Confessions of a Creative Director

In this engaging conversation, Emily Kurek, a Creative Director at Ammunition and educator at Miami Ad School, shares her insights on the unique strengths younger creatives bring to the table. She recounts her experience facing skepticism at a young age and emphasizes the importance of fresh perspectives in an evolving industry. They discuss the challenges of navigating internet culture, the value of fearlessness in creativity, and how collaboration is redefined across generations. Emily champions a 'fail fast' mentality, advocating for innovation and mutual learning.

Nat Resende, EVP and Executive Creative Director at Digitas North America, shares her journey from a coffee farm in Brazil to a leader in advertising. She passionately discusses the critical need for inclusivity in creative work, highlighting how authentic representation can enrich storytelling. The conversation dives into successful campaigns like Dove's 'Real Beauty,' and the vital role mentorship plays in nurturing diverse talent. Nat urges the industry to prioritize diversity and remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment, especially as DEI faces challenges today.

Ben Levy, a pitch and presentation expert and author of 'Stop Reading Slides', shares invaluable insights on overcoming client objections. He emphasizes the power of effective communication, advocating for collaboration over confrontation. Ben discusses how to transform client rejection into productive dialogue, highlighting the impact of storytelling and emotional connections in presentations. With personal anecdotes and practical strategies, he equips listeners with the tools to present ideas confidently and navigate challenging client dynamics successfully.

In this lively discussion, Calvin Innes, Creative Director at JVM Nerd London, illuminates the exciting realm of pop culture trends. He dives into the 'kidults' phenomenon, where adults revel in children's culture, and explores how gamification is reshaping retail experiences. Calvin shares insights on authentic brand engagement with fandoms, the evolution of virtual worlds, and the role of gamification in finance and politics.Listeners also get a glimpse into nurturing creative talent in today’s fast-paced industry, making for an inspiring conversation!

Join Andrew Carty, Head of Strategy for Forsman & Bodenfors Canada, and Glen D'Souza, Head of Creative, as they explore the dynamic fusion of strategy and creativity. They discuss the significance of involving creative teams early in the process and share innovative techniques like 'what-if statements' and peer reviews to enhance collaboration. Discover how embracing the chaotic nature of creativity can lead to impactful results and why strong client relationships are essential for successful campaigns.

In this discussion, David Levine, a Creative Strategist and Director with experience in music and science collaborations, shares his unique perspective on creativity. He introduces the idea of using 'hyphens' as a superpower to embrace diverse skills and adapt in creative processes. The conversation explores the art of collaboration, the importance of curiosity, and collecting 'weird dots' for inspiration. Levine emphasizes the balance between technical proficiency and personal style, encouraging listeners to explore creativity freely as they look ahead to 2025.

On this episode, Nick Sonderup, Co-Chief Creative Director of Strawberry Frog in New York City, shares his incredible journey in the advertising industry, including stints at MTV, Wieden+Kennedy, and BBDO. Then, we’ll dive into an exclusive preview of his forthcoming book, How Not to Hate Advertising, which is, in reality, a love letter to the business. The book emphasizes the importance of mentorship, navigating new technologies, maintaining empathy in client relationships, and finding fulfillment in your work.  

On this episode, I speak to Emily Jeffrey-Barrett, founder of Among Equals in the UK, a brand and campaign agency for people who want to make more than *just* money.   Emily shares her journey from working in large advertising agencies to one day realizing that her fear of not starting her own agency became bigger than her fear of actually doing it. That was the day she handed in her notice and jumped head-first into starting Among Equals during a global pandemic, no less. She discusses the challenges she faced and how she struck gold with her agency’s strategy of “start with no one cares.” If you’ve ever wanted to start your own agency this episode might change your life.

Matt Jones, a Creative and Brand Strategist with a rich background from Parliament to co-founding a successful gin brand, shares his unique journey. He discusses the overlap between politics and creativity, emphasizing the power of storytelling. The conversation delves into the importance of aesthetic execution in branding, showcasing the success of Four Pillars Gin. Matt also highlights how diverse experiences enhance creative thinking and the critical role of collaboration in executing impactful strategies.

Eric Segal, CCO of X&O, discusses the power of anonymity within his team of creative experts, revealing how colorful code names foster a unique culture that enhances collaboration and competition. He dives into the rise of fractional roles in advertising and the need for adaptability in agency-client relationships, arguing for flexibility over fixed roles. Segal also addresses the emotional biases in creative teams, advocating for self-awareness to enhance idea development and execution. His insights offer a fresh perspective on navigating the evolving landscape of creative consulting.