Phil Cookson’s feeling special: Creative Resource director on how to win School of Thought and why insurance marketing needs writing off

In this episode, host Ben Norman is joined by ⁠Phil Cookson⁠, co-founder of ⁠School of Thought ⁠- an intensive, competitive 12-week course that develops young creative talent in the north, with programmes each year in both Leeds and Manchester - and Director of ⁠Creative Resource,⁠ which has been recruiting for the marketing, digital, and creative sectors for over 35 years.

In this episode, Phil and Ben discuss:

● Creepy retargeting and whether brands are going too far to try and prevent waste.

● How AI is affecting the job market and whether original thinking could be the way to survive

● Why Phil gives up 26 weeks of his year to develop young creative talent

● The gender gap in creative leadership, and how School of Thought is booking the trend in producing female Creative Directors

● How to win School of Thought and some of the most memorable moments, from the Honey Monster to Pamela Anderson

● Why insurance sector marketers have turned their back on retention, and if the industry needs disrupting (like Monzo did to banking)

● Plus the power of direct mail, a special birthday card, great dogs walks, and cassoulet with Malbec.

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