What Change Really Demands From a CEO with Simon Cook

How do you lead with conviction when everything is changing around you?

It’s the big question for every UK leader right now and exactly why I invited Simon Cook, CEO of Cannes Lions, onto the podcast.

In this episode, we get honest about what it really takes to let go of control, build true trust in your team, and stay resilient even when things don’t go as planned.

We dive into:
• When to keep going, and when to let go
• The link between conviction and coordination in leadership
• Why control feels safe – but stops growth
• Managing failure without losing momentum
• Leading through mergers and high-stakes change
• How to stay calm and mentally fit (even when your diary explodes)

It’s practical, candid, and focuses on what UK leaders need now: leading bravely, staying relevant, and keeping your energy focused.

00:00 – Introduction 
01:00 – Why leading with conviction can become a weakness 
04:21 – Building a smarter team and learning to trust
07:11 – The role of failure in leadership 
09:37 – Conviction and coordination: the keys to change 
10:33 – How Simon navigated a 500-person business through a major acquisition 
12:29 – Staying confident when you actually feel uncertain 
14:01 – The importance of staying grounded and calm for your team 
15:51 – Learning from mergers, culture shifts, and tough decisions 
17:26 – Evolving your leadership style as everything changes 
19:00 – What’s really happening in the UK marketing industry right now 
22:40 – Where UK creativity is heading next
24:06 – The advice Simon would give every agency CEO 
28:17 – Protecting your brand and your time under pressure 
33:02 – Practical ways to help leaders prioritise, focus, and say no 
35:19 – Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever 
36:22 – Leading through failure, and making learning collective 
37:23 – Being bolder, more disciplined, and mentally fit for the future

Don’t miss this down-to-earth, actionable conversation. If you’re navigating organisational change, agency mergers, or just struggling to keep your team steady, this episode gives you the kind of real, UK-focused leadership advice we all need.

In a world of constant strategic change, this conversation focuses on how to manage change effectively within your business, emphasising practical management techniques for organisational design and personal development.

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