Adam Morgan is an Executive Brand and Creative Leader with experience in creativity, strategy, and storytelling for 27 years. In 2020, AdWeek named him one of the “Creative 100”—the top inspiring creative minds in marketing, media, and culture—in the world. He’s the author of the book, “Sorry Spock, Emotion Drives Business,” that proves the value of creativity and design with hard science. He’s a keynote speaker at conferences and events on the topics of creative leadership and content creation. And the host of the video podcast, Real Creative Leadership, that offers inspiration and guidance on the day-to-day job of being a creative leader. 

Currently he is the Senior Director of Brand and Creative at Splunk—leading brand strategy and campaigns as well as all creative content and design systems. Before Splunk he was an Executive Creative Director at Adobe for eight years, and an ECD and CD at several international ad agencies, delivering award-winning advertising and campaigns. He was named a 40 under 40 business leader by Utah Business Magazine, and Utah Ad Professional of the Year in 2014. And he’s one of the few creative leaders to have a master’s degree in marketing strategy from Northwestern. To read one of his articles on data-driven creativity, you can visit his magazine “The Creative Machine” on Medium. Or learn more about his book and speaking topics at adamWmorgan.com.

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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/#resource-form

Arjen Klinkenberg is the Creative Director and Brand Guru at Tony's Chocolonely and a member of the Inside Out® Community.

With a background in magazine art direction, Klink (as he likes to be known) was not a likely candidate to design the wrapper and build the brand for Tony's Chocolonely, the chocolate bar-with-a-mission. Which is maybe why it turned out as different and disruptive as it has.

Nearly 20 years later he is still the creative director and brand guru of Tony's, and still hooked on its brand, mission – and the chocolate!

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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/#resource-form

Matthew O Brien is the Executive Creative Director over at Three Mobile and a member of the Inside Out® Community.

A multi-award winning Creative, Executive Creative Director and Creative Leader. Matt has had a varied career working agency side at Iris and VCCP, he took the in-house role at Three over three years ago and in this conversation we talk about the team’s transformation journey and how building relationships are at the core of his success.  

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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/#resource-form

Welcome to The Future of In-House Creative Leadership, a podcast brought to you by the Inside Out® Community – the professional home for in-house creative leaders across the UK and EMEA.

I’m Emma Sexton, the founder of Inside Out® which is the world’s first independent community for ambitious in-house creative leaders. Our only agenda? to get our members into the highest levels of influence and persuasion within their brands.

I won’t be the first person to tell you that design and creativity should be at board level. It’s a topic which has come up continually, yet never seems to gain lasting traction. But I might be one of the very few people to tell you that the shifts currently taking place in business, brand and technology will move in-house creative leaders into a prime position to successfully operate at board level, once and for all.

The world has shifted tectonically. Businesses now compete on a global stage, and with that, brand is now their only differentiator – a sum of emotions from every customer interaction. How do we create emotions? With design and creativity. So, who is going to be the guardian of that creativity? It really can only be an in-house creative leader. 

So join me as I speak to our community members, award winners, advisors and industry experts on how we can elevate the role of in-house creativity to the highest levels of business – the C-Suite.

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Download our full report on the Future of In-House Creative Leadership for FREE here > https://theinsideout.community/resources/the-future-of-in-house-creative-leadership/#resource-form

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To find out more about the Inside Out Community and our membership and awards programs head to www.theinsideout.community

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Sian Finnis is the Senior Director, of the Marketing Studio over at King, the gaming company who brought us Candy Crush and a member of the Inside Out® Community.

Sian is a dynamic and visionary leader with extensive experience in brand strategy, design, and creative operations. With a rich background in leading high-performing teams and a passion for fostering creative growth.

Sian brings a wealth of knowledge and insights into the evolving landscape of in-house creative leadership.

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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/#resource-form

This time I am joined by Gillian Davis, published author, advisor, and speaker on progressive leadership practices, and one of Inside Out® Community Advisors we have onboard to support our members with their leadership challenges.

Gillian specialises in leadership transformation in the modern workplace and has worked with Design Leadership Teams at companies like Spotify, Typeform, and WeTransfer.

Dubbed the “architect of the unseen” by her clients, Gillian loves to troubleshoot and get things unstuck by teasing out and solving the organisational and leadership pain points that come with scaling businesses and teams.

