Creative Ops Compass

In Focus Consulting
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In each episode, Creative Ops Compass tackles one specific creative operations challenge that's keeping in-house teams from doing their best work. Join creative operations consultant Jesse Krinsky as he works with in-house creative leaders and the people who collaborate with them: internal stakeholders, freelance creatives, production companies, and external agencies. Each episode zeroes in on a single creative ops challenge, delivering actionable, consultant-grade solutions you can implement immediately. With 20 years of experience managing creatives and clients across agencies, production companies, and in-house teams, Jesse brings deep expertise in the three pillars of creative operations: project management, stakeholder relations, and strategic positioning. Whether diagnosing and solving problems in real time or uncovering how teams have successfully navigated common obstacles, every conversation delivers targeted strategies for the challenges that hold back in-house creative teams.

Episodes

  1. DEC 18

    Why Your Failed Creative Ops Initiative Deserves a Second Chance (And How to Know When)

    We've all heard the quote about insanity being "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." It's often attributed to Einstein, which makes it feel like scientific fact. But it's complete nonsense. In this minisode, Jesse challenges this widely misquoted phrase and explores why in-house creative teams give up too easily on initiatives that failed once. From DAM system proposals to strategic positioning efforts, creative leaders often let one "no" define the future. But conditions change. People change. Your team's capabilities grow. Jesse breaks down how to diagnose why past initiatives failed, identify when conditions have actually shifted, and determine when it's strategic (not stubborn) to try again. Key Topics DiscussedWhy the "insanity" quote is factually wrong on multiple levelsHow in-house creative teams hold themselves back after one failed attemptThe diagnostic framework: separating stakeholder readiness from solution qualityReal client example: strategic positioning that failed two years ago but succeeded recentlyWhen you genuinely shouldn't try again (and how to know the difference)Three specific signals that conditions have shifted enough to warrant a second attemptConnect with JesseLearn more about Jesse's work at www.infocusconsulting.netConnect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessekrinskyHave a creative ops challenge you're facing? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Reach out to Jesse at jesse@infocusconsulting.netSubscribe & ReviewIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe to Creative Ops Compass and leave a review. Your feedback helps other creative leaders find the show and shapes future episode topics.

    9 min

  2. DEC 2

    Setting the Stage: In-House Studios with Lauren Jensen

    Most creative leaders think asking for a smaller budget will help them get approval for a studio. They're wrong. In this episode, Lauren Jensen of Provost Studio explains why that approach backfires, and shares the frameworks she uses to help in-house teams navigate the complex process of winning studio approval. From deciding whether to build in the first place through execution and beyond, Lauren reveals why this is fundamentally a transformation project about people and relationships, not technology and equipment. About the GuestLauren Jensen is Vice President of Growth and Partnerships at Provost Studio, a firm that designs broadcast studios and camera-ready branded spaces for major corporations including NASCAR, Atlanta United, and Fortune 500 companies. She helps creative teams translate technical needs into business language that resonates with leadership, and guides them through the organizational challenges of securing approval, building internal partnerships, and executing studio projects. Before joining Provost Studio, Lauren spent over a decade working at experience design agencies and led transformation initiatives at Disguise, a virtual production technology company. Key Topics DiscussedWhether building makes sense versus continuing to rent or outsourceWhy asking for too little budget is one of the biggest mistakes creative teams makeBuilding authentic relationships with Facilities, IT, and other internal partners earlyManaging the studio approval process alongside day-to-day responsibilitiesWhy studios should be treated as transformation projects, not just technical upgradesWhat happens after the build: preparing for unexpected demand and use casesConnect with LaurenLearn more about Provost Studio at www.provost-studio.comConnect with Lauren on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurendjensen/Follow Provost Studio on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/provost-studio/Connect with JesseLearn more about Jesse's work at www.infocusconsulting.netConnect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessekrinskyHave a creative ops challenge you're facing? Want to be a guest on the show? Reach out at jesse@infocusconsulting.netSubscribe & ReviewIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe to Creative Ops Compass and leave a review. Your feedback helps other creative leaders find the show and shapes future episode topics.

