Simon Harle

Agency vs In-House. We hear this a lot from senior creatives considering a move In-house. It’s a tough call. There’s a big draw to both worlds. 💥 World-class (in-house teams) are emerging across Europe and the US—in both product and brand. They’re pushing creative boundaries, offering the freedom you’d expect at an agency, with the added bonus of long-term brand strategy and product influence. Plus the obvious… $￡. Agencies are still where some of the most beautiful, cutting-edge work happens. The variety, the pace, the constant push to break creative limits—why many stay agency-side. Working with top brands, keeping their portfolios fresh! Is the transition straightforward? Not entirely... – OPAL

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Hiring strategists isn’t just about filling a seat. It’s about finding the minds that will shape, challenge, and future-proof your agency. Too often, strategy teams are treated like a checklist. Need a comms expert? Tick. A data whizz? Tick. But real strategy—the kind that drives culture, creativity, and commercial success—requires more than skillsets. It needs mindsets. So what makes a strategist future-proof? Here’s my take: 💭 The Hybrid Thinker They don’t just “stay in their lane.” These strategists thrive at intersections—of ideas, industries, and audiences. They’re as comfortable briefing creatives as they are pitching to clients. They’re the ones who un-silo your agency. 🌍 Cultural Readers Algorithms don’t predict culture. People do. Look for strategists who can decode societal shifts and translate them into brand movements. These are the people who spot opportunities where others see noise. 🏛️ Architects of Action A good strategy looks good on paper. A great strategy gets made. High-impact hires are closer to the creative process, shaping work that’s not just smart but unignorable. 🧭 Leaders Without Titles Future-proof strategists lead by influence, not hierarchy. They build relationships, nurture talent, and challenge the status quo—because tomorrow’s challenges demand new kinds of leadership. 👁️ Resilient Visionaries The best strategists are both optimists and realists. They’re not shaken by change; they’re energized by it. They’re the ones who spot possibilities others might miss and chart a way forward. Your agency’s relevance depends on the people shaping its ideas. Building a future-proof strategy team means hiring not just for today’s needs but for tomorrow’s opportunities. And the truth is, it’s not just about spotting talent—it’s about recognizing impact. What are you doing to future-proof your strategy team?

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I’m looking to speak to the leading Creative Technologists in the market… Over the past few months, I’ve spent time speaking to Agency & Brand Leaders… A few takeaways, that suggests the skills of a Creative Technologists will be needed within their teams more than ever; ·      Help devise a roadmap around AI Tool selection / customisation and implementation. This stretches across; Content (Image / Video), Insights & Strategy, CX, Project Management and other functions. ·      Pitching (Agencies) – A Creative Technologist is an invaluable asset to the pitch process. Help deliver a pitch quicker with AI ideation that stands up to scrutiny. You can create “WOW” factor by delivering An AI MVP (simplified version of an AI product) that inspires a potential client. Move over PowerPoint and bring a winning pitch to life in the room. ·      R&D (Enterprise Brands) – There’s a growing need for a Fractional Creative Technologist to pivot between CMO and CTO. These big brands need guidance with a view on what’s possible in the future. How can their Brand move at the same lightening pace as the developing Tech? What have I missed? Reach out to me if you’re a Creative Technologist who can bring these skills (and more) to a growing number of Agencies /Brands that are ready to benefit from your expertise. If you are a Brand or Agency leader and want to learn more – contact me on [email protected] #creativetechnology #GenAI #AI #Freelance #Fractional #technologist

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‘I designed that… and it’s one of my proudest achievements’ mark whelan said to me as I walked out of the Havas London HQ. There are two things I love about out this… 1. An accomplished (British) leader being ok with saying ‘that’s one of my proudest achievements’. That just doesn’t happen. 2. The proudest achievement being something physical. That you can walk on. Look at. Touch. I wrote a thing about Spatial design making a resurgence recently. And I think a return to ‘physical’ isn’t just a counter movement to all the chat about AI and screens. I think it’s primal. I think humans want to feel things again. I think it’s why Cannes was flooded with humans. And I think it’s why Brands are investing in retail, experiential, events. Either way, if you didn’t know, now you know that Mark designed those cool stairs at Havas… and it’s actually a map of Kings Cross made from used metal from Kings Cross station. Luzz it. Thanks, Mark.

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Impact is our output. We talk about modern marketing being able to deliver two types of impact - cultural and commercial. How do we move beyond the brand purpose debate and into a more grown up and nuanced conversation about the different types of impact we all create as marketers every day? Come and join us to find out.