Gillian founded OverTime Leader in 2017 to work with ambitious leaders at growth companies to drive change and fast paced transformation. OverTime Leader drives client growth through organisational strategy, high performing and aligned teams, and leadership programs. 

Gillian’s clients have included : MessageBird, Typeform, Spotify, Wetransfer, Google, TomTom, TaskRabbit, Hutch Games, TreesPlease, BenevolentAI, Pinterest, Bitmovin, Sylvera, Valeo, Omnicom Media Group, Beyond, Wavemaker, etc

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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/#resource-form

Giorgio Giussani is the ex Creative Director at Rovio, whose innovative spirit has brightened some of the world's favourite brands, including LEGO, Candy Crush, and Angry Birds, and a member of the Inside Out® Community.

With 20 years in the creative field, Giorgio's not just about ideas; he's a storytelling maestro, weaving inclusivity and human insight into campaigns that speak to all. A passionate advocate for Diversity & Inclusion, Giorgio champions a leadership style that's both daring and serving, powered by the conviction that kindness fuels growth and high-performing teams. When he's not redefining creativity, Giorgio loves exploring the world, having visited 97 countries and counting!

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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/#resource-form

Kevin Frank is one of our Inside Out® Community Advisors and now an independent creative leader. Most recently, he was Executive Creative Director of LinkedIn, where his team was named Advertising Age In-House Agency of the Year and he was named to Campaign’s 40 over 40 list.

Prior to Linkedin, he was a Creative Director at Apple and held creative positions in agencies, including being the first copywriter at Venables, Bell and Partners.

Kevin has shared his thoughts on creative leadership in forums including Muse By Clio, Advertising Age, and Real Creative Leadership, and his work has been recognised by every major awards show, including Cannes Lions, The One Show, D&AD, Communication Arts, and the Effies.

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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/#resource-form

Graham Daldry was the founder of Specsavers Creative, which became one of the UK’s largest and best known in-house agencies under his leadership. He was also the inventor of ’Should’ve gone to Specsavers’, and as Creative Director was responsible for all Specsavers advertising from 1999 to 2020. Unsurprisingly, he believes strongly in the power of well crafted words, whether in the form of a traditional line or, as is currently often the case, in the brand name itself.

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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/#resource-form

Matt Richmond is the Global Creative Director at Avon and a member of the Inside Out® Community. With over 25-years experience Matt has been leading top-tier creative teams and crafting purposeful brand transformations that win awards and capture hearts. From advertising and brand design to digital content, he's done it all. Now he is on a quest to redefine Avon's global brand presence. Previously Matt was at Boden, and John Lewis where he pioneered their ANYDAY brand.

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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/#resource-form

Rae Stones is an Executive Creative Director of international acclaim, with an illustrious career spanning the leading agencies of Paris, New York, Amsterdam, and London. The idea she is most proud of is Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty — a reflection of the insightful, culture-shaping work for which she is renowned. Her creative acumen has won her accolades from every coveted show in the UK and internationally.

Rae is judging our 2024 Inside Out Awards.

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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/#resource-form

Paul Collins is the Global Creative Director at Bang & Olufsen, a member of the Inside Out® Community and a Judge for our 2024 awards.

Paul heads up their in-house creative team and is responsible for the brand and all creative output Globally.

Paul likes to make waves, creating work that has cultural impact. He does this by working with brave people willing to take risks and defy mediocrity by working at the intersection between storytelling and services.

His work landed Åkestam.Holst third-best interactive agency in the World via The Gunn Report - where one living US President tweeted about his work. In his spare time, Paul is a regular keynote speaker and an ardent biohacker - where he is still trying to figure out how the chip implant in his hand can help him live a life without credit cards and keys.

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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/#resource-form

Orlagh Marnane is Head of Creative Production at The Mix Dublin and a member of the Inside Out® Community, also joining Orlagh was Greg McLoughlin, the Creative Director so we could explore the magic making of creative duos (a theme we highlighted in our report.)

Orlagh is Head of The Mix Dublin, the global in-house agency and production company for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard. She has over 20 years international experience across Creative Media, Design & Production. She specialises in developing high performance teams and curating top talent to answer very specific needs for Business. She currently leads an ever-growing team of designers, photographers, film makers, editors and creatives, working on international campaigns across the entire Irish Distillers Whiskey portfolio.

