The Golden Trio

If you are part of a well-run creative endeavor, look to your left and then to your right. Chances are you have two complementary partners.

Lately, I’ve been having a number of conversations about how to lead and run a successful piece of creative business, and it always seems to come down to the “Golden Trio:” a creative, a business leader, and a strategist.

Image: Midjourney

This is true for the advertising business. I’ve seen Golden Trios in action and have been lucky to be part of some throughout my entire career.

I’ve also seen this structure work in other creative endeavors.

Look no further than the music business.

The Beatles had a Golden Trio: John and Paul (creative). Brian Epstein (business). George Martin (music strategy).

How bout Def Jam? Rick Rubin (creative). Russell Simmons (business). Lyor Cohen (strategy).

Movies, too.

Disney: Walt (creative). Roy (business). Ub Iwerks (strategy).

Dreamworks: Spielberg (creative). Katzenberg (business). Geffen (strategy).

TV?

Sopranos: David Chase (creative). Chris Albrecht (business). Brad Grey (strategy).

Shondaland: Shonda Rhimes (creative). Betsy Beers (business/production). Krista Vernoff (strategy).

How are your creative endeavors going?

Are you working solo? Aa a duo? Or is it time for you to create a Golden Trio?

Rob Schwartz is the Chair of the TBWA New York Group and an executive coach who channels his creativity, experience and wisdom into helping others get where they want to be. This was originally posted on his Substack, RobSchwartzHelps, where he covers work, life, and creativity.

Header image by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash.

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