When it comes to advertising agencies, they don’t come much more prestigious than Omnicom’s DDB. Whenever any of us needs a quote of substance, Bill Bernbach - the B in DDB - is always a rich source of wisdom.

So what a treat to sit down with their global CEO, Alex Lubar, to find out what makes DDB successful. Alex speaks to what he sees as the two driving forces of agency culture - momentum and optimism - and how they’re an essential foundation for innovation.

We also cover how quality drives differentiation in a marketplace that’s often seen as oversupplied. And Alex shares his perspective on creating shared goals with clients, as well as how to maintain the trust and transparency required to ensure success.

Alex has an ease in the way he approaches his work, whether that’s dealing with difficult clients or handling the natural ups and downs of agency life. So regardless of whether you’re also in a big global role, this conversation is a valuable masterclass in optimism and positivity.

HIGHLIGHTS

[04.07] The two driving forces of agency culture.

[05.39] How supportive environments help solve problems.

[07.07] Maintaining the highest standard of behaviour in the workplace.

[09.57] Talent management and self-improvement.

[15.16] Insights from younger generations.

[19.45] Trends in client behaviour.

[22.30] Building an honest relationship between clients and your team.

[29.00] Perceived oversupply in the agency market.

[30.25] Differentiation comes through the lens of quality.

[32.48] How clients choose agencies.

MORE ABOUT ALEX:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/alex-lubar-292b744/

Website - ddb.com/

HOST SOCIALS:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinbonn/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/robonn

MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY:

https://www.codefinery.com

In seven short years, Uncommon Creative Studio has gone from launch to the very top of the advertising world. Alongside the reputation, the awards and of course the work, their deal with Havas now gives them the scale to go truly global.

So how can a newly minted agency achieve so much success so quickly? To find out, we sat down with one of Uncommon’s founders, Natalie Graeme.

Starting with Uncommon’s origin story, Natalie unpacks just how deliberately she, Lucy and Nils have authored the agency’s story - from why it exists, who they aspire to work with, and how this impacts the kinds of briefs their clients bring them.

She also speaks to what made her want to start a different kind of agency; one with a broader skill-set than many ‘advertising’ agencies, and the freedom to protect talent from the kind of unimaginative briefs that lead to uninspiring work.

If you run an agency that aspires to work with open-minded clients on consistently interesting briefs, then there’s a lot to learn here.

HIGHLIGHTS

[02.15] Uncommon’s origin story.

[06.10] Understanding your agency’s place in the world.

[08.40] There’s more than one way to answer a business problem.

[14.35] Being upfront with clients about fit.

[19.55] How brands can cut-through in today’s world.

[25.00] Valuing talent by cutting out the ‘faff fat’.

[28.45] AI, creativity and justifying a premium.

[34.00] How agency founders can cultivate innovation.

MORE ABOUT NATALIE:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/natalie-graeme-93608b4/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/nattergraeme

Website - uncommon.studio/

HOST SOCIALS:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinbonn/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/robonn

MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY:

https://www.codefinery.com

Sue Unerman is the Chief Transformation Officer of EssenceMediacomX. And having spent 34 years with Mediacom in its various incarnations, it’s fair to say that ‘transformation’ is a subject that Sue knows a thing or two about.

Unpacking her personal journey across five decades (sorry, Sue!), this far-reaching conversation explores how to build an agency career amidst constant change and increasing uncertainty.

From playing to your strengths, to the impact of having great bosses, Sue shares her typically thoughtful observations on how to thrive as an introvert, particularly if your skills don’t conform to the norms.

We also address the resilience of the patriarchy, in particular how gender influences career progression and why men progress faster than equally capable women.

Sue also advocates strongly for fairness and straight talking, as well as how agency leaders can foster a sense of belonging - especially for young talent as they make their way in the industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

[02.10] Sue’s career journey.

[04.48] The importance of collaboration.

[08.22] What it takes to play to your strengths.

[12.30] The two ways of building a career in agencies.

[16.11] Different approaches for introverts and extroverts.

[20.34] The value of fairness and straight talking.

[23.50] Levelling the playing field for women in agencies.

[30.21] Glass-slipper syndrome and what makes a ‘job’ a job.

MORE ABOUT SUE:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/sue-unerman-7945058/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/SueU

Sue’s books - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Sue-Unerman/author/B007STF5DS

Sue's blog - sueunerman.com

HOST SOCIALS:

Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/in/robinbonn

Twitter - twitter.com/robonn

MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY:

www.codefinery.com