Chaka Sobhani - Leading with heart and creativity

In the third episode of The Speakeasier, we speak to one of the advertising industry's most acclaimed creative leaders, Chaka Sobhani.

Chaka Sobhani is the Global Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett. Before joining the ad industry, Chaka spent over a decade as an award-winning filmmaker and in television. She set up ITV’s first in-house creative agency, during which time the network regained the no.1 position in the UK, before spending a number of years leading the independent agency Mother. Earlier this year, under her tenure Leo Burnett London won Campaign’s Agency of the Year and Chaka was named Creative Leader of the Year.

In our conversation, Chaka explains why she believes that businesses need to prioritise ED&I as much as new business development, and how leaders can reckon with the time it takes to create meaningful inclusion. Chaka also reveals how her personal origin story drove her to want to tell stories to make others feel represented and connected.

Timestamps

(01:57) - Chaka’s origin story

(07:34) - Finding connection through storytelling

(14:38) - Leading with heart

(18:58) - ED&I is as important as new business

(21:31) - Are we talking less about diversity?

(24:35) - Career growth and self-advocacy

(30:53) - How to reflect as a creative leader

(36:27) - Inclusive leadership post-pandemic

(40:12) - What is the nirvana for ED&I?

This episode was hosted by The Unmistakables’ Founder and CEO, Asad Dhunna, and Managing Director, Simone Marquis.

This episode is available to watch along with full subtitles on YouTube.