The Creative Director Coach
There isn’t a Creative Director anywhere in the world who doesn’t have a few gaps in their game. A few blind spots. Anxieties that keep them up at night. No one is the complete package. The difference between good and great Creative Directors though is that the great ones know that they need to keep learning. That they need to understand their strengths and their weaknesses and build on both.
Throughout my career as a leading CCO I often thought ‘If only there was a book i could read, or an industry recognised training programme, or even a Coach with proven, world-class experience I could turn to for practical help, reassurance or inspiration.’ Instead of wasting so much time and anxious energy feeling like I’m making it up as I go. (No, you’re not the only CD who feels like you’re making it up as you go.)
Well now, there is a book, a training course, talks, and a coach with world class experience.
Get in touch to discuss how I can help you to become a great creative leader. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at. I work with senior creatives who want to be CD’s all the way through to CCO’s, from every type of agency and in-house agency.
The Book
The Complete Creative Director: A Masterclass in Confident Creative Leadership.
This is the first and only book ever to explain exactly what it takes to be a successful creative director at every stage of your career. Which probably accounts for why it sold out on launch day in May this year.
Written with 25 years experience of creative leadership at the highest levels of the industry. And backed up by the knowledge and insight of 20 of the world’s smartest industry leaders.
It’s everything you need to know. Explained in11Chapters, each with 10 clear, practical behaviours that you can build into your day.
The Course
(For Up & Coming CD’s)
Emerging Leaders: Mastering Creative Management
In 12 sessions over 6-weeks you will learn to master confident creative leadership, building a creative culture, and delivering creative excellence, powered by The Complete Creative Director.
D&AD's flagship course to give new managers the skills and confidence to lead successful creative teams.
A CPD-accredited programme for in-house and agency creatives ready to step up, and newly promoted CD’s.
Led by Mick Mahoney — acclaimed creative leader and author of The Complete Creative Director — you’ll get deep insights and practical tools from someone who’s been where you are and made it to the top.
You’ll also hear from Katie Mackay-Sinclair - CEO of Mother and Bronwen Hemming - CFO of Wieden & Kennedy who bring a sharp, focused lens on the skills required for effective leaders.
The Talks
60 or 90 minute Keynote Talks.
Engaging, thought provoking, and full of lived experience examples that you won’t hear anywhere else. I have a range of Keynote Talks that are suitable for Creative Leaders at any stage of their careers, and want to be Creatives Leaders alike.
The 10 behaviours of all the most successful creative leaders.
How to cope with the chaos of Creative Direction and avoid burn out.
Master pitching without wasting time or money.
The honest guide to succeeding at awards.
Learn to love change. 10 steps to embrace whatever comes next.
From a creative dept to a creative business. How to inspire a creative culture.
My talks are popular for team meetings, global team get-togethers, industry conferences, and awards events.
The Coaching
Whatever it is, you don’t need to go through it on your own. There is experienced, objective help at hand. Whether it’s working on your confidence, your creative vision, or even just coaching you through how to up your pitch game, I’m here for you.
I’m a hugely experienced ex CD, ECD, and CCO. I’ve won everything there is to win and led some of the world’s most famous brands. I’m not a life coach, or a general leadership coach, I’m a Creative Director Coach who will work with you to indentify your strengths and weaknesses and give you practical, real world help to become a more confident, knowledgable, calmer, and well rounded Creative Leader.
Coaching is one on one and bespoke. And starts with you telling me what’s worrying you the most.
"Mick recently led a session for 60 members of our In-House Agency Leaders Club, walking them through all the key qualities needed by a great creative leader. It was one of the most engaging, insightful, and best-received sessions we have ever run.”
Patrick Burgoyne. Co-founder - In-house Agency Leaders Club
“Mick recently ran a Creative Leadership session for our Agency ECDs/CDs. I’ve never seen everyone so engaged! Mick’s disarming manner and insightful workshop left us all enlightened, motivated and wishing we’d had all this information years ago. Outstanding. Would recommend.
Dylan Bogg. CCO - The Mission Group.