The Future of In-House Creative Leadership

In this episode I am joined by Mel Ryan, a senior operations leader with over 20 years’ experience transforming in-house teams and agencies.Mel was previously VP, Group Director of Operations at Sky, where she oversaw macro operations for Sky Creative, leading large-scale operational change and championing the evolution of their creative operations.In 2024 she founded Walk The Floor, a consultancy dedicated to helping brands build, scale, and optimise their in-house operating models, processes and teams.  Mel builds collaborative, high-performing teams rooted in trust and shared success.And she’s also one of our Community Advisors where she generously shares her wisdom with our members. ----Download our Inside Out® Pathway - A guide to in-house creative leadership development and growth.The Inside Out® Pathway is a starting point for in-house creative leaders to be able to navigate themselves and their teams to get creativity closer to the C-Suite.https://theinsideout.community/resources/the-inside-out-pathway

This time I’m joined by by Pete Johnson and Juan Carlos Gutiérrez, co-founders of LOVE+RESPECT, an advisory firm with a difference. Drawing on decades of experience leading and transforming global creative teams for brands like Publicis, WPP, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and the LEGO Group, Pete and Juan Carlos have built a reputation for helping companies elevate their in-house creative capabilities from cost centres to engines of brand and business growth.At the heart of LOVE+RESPECT is a mindset shaped by three core values: empathy, trust, and joy. Pete and Juan Carlos believe these are the keys to unlocking not just outstanding creative work, but real business impact that can transform marketing, operations, and culture from the inside out. Their approach is about more than process - it’s about people, and about building in-house teams that are empowered, inspired, and able to deliver work that truly moves the business.These two leaders have seen it all are helping to  shape the future of in-house creative leadership. Download our Inside Out® Pathway - A guide to in-house creative leadership development and growth.The Inside Out Pathway is a starting point for in-house creative leaders to be able to navigate themselves and their teams to get creativity closer to the C-Suite.https://theinsideout.community/resources/the-inside-out-pathway

Daniel Torres who is a slightly unique person for me to interview as his career has been as a CFO. But the CFO is someone who an in-house creative leader has to regularly convince to invest in either their creative team or the work they want they do for the brand. I met Daniel though one of our members, and he is a seasoned business mentor and finance leader with over 25 years of experience spanning tech, events, and media across multiple countries. Daniel began his career in Silicon Valley, where he was involved in the IPO of a startup hardware company and later played a key role in the sale of a US-listed software business to a UK company, which brought him to London in 2008.Daniel describes himself as “an accountant with a personality: my head is business, but my heart is creative.” Many of his friends are creatives too giving him a deep appreciation for the dynamics of creativity in business. So I thought he would make the perfect CFO to talk to.---Download our Inside Out® Pathway - A guide to in-house creative leadership development and growth.The Inside Out Pathway is a starting point for in-house creative leaders to be able to navigate themselves and their teams to get creativity closer to the C-Suite.https://theinsideout.community/resources/the-inside-out-pathway

Joining me today is Ivan Pols, Chief Creative Officer at what3words and a member of the Inside Out® Community.With a background as Worldwide Creative Director at Ogilvy and adam&eveDDB, he’s worked on global brands like Dove and Unilever, earning top industry awards along the way.Ivan is a creative force with a passion for making and inspiring great work. At what3words, he forged his way into the C-suite by leading creativity and building an award-winning in-house marketing team. He’s setting new standards for creativity in business, which is why I was so keen to have him on the podcast.Beyond what3words, Ivan co-founded Truth & Spectacle, helping organisations craft powerful stories that help them leap forward. He also gives back to the industry through talks, writing, and coaching, sharing his insights on creativity in business. On a personal note, Ivan has been a generous mentor to me as we build Inside Out, and he’s contributed so much to our community.-----Download our Inside Out® Pathway - A guide to in-house creative leadership development and growth.The Inside Out Pathway is a starting point for in-house creative leaders to be able to navigate themselves and their teams to get creativity closer to the C-Suite.https://theinsideout.community/resources/the-inside-out-pathway

In this episode I am joined by Christie Gray, the Creative Director and Design Lead at OVO - but soon to join Kimberly Clarke.Christie has over 12 years of experience in brand, packaging, advertising, and experiential design across multiple industries including FMCG, energy, and fashion. Before that, Christie co-founded FreshStudio, an independent design and 3D moving image company, and held positions at Clarks and Taxi Studio.---In our 2024 report we outlined why I believe we are in the beginnings of a fourth wave of in-housing creativity.Download the report for FREE here.

