Discovering the Science, Aesthetics, and Emotional Depth in Work Beyond Financial Data at Our Website
Rewritten Article:
Here's a guest post from Stacey Ryan-Cornelius, global finance leader at Ogilvy. Opinions are the author's own.
Many view finance leaders in creative industries as roadblocks, numbers crunchers who stifle creativity. I've found that to be far from the reality in my experience. Effective financial leadership required more than just analytical skills - it required a mix of data savvy, creativity, and empathy. Let's delve into how each of these aspects has taught me valuable leadership lessons.
Data Savvy: Understanding the Human Element
I view financial leadership as a science, given its focus on specific outcomes and measurable results. Yet numbers tell intricate stories when you pay attention. As a leader of a global company serving major clients, I carry the responsibility of safeguarding the financial health of over 10,000 employees and countless clients who rely on our stability. To excel, I need to go beyond the numbers to understand human behavior.
My growing interest in behavioral science, nurtured by Ogilvy's leading practice in the field, has deepened my belief that finance leaders must understand the "why" behind people's actions. This perspective allows my team to assess business cases objectively while considering hidden agendas, underestimated timelines, costs, and unforeseen complexities.
The human touch is crucial when making decisions, especially investments. My job isn't merely to make the financial case but also the emotional one. Building relationships and engaging in honest conversations ensures we stay aligned with the right business objectives, making problem-solving and communication decisions transparent.
Creativity: Bringing Vision and Passion to Shared Goals
Art is deeply personal, with each work reflecting the imagination, drive, and emotions of its creator. Just as every work of art is unique, so is the way each of us approaches leadership. I've learned that there's no one-size-fits-all approach.
Building on this idea, I've realized that embracing the artistic element in my role has benefited our business, notably in our client partnerships. Ogilvy works with some of the world's biggest brands, and to ensure our relationship adds value, I focus on the product we create for them and how it drives their growth. By immersing myself in the process, I collaborate with internal teams and client stakeholders to shape business positioning alongside the creative, gaining a deeper understanding of their needs. The result is a shared vision that makes aligning on financial decisions easier.
Embracing creativity allows me to stand firm in my vision while considering feedback and staying focused on shared goals that drive progress.
Empathy: Leaning into Authenticity and Purpose
I believe that self-validation, rooted in my authentic self, has been the most crucial asset I bring to my work. One of my mantras is, "Nobody in this world can be me." That doesn't mean I'm the best, but it means that my self-belief fuels my confidence in making tough decisions, even when others may not see the vision immediately.
As a Black woman, I've had to navigate challenges others haven't faced and had to prove myself differently. Yet I've learned to counter self-doubt with self-validation, focusing on my purpose and the impact I want to make. By leaning into my authentic self, I help set an example for others from any background, serving at any level. Embracing my soul as a source of strength demonstrates that differences aren't obstacles; they're opportunities for growth and innovation.
In conclusion, the blend of science, art, and soul in financial leadership is essential for fostering growth and sustainability in creative industries. By incorporating data analytics, strategic planning, creativity, adaptability, empathy, and purpose, finance leaders can navigate complex challenges, support creative businesses effectively, and ultimately contribute to a positive impact on society.
- In creative industries, finance leaders are often perceived as hindrances, but in reality, they require more than just numerical skills - they need data savvy, creativity, and empathy to excel.
- data savvy enables finance leaders to understand the human element, go beyond the numbers, and examine the motives behind people's actions.
- By actively listening and empathizing with their teams and clients, leaders can make decisions that are both financially sound and emotionally resonant.
- Creativity is integral to a finance leader's role, allowing them to bring a unique vision and passion to shared goals and collaborate effectively with internal teams and clients.
- Engaging with the artistic process can help leaders better understand a client's needs and ultimately create a shared vision that aligns with business objectives.
- Lean leadership necessitates embracing empathy, which means leaning into authenticity, focusing on purpose, and demonstrating that individual differences are opportunities for growth and innovation.
- By blending science, art, and soul, finance leaders can navigate complex challenges and contribute to the growth, sustainability, and positive impact of creative businesses in society.
- Effective financial leadership requires adaptability, strategic planning, and a compassionate, comprehensive approach that considers not only the numbers but the human and artistic elements of business operations.
