17th February 2026
Sean McDonald on envy, integrity and maintaining your core beliefs
Episode 64
Sean McDonald
Global Chief Strategy Officer, Rethink
Today’s episode features Sean McDonald, Global CSO and Partner at Rethink, exploring the power of belief.
Sean’s built a reputation for candour, competitive ambition and an unwavering belief in setting the standard. But he hasn’t always led that way. He reflects on how letting go of the need to ‘win’ every meeting transformed his leadership and why discovering the answer matters more than having it.
Following his journey from politics and public affairs into advertising, Sean unpacks the myth of the ‘all-knowing’ strategist, explains why strong opinions must be loosely held and shares how envy can raise standards.
The conversation also looks ahead, exploring growth, independence and why agencies must commit to what they optimise for.
HIGHLIGHTS
[02:10] Bluntness with manners
[06:22] Discovering over knowing
[12:08] Cult of the hero
[15:38] Competition and respect
[20:32] Setting global standard
[24:51] Have an opinion
[29:00] The goal isn’t growth
[31:18] Making bets
[33:21] Growth versus ‘good’
[38:00] Embracing the future
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