While this newsletter is normally dedicated to the best, worst and weirdest marketing of the moment, today I wanted to spend a little time on something a bit...bigger.

Namely this: How can you break into creative leadership?

If you're a student, copywriter, designer or anyone else who aspires to be in a leadership role in the creative industry, it's a question you might have pondered. 

Today I hosted a discussion on Clubhouse about how to break into creative leadership, and I was joined by a litany of industry veterans and rising stars, including TBWA\Chiat\Day L.A. group creative director Kirsten Rutherford, global creative leader Rob Sherlock and many more. 

As you might imagine, there's no one answer to the question of breaking into creative leadership, but here are a few recurring themes that came up through the conversation:

• Find a mentor—or two. Each of our panelists talked about the importance of a strong mentor both in terms of helping you identify your areas for professional growth and championing you for new opportunities.

• Create opportunities; don't wait for them. While it's understandable to wish that executives would approach you with chances to grow your role in an organization, the reality is that many only get their first leadership opportunities because they raise their hands. 

• Learn the business. That doesn't just mean "learn how advertising works." It means learn about the business of where you work, how it makes its money and where its growth lies. Several of our panelists mentioned that understanding your company's strengths and weaknesses can be vital in figuring out where you can position yourself to grow there as a leader.

• Build allies in other departments. Your fellow creatives will always have your back (hopefully), but it's by forging partnerships with other teams across your company that you'll truly find—or create—opportunities for tremendous growth.

• Use pitches as your time to shine. Working on new business pitches is a nearly inescapable aspect of life at an agency, but it can also be a priceless opportunity to prove your potential. It's the time to be ambitious in your concepts, assertive in your ability to sell an idea and well placed to grow if you win the account. If nothing else, getting countless hours in a cramped hotel conference room with your company's top brass is an invaluable opportunity for raising your visibility.

So what are your tips for setting yourself on a path to creative leadership? Or, if you're still trying to find that path, what do you want to know to help you along the way?

Let me know at the email below or at @Griner on Twitter. (I'm also @Griner on Clubhouse if you'd like to connect there.)

Oh and if you're already somewhat seasoned in your career and looking to make the jump to the C-suite, definitely check out the Adweek Executive Mentorship Program.

David Griner
International Editor, Adweek
David.Griner@Adweek.com

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