MENTOR is a podcast that shares the lived experiences of senior leaders across industries.
In each episode, guests open up to founders Rachel Forde and Marco Bertozzi of TheZoo.London about their careers, mistakes, lessons, and the people who inspired them along the way. It’s smart, relaxed, and packed with real-world insight. Whether you’re a future leader or simply curious about how others have navigated the world of work, MENTOR delivers valuable takeaways and thoughtful conversation.
Brought to you by TheZoo.London and Viral Tribe.
All content for Mentor is the property of Viral Tribe Entertainment and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
MENTOR is a podcast that shares the lived experiences of senior leaders across industries.
In each episode, guests open up to founders Rachel Forde and Marco Bertozzi of TheZoo.London about their careers, mistakes, lessons, and the people who inspired them along the way. It’s smart, relaxed, and packed with real-world insight. Whether you’re a future leader or simply curious about how others have navigated the world of work, MENTOR delivers valuable takeaways and thoughtful conversation.
Brought to you by TheZoo.London and Viral Tribe.
“Stay Close to the Idea”: Sir John Hegarty on AI, Brands & Creative Courage
Mentor
1 hour 9 minutes
2 months ago
“Stay Close to the Idea”: Sir John Hegarty on AI, Brands & Creative Courage
Advertising legend Sir John Hegarty (co-founder of BBH) joins hosts Marco Bertozzi and Rachel Forde for a masterclass in creativity, brand building and brave decision-making. From getting fired at 21 to launching BBH and shaping culture with Levi’s, BA and more, Sir John Hegarty shares why irreverence matters, how to build movements (not ads), and why, yes, even in the age of AI, the people closest to the idea will win!
Follow/subscribe for more Mentor wisdom every week.
Recorded at Viral Tribe Studios in Soho.
Chapters
0:00 — Welcome & why Hegarty matters (plus teaser)
3:01 — Sir John’s bio & early years in advertising
5:31 — Career in 60 seconds
7:09 — Fired young: conviction over comfort
16:25 — Irreverence & the Black Sheep philosophy
25:09 — Brands as culture: trust, authenticity & “stop stalking”
28:10 — Building The Business of Creativity & the Whalar deal
34:29 — AI: stay closest to the idea (real advice for creatives & CMOs)
47:50 — Founding BBH: no-spec pitches, principles & brand lessons
1:05:44 — Mentorship, no regrets & “Timing is everything”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mentor
MENTOR is a podcast that shares the lived experiences of senior leaders across industries.
In each episode, guests open up to founders Rachel Forde and Marco Bertozzi of TheZoo.London about their careers, mistakes, lessons, and the people who inspired them along the way. It’s smart, relaxed, and packed with real-world insight. Whether you’re a future leader or simply curious about how others have navigated the world of work, MENTOR delivers valuable takeaways and thoughtful conversation.
Brought to you by TheZoo.London and Viral Tribe.