Orlagh joined The Mix Dublin with a wealth of agency & production experience, previously helping establish and build the creative production studio for Cannes Lion Grand Prix winning agency Rothco (now Droga5 Dublin). She also founded a UAE based video production company - Reel Snappy. Prior to that, she dabbled with a couple of startups; working in Ireland’s first dedicated Social Media agency & produced every form of content for online streaming platforms. She worked in Sports Television for the first 7 years of her career.

Greg McLoughlin is the Creative Director of The Mix Dublin, the global in-house agency and production company for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard. He’s now on a mission to help The Mix team create the very best work of their lives for iconic Irish Whiskey brands like - Jameson, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare and many more. Greg started out as a copywriter, working for some of the big network ad agencies – TBWA, Leo Burnett and Oglivy, as well as a fistful of independent shops. He even briefly opened his own agency in partnership with a stuffed monkey toy (that didn’t go great). Over his career Greg managed to create an impressive body of work, working on many high-profile local and Global campaigns that went on to win more than his bodyweight in both national and international advertising awards.

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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/#resource-form

Warren Marenco Chase is a senior global marketing communications executive with 25+ years experience running agency operations in all areas of creative, digital and media communications, and leading some of the world's most valuable brands, at the most awarded global agency networks - Media.Monks, BBDO, Proximity, OMD and Wunderman.

Warren is a seasoned ‘in-houser’ having built and ran Verizon's in-house agency operation in New York where he came on board as Chief Operating Officer.

Now Warren is the VP, Managing Director of Copper Giants In-House Agency for Liberty Mutual Insurance. Which he calls “an out-of-the-box in-house agency” and ‘one-of-a-kind,’ in-house agency who also do work for outside clients.

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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/#resource-form

Tea Uglow is the ex-Google Creative Lab founder Peabody-winning, and Cannes Glass President. Tea founded Google Creative Labs in London in 2007 and later in Sydney in 2011.

Tea is now co-founder of Dark Swan - a creative & strategic advisory agency focused on future trends and exploring cultural-digital interface.

Tea has created award-winning UX, AI and AR projects with cultural organisations world-wide. She is happily autistic, queer, and and was even the co-author of the trans flag emoji in 2020. Her book Great LGBTQ Speeches was published in 2022.

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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/#resource-form

Our annual Inside Out® Awards winners ceremony was held in Central London on Thursday 24th October 2024.

As part of the event we held a panel discussion with four of our judges to discuss the themes that had emerged this year and the ingredients of an award winning in-house creative team.

Joining Emma on the panel was:

• Paul Collins, Global Brand Creative Director at Bang & Oulfsen
• Zoë Wedderburn, Group Creative Director at Applegreen
• Sabrina Godden-Tuma, Global Creative Director at Vodafone
• James Verity, Creative Director at The Jamie Oliver Group

Our awards open again in March 2025 - sign up for our 'Insider' newsletter via our website to keep updated.

⁠www.theinsideout.community ⁠

Marc Babin, the Creative Director at Anyline and a member of Inside Out®. Anyline are a technology and data collection company based in Austria. Anyline enables businesses to collect and interpret visual information with any mobile device.

Whilst we have already spoken to many in-house creative leaders at big established brands, I wanted to bring on a guest who is showing the very different ways a leader can have business impact with creativity. 

Over the past decade, Marc has become a leader in digital media and creative content - even creating the opportunity for additional revenue streams for the business, thanks to the freedom and opportunities he has created for himself at Anyline. Marc’s story is a great lesson in creative influence, persuasion, and the value that can come when you choose to simply ignore the rules of the game

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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/#resource-form

This time I am joined by Ceri Sampson - Group Executive Creative Director Sky TV and we recorded this LIVE at the Sky Creative Teams away day.

As part of the Senior Leadership team at Sky Creative Agency, Ceri is a brand and broadcast specialist, and has successfully led design teams on countless high-profile projects, including programme identities for the Premier League, The Ryder Cup Formula 1. He has led channel re-brands for Sky Cinema, Sky Arts, Sky Atlantic, Sky One and Sky Sports.

At various points in his career he has managed to get his hands on the World’s major sports trophies, including the World and European Cups, but he’s also helped our teams win a few awards of their own along the way too, including EMI, Clio, D&AD, Promax, RTS and BAFTA.

