The Overthinkers

Today we're joined by the awesome Mark Pollard, guru of Sweathead and inspiration to many strategists in our industry, to discuss the age old question whether strategists should come up with creative ideas themselves. In it, we explore what is an idea, why strategy is inherently creative, but also the boundaries we should keep in mind when engaging with creatives and their responsibility to carry the project through the finish line.

Agencies are often said to have lost some of their edge, stuck between forever pitches and increasingly powerful media partners. In their effort to avoid hurting anybody, it can sometimes be difficult for them to express sharp opinions publicly, and by extension difficult for their employees - especially the contrarian ones. Is it possible for them to retain that edge and can we, as employees, play a role in retaining it?

Plenty of successful advertising professionals do not have academic marketing training. But while studying it is clearly not compulsory in order do well, are there good reasons to get a college degree for it? Rachel and Shann discuss their own experience and whether it's right to consider academic studies as dispensable.

The lack of fulfilment at work is one of the most common complaints we hear from strategists. Reflecting on our own experience as well as many of the stories (and recommendations) we have heard over the years, we ask ourselves what steps one can take when fulfilment becomes a source of intense dissatisfaction. And yes, whether it can really be achieved...

As the new year begins, many of you will be thinking about life changes, so we're starting with a light topic for those of you that are thinking of moving to (or away from!) New York. Armed with experiences spanning across multiple countries and states, Rachel and Shann give you their honest opinion on whether the city that never sleeps is a good place to be as a marketing strategist. It's also a good opportunity to discuss the differences in strategic practice across different countries. Happy New Year!

With Nike recently pulling out, some brands are asking themselves (again) whether Amazon is the right place for them. Despite the e-commerce giant's prowess, the reality is that it's not always easy to deliver the desired experience, and Amazon themselves tend to compete directly with the very brands they want to attract. So, friend or foe?

A lot of advertisers are being celebrated for their unorthodox stunts, whether Burger King going after McDonald's, or very recently Aviation Gin laughing in Peloton's face. Is this something we should celebrate, or are we just judging within our own ad bubble?

Some planners like to trust their instinct and look for validations, others tend to trust the data first and then look for strategies to build on it. And since it's not really a dichotomy, many do a bit of both depending on the situation. This week, we explore the value in each approach and whether there might be different leanings towards validation or inspiration depending on different types of planners.

t's notorious there aren't a lot of people over the age of 45 in advertising agencies outside of management. Why is this the case? Is it really an inevitable ageist truth? Aren't we missing out as an industry? Rachel and Shann discuss their experience and point of view, well aware that their own clock might be ticking.

This week we're discussing a listener question, and explore what's next in your career as a strategist if your goal isn't necessarily to become head of department, and what other professional lives there could be for you out there.