With the inaugural Conference News Creative Leaders Summit fast approaching, Conference News has spoken to some speakers and panellists about their upcoming sessions, the importance of creative leaders coming together and the biggest challenges facing creative leaders today.
The summit is taking place on 11 and 12 June at De Vere Horsley Estate and will bring together senior creative figures from the agency community, discussing the challenges and sharing best practice when delivering creative visions for immersive live and brand experiences. Find out more about the summit here.
In this interview, we speak to Matthew Cole, executive creative director at Strata. Cole will be speaking on day two in a session called ‘Creative Director’s Blueprint: My Techniques to Simplify and Engage’. The session will discuss the real world challenges behind every bold campaign: tight budgets, shifting briefs and last-minute surprises.
In the practical session, Cole will share the techniques he uses to turn ambitious ideas into streamlined, engaging experiences. He’ll discuss how to manage stakeholder expectations, adapt under pressure, and protect the creative core of your concept.
What inspired you to say yes to speaking at the Creative Leaders Summit?
With the creative landscape shifting as quickly and consistently as it is, it’s always good to have the opportunity to share notes and experiences with industry peers and the Creative Leaders Summit is a great opportunity to do that.
Why do you think it’s important for creative leaders in our industry to come together right now?
The are multiple reasons why it’s important for creative leaders to join forces. Budgets are getting increasingly tighter, audiences are demanding more personalised and relevant experiences which can only be defined by data, technology is transforming the way everyone works. We’re all facing new challenges daily so it’s vital we burst the bubble of exclusivity and come together to find ways to beat these challenges together.
Can you give us a sneak peek into what your session will cover?
I’ll be sharing my top 10 tips for not just having an idea, but the right idea with a process that should allow the audience to ensure their concept stays intact no matter how rocky the road to delivery.
What’s the one key idea or takeaway you hope people leave your session with?
Hopefully the importance of a brilliantly written, inspiring brief.
Who is your session aimed at, and why should they come along?
Anyone who loves their job really and maybe those who are looking for ways to keep their thinking fresh.
How did you land on the topic you’re speaking about—was it driven by a personal experience or industry trend?
I guess it’s a culmination of (mumbles incoherently) years of experience distilled into a handy, bite-sized 40 minutes.
In your view, what’s the biggest challenge facing creative leaders today?
The pace of change.
How do you keep your creative edge in a fast-paced industry like ours?
Keep your mind open, consume pop culture obsessively, keep learning new skills and working with brilliant people.
What advice would you give to the next generation of creative leaders?
Learn to use AI as a tool rather than fear it as the enemy. Don’t stand still, find time to grow and look for inspiration in surprising places.
To register to attend the Conference News Creative Leaders Summit click here.
