Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Let's Bring It In: Discussions with In-House Creative Leaders

Luis Marques has worked at some of the most creatively ambitious places in advertising, from Hyper Island to Crispin Porter + Bogusky, BBDO, and Starbucks.

But one of the biggest creative lessons of his career came from a simple banner ad.

At realtor.com, Luis helped rewrite a basic app download CTA around a real human truth: people are curious about what their neighbors’ homes are worth. The result? Cost per install dropped from $29 to $5. Same design. Same product shot. One sharper insight.

In this episode of Let’s Bring It In, Luis talks about the shift from agency life to in-house creative leadership, why “expression without impact is decoration,” and how in-house teams can use data, business problems, and creative practice to make better work.

We also get into:

• How Hyper Island changed the way Luis thinks about creativity
• What agency life taught him about ambition, craft, and culture
• Why moving in-house to realtor.com was creatively freeing
• How Creative Gym helped teams practice ideas like athletes practice reps
• Why stakeholders became better collaborators when they were invited into the creative process
• What he learned working with Anomaly on Starbucks’ “Drawn Together” and “Coffee Run”
• How in-house creative leaders can bridge business needs and agency ambition
• Why feedback can be treated like a creative brief

This is a great conversation for creative directors, in-house teams, agency creatives, brand leaders, and anyone interested in how creativity can drive both culture and business.

Listen to more conversations with in-house creative leaders at LetsBringItIn.com.

What does the future of a creative career actually look like?

In this special panel episode of Let’s Bring It In, Greg Christensen sits down with two former guests: Jim Bosiljevac, former Executive Creative Director at Yahoo and now professor at Texas Creative at UT Austin, and Will Chau, Executive Creative Director at Whole Foods Market.

Together, they talk about how the creative industry has changed, why more agency talent is moving in-house, and what young creatives should be thinking about as they build portfolios and careers. The conversation moves from teaching and creative direction to the realities of brand-side work, the importance of curiosity and humility, and how AI is changing the way creative teams concept, present, and produce work.

Jim and Will also offer a candid look at what in-house teams actually need today. It is not just big campaign thinking. It is customer experience. It is problem solving. It is caring about every touchpoint, from broadcast campaigns to emails, banners, store signage, UX decisions, and small details that may never win awards but can have a real impact on the business.

They also discuss what students and young creatives should know now: define success for yourself, build the best portfolio you can, stay curious, and do not assume there is only one path forward.

In this episode:

Jim and Will’s paths from agencies to teaching and in-house leadership
Why teaching can be “creative direction bootcamp”
How Whole Foods built a full in-house creative team
Why customer experience may matter as much as big campaign ideas
What portfolios may need to show in the future
How AI is changing creative education and brand-side work
Why taste, judgment, and editing skills matter more than ever
What young creatives should consider when choosing their first job
Why curiosity, kindness, humility, and optimism still matter

Listen to more conversations with in-house creative leaders at LetsBringItIn.com.

Cameron Day is a writer, creative director, author, mentor, and self-described AI Anarchist. He grew up around Chiat/Day, built a career across major brands and small agencies, and has never stopped caring about the work.

In this episode, we talk about his book CHAIOS, his AI alter ego Chet G. Petite, and what he learned from using AI on real creative assignments.

This is not a conversation about asking AI to “write an ad.” It’s about bringing an idea to AI, pushing it, directing it, rejecting most of it, and knowing when it gives you something worth keeping.

We also get into creative directors who still write, kitbashing, prompt code words, protecting good ideas, and why the best use of AI might be treating it like a brilliant but unreliable junior team.

Aaron Wiggan, Vice President of Brand Creative for the Seattle Kraken, joins Let’s Bring It In to talk about building an NHL brand from scratch, moving from agency life to in-house leadership, and creating work that fans genuinely connect with.

Before helping shape the Seattle Kraken, Aaron worked at REI and top agencies including Droga5, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, and Barton F. Graf 9000. In this conversation, he shares what it takes to build a distinctive brand inside a professional sports organization, how creative leadership changes in-house, and why curiosity, taste, and trust matter so much when leading teams and making great work.

If you’re interested in creative leadership, sports branding, in-house teams, or the Seattle Kraken story, this is a great one.

Erin Eby is the Executive Creative Director at PlatinumBlack, where she leads work for complex brands across energy, manufacturing, and technology.

In this episode, Erin shares what it really looks like to lead creative teams right now, where AI is changing workflows, client needs are shifting in real time, and the lines between in-house and agency teams are starting to blur.

We talk about PlatinumBlack’s hybrid model, working side-by-side with clients, and what it takes to create strong work inside highly technical industries. Erin also opens up about her own journey with AI, how she’s using it today, and how her team is adapting to stay relevant.

