Role models, creative awakenings, and Oprah; The Creative Relay returns with Justine Armour

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Role models, creative awakenings, and Oprah; The Creative Relay returns with Justine Armour

The latest episode of The Creative Relay podcast has dropped with Scott Nowell from The Monkeys talking to Aussie expat and creative force, Justine Armour.

 

The conversation, recorded at Smith and Western studios in Sydney, covers the stellar trajectory of Armour’s career, from the reception desk at McCann Brisbane to the top of the table at Grey New York.

Her outstanding creative pedigree includes stints at Wieden+Kennedy and 72andSunny before her move to Grey. She talks passionately about the importance of building diversity in the industry, and how she is helping to create that change.

Says Armour: “When I was (ECD) at 72andSunny it became a point of focus to diversify that creative department. I wouldn’t hire people if I couldn’t find a diverse candidate. I’d leave the job open.”

Speaking from her home in New York, Armour talks about the challenges of starting one of the biggest creative jobs in advertising just as the pandemic struck in 2020.

Says Armour: “I started and then within two weeks we were at home doing a test day in case this thing was declared a pandemic – and here we are, still are on the extended test day” she laughs after more than a year of working remotely.

But despite these challenges, Armour sees her first year online at Grey as a gift: “There’s greatness in the creative department, and I’m actually really fortunate to have a year like I did because it forced me to not be so judgemental and reactionary. It’s given me an opportunity to understand this 104-year-old agency before I start doing too much to transform it into what I think it should be.”

For Host Paul Dunne, talking to Armour has been one of the highlights of the popular podcast series.

Says Dunne: “Like our conversation with John Hegarty, hearing from Justine has been tremendously inspiring. She has great optimism for the future of advertising, and that’s an encouraging message for our next generation of creatives.”

The latest episode, along with earlier podcasts, is available now on podcast platforms or at thecreativerelay.com.