Carmen Rodriguez didn’t get her first job in advertising by talking about advertising.
She got it by talking about soccer.
In this episode of Second Wind, Gully Flowers and Kerrie Finch sit down with Carmen Rodriguez, Global Chief Growth Officer at GUT, to unpack a career built on passion, trust, and a deep belief in the power of creativity.
Born in São Paulo and now based in Amsterdam, Carmen shares how growing up in Brazil shaped her view of advertising as part of popular culture, why bravery isn’t a personality trait but a practice, and how GUT has grown from a bold idea into one of the most talked-about agencies in the world.
They cover:
The interview that launched her career at Leo Burnett at age 17
Why GUT “interviews” clients before pitching
The “bravery gap” between people and brands
How long-term client relationships outperform short-term wins
Why “the best advertising for an agency is still the work”
What hybrid work, diversity, and trust actually look like inside a modern creative company
And why Carmen’s definition of success is simple: work that works, and work your aunt would share on WhatsApp
A conversation about growth without cynicism, creativity without ego, and why conviction still compounds.
This episode of Second Wind breaks from our usual interviews to reflect on 2025 and the people who actually built reputation in the advertising industry.
We introduce a set of intentionally made-up awards to recognize the agencies and marketers who stood out this year. The slow burns. The breakout hits. The teams that thrived in chaos. The ones who made invisible work visible.
Along the way, we talk about what reputation really compounds today.
Point of view. Taste. Talent. Timing.
And why memorability is no longer accidental.
If you care about where advertising is headed, and what actually lasts, this episode is for you.
Xanthe Wells is VP of Global Creative at Pinterest, where she leads the House of Creative, recently named In-House Agency of the Year at the Gerety Awards.
Before Pinterest, she led global creative for Google’s Pixel and Nest brands, earning a Cannes Grand Prix, a D&AD Black Pencil, and multiple Agency of the Year honors.
Earlier in her career, she worked on Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Monsters, Inc., and spent formative years at TBWA\Chiat\Day with Lee Clow.
In this episode of Second Wind, Xanthe shares a philosophy of creative leadership that runs counter to most playbooks. Pressure feels productive, but it narrows thinking. Relaxation isn’t a luxury. It’s a creative requirement.
We talk about building psychologically safe teams, why lowering the stakes leads to better work, and how to protect creativity inside high-pressure organizations. Xanthe also shares lessons from Pixar, Google, and Pinterest, her perspective on AI as a creative tool, and why human taste, humor, and empathy still matter more than ever.
This is a conversation about leading creatives with generosity, clarity, and trust, even when millions of dollars are on the line.
Cindy Gallop built BBH US from a room with a phone. She became one of the most influential voices in advertising and then walked away with no job to go to. It was the best decision she ever made.
In this episode, Cindy talks about why a job is not the safe option and why placing your future in the hands of a corporation is more dangerous than betting on yourself. She explains the daily drip of microaggressions that kill confidence, why most women never get the support they deserve, and why her advice is simple: get the f*ck out and build something that gives you agency.
We also talk about BBH, MakeLoveNotPorn, pitch culture, leadership, sex education, and why the future is female and founder-led.
This is Cindy at her most direct and most generous.
Billy Bohan Chinique, VP of Marketing and Digital Innovation at Virgin Voyages, joins us to talk about the future of travel, fashion, AI, and brand storytelling.
He shares how he went from call-center sales to designing digital experiences, how he ended up styling Sir Richard Branson, and why showing up as your real self became an accelerant for his career.
We get into Jen.AI, the Jennifer Lopez campaign that pushed AI before it was cool, the making of Virgin’s AI-powered mermaids, the shift toward creators, and why “brand as operating system” is the only approach that still makes sense.
If you care about creativity, travel, leadership, or the next frontier of marketing, this is a conversation worth hearing.
Chapters:
00:00 Styling Richard Branson
02:10 Fashion and authenticity
03:55 Breaking into travel
06:50 Building Virgin Voyages’ digital platform
11:05 The origin of Jen.AI with J.Lo
16:00 AI-powered mermaids
19:50 Brand as operating system
26:20 The new creator economy
32:00 Talent, hiring, and AI literacy
36:20 Becoming an AI-native company
39:40 Billy’s legacy
John Schoolcraft helped turn Oatly from a quiet Swedish oat drink into one of the most talked-about brands on the planet. No marketing department. No traditional briefs. No safety nets. Just creativity, rebellion, and a CEO who let the work lead.
In this conversation, John breaks down how he:
• Killed the CMO role and replaced it with makers
• Turned lawsuits into creative fuel
• Used packaging as media when there was no budget
• Made baristas the launch strategy that cracked the US market
• Built a fearless culture that treated creativity as a business engine
It’s a masterclass in brand building from one of the most influential creative leaders alive.
