I spent almost 20 years running one of the world’s greatest Creative companies – Saatchi & Saatchi.
With three great people – Bob Seelert, Bob Isherwood and Bill Cochrane – always by my side – my guides, my partners and my mates for most of that journey.
During my first year there I developed a list of 10 things (plus a bonus!!) I believed in and shared it with the Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide Family. Here it is:
- Surround yourself with crazies – hire lots of them, give them an elastic sided sandbox, lots of toys, constructive feedback and then get out of the way!
- Invest in ideas and insights – this will lead to PICs – permanently infatuated clients – the point of the whole exercise.
- Shun moderation – live, eat and drink ideas; nothing succeeds like excess.
- Put your faith in imagination – nurture it, believe in it and resource it.
- Pursue failure – good judgement comes only from bad judgement – a genius is someone who makes the same mistake once!
- Dismantle the hierarchy – group and regroup constantly around the changing issues, ideas, problems and opportunities.
- Show ‘n tell – don’t manage, coach!
- One Team – One Dream.
- If it’s not broken, break it – if we try and still can’t break it, then it’s probably precious and should be enshrined in our Purpose.
- Be always up and always in contention – inspiring Peak Performance every day!
And of course – Nothing is Impossible.
I still believe in every word.