    25 min

  3. NOV 19

    Embracing Risk with Tim Bradley

    Jesse speaks with Tim Bradley, founder of Pennant Video, about why in-house creative teams tend to play it safe and what that caution costs them over time. Tim shares insights from running a video agency that collaborates regularly with internal teams, revealing the dynamics that keep teams stuck in risk-averse patterns and the practical steps leaders can take to break the cycle. About the GuestTim Bradley is the founder of Pennant Video, a mid-funnel focused video agency specializing in the critical trust-building phase of the buyer's journey. With expertise in helping brands communicate new positioning, support sales kickoffs, and capture customer stories, Tim works alongside in-house creative teams at inflection points where speed, focus, and objectivity matter most. He brings a unique outside perspective on what holds internal teams back and what makes creative partnerships genuinely productive. Key Topics DiscussedWhy in-house teams are more risk averse than external agenciesThe compounding cost of playing it safeThe case for protected timeWhat to look for when evaluating agency partnersBuilding strategic value through internal relationships and calendar visibilityConnect with TimLearn more about Pennant Video at www.pennantvideo.comConnect with JesseLearn more about Jesse's work at www.infocusconsulting.netConnect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessekrinskyHave a creative ops challenge you're facing? Want to be a guest on the show? Reach out at jesse@infocusconsulting.netSubscribe & ReviewIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe to Creative Ops Compass and leave a review. Your feedback helps other creative leaders find the show and shapes future episode topics.

    25 min

  4. OCT 30

    The Great Mandate Debate

    In this solo episode, Jesse tackles a question that comes up constantly with in-house creative teams: should there be a mandate requiring stakeholders to work with you instead of external agencies? Jesse shares his honest perspective on why mandates often backfire, when they might actually make sense, and what it takes to build a team that stakeholders choose to work with rather than one they're forced to use. Key Topics DiscussedWhy mandates can signal weakness and create the perception that your team can't compete on meritThe backfire effect: getting compliance without enthusiasm, trust, or early strategic involvementThe benefits when stakeholders work with external vendors (exposure to new approaches and concrete case studies for your value)Three scenarios where limited, temporary mandates might be strategicConnect with JesseLearn more about Jesse's work at www.infocusconsulting.netConnect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessekrinsky/Have a creative ops challenge you're facing? Want to be a guest on the show? Reach out to Jesse at jesse@infocusconsulting.netSubscribe & ReviewIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe to Creative Ops Compass and leave a comment. Let Jesse know what creative ops challenges you're facing and what topics would help your team work better.

    11 min

  5. OCT 23

    Navigating Change with Priya Shah

    In this episode, Jesse speaks with Priya Shah, CEO and founder of Shah Squared Consulting, about one of the most frustrating challenges for in-house creative teams: getting process improvements to actually stick after implementation. Priya brings over 15 years of experience helping global companies, startups, and mission-driven organizations enhance their social media presence and operations. In this conversation, she shares hard-won insights about why implementations fail, how to get real stakeholder buy-in, and practical strategies for maintaining momentum long after consultants leave. About the GuestPriya Shah is the CEO and Founder of Shah Squared Consulting, a fractional communications firm that helps healthcare and B2B organizations enhance their digital presence through strategic comms and employee advocacy. With her proprietary Shah Squared Communications Model™, she connects authentic storytelling with measurable business results. Key Topics DiscussedWhy teams default back to old processes despite knowing better ways existOvercoming team members' fears about consultants and changeThe critical difference between one-to-many and one-to-one stakeholder communicationFinding and leveraging internal champions at all levels (not just leadership)Creating sustainable roadmaps that account for daily workload realitiesWhy cultural differences impact change adoption in global organizationsMain TakeawaysAddress the fear factor directlyTeam members often see consultants as "the Bobs" from Office Space. Counter this by showing how new processes free them up for more strategic, visible work rather than threatening their roles. Customize your message to each stakeholderAs Priya said, "If they care about numbers, come with numbers. If they care about visuals, come with visuals. Speaking their language is essential for buy-in." Think beyond the roadshow approachBig Zoom meetings where you announce "here's how you work with us now" often fail. Invest in one-to-one conversations where you can read verbal and nonverbal cues. Build in grace periodsImplementation isn't a light switch. Create manageable phases, and be okay with pausing during big campaigns or busy periods. Progress beats perfection. Look beyond senior leadership for championsPeer-to-peer influence can be more powerful than top-down mandates. Find your hand-raisers at every level. Resources MentionedLearn more about Jesse's work at www.infocusconsulting.netConnect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessekrinskyConnect with JesseHave a creative ops challenge you're facing? Want to be a guest on the show? Reach out to Jesse at jesse@infocusconsulting.net Subscribe & ReviewIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe to Creative Ops Compass and leave a review. Your feedback helps other creative leaders find the show and shapes future episode topics.

