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Mentor
That’s a red flag 🚩 if you ask me. And it has nothing to do with this person. They could be uber talented, but still this is not setting them up for success.
Questions:
1) Was this person at least in an ACD role before being made CD? It also is ridiculous to have been made ACD at 3 years of experience, but at least it would give a bit of a window as to how they’re gonna be in the CD role.
2) Do you know why this person was promoted or what reason was given? Did this person won a GP at Cannes or something? Not that this justifies it, but just curious to know what criteria was used to make that decision.
3) Who was the genius who made this decision and what is their record as a leader? Are they known for good decisions?
I have seen this a few times (like maybe 2 or 3), and it never really ended up well. One time it was someone who was a very talented person who won a Lion. He was a good creative. Unfortunately being a good creative and being a good leader are two completely different things. This person was terrible at client management and communication, bad at presenting, a tyrant of a manager with zero empathy, and unorganized AF. All the creative talent on the world wouldn’t save him and the agency came super close to losing an important account because of this person. Eventually he was pushed out.
A few years later at a different agency, I saw an ECD promote some mid-level to ACD. The person promoted was talented at presenting and very personable. But the kid was way out of his depth and frequently made some horrid mistakes that I always had to correct and save his ass, only to be met with a shitty attitude, denials, excuses and defensiveness.
After I had enough of that shit, I just let him drown on his own and piss off a client as well as the CEO. He was let go a couple months after repeated complaints and irresponsible behavior.
I have nothing against those two people. I think maybe with a little bit more time and coaching and resources, they would’ve gone on to be decent CDs. I fault the leadership at those agencies for setting those people up to fail. By not giving them enough time and experiences to be exposed to different types of problems, clients, and scenarios, they approach every problem in the same way. And you know the saying: when your only tool is a hammer, you think every problem is a nail.
Are they Droga level genius?
Doubtful but I haven’t worked with them before
I know a friend who jumped from Senior to CD after 4 years. He’s a good friend but he’s not very good. The thing is he’s cool and has a look, which sadly in the US markets counts for more than it should. In the UK he’d still be a midweight. I agree with you, I was only confident enough after 10 years to go after a CD title/ role.
I've worked with CDs with 20 years' experience and they were terrible. Not sure why age matters. Some people are just incredible creative talents and staying close to them helps your career with top-notch work and awards.
Mentor
That doesn’t mean there aren’t experience CD’s who are bad like you suggest. I know plenty of those.
Are they at the same agency as you?
Because if not, then maybe things just work differently there… it can also be a designation bump to show clients or something
Yeah they are
5 years is a little nutty mainly because the amount of leadership skills you need. Like have they been managing a team all this time?? I doubt it. Being talented creatively will only get you so far. I became a Senior AD with 5/6 years experience for reference and began managing a small team then.
It doesn’t matter how high you go and how fast. We are all one layoff away from starting completely over. Just run your own race.
Unless you’re Leonardo Permutico? 10 years minimum agency experience, and more like 15.
I met someone who was a CD like 5 years after school. They were pretty great as a creative and it made sense.
If they have the talent, time shouldn't be a factor.
Frankly my dear that’s insane