Ep 286: Andrés Ordóñez of McCann - "The Impactful Leader"

What impact are you having?

In this episode of Fearless Creative Leadership, Charles Day speaks with Andrés Ordóñez, newly appointed Global Chief Creative Officer of McCann. When this conversation was recorded, Andrés didn't yet know his future — which makes this a rare portrait of a leader reflecting not on a title, but on who he is.

Across a deeply personal conversation, Andrés describes the forces that shaped him: a childhood surrounded by creativity, a mother whose illness forged his sense of responsibility, and a career built on connection, curiosity, and generosity. He talks about leading with humanity, navigating the upheaval of AI, and the responsibility that comes with carrying the torch for thousands of people across a global organization.

This is a conversation about impact — the kind you have on work, on people, and on the world.

00:00 — Opening: The Impactful Leader Charles introduces the theme: leadership as responsibility and impact.

03:00 — Andrés's Creative Origin Story Family, Colombia, motorcycles, and the early spark of advertising.

07:00 — Childhood, Parents, and Identity Emotional bonds, choosing to live with his mother, and lessons that shaped him.

12:00 — Becoming a Caregiver at 18 Responsibility, work ethic, and how caring for his mother changed him.

16:30 — Defining Leadership & Creativity Connecting people, solving problems, the spark of creativity.

22:00 — AI: Partner, Tool, and Test of Humanity The future of creativity, trust, and why machines can't feel goosebumps.

28:30 — The Business Model of the Future Time, efficiency, and rethinking how creative value is measured.

32:00 — Casting People & Building Culture Human connection, belonging, and why team energy matters more than résumés.

37:45 — Responsibility Without Control Leading collaboratively while carrying the weight of outcomes.

41:00 — The "And" Philosophy Why mixing magic and logic changes everything.

46:00 — Change, Uncertainty, and the IPG–Omnicom Merger How Andrés holds ambiguity and stays grounded.

50:00 — Fear, Evolution, and Personal Growth The dangers of fear, staying curious, and the need to evolve.

54:00 — Defining Success Helping others realize their dreams — and the power of not putting yourself first.

59:00 — Closing Reflections Legacy, hope, and carrying the torch for ot