The Skill Box speaker lineup has welcomed one of the most influential figures in the Croatian advertising industry –Damir Ciglar, CEO and co-founder of the agency Imago Ogilvy, a multi-award-winning creative agency with over three decades of success behind it.
In the teaser trailer, Ciglar says: “I’ve always been drawn to visuality, but I couldn’t draw. That frustrated me, so I turned toward pragmatism instead. And since I wasn’t exactly great at respecting authority or bosses, I quickly realized the only way I could truly function was by starting my own agency.”
If you’re into communication, marketing, or have ever wanted to learn what lies behind unforgettable campaigns that reshape markets and perception – Ciglar’s lecture is the place to be.
If you’ve ever heard of campaigns like Pipi – Be Who You Are, Jamnica Sensation, Franck Jubilarna, or Somersby, then you’ve heard of Imago Ogilvy. Behind those slogans, ideas, and emotions that have become etched in the collective memory – stands Ciglar and his team.
Under Ciglar’s leadership, Imago Ogilvy became the first Croatian agency to win Effie Europe, Cannes Lions, IdejaX, MIXX, Golden Drum, and many other prestigious industry awards.
Imago, under his direction, was behind some of the most successful and recognizable campaigns in the region: “Pipi – Girl from the Sea,” “Jamnica – Natural,” “Franck – A Good Habit,” “Karlovačko – Žuja Is the Law,” “Cedevita – Wake Up Life”… and the list goes on. He approached every new project as if it were the first and only one.
Ciglar is not just a marketing creative – he is a leader who builds relationships, sees potential in people, and knows how to breathe life into brands. That’s why his arrival to Skill Box feels like a natural step – a blend of experience, knowledge, and the willingness to share it.
In his Skill Box lecture, Damir spoke candidly about why having a good product is no longer enough – you need an authentic story. Through campaign examples, he explained how emotion builds connection, how long-term brand value is created, and why courage in creativity is often the deciding factor. He also touched on leadership in the creative industries – what it means to lead a team in times of constant change, rising expectations, and ever-shorter audience attention spans. This part of the lecture offers valuable insights into authenticity, trust, and decision-making that balances business goals with humanity.
And finally – but no less importantly – Ciglar talked about mistakes, and how they were the biggest contributors to who he is today.
Because growth only comes when we have the courage to make mistakes, look back, and move forward – wiser.
