Ideally, I’d love to work under a CD that made me think “woah, I’d follow this person anywhere, I’d be honored to storm the gates of client hell with them.”

Someone who you admire, who’s work inspires, and who’s ability you aspire to reach one day.

Does anyone like that come to mind for you?
Who and why?

Gareth Vaynerchuck

I mean that sounds great kid, but every agency in the world (even the really good ones) are scared to death of losing any client. They go out of their way to talk about “partnering” with them, and that’s code for “you’ll feel like YOU’RE making the work”, which is code for”we’re not precious about the work,” which is code for “we dont fight back.” We can try, but the priority is keeping the account and convincing them “going in house” isnt the way to save money. Getting stuff quick, saving money, and being “collaborative.” Thats what a client wants now...if they want anything from an agency. (ESPECIALLY during the virus times)

Im not trying to bum you out, Im just trying to tell you youre expecting a little too much. Youll have victories for sure. But no one’s gonna act like what you describe all the time. You were born too late 😃

I'd rather work for someone I despise, so I know there's a position waiting for me once I throw them under the bus.

Danny Robinson at the Martin Agency. Incredible creative perspective, draws people out which makes him a good mentor and manager, and in addition to being a creative at his core, he’s an MBA and uses that knowledge to connect with (and convince) clients on a deeper level.

To echo others' sentiments, the industry is in a bit of a little pickle right now (read: gone to shit) so it's hard to practice good service leadership when everyone's just trying to keep the lights on and hold onto a job.

Unfortunately that means letting the client go elbow deep and play puppets.

There are definitely good leaders out there, but it's hard to be our best selves when priorities have shifted from thriving to surviving. The glitz and glamour of the industry is well dead, and you can find better creative outlets elsewhere while still getting good money and work life balance. Godspeed.

It’s always the leaders who practice service leadership.

They let you run with the work, only stepping in when it’s needed, and they give up all the credit, even when they do a lot. No ego and it’s all about developing their people.

my gcd defers to the account team like a smooth pebble in a stream and collects their fat check every two weeks 🤷🏻‍♂️

OP, there are CDs out there who do their jobs in a way that inspires. I like to think I’m one of them. Yes it’s harder now. But the threats to agencies are EXACTLY why a CD should have a point of view and stick up for the work. That’s what clients pay for. PS don’t let anyone call you “kid”.

Laura Keeler at Digitas. Asks questions that draw out nuances in your thinking that you didn’t even realize you had. Manages to have a real perspective and serious demeanor while still being the nicest and making it clear she’s on your side. Balances the big picture concept with the details in a way that leads it beautiful work that works at every touch point. Partners well with other departments while still putting creative first.

Anyone who’s ever worked for me will tell you I’m the CD you’re describing. And any CD who doesn’t lead you that way is either lazy or arroagant. Probably both. DM your resume and work and let’s talk.

Well I experienced the exact opposite. The, I never wanna be like you CD. The laziest person I've ever met in the Biz.

Start by looking for great CCOs. Great CCOs hire great CDs.

When I heard Jeff Kling was starting his own agency I pretty much bribed someone to get me his phone number. That guy is 1000% about making cool stuff, it’s inspiring to sit down and chat about anything with him over a coffee. COVID has thrown a wrench into my plans to land a full time job there but I’m hoping 2021 could be my year

You won’t find a CD. Those days are over.

But what you will find are amazing agency groups with amazing clients hidden out there.

It’s not about the stellar agency. Sure, there are some iconic ones out there. The ones that fight for the work. But more importantly are the clients that take risks with agencies.

For example, the client that is about to get shuttered. They got nothing to lose so they’re going to just go for it. You might get the most amazing work out of it and actually turn around their business. Ever heard of old spice? That’s exactly what happened.

Find those groups with the forward thinking client. They exist. Once you get into that said group, help do the stupid bread and butter projects. Learn about their business. But take on the skunk work project that nobody takes but is way out there conceptually. Nobody remembers the normal stuff, but they remember the wildcard, the insane, or the fun project.

Once you get a few of those in your book It’ll turn your book into something people will envy. There are times when I look at other people’s books and see a small simple, smart project and wish that I had made. That’s what you want other creatives to think when they look at your book/reel/site.

You’ll find a great junior that will inspire you. You will find an racially underrepresented creative that will inspire you. You will find an old, Wiley cd that will give you insights into the game. You will find a media planner, or account, or PM that will actually protect you and the work. And the client that actually appreciates the work? That’s worth more than anything.

I'm still holding out to find someone like that one day. Don't give up hope and maybe you'll find someone eventually.

Took a class with Dan Lucey. Something about him, his kindness, intelligence, and overall demeanor made me wanna run through a wall for him - and he wasn’t even my CD

My teammates, in general, are super inspirational. My manager always says “You do you. We got your back”. It makes me to be more creative and confident about what I’m doing.

Been searching for a decade now; maybe one day!

Jeff Goodby. I’ve always admired his work and style. Listening to him speak I see we are so aligned how we observe and problem solve. Fuckin genius. He likes street art. Graffiti was my life.

KAREN COSTELLO 100% amazing leader amazing person. Worked under her before. She is a true leader.