Design Next Podcast: Rethinking the creative industry with Ivan Pols, CCO of what3words

In our latest episode of Design Next, we’re joined by Ivan Pols, Chief Creative Officer at what3words, Founder of Truth & Spectacle, and former Global Creative Director at Ogilvy and adam&eveDDB.

Ivan’s career has seen him working with global giants like KFC, Dove, Coca-Cola, and Philips, and in this conversation, he offers incredible insight into high-level leadership and evolving as a creative professional. The topic of Design Next series one is age in creative careers, which we cover with actionable outtakes from Ivan.

“The real competitive advantage is your attitude to learning, not your age.”

A key learning from this episode is how Ivan challenges the traditional notion of the “creative industry,” highlighting how creative practices now permeate every role in the most forward-thinking companies.

“Winning in agencies taught me a lot, but building things in business taught me even more.”

As a true advocate for creativity in any role, in agencies and in-house teams and beyond, Ivan’s wisdom will encourage any ambitious creative leader to reassess their value.

“Creativity is a broad church — the more generous you are with it, the better the work becomes.”