Simon Cook is the CEO of the LIONS Division, overseeing LIONS, WARC, Contagious, and Acuity Pricing to promote impactful creative marketing. Over the past decade, Simon has driven the creation of two-thirds of the Lions awards. He has also expanded LIONS' offerings to include year-round intelligence and advisory services, in addition to its renowned Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
A fervent advocate for creative marketing excellence that enhances business performance, Simon also founded the Global Chief Marketing Officers Growth Council. With over 15 years in the branded communications industry, Simon's career includes significant agency-side experience before joining LIONS.
In this week's episode, we explore crucial topics such as discussing racism, navigating life with divorced parents, and the importance of inclusivity.
We discuss:
- The power of creativity
- Journey from Devon to Brixton
- Coping with parental divorce
- Discussing the impact of racism
- Rising from the mailroom to CEO of Cannes Lions
- Tips for climbing the career ladder
- Conquering imposter syndrome
- Receiving an important letter
- Prioritising mental health
- Insights into Cannes Lions 2024
Watch on YouTube
Chapters:
(00:00:00) First Impressions in Devon
(00:02:53) The Beginnings of Creativity
(00:06:06) Childhood Memories and Parents' Divorce
(00:09:14) Navigating Divorce as a Child
(00:12:27) Navigating Different Experiences
(00:15:30) Experiencing Brixton for the First Time
(00:18:51) Empathy and Representation
(00:21:51) Understanding Different Life Experiences
(00:24:57) Fostering Environments and Psychological Safety
(00:27:45) Dealing with the Breakdown of a Parent's Marriage Again
(00:30:53) Strategies for Coping with Divorcing Parents
(00:33:47) Unexpected Jobs and Transferable Skills
(00:36:52) From the Mail Room to Cannes Lions
(00:40:05) Cannes Lions Festival Highlights
(00:42:59) A Significant Moment
(00:45:59) Climbing the Career Ladder
(00:48:58) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
(00:51:51) What Makes a Good Managing Director
(00:54:48) The Bonding Experience of Events
(00:57:48) Lack of Inclusivity and Representation at Cannes Lions
(01:00:46) Dear Simon...
(01:03:55) Constructive Conversation and Change in Brazil
(01:07:01) Positive Changes in the Industry
(01:10:16) The Importance of Taking Time to Think Creatively
(01:13:06) Applying a Strategic Lens to Business Decisions and Cannes Lions Preview
(01:16:16) The Power of Creative Output and Inspiring Others
(01:19:12) Thank You for Joining Us Today
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Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content Email: info@weunify.co.uk This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion Credits: Director: Charles Parkinson Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie Editor: Catherine Singh