Ivan Pols

Background

About Ivan Pols

At what3words, we've built a remarkable global business with an original idea, a powerful brand story, human creativity, AI technology, and use of data. As the Chief Creative Officer for what3words, I lead a wonderful in-house team based in 3 countries, with the responsibility for building a great brand experience across all touchpoints. what3words is used by thousands of businesses and millions of people across the world. I'm also the co-founder of Truth & Spectacle, a consultancy that helps organisations create powerful stories that inspire them to leap forward. We've developed unique methodology, combining creativity with a questioning mindset, that enables teams to understand new strategies and co-create actionable change quickly. We work with all industries, with a focus on scale-ups, change projects, and charities. I practise inclusive creativity, because with the rate of change we face on all fronts organisations need to continuously adapt and reinvent to stay relevant. And reinvention requires creativity. That's why at what3words there is no "creative department", because everyone helps to create the brand. It's a creative company. My skills to achieve business objectives include: brand direction and leadership, curiosity and adaption, creative operations, creative strategy and brief writing, business innovation, management and communication, AI tools and software like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Gemini, Perplexity, and Canva. My career path includes being a Global Creative Director at both Ogilvy London and adam & eveDDB. Highlights include: Growing the what3words brand globally, leading to millions of users and year on year growth. Hellmann's Canada that led to a Grand Prix for Sustained Growth. Dove Real Beauty China market launch, global market growth through applied insights, and a few awards. Helping Ogilvy win the global Philips account. My awards include Grand Prix and Golds, at D & AD, Cannes, One Show, Clios, London International, in categories including Integrated Campaign, Innovation, Product Design, Effectiveness, and even web banners. I also judge awards, and speak about in-house creative leadership. I love creating memorable ideas; the most famous campaign probably being Diamond Shreddies, the cereal campaign that ended up in advertising textbooks, business books, TED Talks, spoof videos, and a nearly 20% sales uplift. I'm a big believer in building an in-house creative community, and to share experiences to inspire more Chief Creative Officers across all industries. I also draw cartoons.