23rd July 2024
Alex Lubar on agency culture and creating genuine client partnerships
Episode 11
Alex Lubar
Global CEO, DDB
When it comes to advertising agencies, they don’t come much more prestigious than Omnicom’s DDB. Whenever any of us needs a quote of substance, Bill Bernbach – the B in DDB – is always a rich source of wisdom.
So what a treat to sit down with their global CEO, Alex Lubar, to find out what makes DDB successful. Alex speaks to what he sees as the two driving forces of agency culture – momentum and optimism – and how they’re an essential foundation for innovation.
We also cover how quality drives differentiation in a marketplace that’s often seen as oversupplied. And Alex shares his perspective on creating shared goals with clients, as well as how to maintain the trust and transparency required to ensure success.
Alex has an ease in the way he approaches his work, whether that’s dealing with difficult clients or handling the natural ups and downs of agency life. So regardless of whether you’re also in a big global role, this conversation is a valuable masterclass in optimism and positivity.
Highlights:
[04.07] The two driving forces of agency culture.
[05.39] How supportive environments help solve problems.
[07.07] Maintaining the highest standard of behaviour in the workplace.
[09.57] Talent management and self-improvement.
[15.16] Insights from younger generations.
[19.45] Trends in client behaviour.
[22.30] Building an honest relationship between clients and your team.
[29.00] Perceived oversupply in the agency market.
[30.25] Differentiation comes through the lens of quality.
[32.48] How clients choose agencies.
Previous episodes
A Human-first future for agencies
Episode 29
Holly Maguire
Global Chief Growth Officer, Design Bridge & Partners
Leading with culture
Episode 28
Michael Lebowitz
Founder & Executive Chairman, SPCSHP
A unique perspective on agencies
Episode 27
Marla Kaplowitz
CEO, 4A's
Challenging the global market
Episode 26
James Townsend
CEO, Stagwell EMEA
Every moment is a chance
Episode 25
Nils Leonard
Co-Founder, Uncommon Creative Studio
Making a promise to the market
Episode 24
Conrad Persons
President, Grey London
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Episode 23
Toby Southgate
Global CEO, We Are Social
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Episode 22
Bianca Best
Global Growth Officer, Performics
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Episode 21
Trevor Guthrie
Co-founder, Giant Spoon
The quest for agency simplification
Episode 20
Ruud Wanck
CEO, Candid
From phoney to fearless: building an agency ‘for the culture’
Episode 19
Omid Farhang
Founder & CEO, Majority
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Episode 18
Josh Krichefski
CEO, GroupM EMEA
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Greg Hahn
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Jo Wallace
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Anthony Freedman
CEO, Common Interest
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Neil Perkin
Founder, Only Dead Fish
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Tim Ringel
CEO, Meet The People
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Episode 12
Chris Johnson
CEO, TomorrowToday
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Episode 10
Natalie Graeme
Founder, Uncommon Creative Studio
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Episode 9
Sue Unerman
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Episode 8
Harjot Singh
Global Chief Strategy Officer, McCann & McCann Worldgroup
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Episode 7
Katie Lee
Chief Operating Officer, Wavemaker
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Episode 6
Ruth Mortimer
Global President, Advertising Week
Fighting for diversity is not enough
Episode 5
Rob Campbell
Chief Strategy Officer, Colenso BBDO
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