The Courageous Leaders Podcast

Shaun leads Iris’ creative output from London, across the local and global client base and is ranked by Business Insider in the top 10 most creative people in advertising worldwide. He has produced world-renowned campaigns like Adidas, Jeep, VW, Samsung, Delta, Mini, Domino's, Guiness, Pizza Hut and Haven; and has collected over 300 industry awards along the way, across all major competitions...

Anna led Analog Folk in accelerating and developing effective digital strategies for brands; and they were recognised by Contagious Pioneers as one of the best and bravest agencies of 2022 - what an accolade to have! In this episode we chat about the future of leadership and what is required for that vision to happen; as well as the incredible work that Anna has been involved in around helping wom...

Over the last few decades Harjot has held senior regional and global strategy leadership roles in Europe, UK, North America, China and Asia. He joined McCann New York in 2011, and prior to being named global CSO of McCann, he served as CSO McCann EMEA, leading it to be the number one most creatively effective Agency Network for five years! This led to the 2020 CSO of the year for Campaign. This is...

Steve Bell is the Global CEO of Iris Steve oversees Iris’ 17 offices and 1,000 employees within the network. In the 25 years that he has worked in the marketing and communications industry, he has worked with some of the most innovative, ambitious and creatively driven businesses in the automotive, sports, FMCG, beer, retail spirits, and Telco sectors. In this episode ‘The truth behind building a...

Laura Jordan Bambach is the President and Chief Creative Officer at Grey In this episode Laura talks about how to have difficult conversations as a leader, and the importance of working as a collective, and not doing it all on your own. She also shares her I Am Enough challenge, that she does daily to help her focus on the good, and all that she has achieved. Laura has enhanced the advertising ind...

Brie Stewart is a Creative Director, formerly at Wunderman Thompson In this episode Brie talks openly about her experience with high functioning depression, the importance of talking about it, and the support she received from the industry when she did. She also shares how she became a better leader by no longer trying to be a hero, unlearning past behaviours and saying no. Brie is an award winnin...

Nils Leonard is Founder of Uncommon Creative Studio In this episode  Nils shares his wealth of experience and some powerful insights into how to remove fear from your leadership. He also talks candidly about why we need to differentiate between being in a client services business and the creativity business, the importance of having a view of the world, to really create impact and make your work m...

Luke D'Arcy is the EMEA Growth Officer at Momentum Worldwide In this episode Luke gives us an insight into how he felt being in a room with Astronauts and Generals who have served in Afghanistan and yet all had the same fears and beliefs about being good enough and what a humbling experience this was. Luke shares that the minute you think you have nailed it as a leader you are at a loss. He e...

Carina McLeod is the Founder and CEO of eCommerce Nurse. In this episode Carina shares with us that being a courageous leader means being able to make bold decisions and fully embrace who you are and what you stand for.  She tells us that although it took time and a lot of work, she defied the expectations that were set before her as a leader, and accepted that leading as her true self, trusting h...

Rob Smith and Lee Tan are the co-founders of the creative shop Motel Company . In this episode Rob shares with us how creating an empowering environment creates a highly motivated, supported and courageous team.  Lee explains that trusting your gut instinct takes courage and determination to follow through with your decisions. It is this defining leadership style that they believe empowers their t...

Victoria Fox is the CEO of AAR  In this episode Victoria shares how being a courageous leader means creating a safe space for your teams where people feel comfortable being themselves, where diversity thrives and everyone is encouraged to use their authentic voice.  Victoria strongly believes in creating a company culture based on strong company values where diversity, inclusion and using our auth...

Jordan Adams is Founder, Investor and Managing Director of Oneninefive. In this episode Jordan talks us through why putting people first has had a positive impact on his business and within his teams. Jordan shares with us how leaders often forget that they are vulnerable humans while creating a courageous environment for their teams. He advocates for maintaining authenticity as a focus when deliv...