Listen for the story behind the Super Bowl ad, the behind-the-scenes battles with the dairy industry, and why trust inside a company beats process every time.
Nick Law explains the split that defines modern creativity. Inventive thinking and expressive thinking. How they collide, how they fail, and how the best teams make them work together. We cover his path from Australia to Pentagram to RGA to Accenture Song, the collapse of the old agency model, how platform culture reshapes craft, and what AI means for the next generation. A grounded conversation about what it takes to make work that matters now.
Emmy-winning creative leader Danielle Hawley, Global Head of Creative and Brand at Uber, joins hosts Gully Flowers and Kerrie Finch to talk about leadership, trust, and creative evolution.
From redefining Uber’s global voice to mentoring women in a male-dominated industry, Danielle shares how earning respect starts with generosity, not ego. She reflects on lessons from Microsoft’s Iron Man prosthetic project, how collaboration built her confidence, and why the best creative relationships begin with trust.
In this episode:
How great clients make great work
What “sharp elbows” teach you early in your career
When to lead with empathy instead of ego
The creative culture shift inside Uber
What it takes to build respect in tech and advertising
What if every great idea started with a song?
Before writing a word or pitching a concept, Emmy-winning creative Jaime Robinson (Co-Founder and CCO of JOAN) finds a song that makes her feel exactly what she wants others to feel.
In this episode, Jaime joins Gully Flowers and Kerrie Finch to talk about:
Building JOAN into one of the most admired independent agencies in the world
How emotion (not strategy decks) powers the best creative work
The story behind the Womanikin — a life-saving design that changed CPR training forever
The future of creativity in the age of AI, and what it really means to “win for humanity”
Why the next generation of creatives deserves new ways in
A conversation about feeling first, leading boldly, and building work that actually matters.
🎙️ Second Wind — candid conversations with the most creative minds in business.
He’s the mind behind Taste the Rainbow.
The man who convinced Mars, Unilever, and half of Madison Avenue to take creative risks — and made the weirdest, funniest, most unforgettable ads in history.
In this episode of Second Wind, Gully Flowers and Jake Neske sit down with Gerry Graf - founder of Barton F. Graf and SLAP Global, and the creative force behind Skittles Pinata, Starburst Little Lad, You’re Not You When You’re Hungry, and Ragu: Long Day of Childhood.
They unpack how Gerry made it all happen:
– How Skittles went from safe to surreal
– How “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” was launched
– What it takes to sell bold work inside giant corporations
– The secret to making brands funny and effective
– How one brief, one risk, and one rule changed advertising forever
A 39-minute masterclass in creative conviction — and a reminder that great ads aren’t written, they’re fought for.
🎙️ Second Wind is known for candid conversations with the biggest names in the business.
#GerryGraf #Advertising #Creativity #SecondWind #Marketing #Skittles #Snickers #Starburst #Ragu
Chapin Clark has seen the creative industry evolve from Flash microsites to AI-driven campaigns - and somehow, he’s kept the soul of it intact.
In this conversation, the legendary voice behind R/GA’s Twitter talks about surviving 25 years inside one of the world’s most influential agencies, mentoring creatives like Paulie Dery, and finding the balance between craft and chaos in the digital age.
It’s a masterclass in creative endurance, reinvention, and remembering what actually makes ideas stick.
Jean Batthany led creative at two of the world’s biggest brands.
In this episode, she talks about the tension between structure and imagination, and what it takes to keep creativity alive inside corporate systems.
From navigating layers of approval to protecting the spark that makes ideas matter, Jean shares how she built cultures of trust, risk-taking, and empathy inside the world’s most complex organizations.
This is a conversation about the clash between process and possibility - and how great leaders make space for magic inside the machine.
Sadira Furlow’s career is a study in reinvention, from Pepsi’s viral Super Bowl moments (Puppy Monkey Baby, anyone?) to leading global brand and communications at Tony’s Chocolonely. In this conversation, she joins Gully Flowers and Kerrie Finch to talk about trading scale for soul, humor as activism, and what it takes to make ethical storytelling irresistible.
She opens up about:
Her journey from aspiring orthopedic surgeon to Adweek Brand Genius.
How Tony’s turned a chocolate bar into a global protest.
Why discomfort is a compass for growth.
The line between AI as a tool and AI as a crutch.
And what “radical transparency” really looks like in business.
A vivid, funny, deeply human look at how creativity, conscience, and curiosity collide.
Fabio Ruffet leads some of the world’s most loved brands — including Twix, Snickers, and Mars’ global gum portfolio — but his creative journey started with a bold move: spending all he had on the fanciest envelopes in Argentina to land his first job.
In this Second Wind conversation with Gully Flowers and Jake Neske, Fabio reflects on his path from agencies like Ogilvy and Havas to leading brand experience across Europe and beyond. He shares:
Why consistency is the most powerful tool for long-term brand building.
