
Phil Cookson’s feeling special: Creative Resource director on how to win School of Thought and why insurance marketing needs writing off
In this episode, host Ben Norman is joined by Phil Cookson, co-founder of School of Thought - an intensive, competitive 12-week course that develops young creative talent in the north, with programmes each year in both Leeds and Manchester - and Director of Creative Resource, which has been recruiting for the marketing, digital, and creative sectors for over 35 years. In this episode, Phil and Ben discuss: ● Creepy retargeting and whether brands are going too far to try and prevent waste. ● How AI is affecting the job market and whether original thinking could be the way to survive ● Why Phil gives up 26 weeks of his year to develop young creative talent ● The gender gap in creative leadership, and how School of Thought is booking the trend in producing female Creative Directors ● How to win School of Thought and some of the most memorable moments, from the Honey Monster to Pamela Anderson ● Why insurance sector marketers have turned their back on retention, and if the industry needs disrupting (like Monzo did to banking) ● Plus the power of direct mail, a special birthday card, great dogs walks, and cassoulet with Malbec. Connect with host Ben Norman or subscribe to avoid missing new episodes of Marketing Room 101


















