Andrew Graff, CEO of independent agency Allen & Gerritsen, said part of crafting this collaborative culture comes from internalizing that expertise does not always stem from traditional experience. He said the agency celebrates opportunities for “reverse mentorship,” in which more junior employees offer insights to leadership.

“The creative leader was the person everyone walked around and was in service of, and I think those days are over,” said Clunie. “The creative department isn’t the only creative department in the company.”