It’s an honest conversation about leadership, uncertainty, and how creative roles are evolving.

If you’re leading a team or trying to figure out where you fit in this new landscape, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Let’s Bring It In, Greg Christensen talks with Erin Lewis (VP of Marketing & Brand Engagement) and Brandon Ankney (Director of Brand Identity & Creative) of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

They break down how the Thunder operate like an in-house agency, build a brand that goes beyond wins and losses, and create content at the speed of live sports.

A sharp conversation on sports marketing, creative leadership, and what it takes to build real fan loyalty.

Kevin Frank spent nearly six years as Executive Creative Director at LinkedIn, where his team was named Ad Age’s In-House Agency of the Year. He’s also the author of Raising Creative Teams, a practical guide to leading creatives and building better creative cultures.

In this episode of Let’s Bring It In, Kevin shares what it really takes to build and lead a great in-house creative team, how his experience at Apple and LinkedIn shaped his leadership approach, and why most creatives are unprepared for the transition into leadership.

We also get into the mindset behind Raising Creative Teams, including how to help creatives succeed without simply telling them how to fix their work, what great creative culture actually looks like, and the most common mistakes leaders make when giving feedback.

If you’re a creative director, an in-house creative, or someone stepping into leadership for the first time, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can use right away.

Matt Davis joins Let’s Bring It In to share how Solo Stove became one of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, and what it takes to build a modern brand through content, community, and creative leadership.

In this conversation, we break down how Solo Stove approached brand building, what actually drove growth, and the lessons marketers, founders, and in-house creative teams can apply today.

In this episode:

• How Solo Stove built a breakout DTC brand

• The role of content marketing in driving growth

• Why community became a competitive advantage

• Lessons for creative leaders and in-house teams

Let’s Bring It In features conversations with in-house creative leaders from brands like OpenAI, Molson Coors, Tony’s Chocolonely, Whole Foods, and more.

Adam Koppel has worked at Wieden+Kennedy, Anomaly, Google, and OpenAI. In this episode of Let’s Bring It In, we talk about what happens when agency craft meets product-driven tech companies and AI.

Adam shares his journey from traditional advertising into in-house creative leadership at Google and OpenAI, and how brand building changes inside organizations where product, speed, and experimentation drive everything.

We discuss:

• Agency vs. in-house creative leadership
• Building brand inside tech companies
• How AI is reshaping the creative process
• Leading teams in high-growth environments
• Balancing craft, responsibility, and scale

If you’re a creative director, brand leader, marketer, or part of an in-house team navigating the future of creativity and AI, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Let’s bring it in.

Bryan Haupt is the Creative Director at Volt, the in-house agency for Molson Coors, and in this episode of Let’s Bring It In, he joins host Greg Christensen to break down what modern in-house creativity really looks like from the inside. Bryan shares how Volt operates as a full-service creative partner across iconic brands like Miller Lite and Blue Moon, why close collaboration and speed matter more than ever, and how social-first thinking has reshaped creative leadership. The conversation explores the trust that comes from being embedded with the brand, the evolving role of external agencies, and what it means to be accountable not just for ideas, but for outcomes.

Case Lawrence, entrepreneur and founder of Sky Zone, talks about his new book, Off the Ground. He talks about creating novelty, being proactive in a crisis , and the difference between "scary" and "dangerous."

Emma Baines, Global Head of Creative at Tony’s Chocolonely, joins Let’s Bring It In to talk creative leadership, purpose-driven branding, and building impact from the inside.

In this conversation, Richie Gleason, the Executive Creative Director at Bluemercury, shares insights into the luxury beauty marketplace, his journey through the creative industry, and the challenges of remote work. He discusses the importance of building a strong creative culture, the decision-making process behind in-house versus agency work, and the complexities of rebranding a marketplace that features multiple luxury brands.

From film school to flushable fame, Andy Andersen’s career path is anything but ordinary. Now VP of Creative at DUDE Wipes, Andy joins Let’s Bring It In to talk about how humor, speed, and scrappy creative instincts have helped turn a start-up into a household name. We dive into the brand’s bold voice, the role of social and influencer marketing, and what it takes to build an in-house creative team that can move fast. And funny.

Jim Bosiljevac, former ECD of Yahoo! and now Associate Professor at the University of Texas, has just launched a new course on Domestika called Developing Advertising Campaigns from Pitch to Brief. He shares the process of taking ideas from the spark of inspiration all the way to a fully formed campaign. Check out the course here: www.domestika.org/courses/5274/bosiljevac

In this episode Jamie Reilly, Group Creative Director at Atlassian and former VP of Global Creative at Vans, talks about what it takes to build and sustain brand love, how to lead creative teams through major shifts, and why the lessons from sports and lifestyle brands translate surprisingly well into the world of software. It’s a conversation about culture, leadership, and finding creativity in unexpected places.