In this episode I am talking to James Verity, who is the Creative Director at The Jamie Oliver Group, leading the creative vision for one of the most recognised names in food and lifestyle. With 25 years of experience in the creative industry, James is known for his ability to blend storytelling with innovative design to create engaging brand experiences.Before going in-house James founded his own creative agency, Superfantastic, which specialised in brand, design and digital to visualise and communicate what makes brands special. Some of the brands James worked on included Intercontinental Hotel Group, Pernod Ricard, Contiki, Penguin Random House and Bikeability.At The Jamie Oliver Group, he has been instrumental in developing campaigns that promote sustainability and healthy living as well as culinary creativity.James has an unwavering commitment to excellence, collaboration and storytelling which is why he was one of our judges for the Inside Out® Awards in 2024. ---In our 2024 report we outlined why I believe we are in the beginnings of a fourth wave of in-housing creativity.Download the report for FREE here.

In this episode I am joined by Hugo Timm, an accomplished creative leader and branding expert who currently serves as the  Senior Creative Director at Frontify, a leading brand management platform. With a career spanning agencies and in-house roles, Hugo has built a reputation for his innovative approach to branding—one that champions flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration.In his role at Frontify, Hugo has been instrumental in shaping the company's brand evolution, recently leading the launch of their rebranding efforts. His unique jazz-influenced perspective challenges traditional notions of rigid brand rules and embraces the dynamic, ever-changing nature of modern branding.When he’s not driving creative strategies, Hugo is passionate about empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and rethinking how brands interact in a world full of opportunities for connection and reinterpretation.---In our 2024 report we outlined why I believe we are in the beginnings of a fourth wave of in-housing creativity.Download the report for FREE here.

In this episode I am talking to Jean Batthany, a purpose-driven Chief Creative Officer with over three decades of experience in advertising and marketing. Jean is known for her innovative approach to creative leadership and fostering diverse, collaborative teams.Jean's impressive career includes leadership roles at Walmart as Chief Creative Officer and VP, Global Creative at Walt Disney Parks, where she led its in-house agency, Yellow Shoes. Her expertise in transforming in-house agencies into innovative digital-first creative centres of excellence has been widely recognised in the industry.Jean's talent has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Business Insider's 30 Most Creative Women in Advertising. Her creative work has received multiple prestigious awards, including Addys, Cannes Lions, Clios, and Effies.Currently, Jean works as a Fractional Chief Creative Officer, where she is able to collaborate with purpose-driven leaders to launch, grow and evolve their brands at the same time as pursuing her personal mission to make the world more equitable, sustainable, and beautiful.---In our 2024 report we outlined why I believe we are in the beginnings of a fourth wave of in-housing creativity.Download the report for FREE here.

In this episode I am talking to Zoe Scaman, Founder of Bodacious, a full-service strategy studio about the future of branding.Zoe is a visionary strategist and entrepreneur who has made waves in the world of brand strategy, entertainment, and emerging technologies. Her bold and audacious thinking has shaped culturally compelling brands like Lego, Netflix and Oatly. If you follow Zoe you will know that she is well known for her intelligent thinking around the intersection between brand strategy, cultural trends, and technological advancements and knowing what needs to happen next.Zoe is a testament to the power of bold thinking and adaptability in the face of rapid cultural and technological shifts.For in-house creative leaders who are working with strategy and brand building in this increasingly complex and dynamic world can learn so much from Zoe.----In our 2024 report we outlined why I believe we are in the beginnings of a fourth wave of in-housing creativity.Download the report for FREE here:https://theinsideout.community/resources/the-future-of-in-house-creative-leadership/

Matt Watson, Executive Creative Director at Sips&Bites, PepsiCo's in-house creative agency. Matt is an award-winning creative leader who has shaped bold, entertaining campaigns for major global brands. His integrated thinking delivers ideas that capture attention and drive sales across platforms, showcasing his adaptability in a dynamic marketing landscape. As of 2024, Matt’s astonishing number of accolades and achievements includes three Cannes Lions, with six shortlist appearances; four D&AD Pencils - including a yellow pencil - and a Gold and two bronzes at Eurobest. Other wins include seven Creative Circles, a Drum Grand Prix, a Webby award and multiple Caples, LIA and Gold Drum awards. Sips&Bites has been named 4th most creative in-house agency in the world by D&AD and 10th most creative agency in the UK at Cannes Lions, while Campaign named Matt himself No.3 in-house creative leader in 2024. And a cease and desist from Mariah Carey to end the year! In our 2024 report we outlined why I believe we are in the beginnings of a fourth wave of in-housing creativity. Download the report for FREE here.