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“To Cannes or not Cannes?” There seemed to be a time when people celebrated success, rewarded creativity and banded together as a bunch of talented misfits, celebrating the great and good of the advertising industry, applauding each other whilst getting totally off their nut with only photos to prove they were there. Sadly (to me) it seems those times have gone. Yes, Cannes cost a lot of money. Yes, it’s all a bit pretentious, and yes, there will be PLENTY of folks who say it’s shite - however I bet if someone did a survey it would be those that didn’t get invited, couldn’t afford to go, couldn’t get time off, or are simply aren't that good that complain the loudest. Yes, yes, there will be those that hate crowds, don’t care about awards and think the whole thing is a bunch of irritating guff… If this was true let’s scrap all forms of awards then. The Oscars? Who gives a shit. Having had the pleasure to work with creatives at all levels (from interns to CCO’s) across the globe, and from all walks of life, I know so many of them care a great deal when their work is applauded on the global stage. It means a HUGE amount to them. If you don’t care, that’s fine. But I’ve seen so much negativity around Cannes on LinkedIn and ‘what it stands for’ it’s made my stomach churn. Choosing not to enter, to shy away from awards quietly is perfectly fine. Knowing who you are, what you stand for, and ensuring best in-class results for you, your team, your clients is HUGELY admirable. Honestly... that would probably be my style and approach. However, if I won at Cannes I’d be proud as hell. The recognition of my efforts, my teams efforts, my agencies efforts, my family for putting up with all my late nights and mood swings, etc. So, if you have won at Cannes, well fucking done. If you have attended for the event to rub shoulders with influencers, meet mates, or just to get pissed. Well done to you too. Here’s to the awards, the parties and the hangovers. Without them, what’s the point. #cannes #awards #opinions #winning #parties MCG Talent

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David Johnston founder of Accept & Proceed joins me on the latest episode of The Untalented Podcast. We cover the story of Accept & Proceed but more importantly what we don’t know about the studio. David shares his thoughts on how brands can and should do better for the world. And the need for agencies to come together to impact change. Follow the link in the comments to listen to the full episode. UNKNOWN

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Is your PR agency's climate policy a turn off for top-talent? In 2024, our PR salary guide showed that 60% of the PR industry care if their agency works with a fossil fuel giant, Havas were stripped of their B Corp status because of their work with Shell and the UN Secretary general called for creative agencies to stop greenwashing. Based on these points alone, having no climate policy (let alone working with fossil fuel giants) is affecting your talent attraction. Check out my article on CIPR Influence to gain tips on how to boost your talent retention (and attraction) with a climate positive policy. https://lnkd.in/ewFJ2GwH

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Santino Pietrosanti's new ad is a stroke of marketing genius—not just because it generated significant attention, but because it’s a bold repositioning strategy. It appears JAGUAR is aligning itself as a brand for the LGBTQ+ community, a niche no other car brand has deliberately embraced before. And if anyone thinks the LGBTQ+ community lacks purchasing power, just look at their representation in TV shows, leadership roles, and cultural influence. Some of the smartest and most creative people I’ve worked with are part of this community. That said, I hated the ad—it clashed with what I’ve always thought Jaguar represented. But then again, I’m probably no longer part of the demographic they’re targeting with this strategy. Here’s the reality: Jaguar has been struggling. As a luxury brand, it faces stiff competition. If I'm in the market for a high-end car, I’d likely choose BMW or Mercedes-Benz AG—brands that, for many, deliver more value and prestige. Jaguar has felt increasingly irrelevant in recent years. This repositioning strategy, while divisive, might just be the shake-up the brand needs to regain its footing. What are your thoughts on this bold move? Is it a game-changer or a gamble? #jaguar #marketing JLR Jaguar UK #jaguarrebrand

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The Evolving CMO and Digital Director Role: A Trend We're Seeing In our recent work in the last quarter with businesses across industries, from automotive to beauty, there’s a clear trend emerging in the profiles of CMOs and Digital Directors that clients are increasingly seeking. What’s evident is that the days of purely strategic, high-level marketing leadership are giving way to a more hands-on, operational AND STRATEGIC role. Clients are no longer looking for just a "big-picture thinker" but someone who can roll up their sleeves and get in the trenches with the team. The CMO or Digital Director who can articulate growth strategies with evidence-backed results, and instantly impact the business, is the one in demand. There's a balance of skills that is proving essential: *A helicopter-view strategic mindset to steer the ship *A gritty, results-driven approach that proves value from day one *The ability to work side by side with owners and chairmen, shaping growth strategies while leading the team What stands out in this market is leadership that blends vision with execution, and the ability to adapt quickly to an ever-changing digital landscape. Clients want proof, and they want it fast. #CMO #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #Marketing #BusinessGrowth #Consulting #GrowthStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #DigitalDirectors

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Enjoyed reading a report released by the guys at Ingenuity. Their "Redefining The Pitch" Report paints an interesting, and somewhat encouraging, picture of what the next 12 months will hold for both brands and agencies…. Key takeaways suggest that specialist Creative Talent will be more in demand than ever - particularly to impact the increasingly important (and evolving) Pitch Process…. 🗣️ High pitch activity: 98% of brands plan to initiate new pitches in the next 12 months. 🗣️ Rapid growth of marketing budgets: Budgets set to reach £40 billion by 2025 with £900,000 identified as the average spend for marketers to initiate a competitive pitch process. 🗣️ Complexity in agency selection: With over 30,000 agencies in the UK, choosing the right one has become a complex and sometimes frustrating process. 🗣️ The Pitch Process: The Pitch Process needs to transform to better meet the needs of brands who need progressive, agile alternatives in addition to the traditional notion of a full-service pitch.