Bill Girouard leads Copper Giants, the in-house agency behind Liberty Mutual’s wildly recognizable campaigns — from “Liberty Biberty” to the wax-statue super saver. In this episode, we talk about how his team built that kind of cultural impact, why Copper Giants is rewriting the playbook for in-house agencies, and what it takes to earn trust, drive great work, and stay creatively sharp inside a Fortune 100 brand.

What do Super Bowl logos, pop culture deep dives, and the National Women’s Soccer League have in common? Madison Raisch.

In this episode, Madison talks about her creative journey, from crafting iconic event identities at the NFL to becoming the first-ever Creative Director at the NWSL. We get into what it means to bring bold, expressive design into a fast-growing sports league, how she thinks about storytelling through brand identity, and the surprising moment that made her rethink her entire career path (hint: it involves Castaway).

Kyle McCarthy, CCO at Lowe’s and former ECD at Patagonia, joins Let’s Bring It In to talk about building bold brands from the inside. From unifying Patagonia’s “tribes” to launching the “Lowe’s Knows” platform, Kyle shares lessons on storytelling, in-house creativity, and why even mulch can spark a breakthrough idea.

“Don’t pet the fluffy cows.” That viral warning about bison safety is just one example of how Matt Turner, a longtime park ranger turned social media manager, has helped the National Park Service find a strong voice online. In this episode, Matt shares how he went from handing out brochures to running a national account, why humor and humanity matter, and what every brand can learn from blending storytelling with public service.

Jason Johnson shares his path from Disney host to leading creative at Qualtrics. He dives into the evolution of Qualtrics’ in-house creative team, the challenges of maintaining brand consistency worldwide, and why in-house roles can offer unmatched creative variety. Plus his best advice for creatives eyeing the in-house world.

The new Utah Mammoth logo is more than just a design—it's a story of community, symbolism, and bold creative choices. In this episode, Chris Ryan George and Ben Barnes discuss how they crafted a brand that resonates with fans and honors Utah's identity. Check out nhl.com/utah for more info.

DW Brotherton, Group Art Director at Disney’s Yellow Shoes, shares how he’s navigated a career that’s part careful planning, part seizing the moment—and often, just rolling with the unexpected. We talk about the thrill and responsibility of working with Disney’s iconic IP, what makes in-house agencies today so powerful, and how he knows whether he's just making noise—or creating magic.

Andrew Dickson and Aaron James are the creative minds behind Mt. Freelance. Between them, they’ve worked with top agencies like Wieden+Kennedy, BBDO, and Camp Grizzly as well as directly for powerhouse brands like Ikea, Patagonia, Nike, and MasterClass. They share hard-earned wisdom on landing more work, charging what you're worth, and building a thriving creative career. Whether you’re a freelancer or an in-house creative, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving creative landscape.

Brett Bolin’s path to retail wasn’t a straight line—it was shaped by family decisions that ultimately led her to fall in love with the retail industry. As VP of Creative at Floor & Decor, she shares what makes in-house creative work so rewarding, from being part of a product’s journey to seamlessly integrating her teams with agency partners. Brett also reflects on the game-changing moments in her career, the power of raising your hand, and why leadership starts early for art directors on set. Plus, a look back at launching Floor & Decor’s first NYC store in Liberty Brooklyn.

Head of the Creative Lab at Spotify, Kay Hsu talks about curiosity, entrepreneurship, and diversity. And by the end of the episode, you'll be googling "Ice Festival Harbin China."

A few weeks ago, some of the industry's best creative minds gathered in Scottsdale, Arizona, for The One Club Creative Leaders Retreat. Among them was Mollie Wilkie, Senior Global Creative Director at Hasbro, who took the stage to share her insights. In this episode, Mollie breaks down the key lessons from her presentation, what she took away from the event, and how creative leaders can drive impact in an evolving industry.

Julia Melle, Director of Brand and Content at Southwest Airlines, shares what she’s learned stepping from the agency world into a brand she already knew (and loved). We talk about the power of influencers, why customers trust them more than brands, the difference between balance andfinding windows, and the rigor of truly taking care of your people. Plus, why she and her team are just getting started.

Ginny Golden is the Executive Creative Director at YETI, AdAge's 2024 In-house Agency of the Year. In this episode, she talks about gaining trust as a leader, the difference between execution-led and idea-led cultures, and why the Camino tote is her go-to YETI product. She also generously shares her experiences integrating family planning into her career. And how a sabbatical led to six months backpacking in Asia and working in a dive shop in Bali. Grab your 30 oz. Rambler and tune in.

