The Business of Creativity

Introducing The Business of Creativity White Paper: a manifesto for creative leadership in a changing world. We’re proud to unveil The Business of Creativity’s debut white paper - a project led by Sir John Hegarty and our editorial team, launched to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the first recorded use of the word ‘creativity’. This milestone felt like the perfect moment to remind business leaders of something we’ve long believed: creativity isn’t a bonus. It’s a business imperative. In this report, we explore: 🔺 Why 87% of global leaders now rank creativity alongside efficiency 🔺 How the digital economy is projected to reach $16.5 trillion 🔺 And why companies that invest in creativity are 70% more likely to outperform their peers With data, commentary and a few uncomfortable truths, this paper is designed to challenge assumptions and arm leaders with the evidence they need to make creativity central to strategy - not just surface. Sir John has said it for decades: creativity builds brands, cultures, and reputations. Now the numbers say so too. 📄 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/e8XczXMg

Spend a day with The Business of Creativity! From a packed-out panel on the new drivers of creative success to exploring the future of creativity and AI, join Co-Founder & CEO Ben Lee at Cannes Lions as The Business of Creativity unlocks creative potential—one bold moment at a time. #WhalarGroup #TheBusinessofCreativity #CannesLions2025

EDIT: NAB man is Thomas Dobson. “It pays to be first,” Sir John Hegarty said to me as I stood in front of 100 far more established career people than I. I thought to myself, “I bloody hope it does. I need it.” After a knightly education, I have now met him and been the first to ask John a question. Before you ask, no, I could not hear King Arthur whispering on the wind. I also forgot to introduce who I was and jumped straight into the question. Oopsie. John, I’m Angus. Folks, yesterday evening I attended the live Melbourne event of The Business of Creativity (BoC), where I had the immense pleasure to experience Sir John Hegarty's keynote address on creativity in the industry (advertising & marketing). That was then followed up by an exquisite panel discussion of the brilliant minds of John, Anna Jackson and the NAB man, whose name, shamefully, I forgot. So henceforth, I dub thee The NAB Man… until I learn your actual name. This was hosted by the well-questioning, well-equipped Mike Wilson. For me, this event was the culmination of an 8-week-long, perspective-shifting course (BoC) and then another 8 weeks of keeping productive. Hustle, hustle, hustle. As it turned out, self-funding and doing the course independent was a rare thing! A surprising fact to me, but there you go. I was surrounded by course participants on the bankroll of Telstra and News Corp Australia. There was a smorgasbord of Aussie agency reps there as well. So, I’m sitting there next to my brilliant mentor and +1 Andrew Ford in row 2 (he snagged the sick photo). Row 1 in front is empty. Must have been a warding aura or something. Turns out it was reservation signs. The keynote and the panel are insightful and inspiring, and then we get to questions. This is where I was first. My hand shot straight up, and before I got to ask it, John looks at me with a twinkle in his eye and then wags a knowing finger to the crowd, "it pays to be first." Boy, does it ever. For being the first in, I’m getting another free go at the course (or equivalent)! If BoC is reading this… pretty please let me go and do Advertising Principles Explained - a.p.e 🙏 🙏 That was pretty cool! Miracle No.1 - I’ve been repaid, effectively, for doing the course in the first place. Miracle No.2 - this prize gave me an instantly redeemable leverage point to talk to the inspired organiser, Mike Wilson, and a more in-depth conversation with Ben Lee - it was a pleasure chatting to you mate. Miracle No.3 - As I was leaving the event for the train station, I went a very wrong way and got lost. In doing so, I ran into Anna again, and it was a grateful moment to make that connection more personally, and give her my thanks - getting invited to connect with her on LinkedIn was also a highlight. Blow me down if this isn't Christmas! So folks, all this to say, the creative life can feel like following a dirt road. But follow it all the way to the end because sometimes, it turns into a yellow brick road.

Incredibly inspired seeing Sir John Hegarty in person this week, fresh off completing his masterclass "The Business of Creativity". My own passion for creative has only grown over the last 20 years (eeek) in the industry and it's one of the most exciting aspects of my job today. Sir John's insights and perspectives have provided a fresh lens through which to view creativity, and I'm eager to apply them! Very appreciative of Google's Hallpass initiative for this invaluable learning and development experience to kick off 2025. 📚💡📈 #Creativity #SirJohnHegarty #GoogleHallpass #Inspiration