Tom Mooney, partner/executive producer, Headquarters, NY
Although Yagoda chose not to hire him when he was job hunting in the '80s, Mooney holds no grudges: "He realized I would be the worst producer on the face of the Earth, and he was right... I own a company now thanks to Ken. He's got a great work ethic. He works his butt off. That's probably why you don't hear about him. He's too busy working to try to run around and get PR."

Steve Wax, president, Chelsea Pictures, NY
Yagoda has a reputation for getting things done without crushing egos or throwing his weight around. Wax says a lot of that has to do with experience: "He understands directors because he was one himself. But then he's got this great, persuasive personality that wins people over without being heavy handed or too rah-rah. Whoever he works with, whether it's a client or a director, they regard him more as a peer than as a producer."

Steve Dickstein, president, Partizan, NYA
"He is an incredibly thoughtful guy. He's very bright and generous in his understanding of other points of view - despite the fact that he might have a strong point of view of his own. He is powerful without being judgmental. He is nurturing without being phony. But he's also someone who can run a production department - he's resourceful and knows how to get things accomplished."

Stephanie Kugelman, vice chairman, chief strategic officer of advertising worldwide, Y&R, NY
About stepping in to work with Michael Patti: "[Ken] embraces new people and works with them. He has a real gift in not only identifying [new talent] but keeping them busy. He pushes the envelope in terms of having them on projects where they haven't established a reputation yet and they're still young. There is an incredible sense of team within his department, of helping each other grow."

Josh Rabinowitz, music producer, Y&R, NY
"Ken is incredibly energized, intelligent and opinionated, and more politically adept than anyone I know, but he conceals it all behind one of the most pre-eminent poker faces I've ever stumbled upon, and I've played a lot of cards in my life. Some find it mystifying; I find it inspires his department to work their butts off. It encourages me to be prepared when I present work to him. I try to make him flinch or raise an eyebrow: if he does, then I know I'm doing good work."

John Partilla, CEO, Brand Buzz, Y&R, NY
"He works very hard at trying to understand the client's needs. A lot of clients might come in and say, 'I'm looking for this', or, 'I think I want this', and Ken does an excellent job of listening, separating their wants from their needs and then leading them to solutions for those needs. Ken is open to account leaders and clients being involved in the creative process. He's not threatened by a collaborative work environment."

Michelle Curran, president, Amber Music, NY/London
"Over the years I have come to admire his passion and profound knowledge, and to laugh at his quirky sense of humor. Another key quality is his respect for female co-workers, and the generous way he gives credit to all where credit is due. It should be noted, too, that he is someone who gives back to the community as much as he has taken. He works tirelessly on projects like Teach for America."

Jules Daly, president, RSA USA LA
"The Sony Dreams project was a groundbreaking idea in terms of its approach. We are proud to be associated with the project. Ken brilliantly walks the line between supporting the production company, the director and the agency. We've shared 'dreams' in every way."