Michael Lentz is an Art Director and Creative Lead at NASA. On his studio wall are the following framed albums:

U2 - The Unforgetable Fire

Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams

The Police - Ghost in the Machine

David Bowie - Diamond Dogs, 1. Outside, Black Star, Heroes, and Low

Laurie Anderson - Home of the Brave

The Cure - Standing on the Beach

Siouxsie & the Banshees - Tinderbox, and Peep Show

Love and Rockets - Earth Sun Moon

Bauhause - The Sky’s Gone Out

He also has framed movie posters of Tron, Blade Runner, and Excalibur.

Creator of BMW Films. Former ECD of Fallon. Partner of a Civil War-era mill that makes blankets. And current ECD of Best Buy. Bruce Bildsten is a really interesting guy. Hear what he has to say about Best Buy's new production facility, how marketing people jump around within their discipline, and how Dan Wieden created the Titanium Lion. We also talk a bit about skiing.

Duo on Ice. Crafting a sword from Valyrian steel. And a Super Bowl commercial with an owl coming out of another owl’s butt. These are just a few of the efforts that make Duolingo more than another language learning app. James Kuczynski, Creative Director of Brand and Marketing tells us all about them.

Quit your job and travel while freelancing. Stop making decks and start presenting your ideas in Word docs only. Learn to be smart and dumb at the same time. Start an ultra running podcast that makes fun of ultra running podcasts. These are just a few of the how-tos you’ll hear in this episode with Andy Pearson, VP of Creative at Liquid Death.

After two decades at creative powerhouse GSD&M, Ray Longoria’s freelance career took him to a number of in-house agencies, including a 5-year stint as the execuitve creative director at Charles Schwab. In this episode, Ray talks about the importance of working with clients who have a purpose and why going in-house is no longer Plan B for creatives. You can see Ray’s work at raylongoria.com.

Chris Ryan George is Senior Creative Director of two pro sports teams in two different leagues - the NBA's Utah Jazz and the NHL's Utah Hockey Club, just starting their inaugural season. If you like sports and you like advertising, design, and marketing, this episode's for you.

Annie Castellano is Head of Brand & Agency at financial services giant Edward Jones. She talks about working in a culture where they say “yes,” what it means to “quantify the squeeze,” and how to show ROI to the CEO and other executive leaders.

Will Chau is the Vice President of Creative and Design at Whole Foods Market, where he leads a 50-person team responsible for all creative work, including advertising, design, and packaging for both Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh. Prior to this role, he was a Creative Director at GSD&M, crafting award-winning campaigns for clients like BMW and Southwest Airlines. He also founded The Austin Creative Department in 2011 to provide an alternative to traditional education and has been recognized twice as "Educator of the Year" by the Austin Advertising Federation. Passionate about fostering creativity, Will teaches organizations how to solve problems by thinking outside the box.

Kevin Lynch talks about his in-house work at Oatly and the Shanghai American School. He’s been the ECD of BBDO South China and is currently the proprietor of The Wrong Agency. In this episode, Kevin talks about the difference between selling t-shirts and selling conversation, how the Oatly Department of Mind Control doesn’t fit on an org chart, and why he’s never had an alarm clock.

Amanda Butts leads over 80 creatives across multi-brands for Elevance Health. This Blue Angels-laced episode was recording during the Chicago Air & Water Show and you'll hear Amanda's house get buzzed a few times early on in the interview. But you'll still be able to hear Amanda talk about her apprehension about leaving the traditional agency world and how that's panned out, eliminating the us vs. them mindset, and a very interesting way of structuring a creative department.

Matt Bijarchi is an award-winning producer and former assistant to Rich Silverstein and Jeff Goodby. Now he runs Blend, a creative production company (check out weareblend.la). He describes Blend as a "white label in-house agency for brands." In this episode, you'll hear Matt explain why relationships matter, and how to close the gap between marketers and makers.

Mollie Wilkie is Global Creative Director at Hasbro. Before that, she spent 10 years as an in-house creative director for the NFL. In this episode she discusses the difference between both in-house creative departments, how individual NFL teams use the League for creative, why in-house talent worked for Nerf, how to take the subjectivity out of creative reviews.

Michael Dhalliwal, Director of Brand Creative & Content at Topgolf discusses maintaining creative integrity on the client side and loving the brand you work on. Michael was born and raised in San Diego, got his advertising degree from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, then got a job at The Richards Group and moved to Dallas. After a couple of years, he left to be the internal copywriter for Topgolf. Eight years later, he's so successful he's now joining podcasts.

Jim Bosiljevac, former ECD of Yahoo! and current professor at the University of Texas Austin discusses in-house leadership, culture, and the importance of red shoes.

Teaser for the Let's Bring It In Podcast - discussion with in-house creative leaders. A production of Barnes Creative Bank.