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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/#resource-form

Simon Au is the North American Executive Creative Director at Kraft Heinz's internal agency, The Kitchen. Under his leadership, the agency has achieved remarkable growth, expanding to over 100+ team members spanning two countries and overseeing 15 brands, all within just two years. His leadership has transformed the agency into a nimble, culturally responsive creative powerhouse known for producing fast, innovative work.

The agency has earned numerous awards worldwide, including recognition at Cannes and being named the Drum's Global In-House Agency of the Year, ANA In-House Agency of the Year, and Shorty small agency of the year. 

Beyond his contributions to The Kitchen, Simon is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry, particularly championing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ representation throughout his career.

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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/#resource-form

Nish Patel is the host of the CreativeOps Podcast, which explores the evolving landscape of in-house creative leadership, and the soon-to-launch Prompting Humans podcast, focused on the intersection of AI and human creativity in all its forms.

Nish has been working with enterprise marketing and creative services departments over the last 10 years, after identified the emerging field of Creative Operations, he has been talking about it ever since at dozens of conferences, webinars, and even hosting industry workshops. Nish is THE evangelist of Creative Operations.

Born in Canada with East Indian heritage, Nish’s identity is a blend of diverse influences, shaped by American culture and increasingly rooted in ancient Indian teachings. This unique combination has taught him to learn from the past, embrace an open mind, and remain optimistic about the boundless possibilities of tomorrow.

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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/#resource-form

Omar Fahmi is a seasoned creative consultant and design director with over 15 years of experience which spans across advertising, marketing, automotive, telecoms, prop-tech, and education.

He currently serves as the Creative Director for Virgin Media O2 Business, where he leads the in-house creative team and oversees external communications for Virgin Media, O2, and Virgin Media O2.

Under his leadership, the team has achieved significant recognition, including a gold award at the B2B Marketing Awards 2022 and multiple nominations in various categories. Additionally, they have been finalists in the B2B Drum Awards for two consecutive years.

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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/#resource-form

Rishad Tobaccowala, a renowned business strategist, author, and thought leader with over four decades of experience in marketing, technology, and the future of work. Known for his innovative thinking and human-centered approach.

Rishad has advised global companies and C-suite leaders on digital transformation, organisational growth, and creative strategy. Formerly the Chief Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe, Rishad now focuses on helping individuals and companies navigate change and adapt to the evolving nature of work. He has recently released a new book, Rethinking Work, which provides fascinating insights on how to reshape our approaches to work and leadership which is why I was particularly keen to get him to join me on the podcast.

Pre-Order Rishad's new book 'Rethinking Work' which is out on 4th Feb 2025 https://rishadtobaccowala.com/rethinking-work

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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/#resource-form

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.

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.

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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/

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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

In this episode I am joined by Cass Zawadowski, Executive Creative Director, North America Brand, at the global ride-sharing community Lyft.

She’s a dynamic leader with over 20 years of global creative experience, known for her visionary approach, blending authenticity and calculated risk-taking to drive transformative, data-driven work that elevates brands and empowers teams.

At Lyft, Cass leads the creative vision, building brand equity and developing strategies that deliver meaningful business growth. She’s passionate about fostering design-led cultures and has introduced innovative frameworks like her “4 Ps” approach and an 18-month roadmap to achieve both quick wins and long-term creative impact and investment. 

Before joining Lyft, Cass held senior roles across North America, Europe, and Asia, shaping campaigns for global brands like P&G, Samsung, Toyota, Biersdorf, Diageo and Maybelline. She led the Creative Excellence Initiative at financial services group Manulife, helping launch its first ever Global Brand Strategy. 

Cass’s work has been recognized by industry peers, with jury roles for the Effies, LIAs, Clios, ADC, Shots, Gerety Grand Jury, ADCC, Marketing, and more. Her international perspective and commitment to bold, results-driven creativity make her a true thought leader in the industry.

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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 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. 

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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 talking to Niki Garner, Director of ITV Creative, where she leads the creative vision for one of the UK’s most iconic broadcasters, and is responsible for all creative output from concept to execution across all ITV’s media channels. With over two decades of experience in advertising and creative leadership, Niki is known for her ability to deliver standout campaigns and inspire high-performing teams.

