Cindy Gallop, CEO of Make Love Not Porn, is known for her radical, innovative, and transformative approach to business. With a tagline as bold as “I like to blow [ __ ] up – I’m the Michael Bay of business,” Gallop stands out as a true disruptor. She embodies a spirit of change, determined to defy the status quo and forge her own path in the world of business.
Standing Out and Attracting the Right Clients
Gallop’s tagline, she explains, is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a strategic filter. “When I characterize what I do in that way, it attracts to me the clients who want what I do and repels the ones who don’t,” she says. This approach ensures she works with those aligned with her vision, saving time and effort by avoiding misaligned partnerships.
Her confidence stems from a deep understanding of her values. Gallop advises, “Take a long hard look inside yourself and identify what you believe in, what you value, what you stand for, what you’re all about.” This self-awareness, she believes, is the key to happiness and professional success.
Innovation Through Values
Gallop’s values-driven approach extends to her business model. She shares, “I believe the business model of the future is shared values plus shared action equals shared profit – financial profit and social profit.” This philosophy is evident in her ventures, Make Love Not Porn and If We Ran the World, both designed to create meaningful change through collective action.
Make Love Not Porn, for instance, is Gallop’s answer to the often unrealistic portrayals of sex in popular culture. Describing it as “the badly needed documentary” to porn’s “Hollywood blockbuster,” she aims to show real, consensual, and communicative sex, thus contributing to a healthier, more respectful culture around sex.
The Journey of an Accidental Marketer
Gallop’s journey into marketing was serendipitous. Initially passionate about theatre, she found herself drawn to promoting and selling shows, which eventually led her to a career in marketing and advertising. Reflecting on her accidental path, she states, “Everything in my life and career has happened by accident. I have never consciously, intentionally planned anything.”
Her rise in the industry was marked by her tenure at BBH New York, where she launched the agency with a clear vision: to be the best in America. Gallop’s leadership and strategic clarity helped the agency thrive in the competitive Madison Avenue market.
Championing Diversity and Combatting Ageism
A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Gallop emphasizes the importance of older professionals in the industry. She believes, “The older you get, the better life gets. Older people are a massive asset to every business because there is no substitute for experience.” Her commitment to combating ageism is rooted in her belief that older professionals bring invaluable insights and stability to the workplace.
Gallop also champions the need for more female and diverse representation in leadership roles. “We need champions, not mentors,” she asserts. Champions, she explains, are those who actively create opportunities and push for the success of underrepresented individuals.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Gallop is passionate about entrepreneurship and encourages others to pursue their own ventures. She states, “Working for yourself is the only way to be. Too many people make the mistake of thinking that a job is the safe option. It’s not.” Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to identify gaps in the market and create solutions that align with their unique perspectives and values.
Her final message is a rallying cry for innovation and disruption: “Start your own business, make an absolute goddamn [ __ ] ton of money out of it because you can.”
Conclusion
Cindy Gallop is a beacon of boldness and innovation in the business world. Her unwavering commitment to her values, coupled with her fearless approach to entrepreneurship, serves as an inspiration to many. As she continues to challenge norms and create positive change, Gallop proves that true success lies in staying true to oneself and relentlessly pursuing one’s vision.
