We recently connected with DK Wright and have shared our conversation below.
Hi DK , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I wouldn’t say I “found” my purpose in the traditional sense. To be honest, I never set out with a grand plan or a single calling. It wasn’t about chasing a lifelong dream or sticking to a script. If anything, I’m proof that you don’t need that narrative to stay motivated. What has always driven me, though, is the pursuit of honest critique. After all, what good is anything if only I believe in it?
As a first-generation American of Caribbean heritage, I’ve always felt like I was starting behind the starting line of someone else’s marathon. Not everyone wins the genetic lottery, inherits sizable gains, or even gets the chance to live life to its fullest—but everyone has a story. For me, it wasn’t about simply defining my “why”; it was about being honest enough with myself to recalibrate my metrics of success to live the best story worth sharing.
My journey began with a love of poetry, which grew into a 15-year run as a spoken word artist in the competitive poetry slam scene. It was an environment fueled by brilliant wordsmiths, bold storytellers, and intellectuals who brought a new level of craftsmanship to language. We weren’t just competing for scholarships, cash prizes, or respect—we were reshaping how stories were told. Through that community, I learned the value of identity, education, and collaboration.
Over time, though, I wanted to do more than perform my or someone else’s story. I didn’t want to be a temporary ambassador for brands using my talent for short-lived campaigns. I wanted to author a tide that could lift all ships.
When I stumbled into advertising, I quickly realized this industry thrives on ambiguity. There’s no universal standard for success, no agreed-upon metrics, and no single definition of what advertising is from production studios to in-house teams and legacy agencies. Ad schools teach the same tired rhetoric, clients demand the same safe results, and agencies gatekeep the real opportunities for innovation. Even after breaking in, I noticed outdated education models and a lack of mentorship. Too many young brilliant creatives burned out before they ever got to lead. Too many vets scared to grow outside their comfort zones.
Instead of being paralyzed by those challenges, I leaned into them. I studied the inconsistencies, asked hard questions, and let feedback guide me. What I found was a common thread: confusion thrives when people are too comfortable to pivot or evolve.
That’s where the Adland Urban Dictionary came in. It’s my way of cutting through the noise—a collection of the acronyms, jargon, and terminology that obscure our industry’s potential. It’s not just about creating clarity for students or young professionals; it’s about holding the industry accountable to itself.
Is this my purpose? To tell stories, educate others, inspire change…. Or maybe I just created a living resource that ensures we’re all on the same page. I didn’t start the Adland Urban Dictionary to make a statement; I started it to solve a problem. If that helps others—and elevates the industry—then I guess I’m doing something right.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. After all, this dictionary exists to spark conversation, not just record definitions.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the creator of the Adland Urban Dictionary, a resource that demystifies the jargon and complexities of the advertising and creative industries. What excites me and my team the most about this initative is its ability to level the playing field—making the language of advertising accessible and empowering for everyone, from seasoned professionals to students just starting out. It’s more than a glossary; it’s a tool for bridging gaps, fostering inclusivity, and driving collaboration.
As we expand, I’m thrilled to be working on Volume 4 of the dictionary and celebrating its first season of video content on TikTik ( @adland.dictionary ), launching soon on Instagram. This initiative isn’t just about words; it’s about amplifying voices to ensure we all have the tools to tell our stories effectively in front of and behind the camera.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Humility. Curiosity. Enthusiastic preparation.
That last one is akin to getting clothes ready for the first week of school. I think there is a certain optimism in asking questions, preparing and identifying how you want to show up. Either you learned an insight, bought something new or are completely ready to enter the unknown. This ability to let go and look toward the possibilities is what made me not get nervous about failure or the ‘what ifs’ because if I fall, I’ll fall forward. What if I don’t fall and end up flying? Humility let’s me not take any of this journey for granted.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always on the lookout for folks to connect with. The only thing I require is trust. Trust that you trust yourself, your experiences, and your ability. Because that’s how I show up every day and that reciprocity earns my respect every time.
The best collaborators are the ones who know how to make things work. But hey, some game is better sold than told. So let’s build something that sells itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DKWroteIt.com
- Instagram: @InfoDaPoet
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dk-wright-99969518/
- Other: TikTok: @Adland.Dictionaryhttps://pressbooks.cuny.edu/copywriting/part/chapter-5-honing-your-powers-of-persuasion/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