    21 min

  6. OCT 23

    Building Agency Partnerships with Joel Kaplan

    Jesse speaks with Joel Kaplan, founder of MK3 Creative, about how in-house creative teams can build stronger, more productive relationships with external agencies. Joel shares nearly 30 years of insights from the agency side, revealing what separates one-off projects from long-term partnerships and how better communication in the intake process saves both time and money for everyone involved. About the GuestJoel Kaplan is the founder of MK3 Creative, a Boston area creative agency with nearly three decades of experience working with clients ranging from small internal creative departments to major corporate teams. Joel brings a unique perspective on what makes agency relationships work, having seen firsthand the communication breakdowns, missing information, and stakeholder challenges that can derail even well-intentioned projects. Key Topics DiscussedThe critical elements of an effective creative briefHow to get stakeholders involved early without losing controlQuestions to ask that clarify creative direction and decision-making authorityManaging the line between helpful input and micromanagementWhat it takes to maintain long-term agency partnershipsMain Takeaways1. Start with a solid briefThe more information you provide upfront, the better the creative concepts and budgets you'll receive. A well-written brief saves time on both sides by preventing unnecessary rounds of revisions and proposals that miss the mark entirely. 2. Talk about budget earlyWorking through concepts without budget guidance is ”like driving with your eyes closed”. Whether you provide an exact number or a range, give your agency partners enough information to propose ideas that actually fit what you're trying to accomplish. If you're unsure about budget, have a conversation about back-of-the-napkin ranges before formal proposals begin. 3. Get stakeholders involved early in the processBuild time into your project timeline for key decision makers to weigh in before the end. Ask stakeholders what they've seen that they like, get their vision upfront, and include them in at least one early conversation with the agency. Otherwise, you're setting yourself up for scope changes, blown budgets, and starting over when someone at the top finally sees the work. 4. Clarify creative direction and decision-making authorityBe clear about where the agency comes into the process. Do you need them to develop concepts from scratch, or do you have ideas you want them to execute and enhance? And be honest about who has final approval. 5. Keep your eye on the ballWhen personalities, preferences, or shiny objects threaten to distract from the core goal, bring the conversation back to the fundamentals: who is the audience and what is the message? Every decision, from script writing to edit points, should serve those objectives.. Connect with JesseLearn more about Jesse's work at www.infocusconsulting.netConnect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessekrinskyHave a creative ops challenge you're facing? Want to be a guest on the show? Reach out to Jesse at jesse@infocusconsulting.netSubscribe & ReviewIf you found value in this episode, please subscribe to Creative Ops Compass and leave a review. Your feedback helps other creative leaders find the show and shapes future episode topics.

    23 min

  7. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Trailer

    Welcome to the Creative Ops Compass podcast!

    1 min

Trailer

About

In each episode, Creative Ops Compass tackles one specific creative operations challenge that's keeping in-house teams from doing their best work. Join creative operations consultant Jesse Krinsky as he works with in-house creative leaders and the people who collaborate with them: internal stakeholders, freelance creatives, production companies, and external agencies. Each episode zeroes in on a single creative ops challenge, delivering actionable, consultant-grade solutions you can implement immediately. With 20 years of experience managing creatives and clients across agencies, production companies, and in-house teams, Jesse brings deep expertise in the three pillars of creative operations: project management, stakeholder relations, and strategic positioning. Whether diagnosing and solving problems in real time or uncovering how teams have successfully navigated common obstacles, every conversation delivers targeted strategies for the challenges that hold back in-house creative teams.

Information

  • Creator
    In Focus Consulting
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 In Focus Consulting
  • Show Website
    Creative Ops Compass