I am fascinated by success, by leadership and by the leaders of creative people.

I started in this business as a copywriter. I had talent, but no plan, career strategy, or mentors. I fell for the ‘turn this place into a creative hot shop’ spiel one too many times.

I became a creative recruiter. My fascination with leadership continued. I continued my research one interview at a time. When I wasn't interviewing, I was studying the best agencies and the people that make them great.

The Diary of a Creative Director Project began.

In 2010, I stopped recruiting to launch Heidi Consults.

In between conversations with the world’s most interesting Creative Directors, I am hired by CEO's to coach creatives, CD's, ECD's and CCO's in their first leadership roles. I get them up to speed and effective faster. I am hired by HR to help someone whose employment has ended to get ‘market ready’ sooner. I teach agencies how to hire better people and build winning teams. I speak at conferences and at schools on creative leadership, talent attraction and career strategy.

I coach creative people who have lost their way and help them find their compass again. I help launch, reignite or reinvent the businesses of self employed or freelance creatives.

I answer the questions that many creative professionals have but don’t know who to turn to for answers.

I listen, I can see a solution, I point the way through, I teach, I reinvigorate, I provide hope.

I turn the muddle in a creative’s brain that is great for creating ideas, but not so great for formulating plans - into an action plan that can be acted upon and executed.

My successes are many, but here’s the rub. The work I do is confidential. Agencies would rather my involvement be silent, and discreet. So would most individuals.

Some Random Thoughts

FUN
To stand beside the CCO I coached on stage in Cannes as they win Agency of the Year.

ANNOYANCE
Leaders who are more interested in the perks of the job than the tough emotional gut wrenching part of the job. CEO’s who protect weak leaders.

INSPIRATION
Leaders with the balls to lead.*

LEAST ADMIRABLE TRAIT
Directness

MOST ADMIRED TRAIT
Directness

SECRET CRUSH
Usually the last CD I interviewed.

QUOTE
What's your goal?

CAN'T DECIPHER
Why more creative people don’t use the power of creativity to create exactly the career (and life) they want.

CAN'T STAND
Excuses.

PASSION
Gardening

NERDY OBSESSION
Downton Abbey. Been to London, visited the castle.
A little over the top. I know.

MOST PROUD OF
Creating the 3rd highest attended seminar in Cannes in 2007; turning a weed covered property into an award winning garden, 2013.

FAVORITE DIARY OF A CREATIVE DIRECTOR INTERVIEW TO DATE
I’ll never tell.

*these balls are gender neutral

HEIDI EHLERS