Confessions of a Creative Director

Nick Sonderup, Co-Chief Creative Officer of Strawberry Frog, shares his wealth of experience from renowned firms like MTV and Wieden+Kennedy. He discusses his passion for advertising and previews his upcoming book, offering insights on finding fulfillment in the industry. Mentorship and empathy play key roles in his philosophy, as he advocates for authentic client relationships. Sonderup also reflects on the dual nature of technology in advertising and the challenges of balancing creativity with leadership responsibilities, urging listeners to embrace change.

Emily Jeffrey-Barrett, founder of Among Equals, a UK agency dedicated to impactful branding, shares her inspiring journey from corporate advertising to entrepreneurship during the pandemic. She reveals how the daunting realization that 'no one cares' drives authentic consumer engagement. Emily emphasizes resilience, meaningful content, and the creativity needed to transform ideas into actionable concepts. With insight into navigating financial uncertainties and the power of words in a visual world, her story encourages aspiring agency founders to embrace risk and authenticity.

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.

Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer of BRC Imagination Arts, shares his expertise in blending a brand's history with future innovations. He recounts his journey from the U.S. Navy to shaping iconic experiences like the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Venue. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling and emotional connections in branding. Lachel emphasizes using technology to create engaging brand experiences and discusses how historical narratives can drive both consumer loyalty and community engagement.

In this engaging discussion, Colin Jeffery, CCO of Doner and co-founder of Wolfgang, shares insights from his global advertising journey, including notable campaigns like Volkswagen's 'Drivers Wanted'. He addresses the alarming trend of dissatisfaction among creatives, offering actionable strategies to rekindle passion and creativity within the industry. The conversation also touches on the emotional challenges in advertising, the positive impact of collaboration, and the awakening of boldness in post-pandemic campaigns, making it a must-listen for advertising enthusiasts.

On another international episode, Laura Stein, Chief Creative Officer of Bruce Mau Design in Toronto Canada, is here to share 5 things we as creatives can do right now in our work and in our lives to be more sustainable. This cause is near and dear to her heart and something she brings to every project. Spoiler Alert: If you’re a user of Post-It Notes, you might be in for a big surprise. Laura will also explain how her years spent playing in an indie rock outfit led to her career in design. It’s a really cool story and an important topic so don't miss it!

On today’s show we have Ly Nguyen, Head of Creative at Movement Strategy, the social media agency behind some of the best brand social channels on the inter webs. Ly is here to share how her unique and versatile career path set her up perfectly to deliver on the agency’s social centric approach, as well as some misconceptions about executing effective social media campaigns. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyunguyen/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/movement-strategy/ https://twitter.com/mvmtstrategy https://www.facebook.com/MovementStrategy/ https://www.instagram.com/movementstrategy/

All the way from Thailand, it's Creative Director and Creative Coach Rodd Chant! Rodd and I are kindred spirits who share the same passion for finding the perfect black t -shirt and for helping bring up the next generation of creative directors. I've been following him on LinkedIn for some time and a recent post really caught my eye. Rodd believes that AI will kill all agencies, but it might destroy those that sacrifice senior creative talent in the name of innovation and efficiency.

Gordy Sang and Brian Siedband, Co-Chief Creative Officers and founders of Quality Meats Creative (recently named Ad Age Small Agency of the year!) share the story of their once-fledgling agency that is now exploding by forgoing conventional wisdom, trusting their instincts, maintaining a high standard of work, and fostering a collaborative environment where all disciplines are valued.