Lindsey Evans and Chris Howatson to Chair 2022 IPA Business & Agency Leadership Residential Course

Lindsey Evans, partner and co-CEO Special Australia, and Chris Howatson, founder and CEO Howatson+Company have been announced as chairs of this year’s IPA Business & Agency Leadership residential course, to be held at The Ovolo Hotel in Sydney from May 29 - 31.

The three-day programme, hosted by Advertising Council Australia, is a unique opportunity for senior agency directors to learn how to grow and lead a resilient, progressive business.

Lindsey and Chris, two of the country’s most experienced agency leaders, will be joined by an outstanding lineup of guest speakers who 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.

“After two years of pandemic-induced upheaval across every facet of our industry, agency leaders have had to overcome extraordinary internal and external challenges,” said Evans.

“Agility, flexibility, individuality and open-mindedness trump dogma in every instance. This is an extraordinary moment in time for leaders to make the most of our industry’s ability to adapt and lead no matter what set of circumstances are thrown their way,” she said.

Chris Howatson commented: "The ‘people, product, profit’ framework of agency leadership is as relevant as ever, but the depth required of agency leaders within each of these value pillars is increasingly complex. 

“We have shaped a comprehensive IPA Business & Agency Leadership program based on our experience that will provide participants with a diversity of perspectives on how to successfully navigate these important issues."

Evans and Howatson’s agency leadership experience is vast, with Evan’s Special, a leading independent agency, recently opening its doors in Los Angeles and London, while Howatson is recognised for his ability to design, lead and embed brand, customer and technology transformation of bluechip companies, re-establishing advertising as a multi-disciplinary profession.

IPA BUSINESS & AGENCY LEADERSHIP COURSE CONTENT: DAY 1-3

Day 1: SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP

- Finding and sustaining your authentic style

- Communication and learning preference

Day 2: LEADING INTO THE FUTURE

- What is it that you’re leading and how to create your growth mindset

- Industry change and vision 

- Value creation for tomorrow’s clients

- Q&A

Day 3: LEADING THROUGH CHALLENGES

- Duty of care tied to leadership (mental health and workplace safety)

- Diversity and inclusion: the opportunity for a better culture and how it impacts agency work

- Learnings from COVID

- Procurement and pitching 

IPA residential courses are informative, with interactive sessions featuring industry leaders and project briefs that require delegates to work collaboratively. IPA Business & Agency Leadership is highly recommended for group account directors or equivalent who are looking to take the next crucial step into leadership. 

The full line-up of speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Places in the course are limited therefore delegates are urged to book as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Full course details and registration information can be found here.