Mastering the Science, Creativity, and Emotion Behind Our Platform: Beyond the Numbers on Our Site
Rewritten Article:
Busting the Myth: The Genuine Role of Finance Leaders in Creative Industries
Guest Post by Stacey Ryan-Cornelius, from Ogilvy's global team. Opinions expressed are her own.
Finance bosses, especially in the creative realm, often get a bad rap – they're seen as roadblocks, number crunchers, stuck-up budget enforcers, the harsh reality that tamps down creativity's wildest dreams. Perhaps it's because I didn't take the typical finance route, or maybe it's because I embrace what sets me apart, but my reality couldn't be further from this stereotype.
Of course, every good finance leader knows the numbers gotta work. But my experience across the creative industry has showed me that effective financial leadership is more than just crunching numbers – it's a blend of science, art, and soul. Here's a look at how each of these elements has taught me crucial leadership lessons.
Science: Reading Human Behavior Between the Lines
Sure, finance is all about the numbers and specific outcomes. But the science doesn't stop there because, in my experience, numbers tell intricate stories.
As part of a global company serving major clients, I'm responsible for safeguarding the financial health of over 10,000 employees and countless clients who rely on our stability. To fulfill my role effectively, I need to go beyond technical skills and dive into the psychology behind people's actions – the cues that reveal insights about morale, anxieties, skepticism, vulnerabilities, momentum, and more.
My growing fascination with behavioral science (fanned by Ogilvy's leading practice in the field) has deepened my belief that being an effective finance leader means understanding the "why" behind people's actions. This perspective helps us make balanced decisions based on numbers while taking hidden agendas, underestimated timelines, costs, and unseen complexities into account.
Ultimately, our work is a deeply human endeavor that requires more than a solid handle of numbers. A big part of my role is bringing people along on the journey. When we invest as a company, my job isn't just to make the financial case, but the emotional one too. Building relationships, engaging in honest conversations, and connecting on a human level ensures we stay aligned with the right business objectives, giving us clearer vision for problem-solving and communicating decisions with transparency.
Art: Bringing Vision and Passion to Shared Goals
Art is deeply personal, born from creators' imaginations, drive, and emotions. Each artistic expression is unique, just like each leader's approach to leadership. I've learned that embracing the artistry in my role has had a tangible impact on our business, particularly in our client partnerships.
Ogilvy works with some of the world's biggest brands, and when you're handling clients of such scale, financial leadership needs to extend beyond cold, hard numbers. To ensure our relationship is truly valuable, I focus on the product we're creating for them and how it drives their growth. By immersing myself in the process – collaborating with our internal team and client stakeholders to shape their business positioning alongside the creative – I gain a deeper understanding of their needs. As a result, when it comes time to align on financial decisions, we're already in sync.
My experience working across different aspects of the business and that of our clients reinforces another truth many artists share: not everyone will appreciate your vision. But true leadership, like incredible art, demands conviction. Over time, I've learned to stand firm in my vision while considering feedback, engaging in tough discussions with an open mind, and staying focused on shared goals that push progress forward.
Soul: Embracing Self-Validation in Service of Something Greater
The most important asset I bring to my work is my soul, my whole self. One of my mantras is, "Nobody can be me like I can." That doesn't mean I'm the best – it means that my self-belief fuels my confidence in making tough choices and bold decisions, even when others may not immediately see the vision.
As a Black woman, I know I'm a rarity in my position. My uniqueness has been a strength, but it has also meant navigating challenges that others haven't faced and having to prove myself in ways others haven't. Inequities like these are far too common, but they are a sad reality for many.
Perhaps because of this, I've struggled with impostor syndrome – the nagging feeling that I don't belong. Over time, I've learned to counter it with self-validation rather than seeking approval from others. This includes repeating the phrase, "I know the truth," to myself, a powerful reminder that helps me stay grounded when I waver. In fact, I have it as a plaque in my office as a constant reminder. This, along with my weekly journal on "what went well," are key methods to manage the self-doubt.
By embracing my own sense of soul as a source of strength, I help set an example for others from any background, at any level. Demonstrating that differences aren't barriers; they're opportunities.
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- In the realm of creative industries, finance leaders like myself are often misperceived as roadblocks, but my experience has demonstrated that we are more than number crunchers; we blend science, art, and soul in our roles.
- As a finance leader, understanding the "why" behind people's actions is crucial, as it allows us to make balanced decisions while taking hidden agendas, underestimated timelines, costs, and complexities into account.
- When collaborating with creative teams and client stakeholders, immersing oneself in the process is essential to gain a deeper understanding of their needs, ensuring financial decisions align with shared goals and promoting a valuable client partnership.
- Embracing the artistry in a finance leadership role has a tangible impact on our business and client partnerships, as it allows us to bring vision and passion to shared goals, pushing progress forward.
- Diversity-and-inclusion is critical in finance leadership, as it allows for unique perspectives that drive innovation and progress while setting an example for others from any background.
- Effective finance leadership requires self-validation, as it fuels confidence in making tough choices and bold decisions, even when others may not immediately see the vision.
- Navigating challenges and inequities, such as impostor syndrome, is important for finance leaders, as it teaches the importance of managing self-doubt and staying grounded in one's abilities.
- To foster growth in the creative industries, finance leaders must prioritize strategic investments in areas such as artistry, leadership, talent development, and diversity-and-inclusion, ensuring long-term success and sustainability for both the business and the artists it serves.
