Anselmo Ramos hosts Colleen DeCourcy, Chief Creative Officer of Snap. They discuss AI, creativity, and the changing digital technology landscape. They also touch on the concept of being 'paid to be stupid' and the importance of faith in achieving success. The speakers emphasize collaboration, lessons learned from working with clients, and the experience of winning a life achievement award.
Independence and a strong culture are crucial in fostering creativity and producing great work.
Faith in oneself and embracing fear is critical in the creative process.
Being on the client side provides a different perspective and understanding of the challenges clients face.
Deep dives
The Importance of Independence and Culture in Creativity
Independence and a strong culture are crucial in fostering creativity and producing great work. The freedom from constraints and a shared belief system allow for non-compromised visions and the development of unique ideas. It is important to recognize the challenges and pressures that clients face, and to lead them through unpacking their thoughts to arrive at the best solutions. Collaboration and creating a safe space for failure are key in building strong creative partnerships. Selling ideas requires understanding the client's perspective and gradually shifting their beliefs by breadcrumbing a path that leads to the desired idea.
The Value of Faith and Fear in Creativity
Having faith in oneself and embracing fear is critical in the creative process. Faith involves believing that if one keeps going, things will be fine and that there is something greater within everyone that can surpass expectations. Fear should prompt individuals to take risks and push through difficulties. The creative process often involves connecting truths and lies to create tension, which leads to breakthrough ideas. Embracing mistakes and being comfortable with unpredictability is part of the innovation journey. The creative industry requires both human insight and sometimes the irrationality of creativity to make leaps and connect ideas.
Lessons from Being on the Client Side at Snap
Being on the client side provides a different perspective and understanding of the challenges clients face. It is important to recognize the multitude of responsibilities and constraints clients must deal with, along with the need for unpacking various thoughts and needs. Building strong creative partnerships involves finding common ground, understanding the client's world, and leading them to the desired vision. The experience of being both a creative leader and client has illuminated the importance of empathy and collaboration in achieving shared goals.
The Impact of Receiving a Life Achievement Award
Receiving a prestigious award like the Lyan of St. Mark is a humbling experience. It marked a significant moment in the industry, recognizing leadership and contributions beyond individual work. The award underscored the importance of embracing a belief system, fostering a caring industry, and embracing the humanity and humility that drives creative endeavors. The recognition highlighted the value of leaving an impact and resonating with others' shared visions and goals.
Advice for Young Creatives
The most crucial advice for young creatives is to embrace their unique point of view and avoid trying to be someone else. Developing and expressing their own perspective on the world is essential. Hard work, the ability to translate their point of view into their work, and creating beautiful things are key to success. Balancing the problem, the client, and their own unique perspective will lead to compelling and unforgettable work. Being true to oneself and bringing a fresh and authentic perspective will always make a difference.
GUEST HOST: Anselmo Ramos, Co-Founder and Creative Chairman of GUT. Founded just four years ago, Gut has been an Ad Age A-List Agency 4 years in a row. The agency’s string of successes culminated at this year’s Cannes, where GUT won 35 Lions, becoming the #1 Independent Network of the Year, Latin America Network of the Year, and GUT Buenos Aires became both Independent Agency of the Year and Global Agency of the Year.
GUEST: Colleen DeCourcy, Chief Creative Officer of Snap as of 2022. Previously, Chief Creative Officer and Co-President of Wieden+Kennedy. Under Colleen’s leadership, Wieden+Kennedy experienced unprecedented growth and produced a number of award-winning campaigns, including Nike's 2019 “Dream Crazy” campaign. Colleen was honored as Adweek’s Creative Leader of the Decade for the 2010s. In 2022, Cannes Lions gave Colleen The Lion of St Mark, our industry’s honor.
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