How Mars is using AI and technology to expand creativity in unexpected ways.
Lessons from iconic campaigns like Snickers x Mourinho AI persona and Twix Harmonizer.
The role of curiosity, tenacity, and collaboration in building a resilient career.
Why rejection, like auditions for actors, is essential for creative growth.
This is a candid look at the craft of brand building from someone shaping how billions experience some of the world’s most iconic products.
In this episode of Second Wind, Wes ter Haar the Co-Founder of MediaMonks, reflects on how digital marketing has evolved, the role of AI in reshaping the industry, and why cultural values and leadership matter more than ever.
From scaling MediaMonks from a local shop to a global powerhouse, to navigating today’s AI-driven transformation, Wes shares lessons on:
Adapting to the shifting digital landscape
The pressures and opportunities AI creates for agencies and marketing teams
How leadership by example and cultural values define long-term success
Why agencies must rethink business models to stay relevant in the future
This is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on creativity, leadership, and the business of marketing in decades.
👉 Share this with a friend in the industry who’s thinking about AI, growth, and the future of agencies.
Greg Hahn - Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Mischief - joins Second Wind to unpack the art of creating work that’s as fun as it is fearless. From his early days in psychology and journalism to leading one of the most awarded agencies in the world, Greg shares how Mischief built a culture where risk-taking thrives.
In this episode, Greg reflects on:
The journey from psychology to advertising—and what that brings to creativity
How to build safe spaces that encourage brave, culture-shaping ideas
The role of strategy in helping clients embrace bold work
The impact of AI on creativity and the future of the industry
Why fun, authenticity, and legacy matter in creative leadership
A candid conversation about creativity, culture, and the mischievous spirit that keeps advertising alive.
In this conversation, Gully Flowers interviews Diana, with Jake Neske perched off camera.
Diana is a creative leader with extensive experience in both agency and brand environments. They discuss her journey from a designer to a creative director, the importance of creative briefs, and the evolving media landscape, particularly the impact of platforms like TikTok. Diana emphasizes the need for collaboration between agencies and brands, the significance of mentorship for young talent, and her vision for a creative culture that values innovation and personal connection. The discussion also touches on the future of creativity in business and the legacy Diana hopes to leave behind.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creative Leadership
02:49 The Journey from Agency to Brand
06:10 Navigating the Evolving Media Landscape
08:59 The Role of Agencies in Modern Marketing
11:54 The Importance of Collaboration and Mentorship
15:04 Experiential Marketing and Community Building
17:50 The Future of Creativity in Business
21:00 Finding and Nurturing Young Talent
23:46 Creative Processes and Innovation
26:54 Legacy and Personal Values
In this episode, Gully Flowers sits down with James Kuczynski, Global Senior Creative Director at Duolingo, to unpack how one of the world’s most recognizable brands keeps creativity playful—and performance high. From the viral “Dead Duo” campaign to the way Duolingo uses social media as a storytelling engine, James shares how fun fuels innovation, why risk is part of the job, and where he thinks brand strategy is headed next.
You’ll hear:
Why “fun” is Duolingo’s not-so-secret growth engine
How to balance creative freedom with process
Lessons from the “Dead Duo” campaign
How audience sentiment shapes brand messaging
The future of authentic, platform-native marketing
Summary
In this conversation, Gully Flowers talks to Joey Camire, CEO of Sylvain, who shares insights on creativity, conflict, and the importance of social responsibility in business.
They discuss his journey from neuroscience to founding a strategy and design firm, the impact of high-profile projects, and the significance of B Corp certification.
Joey emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and offers advice for new graduates entering a challenging job market. He also highlights the importance of writing and communication in enhancing one's thinking and creativity.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Joey Camire
00:23 The Importance of Strategy and Planning in Advertising
02:30 Founding Sylvain and Early Experiences
05:21 High-Profile Projects and Achievements
08:03 The Genesis of the Impact Report
08:55 B Corp Certification and Its Significance
11:46 Navigating Challenges in Professional Services
14:43 The Open Letter and Its Context
17:31 Cultural Relevance in Marketing
20:34 Conclusion and Reflections on Impact
28:02 Core Values and Company Culture
34:28 Navigating Career Challenges for New Graduates
39:25 The Importance of In-Person Engagement
47:00 Creative Processes and Personal Growth
50:04 Legacy and Being a Good Person
In this episode, Gully Flowers and Jake Neske interview GMUNK AKA Bradley Munkowitz, a pioneering designer and artist known for his work in motion design, projection mapping, and augmented reality.
GMUNK shares insights into his career journey, personal life, and the impact of AI on creativity. He discusses the importance of personal projects, the challenges of full spectrum photography, and his daily routines that help him balance work and family life. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of art and technology, and GMUNK's advice for aspiring creatives.