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“You don’t buy a smart fridge to only use the ice maker. Yet for a while, many brands were leaning into enterprise #martech and doing exactly that, paying exorbitant licensing costs to only scratch the surface of what the technology could do." - Mikaela Crimmins of advertising company Orchard. The dip in martech budgets is no secret, but Nadia Cameron and Andrew Birmingham's writeup on Gartner's annual CMO survey contains some invaluable insights into what's driving the trends. The whole thing is worth a read but there are a bunch of useful quotes from Ewan Mcintyre, who points out that some of this perceived change may actually a redefining of what constitutes 'marketing' budget, with IT teams now owning a lot of buying decisions. And, of course, there is the seemingly unstopppable rise of media budget. As martech and #ecommerce tools get smarter and more affordable, one would rationally expect costs to come down, and help brands achieve more with less. If that drives greater optimization of the stack, in the long run, that can only be a good thing for consumers - which should ultimately pay off for brands and technology companies.

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An interesting read this morning with Regan Hancock from Hatched! BAD BRIEFS ARE WASTING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS PER YEAR!! He emphasises the critical need for both agencies and marketers to improve the briefing process to avoid wasting significant portions of marketing budgets. A study revealed that 90% of marketers struggle with writing effective briefs, highlighting a pervasive issue. Despite the passage of time, little has changed, and agencies remain frustrated with ineffective briefs. The solution proposed isn't merely blaming marketers but fostering a collaborative approach between agencies and clients. Briefing should be seen as a dynamic process, requiring clear objectives, defined target audiences, and strategic thinking rather than just listing tasks and channels. Ultimately, need to be encouraged to lead this transformation by advocating for better briefs and fostering a collaborative environment that ensures clarity and alignment with business goals. AdNews Australia

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Too many companies still approaching recruitment with 'this is why we're great' as opposed to 'this is why you'll be great with us'. While the war for talent in STEM continues to rage, getting your recruitment right has never been more vital.

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Delivering Social Value in the UK is sometimes as much about what we don’t do as what we do. Especially when one considers the additional burden placed on all other businesses in the UK when some of the biggest companies don’t do their part - in fact they actively seek to avoid doing it. We have the power to change that through our personal, as well as corporate, buying power. #SocialValue #BeTheChange #FairPlay https://lnkd.in/e2smEbhQ

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Great article from Martyn Bentley on the importance of measuring and maximising the reach of your marketing investments. #audienceproject #measurement #ROI #reach

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This article in PRWeek UK Evie Barrett is a great leveller for leaders in our sector. NoTurningBack2020 has been championing and educating 18-25 year olds about the many and varied career paths in PR, Communications and Marketing since 2016. Our Early Careers Outreach programme is delivered by young people working across Comms & Marketing in our sector. They speak at 6th form colleges, Academies and non Russell Group universities across the UK. Their key messages are beautifully voiced in this piece by some of PR Week's 30 under 30. 1. Shine a light on the many and varied careers in our sector "I would love for people to have a deeper understanding of what it means to work in the industry,” said Natalie Phillips Marks and Spencer. Amy Moore account director, influence, Weber Shandwick “When I was at school, I didn’t even consider PR as a job option.” 2. You don't need a degree to get on 'Degrees should no longer be a barrier to entry, argues Lucy Somers, group deputy director of digital PLMR, who reflects on starting her own career and not wishing to go to university, but struggling to find comms apprenticeships. 3. The sector needs more cultural competence Tani Fatuga, Hard Numbers 📈 “It’s crucial for PR and comms professionals to develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and communities if we want to effectively communicate campaigns to a diverse target audience. 4. The sector needs more socio economic diversity Méganne Tillay account manager Byfield: “I think there is a systemic issue around privilege in relation to socioeconomic diversity in some elements of the comms industry, particularly at the larger agencies and in the City [of London]. Get in touch with NTB2020 Ambassador Early Careers Outreach team to find out what you can do to help change the face of the marketing communications sector for good. [email protected] Sarah Bishop Adrian St Clair Walcott powered by f1 Recruitment Limited Brands with Values James Hewes Avril Lee https://lnkd.in/eqhhXmGE

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Some relevant thinking here - although I have been speaking about diversity of thinking and talent for awhile. Whether they are younger or older is irrelevant. Its more about alternative thinking and questioning of the what we all perceive to be the norm.... #businessscaling #marketingservices #digitalstrategy #businessabnormal Detch S. Kristian Curcio Cheuk Chiang Robert Tadros Bryce Coombe

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🎮 How does a small city like Dundee go from industrial roots to being a global gaming hotspot…? Find out in our latest #PlayableFutures article - in partnership with Ukie GamesIndustry.Biz and Amazon Web Services (AWS)

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