Rolling up your sleeves shows your team that you understand the challenges they face. It gives you empathy for the process, insight into potential roadblocks, and the credibility to give meaningful feedback.

Early in my career, I worked for a CEO who always asked me to “make it pop.” No nuance, no specifics, just: “make it pop.”

Ever wonder what happens when a creative director gives a vague brief to AI? Extra fingers, odd words, and a lot of curiosity. I let the robots play art director — part experiment, part fun, and all a reminder that creativity isn’t about control, it’s about exploration.

And what great design leaders know about saying no (with love). Every creative director has been there: the moment someone sends over a logo concept with that little sparkle in their eye... “Isn’t this one amazing? ” It’s definitely eye catching. It’s clever. It’s colorful. It might even make you smile. But here’s the hard truth: a logo isn’t supposed to be your favorite graphic. It’s supposed to work. I love whimsy. I love originality. But great identity design isn’t about h