Before joining ITV in 2022, Niki spent over 12 years at Mother, leading major accounts for brands like Diageo (including Baileys, J&B, Pimm’s, Tanqueray), Hovis, and Unilever’s PG Tips. Her earlier career included senior roles at agencies such as Libertine and Beechwood, working with clients including Butlins, Superdrug, and Matalan and a short stint at BMF in Sydney, on the Aldi account.

Niki’s collaborative leadership style and passion for creative excellence have made her a respected figure in the industry, consistently delivering campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive brand growth.

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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 am talking to Clare Ralston, Global Head of Creative Operations & Production at Xero’s in-house agency. Clare is a seasoned in-house creative leader with nearly 20 years of experience in creative operations and production, spanning agency and in-house roles across Sydney, Melbourne, Glasgow, and London.

At Xero, Clare leads global teams to deliver integrated campaigns, brand strategy, and creative content.. She’s known for her expertise in systems, processes and workflow optimisation which drive operational excellence and innovation.

Clare recently celebrated the launch of Xero’s new global brand campaign, a testament to the talent and collaboration within her in-house creative team.

Clare holds an MBA with a specialisation in Change Management, which has only strengthened her strategic approach to in-house creative leadership.

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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 am joined by Shawn Perritt, VP of Brand Strategy & Creative at Acquia, where he leads all global creative functions for the company. With over 15 years of experience on both the agency and brand side, Shawn has shaped creative strategy for world-class brands including Microsoft, IBM, Coca-Cola, Kahlua, and Mercedes-Benz.

Shawn is known for his belief that a great brand should drive every part of business and culture, blending strategic insight with creative excellence. His work has been recognised by industry benchmarks such as the D&AD, One Show, Communication Arts, Webby Awards, and Graphis. Prior to Acquia, Shawn held creative leadership roles at agencies and consulted for major brands, always championing the intersection of creativity and commerce.

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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

Ale is the founder of The Tomorrow Collective, where she empowers the next generation of creative leaders by helping in-house teams future-proof talent, bridge generational gaps, and build cohesive team cultures.

With over 25 years of experience as an Executive Creative Director across US and UK agencies and in-house teams, Ale brings deep expertise in Talent Strategy & Team Design. Her portfolio includes launching and scaling products and services for global giants like Virgin, Microsoft, MetLife, AB InBev, and Gimlet/Spotify, as well as disruptive brands like MUTHA.

Recognised for her innovative leadership, Ale has been honored in Fast Company's "League of Extraordinary Women" and "Most Creative People in Business" list. She is also the co-founder of SheSays, an award-winning global organization advancing women and non-binary professionals in the Creative Industries—which now has over 90,000 members globally.

Ale focuses on empowering the next generation of creative leaders with a new approach to Creative Excellence. She believes that whether you’re a studio strategist, a creative leader or manage in-house operations — raising creative standards is about raising yourself and your team.

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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 am joined by Janet Markwick and Rhona Glazebrook who together have over 60 years of experience from leading agencies, production companies and working INSIDE global brands.

They're uniting their individual consultancies to form J&R Collective, with a very clear purpose: to help creative businesses thrive commercially in today’s challenging times.

J&R Collective addresses a critical industry gap: the lack of commercial skills and confidence among creative leaders, who often struggle to prove their value and grow their business.

Rhona, with her 30+ years in creative industries, observed this challenge first-hand, noting that commercial training for not just creatives but account people, strategists too often didn't exist. Janet, having transformed marketing accountability at Sony and led commercial turnarounds at WPP agencies, champions 'commercial creativity', blending her artistic passion with extensive business acumen.

I first met Janet and Rhona when they had launched the ‘Shift Happens’ report for the IPA examining the shifts happening within the marketing ecosystem including the rise of in-house.

They have been working with Inside Out for over 18 months to support us on shaping our awards and helping our members become more commercially aware so I am really pleased to have them join me on the podcast.

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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

I joined Nish on his CreativeOps Podcast earlier this year. to deep dive on our Pathway model. (If want to know a bit more about Nish Patel then check out episode 19. )

You can download our Inside Out® Pathway for free here -

https://theinsideout.community/resources/the-inside-out-pathway

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.

