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Fearless Creative Leadership

Fearless Creative Leadership

De : Charles Day
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Stories and insights from the world's most creative, innovative and human leaders. Leaders who've mastered the art of turning the impossible into the profitable.The Lookinglass Company, LLC d/b/a Fearless Creative Leadership. All rights reserved. Economie Management Management et direction Marketing et ventes
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  • Ep 292: Ndidi Oteh of Accenture Song - "The Loving Leader"

    Ep 292: Ndidi Oteh of Accenture Song - "The Loving Leader"
    Jun 19 2026
    Do you know yourself well enough to love yourself? In this episode of Fearless Creative Leadership, Charles Day speaks with Ndidi Oteh, CEO of Accenture Song — the $20 billion digital, creative, and technology transformation arm of global consulting firm Accenture. Named successor to founder David Droga, Ndidi brings to the role a lifelong creative sensibility, a deeply rooted leadership philosophy, and a belief that nothing great is ever accomplished alone. She traces her relationship with creativity back to childhood — to a four-year-old girl in St. Louis who knew exactly what she wanted to wear and why — and reflects on how growing up as the eldest of seven, with significant family responsibility from a young age, quietly shaped her instinct for leadership. Ndidi discusses what it means to lead as an introvert, how a five-point personal ethos (developed over 20 years) guides her decisions daily, and why she approaches her role not with fear, but with a profound sense of honor. She and Charles also explore the evolving definition of creativity in business, the myth of the leadership playbook, what it takes to build cultures that don't just tolerate mistakes but learn from them, and why Ndidi believes the most powerful legacy a leader can build is one that gets better after they're gone. This is a rich, grounded conversation about servant leadership, self-knowledge, and what it truly means to make things better for the people around you. 00:00 — Opening Question: Do You Know Yourself Well Enough to Love Yourself? The question that frames everything. 03:57 — Guest Introduction: Ndidi Oteh, CEO of Accenture Song Stepping into a $20 billion role and what it demands of a leader. 04:10 — Creativity's Early Roots A four-year-old with a vision, growing up one of seven in St. Louis. 07:39 — Nature vs. Nurture Where does the instinct to make things better come from? 09:54 — Creativity as Culture Music, food, sports, and what brings people together. 11:12 — Self-Expression Through Making Sewing, jewelry, and learning the difference between appreciation and practice. 13:37 — Do You Think of Yourself as Creative? On being a creative thinker versus a creative — and why both matter. 14:08 — Redefining Creativity in Business Is the word too narrow, or do we need to educate people about what it really means? 18:19 — Was Leadership Always Part of the Plan? On introversion, responsibility, and learning to lead without being the loudest voice in the room. 21:14 — The Weight and Honor of Leadership Why Ndidi doesn't find the role terrifying — she finds it inspiring. 23:33 — Putting the Role On Every Morning Early rising, journaling, movement, and the centering practice that starts every day. 29:16 — A Conscious Leadership Ethos Five principles, 20 years in the making, that guide every decision. 34:41 — Spirituality and Intentional Leadership The faith practice behind her grounded, forward-looking style. 35:44 — Distributing Intention Through an Organization Knowing what you stand for — and making sure your team does too. 38:07 — Who Thrives Working for Ndidi? On surrounding yourself with people smarter than you, and the non-negotiable of treating people well. 40:44 — The Conditions That Unlock Creativity Creating the right environment — not putting creatives in a corner. 43:52 — The End of the Leadership Playbook Why the checklist never really worked, and what today's leaders actually need. 46:32 — Imposter Syndrome On never feeling alone going into a room, and where real confidence comes from. 50:24 — The Founder Transition Taking over from David Droga and building a legacy that belongs to everyone. 57:07 — Defining Success Learning every day, creating space for others, and driving value for clients. 58:49 — What She Wants to Leave Behind Great leadership creates infrastructure that excels even when you're gone. 01:00:07 — Advice to Her Younger Self Work a little less. Have more fun. Say "I love you" more. 01:01:50 — What Else Do You Want to Find Out About Yourself? Why Ndidi's answer turns outward, not inward. 01:02:21 — Hope for the Future Human ingenuity, connection over separation, and believing the arc bends toward good.
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    1 h et 3 min
  • Ep 291: Erin Riley of TBWA - "The Honorable Leader"

    Ep 291: Erin Riley of TBWA - "The Honorable Leader"
    Mar 9 2026

    Do you know what you're doing — and why you're doing it?

