The best non-executive? An understanding ex-client
Who would I choose from outside the industry as a non-executive director (Voxpop, DW 11 February)?
An ex-head of global procurement – yes, someone from the dark side. Someone like John Gleason (formerly of Procter & Gamble).
Someone who has seen it all – the pitches, the trademarked processes, the beauty parades and so on. Someone who really understands what clients can get out of design – not creative awards, but business growth.
Who better to guide a design consultancy’s strategy and to know how to sell its importance? Unlikely bedfellows, but actually it’s a marriage made in heaven: creativity with objectivity.
Jon Davies, Director, Butterfly Cannon, by e-mail
Comments
Jon… great perspective. Your advice to invite contrary opinions and experiences – rather than to avoid them, can add great value to design firms and client behaviors, alike.
Seek it out. Embrace it. Learn from it. Excellent counsel. Thanks!
Thank you, also, for your very kind comments about my own experiences and perspective – and the possible value that contrary experiences might have on the business of design – and on the design business.
I look for great things to emerge from your new “cocoon”. I look forward to our next opportunity to cross paths.
Cheers! John Gleason