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Leo Burnett and this VUCA world

Published on: 7th June, 2021

Today I speak with Carly Avener, Managing Director of Leo Burnett London.

I had so many questions.

I was keen to understand how COVID has changed things at the London ad agency. What they are doing differently as a result of everything. And what they did to support people when things got really difficult.

We then hear Carly talk about the silver linings, and the biggest learning.


She tells us what she looks for in leaders and brings to life the characteristics of the leaders that have risen to the top. What makes them shine. I personally found this fascinating, as it was very much in line with what I talk about at TIE.


On Monday we kick off our Corporate Team TIE project with Leo Burnett, and we’ll have 6 of their leaders come together to crack a challenge for a children’s rights organisation in India. Whilst developing more of the competencies that will help them shine in today’s VUCA world, they will also get to impact an organisation that really needs their help.


Carly finishes our conversation by explaining why she and Charlie, the CEO, are getting involved, and why it fits perfectly with the expression of the agency’s purpose.


An absolutely fascinating chat, and just really special to understand what life is like post-COVID at a thriving London ad agency at this moment in history.


So grab your favourite beverage and do get stuck in. And please do let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review, rating and subscribe.


And if you would like to get involved with TIE, do get in touch at philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk. I'd love to hear from you.

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About the Podcast

The Marketing Society podcast
The Marketing Society is a progressive global community of senior marketers. Our purpose is to empower our members to be brave leaders. Since 1959, we have grown into an influential network of 2500 members.
The Marketing Society is a progressive global community of senior marketers. Our purpose is to empower our members to be brave leaders. Since 1959, we have grown into an influential network of more than 2650+ members across our global hubs: London, Scotland, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE and New York. Our members are mostly senior clients (over seventy per cent) from brands such as ASOS, Barclays, IBM, Disney, HSBC, Mars, Samsung, Unilever and Vodafone.

Everything we do is through a brave lens – pushing boundaries, tackling taboos, providing comfortable spaces to have important conversations and building meaningful connections. We speak up, inspire one another, share best practice and discuss the challenges and opportunities we face. We work together to make our industry better for business and better for the world around us.

Attend our global programme of events, access the latest thinking online, including over ten years of best practice award-winning case studies. Have your work recognised as part of our Marketing Society Awards and Star Awards competing against the best of the best. Progress your career via professional development like our Marketing Leaders Programme, and get discounted tickets to industry events.

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