In this session recorded at PI Apparel in Los Angeles in 2023, Jo Andrews, the VP of Global Apparel & Headwear at Skechers shares her perspective on the mechanisms to enhance creative leadership.
The talk covers:
The Importance of Creative Culture: Jo emphasizes the need to nurture an inclusive culture that amplifies the team’s creative voice. This involves creating a caring and supportive environment for all team members, including those in marketing, apparel design, graphic design, and even engineering.
Team Dynamics – Fluidity and Adaptability: She draws an analogy between effective teams and water, highlighting their ability to adapt, support each other, and come together to face challenges, much like water flows and changes form.
Elements of Collaborative Teams: Healthy communication is crucial. Jo discusses the importance of listening, showing gratitude, and ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued. This approach fosters stronger team dynamics and trust.
Empowerment and Diverse Perspectives: Empowerment is seen as giving team members space to achieve their goals. Jo stresses the importance of clarity in expectations and allowing diverse paths to reach common goals.
Leadership in Creative Teams: Reflecting on her journey from designer to manager, Jo shares insights on the evolution of her leadership style. She emphasizes the shift from being directive to becoming more of a guide, supporting and trusting her team’s capabilities.
Team Agreements and Life Roadmaps: She suggests practical tools like team agreements and life roadmaps to build unity and understanding within teams, especially during change management or when integrating new members.
Challenges in Leadership: Jo addresses various leadership challenges, such as managing resistance to change, maintaining collaboration in remote settings, and bridging communication gaps between creative and analytical team members. She advocates for empathy, open dialog, and continuous personal and team growth.
