting on a show and being on that stage within feet of those you want to make a lasting impression on. I preach authenticity every day at the ‘Cat, and there’s just nothing that beats getting your genuine self and ideas across—with impact!—then being with people.

And when I walked back into my home at midnight (!) after a long flight and drive, I smiled and looked back on my 20-hour day. How lucky I felt.

I wouldn’t trade that day for anything. My lesson is simple, Cats: unplug and get the hell out there—with the people!

You’ll be glad you did.