Design Next Podcast: Laura Jordan Bambach on creativity, age, and the power of diverse teams

“The more you bring your full self to the party, the more interesting the ideas are.”

A powerhouse in advertising and design, Laura has held top creative roles at some of the world’s most influential agencies. She’s founded mentorship programs, always championed diversity, and most recently, co-founded Uncharted — an agency built to rethink what creative collaboration can be.

In this episode of Design Next, we sit down to discuss creativity across generations, how the industry needs to evolve, and why age should never be a barrier to making great work.

Redefining leadership and creativity
Throughout her career, Laura has continuously pushed the boundaries of what creative leadership looks like. Her experiences have shaped a leadership style built on inclusivity, curiosity, and action; Uncharted embodies these principles. A collective of thinkers, strategists, and creatives ranging in age from 17 to 70, the agency is a poster child for the generationally diverse team.

“Older creatives bring resilience and experience; younger ones bring fresh perspectives. We need both.”

At Uncharted, diversity in age isn’t just a statistic — it’s a strategic advantage. It’s an attitude that keeps ideas sharp and challenges the status quo.

The role of age in the creative industry
Laura challenges the industry’s tendency to judge talent based on age, whether too young or too old. She’s felt both extremes — at times being the youngest person in the room, at others questioning if she’s ‘aged out’ of an industry seemingly obsessed with youth.

Why the industry needs to rethink mentorship
One of Laura’s most passionate points is the value of mentorship — not just for those starting out, but for everyone. “If you’re in a position to mentor, do it,” she urges. “You get so much out of it, too.”

We spoke about the need for more formalised training in creative leadership, noting that many designers and creatives find themselves leading teams without ever really being taught how. A few mentioned in the discussion were IPA courses, and the D&AD Creative Leadership Programme.

What the future holds
As the industry faces rapid changes, Laura sees technology as an enabler rather than a threat, and believes that the best way to future-proof you creative career is to stay curious, adaptable, and always open to learning.

The ultimate goal isn’t just to have a “successful career” — it’s to create a space where creativity thrives, where people are valued for their ideas, and where the next generation of creative leaders is set up for success.

“It’s not about climbing a ladder. It’s about having a creative adventure.”