IPA Business & Agency Leadership

THE EXPANDING SCOPE OF LEADERSHIP

The subject of leadership has spawned a never-ending list of books, podcasts, articles and posts that debate that oft-asked but rarely answered question: what makes a great leader?

Whilst the theory of leadership is fascinating, the next generation of industry leaders are now expected to be experts not just in leadership but in people, process, product, culture and commercials, all in an ever more complex operating environment. Arguably, they need less talk, and more actionable insight.

This year, the IPA’s Business & Agency Leadership course will focus on the expanding scope of leadership, and how to navigate complex social, legal and interpersonal challenges now faced by many top ad executives.

Read more about this year’s focus here.

This three-day residential course includes two nights accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). The course has been designed to be residential so that participants can remove themselves from their daily routine (even if they are based in the same city) and enjoy the opportunity to learn from course chairs, speakers and fellow delegates.

The residential nature also helps with the group and individual work. Participants will:

• Reside with other course delegates, allowing for evening networking and group work, building close working connections with industry peers
• Participate in absorption sessions, exercises and discussions
• Benefit from small group sessions and presentations from a range of industry leaders
• Undertake one-on-one guidance throughout the experience from the course chairs.

Group account directors (or equivalent)

DAY 1: FINDING YOUR AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP STYLE

• Welcome and introductions
• Creating high-performance teams
• Understanding learning and communication preferences
• Becoming an Authentic Leader
• Reflection session
• Dinner

DAY 2: LEADING IN AN AGENCY

• Panel discussion: Working with your leadership team
• Uncovering talent management strategies
• Unpacking your HR and legal responsibilities
• Shaping your proposition
• Reflection session
• Q&A Dinner

DAY 3: LEADING IN THE INDUSTRY

• Panel discussion: What clients want
• Thought leadership deep drive: AI 
• Exploring an agency’s social responsibility 
• Reflection session

Read more about guest speakers and topics here.

From manager to leader: Navigating your new role with heart and smarts by Clinton Parr, Founder, A Lion and the Vibes
2024 Chairs announced – Kirsty Muddle and Chris Howatson to chair 2024 IPA
2023 delegate Sara Stevenson shares leadership, its an abstract notion
Cognitive diversity: get the best out of your team by Mike Read, Pigs Can Fly Too
The blueprint for becoming a dynamic leader by Clare Robinson, Clarety
Speakers announced for 2023 IPA Business and Agency Leadership residential
Laura Aldington and Lindsey Evans to chair 2023 IPA Business & Agency Leadership