What happens after the dream job ends? In this deeply honest conversation, Maryam sits down with Fede García, who (in a matter of a few weeks) went from an award-winning Global Chief Creative Officer at one of the biggest agencies in the world to writing a vulnerable LinkedIn post about being fired. Together, they unpack the reality of ego, identity, burnout, and reinvention after “success.” Fede opens up about imposter syndrome, health battles, the creative grind, career pivots, and what it means to let go of titles and begin again—with joy, humility, and courage.

Guest: Fede Garcia

Follow Fede on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedegarcia/ 

Topics Covered:

• Why he went public about getting fired
• LinkedIn’s performative culture vs. real storytelling
• Creativity and ego: navigating praise, loss, and self-worth
• Health, dialysis, and the impact of chronic illness on a creative career
• Global creative life: Buenos Aires → Tokyo → NYC
• Building vs. winning: What awards don’t tell you
• Starting over mid-career (and taking a ⅓ pay cut to do it)
• Beginner’s mindset: boxing, motorcycles, learning Japanese
• Leaving the agency world without bitterness
• Redefining success and finding joy beyond the title
• Advice for Gen Z creatives navigating a chaotic market
• The importance of taste, perspective, and patience in the age of AI
• The power of reflection, vulnerability, and owning your story

Mentioned:

Read Fede's original LinkedIn post (search under “Posts”)

Send us a text

Email us: [email protected]

To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for listening.