Luke Scheybeler (Skybehler), a renowned creative leader and brand strategist, best known as co-founder of the global sportswear brands Rapha and Tracksmith. At Rapha, he shaped the iconic aesthetic and storytelling that redefined cycling culture, before going on to launch Tracksmith, a premium running brand rooted in tradition and performance. Beyond founding brands, Luke has held creative leadership roles with the Swiss porivate bank Pic-tay Group and Publicis Sapient.

In the last few years Luke has founded a number of businesses as Chief Creative Officer/CMO.

Luke believes creativity thrives when CEOs and creatives work hand-in-hand. With a career dedicated to building brands with cultural narratives, Luke continues to explore how creativity drives business, brand, technology and culture.

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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 am joined by Andy Pearson, the VP of Creative at Liquid Death, the billion-dollar canned water brand that has flipped the beverage industry on its head with dark humour, viral stunts, and cult-like storytelling.

Before joining Liquid Death, Andy honed his skills in top creative agencies, leading work for global brands at CP+B, Deutsch LA, and Humanaut. Since moving in-house, he’s helped build a creative culture that thrives on taking risks, making entertainment over ads, and treating Liquid Death as a character in its own right.

From collaborating with Martha Stewart on severed-hand candles, to producing coffin-shaped coolers and launching absurdly entertaining campaigns, Andy has shown how fearless creativity can fuel exponential growth.

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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

Mali Okoi-Obuli is the founder of OURHouse, a global creative production house built for brands that think beyond borders. With hubs spanning London to Lagos, Miami to Madrid,

OURHouse champions creative production that is more open, more creative, and more diverse — collaborating across cultures to make creativity limitless. Before launching OURHouse, Mali was Global Senior Manager and Executive Producer at adidas, overseeing global campaigns for football, adidas by Stella McCartney, training, sportswear, and more. She is passionate about reframing production as a strategic, creative force — protecting ideas, solving problems, and driving cultural impact at every stage of execution.

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We offer a FREE Insider membership with access to our job board, learning resources and community updates — all designed to support you in your in-house leadership journey.

If you’re curious more info is here https://theinsideout.community/insider/

Carol Feeley, Head of Creative at Ocado Retail, leads a team of over 30 creatives spanning motion, copy, design, and beyond.

With over 15 years of experience, she has crafted award-winning campaigns for brands like Innocent Drinks, Disney, and Warner Bros. Carol is a trained coach and an advocate for inclusive creative leadership. She’s known for her slightly rebellious nature, always pushing boundaries to deliver unexpected and impactful work.

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We offer a FREE Insider membership with access to our job board, learning resources and community updates — all designed to support you in your in-house leadership journey.

If you’re curious more info is here https://theinsideout.community/insider/

It’s a slightly different episode this time, but I thought you might enjoy hearing the common themes that have come up for our Inside Out® members this year, the macro trends and challenges I have been observing and….my predictions for 2026!

Access our Pathway by signing up to our FREE Insider membership here https://theinsideout.community/membership/

Have a great festive break and thank you for listening!

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This time, I’m joined by Lee Barnsley, Design Excellence Director at Reckitt — the company behind some of the world’s most recognised and trusted brands, including Dettol, Durex, Finish, Vanish and Nurofen.

At Reckitt, Lee is leading the transformation of design — building a global Design Excellence function that combines creativity, strategy, and technology to drive innovation, elevate brand experiences, and create measurable business impact. His mission is to make design not just beautiful, but influential as a driver of growth and differentiation across Reckitt’s global portfolio.

Before joining Reckitt, Lee held senior creative roles across global agencies, partnering with brands such as Nestlé, Mondelez, Unilever, and Heineken. His international career has taken him across Europe, Asia, and Australia, shaping his belief that great design happens at the intersection of cultural insight, empathy, and innovation.

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We offer a FREE Insider membership with access to our job board, learning resources and community updates — all designed to support you in your in-house leadership journey.

If you’re curious more info is here https://theinsideout.community/insider/

Lauren Pleydell-Pearce is Chief Creative Officer at PwC UK, where she leads a multidisciplinary team of strategists and designers to solve complex challenges for their clients across brand, experience, and innovation.

For nearly two decades, Lauren has led creative teams at agencies and directed design for major brands like Audi, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Spotify, The Old Vic, and Volvo.