    In this episode of Fearless Creative Leadership, Charles Day speaks with Erin Riley, CEO of TBWA, about leadership in an industry undergoing profound change. As consolidation reshapes the advertising landscape and creativity faces new pressures from data and AI, Erin reflects on the qualities leaders need most today: self-awareness, integrity, and the courage to make decisions when certainty doesn't exist.

    She shares how storytelling shaped her leadership style, why creative cultures depend on vulnerability and trust, and what it means to protect the "soul" of an organization while integrating new teams and histories. Erin also discusses imposter syndrome, the hidden power of micro-behaviors, and the tension leaders must balance between empathy and decisiveness.

    This is a thoughtful conversation about honorable leadership, creative courage, and the responsibility of guiding people and ideas through uncertain times.

    00:00 — Opening Question: Do You Know What You're Doing?
    Leadership without a clear playbook.

    03:43 — Creativity, Storytelling, and Family Influence
    Growing up in a culture of conversation and narrative.

    08:30 — Storytelling as Leadership
    How leaders use narrative to inspire belief.

    10:25 — External Processing and Leadership Style
    Thinking through conversation and collaborative decision-making.

    12:50 — The Power of Micro-Behaviors
    How small leadership actions shape culture.

    14:30 — Overcoming Self-Doubt
    Confidence through action and team support.

    21:20 — Entrepreneurship and Leadership Risk
    Why starting a business still holds appeal.

    27:40 — The Reality of Leadership
    Responsibility, complexity, and the myth of autonomy.

    30:00 — Balancing Empathy and Excellence
    Making difficult decisions while protecting the organization.

    35:40 — Creativity and Commercial Success
    Why great creativity is the best business strategy.

    40:20 — Integrating Agency Cultures
    Navigating mergers while preserving identity.

    46:30 — Custodianship of Bill Bernbach's Legacy
    Honoring advertising history while evolving forward.

    52:10 — Advice to Her 20-Year-Old Self
    Trust your instincts and enjoy the journey.
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    55 min
  • Ep 290: Amy Martin Ziegenfuss of Carnival Cruise Line - "The 'Rise Together' Leader"

    Ep 290: Amy Martin Ziegenfuss of Carnival Cruise Line - "The 'Rise Together' Leader"
    Feb 27 2026

    Does someone else have to lose for you to win?

    In this episode of Fearless Creative Leadership, Charles Day speaks with Amy Martin-Ziegenfuss, Chief Marketing Officer of Carnival Cruise Line, about redefining success — and rejecting the zero-sum mindset that often drives ambition.

    Amy reflects on her journey from a small-town theater kid to leading one of the world's most recognized travel brands. She shares how creativity fuels business strategy, why leadership is about creating emotional safety, and how brands must balance long-term vision with real-time responsiveness in a volatile world.

    They explore imposter syndrome, the power of preparation in earning a seat at the table, and why the best leaders see winning as collective, not competitive.

    This is a conversation about impact, humility, courage, and the evolution from racing others to rising together.

    00:00 — Opening Question: Is Winning Zero-Sum?
    Reframing leadership beyond competition.

    02:53 — Early Creativity & Storytelling
    Books, theater, and the foundations of expression.

    08:15 — From Literature to Marketing
    Discovering consumer behavior and business impact.

    12:20 — Earning a Seat at the Table
    Preparation, sponsorship, and strategic credibility.

    19:50 — Asking for Help as Leadership Strength
    Building influence through curiosity.

    22:30 — Defining Creativity in Business
    Strategy as the unlock for innovation.

    27:10 — Creating Emotional Safety
    Supporting fragile ideas in high-stakes environments.

    33:00 — Leading a Global Brand
    Balancing long-term planning with rapid response.

    38:30 — Imposter Syndrome & Personal Boards
    Why no leader should navigate alone.

    44:40 — Moving Beyond the Race
    From guarded ambition to collective success.

    45:50 — What Are You Hopeful For?
    Impact, legacy, and rising together.
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    48 min
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