The Media Leader Podcast
Patrick ‘Paddy’ Affleck speaks to Omar Oakes about his personal journey from growing up on a commune in Devon and how it has shaped his attitude to leadership and mental-health challenges at work.
His philosophy emphasies progressiveness, adaptability, and ethical practices and he highlights Havas’ initiatives like “Havas Minds” and “Havas More” to support mental health and work-life balance.
Listen now by hitting the play button or use the appropriate entry point into Spotify, Apple or Google Podcasts:
Affleck also addresses the industry’s evolving role, stressing the importance of combining human creativity with AI for effective client solutions. He touches on Havas’ strategic investments in data, technology, and talent to enhance client relationships and sustainability efforts, including their work with Shell, which has attracted criticism.
Affleck joined Havas Media Group as its UK CEO in July 2020 from Dentsu, where he spent 12 years. He has over 20 years’ experience in the industry spanning integrated planning, digital strategy and innovation and activation, and was a Grand-Prix winner (agency leader of the year) in The Media Leader Awards 2024.
Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode. Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audience.
Highlights
3:08: How Paddy’s background shaped his leadership qualities.
19:59: The importance of adaptability for agencies.
23:45: How can the industry improve mental health practices?
31:09: What makes Havas Media distinct from its competitors?
34:53: The future of media agencies — staying relevant in an era of AI development
Related articles
Vivendi confirms plans to list Canal+ and Havas
Havas Media expands Boost initiative to support north west
Podcast: Yannick Bolloré on why Vivendi wants to create 4 ‘cousin companies’
Previous episodes
It’ll all end in tiers: Latest on ‘premium vs ads’ strategy for Netflix, Disney and Spotify
The Future of Origin — with Isba’s Phil Smith
Trump, The Sequel: Has media learned anything since 2016?