Her journey from agency to leading creative at a consulting firm gives her a unique insight into how to integrate design and creativity into business strategy.

Lauren is the author of PwC’s Growth Through Experience 2025 report — a fascinating look at how brands can unlock business growth with emotionally intelligent experiences. 

Download the report here: https://www.pwcresearch.com/uc/images/GrowthThroughExperience_2025.pdf

I will be diving into the findings to see what this all means for in-house creative leaders, and how we can shape the next generation of brand experiences by balancing emotional intelligence with artificial intelligence.

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We offer a FREE Insider membership with access to our job board, learning resources and community updates — all designed to support you in your in-house leadership journey.

If you’re curious more info is here https://theinsideout.community/insider/

In this episode I am joined by Nicola Wardell, Managing Director of Specsavers Creative. Nicola brings over 20 years of experience leading creative, brand, and marketing teams for some of the world’s best-known brands. At Specsavers, she heads the in-house agency, driving creative strategy and award-winning campaigns that have helped shape the brand’s distinctive voice.

Before joining Specsavers in 2020, Nicola was Chief Client Officer at Havas and previously held senior leadership roles at GREY London, where she led on major clients including United Biscuits, GSK, and Pringles. Her career also includes directing internal and external teams to deliver a major brand re-launch for Airmiles, and agency-side roles with clients such as Gillette, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and Greene King.

Nicola is known for her collaborative leadership style, passion for mentoring, and commitment to building inclusive, high-performing teams. Her expertise in delivering impactful campaigns and nurturing creative talent has made her a respected leader in the industry.

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We offer a FREE Insider membership with access to our job board, learning resources and community updates — all designed to support you in your in-house leadership journey.

If you’re curious more info is here https://theinsideout.community/insider/

In this episode, I am joined by Katie Rosen, Global Head of Creative at Gousto. Katie is a seasoned creative leader with over 20 years of experience leading in-house creative teams across iconic brands. Previously, she has led global creative at innocent drinks and held senior roles at The Football Association and the Natural History Museum.

With a background in typography, graphic communication, and coaching, Katie is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing creative teams.  She specializes in shaping brand experiences across campaigns, packaging, print, digital, social, and events, while nurturing a culture of creativity, collaboration, and strategic impact within organizations. She’s particularly focused on using creativity to deepen customer relationships – driving loyalty, advocacy, and connection across the full customer journey.

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We offer a FREE Insider membership with access to our job board, learning resources and community updates — all designed to support you in your in-house leadership journey.

If you’re curious more info is here https://theinsideout.community/insider/


In this bonus episode, I’m joined by my co-founder and business partner, Sarah Halfpenny, Head of Community, Events, and Awards at the Inside Out Community, to discuss the heritage of the awards, what makes them different, and how to put together a standout entry.

The Inside Out® Awards - the only independent, accredited awards recognising in-house creative excellence across the globe - are officially open for entries.

Originally created in 2013 to champion, celebrate, and recognise the business impact of in-house creative teams on their brands, in the decade since their launch, the Inside Out® Awards have become a go-to destination for in-house creative teams to celebrate and showcase their work. 

Regardless of team set-up, size, location, budget or resource, our inclusive award categories give a wide range of opportunities for in-house creative teams to gain the external and internal recognition they deserve. 

Sarah has been at the heart of the awards journey from the very early days. So if you're part of an in-house creative team, whether you're small, mighty, global or growing, this episode is your inside guide to why these awards matter, how they work and how to tell your story in a way that truly lands.

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Learn everything you need to know about entering the Inside Out® Awards from our Awards Information Pack:

https://theinsideout.community/awards/how-to-enter#awards-info-pack

In this episode, I am joined by David Breckon, Creative Lead at Carta, a global fintech company helping businesses around the globe manage company ownership. Before moving in-house, David built his creative experience across agencies and freelance projects, working with a range of brands to translate complex ideas into compelling design and experience.

Since joining Carta, he’s been shaping a creative function that blends business strategy with user-focused design, helping the company scale visually and operationally. From designing seamless product experiences to building a team culture that balances creativity with impact, David shows how in-house teams can drive real business value.

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We offer a FREE Insider membership with access to our job board, learning resources and community updates — all designed to support you in your in-house leadership journey.If you’re curious more info is here: https://theinsideout.community/insider/