Imogen is the Executive Creative Director at McCann Manchester. In this episode Imogen explains about the courage required to make difficult decisions in an industry that is always striving to find something new, something that has never been done before. She shares how she found the courage to remain authentic to herself, stand up for what she believed in and have her voice heard.  Imogen bravely...

  Diya Hofman is the Head of Project Management at BBC Creative.  In this episode Diya shares with us the obstacles she faced during the development of her career, after becoming a mother for the first time. Diya explains that it was like a ‘switch went off in her head’, she finally learned to back herself and pursue her career in places where she was given the opportunity of growth.  She demonstr...

Sergio Lopez is EVP. Global Head of Production at Publicis Groupe. Previous to this he was the Chief Production Officer at McCann Worldgroup and CEO of Craft UK & EMEA In this episode Sergio shares that although he started off very young and inexperienced, by continuously surrounding himself with the right people and amazing mentors, his success now spreads across 17 countries. Despite his ach...

  Rania Robinson CEO and Partner at Quiet Storm In this episode Rania shares more on how stepping out of your comfort zone and being vulnerable is the key to leadership growth and success. As well as acknowledging when you don’t have the answers, accepting your failures and recognising when you need help are key to self-growth and development.  She is passionate about challenging how we define lea...

Mark is Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of SKOOT In this episode Mark shares how he believes courageous leadership is being able to make uncomfortable choices. He has a passion for learning and his drive to believe there is always a better way keeps him and his team progressing. He shares more on how his company deal with accountability, culture and values and why his aim is to be the kinde...

Sarah Hesz - CCO of Bubble Childcare - helping working parents. In this episode Sarah shares how she believes the most powerful attribute as a leader is to be authentic and true to yourself. She's a huge advocate for making mistakes and believes if you’re not making them then you're not being creative enough and playing too safe.  We discuss how all decisions you make will not always be...

Sam Garrity is Co-Founder and CEO of RocketMill.  In this episode Sam shares how during Covid his company grew 41% which he believes is due to putting his people first, over profit. He explains that by looking through the lens of your people you understand how they see, think and feel and therefore you can align with them making them feel understood and build a stronger culture and sense of unity....

Chad Warner is the founder of WeVee and most recently Creative Director at 72 and Sunny. In this episode Chad shares how he believes the better you know yourself as a leader, the better you can serve your team and why vulnerability and transparency are key skills in leadership. He shares openly with his team which allows them to access their truth and increases trust, communication and ultimately...

Jessica is Managing Partner and co-founder of CreateFuture .  In this episode Jessica shares more on how leaders come in all shapes, sizes and flavours and considers herself an introverted leader. Her passion was to build her own company as it allowed her to live out her values and build a culture she wanted to be a part of. She explains that culture takes focus, energy and effort especially in a...

Neil Davidson is the CEO of HeyHuman and HeyLab. In this episode Neil shares more on how he believes courage is pushing yourself and others to a place that’s better for both.  We chat about taking risks, being brave and setting a believable vision that you give a realistic timeframe to. Neil is also passionate about reskilling his team and investing in education and training to show that they matt...

Metz Bryan-Fasano is the Co-Founder and Production lead at theOr (Part of the Mother family).  In this episode Metz shares how she discovered the courage to stand up for what she believed in and how one bold move created her next opportunity. Metz believes strongly in transparency and vulnerability as a leader using emotional intelligence to influence the creative process and connect with people t...

In this episode Nicky shares how she navigated her way through imposter syndrome to become one of the most successful creative leaders in her industry.   How becoming a mum changed her perspective for drive and success. We also explore how creative people have all the skills to run businesses yet there are not many taking on this role and what could be stopping this. So many insights and wisdom on...

AJ is Head of Marketing at Klarna UK and one of Campaigns Power 100. In this episode AJ shares how It takes courage to step out and away from the 'norm' of the 'old' 'usual' way of doing things and trust yourself to disrupt for future success. How you need to identify and understand what your contribution is and be okay that you won't know it all but trust that y...