Mentorship plays an important role in fostering both personal career growth and driving innovation across the creative and marketing world. The guidance mentors provide not only helps shape individual careers, but also builds the confidence needed to push creative boundaries and take us into the future.  

The 2025 Creative LIAisons program is a powerful example of mentorship in action. By pairing emerging creatives with established industry leaders from around the world — including FCB’s very own Jacquie Mullany (CCO, FCB Africa), Kyle Harman-Turner (ECD & Creative Partner, FCB London), Leisa Wall (CCO, FCB Aotearoa), Nancy Crimi-Lamanna (CCO, FCB Canada), Neville Shah (CCO, FCB Kinnect), and Nikki Chapman (Production Partner, FCB London) — the program offers invaluable opportunities for learning, inspiration, and connection. 

This year, several FCBers took part as mentees, connecting one-on-one with some of the most respected minds in the business. We caught up with a few of them to hear about their biggest takeaways — from insights into the judging process to a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process behind some of the most iconic campaigns. 

Let’s Hear from the Mentees…

Alanna Quinlan, Senior Art Director at FCB Chicago: “The LIAisons in Vegas was such an energizing experience. Connecting with creatives from across networks and the globe; hearing what fuels their work reminded me how much passion and optimism lives in this industry. What struck me most was the sense of camaraderie. Everyone coming together with kindness to talk about creativity, even amid so much global and political unrest. It was a reminder of how powerful shared ideas and imagination can be. But I can’t not mention the coolest bit which was watching the award jury deliberate. You always hear about what goes into the judging process, but seeing it play out in the room was something else.”

Bassam Ehab, Senior Art Director at Horizon FCB: “It’s honestly more than amazing to meet a legend in the industry and have the chance to exchange insights face to face. You get to hear their perspective on your ideas, your way of thinking, and even your previous work, which is incredibly valuable.

What makes it special is that you can sit one-on-one with the creative mind behind an iconic campaign or a proactive idea, and ask them in detail about their process, the challenges they faced, how they overcame them, and what they learned along the way.

Beyond the knowledge, it’s also about the people. Meeting mentors who genuinely listen, share openly, and encourage you gives you a real sense of direction. That feeling that you’re on the right track, and that you should just keep going.”

Dante Attuoni, Design Lead at FCB London: “Creative Liaisons was an incredible experience all round. Spending a week surrounded by a mixture of passionate, motivated creative peers and immensely inspiring giants of the industry was truly special. I will take with me a heap of insightful talks, tips and ideas that have revolutionized my approach to creative work.”

Brenda Cruz, Senior Art Director at FCB Newlink: "My experience has been fun and refreshing. Connecting with inspiring leaders in the industry has been an incredible opportunity to learn from their careers and to shape where I want to go and what I want to achieve. I’m taking with me the empowerment and the valuable advice I’ve received from these sessions, along with a strong desire to keep learning from this amazing creative industry. Many thanks to my mentors for keeping the door open for me and my creativity.”