Reel 360 News’ Reel Black List is more than just a month-long celebration—it’s a commitment to recognizing the impact of Black professionals in advertising, film, TV, music, radio, and media every single day of the year. In a time when DEI initiatives are being challenged and progress is at risk, it’s more important than ever to amplify the voices and contributions of Black creatives, leaders, and innovators who shape our industry. For the next 29 days, we’ll shine a spotlight on extraordinary individuals making an indelible mark with their talent, vision, and influence. But let’s be clear—Black excellence isn’t limited to February. It’s 365. Today, we feature multifaceted Forsman & Bodenfors Business Partnership Director, Greg Wesh.
Greg Wesh is an Account Lead with over a decade of experience spanning agencies of all sizes and a diverse range of industry verticals, including Sports, Finance, CPG, Tech, and Entertainment.
Throughout his career, he has worked at both traditional advertising agencies and design-driven brand-building firms, playing a key role in agency scaling, organic business growth, process creation and implementation, and talent cultivation. At his core, Greg is passionate about building and creating.
Let’s meet Greg!
What’s your Origin Story?
Okay, so my origin story is kind of crazy. I was born in Montreal to two Haitian immigrants (the youngest of 4 boys) and grew up outside of Philly as my dad was stationed at a Naval base there. I was homeschooled until 8th grade, lowkey was in a cult until I was ~13, and really didn’t have much social interaction with the outside world until I got into the private/public school system. I started running XC & Track my junior year of high school and it really changed my life.
I had a college coach (shoutout Bob Hamer) take a chance on me and it ended up being the reason I was able to be the first person in my immediate family to graduate college. Now I’m here; which is a rambling way of saying that the American dream, while seemingly on its last leg, still has some kick to it
What did you want to be as a kid?
Not this, lol. I wanted to be an entomologist aka a bug scientist. I was obsessed with bugs (wildlife of any sort really) and Ranger Rick and the WWF (not that WWF, the other one) had a huge impact on my childhood.
How did you choose your career path?
I didn’t plan on being in advertising coming out of college. The job market wasn’t great and I was hitting up all of my connections for advice. A childhood friend (shout out Leanne!) told me I should try to get into Advertising so I applied to every ad agency in Philly, dropped my resumes off in person, the whole nine yards with no bites.
At the same time, I was working at a University outside of Philly hoping to become a Track Coach. I ended up getting a full-time internship in NYC for $30/day (remember the good ‘ol days lol?) and commuted via the Chinatown bus to work in Philly on the weekends. Eventually, that became untenable and I decided to make the leap and give the NYC Ad Guy thing a full-time go. Going on for 12 years now. Wild.
Describe your creative process.
It’s funny, I’m an account guy by trade but I do think of myself as creative at heart. As far as my process goes– I think it’s first and foremost grounded in emotion. I don’t view emotion as a bad thing even in account services.
I’m always trying to keep tabs on my teams’ emotions. How can I stoke emotion to get us over a hump or to the finish line, or tamp down emotions when we’re in a rough patch. How does being on a project with me make you feel?
At the end of the day, this is people’s business (profound, I know) and my #1 goal coming out of any interaction is for people to feel like they matter and are, well, people. I think that’s helped me get a lot out of the folks I’ve worked with and means a lot to me.
Who inspires you?
The list of folks who fit this bill is long but right now I’d say Bisan Owda, a Palestinian journalist in Gaza. The work that she’s done to humanize Palestinians to an audience that, at worst, didn’t think of them as real people and, at best, just didn’t think of them is an incredible gift to society at large and our collective conscience.
Her signature opening “It’s Bisan from Gaza and I’m still alive.” is something that will stick with me forever and, I hope, remain true for a very long time.
The most unconventional risk you’ve taken in your career.
Whew ok– that would have to be moving to NYC to be a freelance(!) assistant account executive. Do not recommend it– that first year was tough! Also, totaled my car in a snowstorm during my move to New York.
Give us a story that’s true but sounds like a lie.
I mean the cult thing is the go-to. Really kills in two truths and a lie.
When faced with setbacks, what keeps you going?
It could be so much worse because it’s been so much worse. Joy cometh in the morning.
Linus has his blanket for comfort, you have…
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. With Civ VII launching a few weeks ago, I looked at my hours played for Civ VI was 4,144 hours and 48 minutes.
What’s on tap for 2025?
Finding a decent therapist and hopefully a championship for my McCarren Park softball league team. Shout out the Sensitive Meanies.
Twilight Zone Moment – you have a chance to be magically transported into a Spike Lee Joint or a Jordan Peele film. Choose.
This is such a funny question to ask a black person, cuz there’s no Jordan Peele film you’re transporting my Black ass into! Shout out to Nope’s amazing cinematography, though. Beautiful world. THAT said, give me Inside Man. I love heist movies. I wish I was as cool as Denzel. Ah well, nevertheless.
Favorite movie from 2024
TRAP. Did not know Josh Hartnett had that level of performance in him. Shout out to Philly legend M. Night!
To see the up-to-date Reel Black List, click here.
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