7th October 2025
Andrew Swinand on AI, scale and the reshaping of the industry
Episode 48
Andrew Swinand
CEO, Inspired Thinking Group (ITG)
Today’s guest is Andrew Swinand, CEO of Inspired Thinking Group, a PE-backed and AI-enabled content business that is scaling faster than most in our industry. With two decades at Publicis, including running Leo Burnett and leading creative in the US, Andrew brings a rare dual perspective on both the creative and operational sides of the business.
He shares why the HoldCo.s are trapped in the classic Innovator’s Dilemma and how AI is reshaping the economics of content production. But far from AI replacing creativity, Andrew explains why operational AI is actually paving the way for a new creative renaissance.
From automating tens of thousands of assets, to rethinking how talent and technology combine, Andrew cuts through the noise to offer a clear view of the pressures and possibilities facing agencies today.
HIGHLIGHTS
[01:54] Taking the entrepreneurial path
[04:32] Why AI won’t replace creativity
[07:53] Blockers to agency innovation
[13:37] Delivering scale and speed
[17:53] Fear, uncertainty and hype
[23:46] Generative AI’s real limits
[25:18] A new creative renaissance
[30:48] Leading with honesty
[32:37] Embracing humanity
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