On this episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Kevin Frank—creative leader, former Apple and LinkedIn director, and author of the new book Raising Creative Teams. Kevin shares his journey from hands-on creative to creative director, revealing the tough lessons, steep learning curves, and mindset shifts that shaped his approach to leadership.

Kurt and Kevin delve into the challenges of managing creative individuals: how to provide meaningful feedback, set teams up for success, and foster a safe, supportive environment that empowers innovation. Kevin explains why regular one-on-ones are key (and how to make them more valuable), discusses the power of storytelling for both leaders and teams, and unpacks why a culture of honest, objective feedback helps creative work thrive.

They also delve into remote work, maintaining intentionality as a manager, and striking a balance between structure and freedom in creative processes. Whether you’re leading a team of designers, engineers, or any innovative professionals, you’ll find actionable insights and real-world anecdotes in this engaging conversation.

Grab Kevin’s book, connect with him on LinkedIn, and take away practical tips for building happier, higher-performing creative teams!

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Mastering Creative Leadership