Patrick 'Paddy' Affleck aims to 'walk the walk when it comes to inclusion and courage in particular, his personal story is quite different from your average media agency CEO. That why he known as someone who likes to challenge conventional ways of thinking about this business.

Affleck speaks to Omar Oakes about his personal journey from growing up on a commune in Devon and how it has shaped his attitude to leadership and mental-health challenges at work. His philosophy emphasies progressiveness, adaptability, and ethical practices and he highlights Havas' initiatives like "Havas Minds" and "Havas More" to support mental health and work-life balance.

He also addresses the industry's evolving role, stressing the importance of combining human creativity with AI for effective client solutions. Affleck also touches on Havas' strategic investments in data, technology, and talent to enhance client relationships and sustainability efforts, such as their work with Shell which has attracted criticism.

Affleck joined Havas Media Group as its UK CEO in July 2020 from Dentsu, where he spent 12 years, and has over 20 years' experience in the industry spanning integrated planning, digital strategy and innovation and activation. He was a Grand-Prix winner (agency leader of the year) in The Media Leader Awards 2024.

Highlights:

3:08 : How Paddy's background shaped his leadership qualities.

19:59 : The importance of adaptability for agencies.

23:45 : How can the industry improve mental health practices?

31:09 : What makes Havas Media distinct from its competitors?

34:53 : The future of media agencies — staying relevant in an era of AI development

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Podcast: Yannick Bolloré on why Vivendi wants to create 4 ‘cousin companies’

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Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.

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