When coaches and mentees are on call, one forgets for a minute that the LIA coaching sessions are virtual. Every last one of them is absolutely engaging, and the free flow of insights is timely and inspiring. LIA pools the world's greatest creatives, with amazing track records. A glance at their profiles would have you thinking they are everything, but human. Except, they are and it is from this humanness that they have naturally shared their stories with us. Making all they had to say credible, and giving me every reason to delight in being a creative ready to embrace the journey of becoming great too.
Six months in, five coaches later through the Creative LIAisons Virtual Speaker Sessions, my expectations have been met and exceeded. Omid Farhang made us picture ourselves as Creative Directors, and talked about how to get there. In his words; You are here because you have gifts, be the first ever you! Marty Martinez taught us to use our creativity to create social shifts, making us appreciate the power of our art. Pum Lefebure poured into us the sum of all the effort that changed the face of Hong Kong Ballet- reminding us the importance of being visually fluent. Bianca Guimaraes guided us through creating 'disruptive' content. All the while emphasizing the prominence of time and a reframed mindset in obtaining great results. Janina Lundy was quite generous with her insights on how to build and maintain networks. Her final remarks, the best way to grow, is to push yourself outside your comfort zone.
Story two: Coaches
Coaches: Sebastien Boutebel, Regional Executive Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi ME, Dubai; Suhayl Limbada, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Thailand, Bangkok and Tim Hawkey, Chief Creative Officer, Area 23, New York.
The creative journey can be attributed as interesting, fun and even fulfilling. It can equally be complex, often overwhelming and unclear. Starting out, the latter description fits more. LIA could not have come at a better time, to help me appreciate this starting stage of my career as a creative. Through interactions with my coaches, I have been able to envision my journey and had enough reason to believe the end will definitely justify the challenging start.
In your youth, there is room for you to take risks, diving headfirst into mucky waters. Giving life a shot, and when you fail, another. It is with this boldness that my coach Sebastien Boutebel transitioned from being a young creative in Montreal, to a CCO in Saatchi Dubai. 15 years later, having worked in different parts of the world, he said simply, “creative work transcends culture, because the right idea with the right insights resonates anywhere. It helps to have a solid creative process to enrich your creativity.”
Against the beautiful backdrop of the Dubai skyline, Sebastian ended the call by reminding me to pursue my dreams with passion.
‘Just how long has your journey been?’
‘16 years’
In this period, Suhayl Limbada had to pursue a Masters degree to add to his knowledge, and afterwards do a job that had absolutely nothing to do with his profession, but that taught him a lesson he carries on to date. Now, serving as KFC’s CMO in Thailand and having to compete with the much appreciated local cuisine, Suhayl shared tips on selling in such tough competition. His philosophy? Anything, absolutely anything, is possible.
Suhayl’s grit and positivity are quite inspiring. He urged me to make the most of everyday, and in everything, be excellent!
Then I spent an hour with Tim Hawkey- one thing about him, he is funny! Through his comical humor, Tim shared insights on how he has implemented incredible organizational effectiveness at Area 23 and grown the team and its profits to an all-time high. Tim’s way of succeeding is failing. In his career, he has failed so many times, it’s helped him know what to do.
Tim’s discipline has sustained the consistency in good results for himself and his team. He strongly believes in setting very specific long-term goals and is unafraid of seeking accountability for their realization.
Thank you so much LIA, this experience has been amazing to say the least. I would also love to thank my mentor- a strong woman, who inspired me to be a creative, Waithera Kabiru. Thank you for daring to break the conventional stereotype towards Marketing in Kenya, and for your effort in building a solid structure for mentorship through the Marketing Society of Kenya. Thank you for nominating me as a LIA mentee, I owe this transformative experience to your generosity. You saw me, and I will always be grateful.
Six months in, five coaches later through the Creative LIAisons Virtual Speaker Sessions, my expectations have been met and exceeded. Omid Farhang made us picture ourselves as Creative Directors, and talked about how to get there. In his words; You are here because you have gifts, be the first ever you! Marty Martinez taught us to use our creativity to create social shifts, making us appreciate the power of our art. Pum Lefebure poured into us the sum of all the effort that changed the face of Hong Kong Ballet- reminding us the importance of being visually fluent. Bianca Guimaraes guided us through creating 'disruptive' content. All the while emphasizing the prominence of time and a reframed mindset in obtaining great results. Janina Lundy was quite generous with her insights on how to build and maintain networks. Her final remarks, the best way to grow, is to push yourself outside your comfort zone.
Story two: Coaches
The creative journey can be attributed as interesting, fun and even fulfilling. It can equally be complex, often overwhelming and unclear. Starting out, the latter description fits more. LIA could not have come at a better time, to help me appreciate this starting stage of my career as a creative. Through interactions with my coaches, I have been able to envision my journey and had enough reason to believe the end will definitely justify the challenging start.
‘Just how long has your journey been?’
‘16 years’
Then I spent an hour with Tim Hawkey- one thing about him, he is funny! Through his comical humor, Tim shared insights on how he has implemented incredible organizational effectiveness at Area 23 and grown the team and its profits to an all-time high. Tim’s way of succeeding is failing. In his career, he has failed so many times, it’s helped him know what to do.
Thank you so much LIA, this experience has been amazing to say the least. I would also love to thank my mentor- a strong woman, who inspired me to be a creative, Waithera Kabiru. Thank you for daring to break the conventional stereotype towards Marketing in Kenya, and for your effort in building a solid structure for mentorship through the Marketing Society of Kenya. Thank you for nominating me as a LIA mentee, I owe this transformative experience to your generosity. You saw me, and I will always be grateful.