# Rethink’s Global Chief Strategy Officer: Showing up with a point of view – Sean McDonald

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-immortal-life-of-agencies-6797269/rethink-s-global-chief-strategy-officer-showing-up-with-a-point-of-view-sean-mcdonald
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-immortal-life-of-agencies-6797269/rethink-s-global-chief-strategy-officer-showing-up-with-a-point-of-view-sean-mcdonald.md
Podcast: [The Immortal Life of Agencies](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-immortal-life-of-agencies-6797269)
Published: 2026-02-17T03:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://the-immortal-life-of-ag.captivate.fm
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/cc7eec95-143a-4b02-8a30-28888051cf40.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-immortal-life-of-agencies-6797269/episodes/rethink-s-global-chief-strategy-officer-showing-up-with-a-point-of-view-sean-mcdonald
Duration seconds: 2421

## Resource

Today’s episode features Sean McDonald, Global CSO and Partner at Rethink, exploring the power of belief. Sean’s built a reputation for candour, competitive ambition and an unwavering belief in setting the standard. But he hasn’t always led that way. He reflects on how letting go of the need to ‘win’ every meeting transformed his leadership and why discovering the answer matters more than having it. Following his journey from politics and public affairs into advertising, Sean unpacks the myth of the ‘all-knowing’ strategist, explains why strong opinions must be loosely held and shares how envy can raise standards. The conversation also looks ahead, exploring growth, independence and why agencies must commit to what they optimise for. HIGHLIGHTS [02:10] Bluntness with manners [06:22] Discovering over knowing [12:08] Cult of the hero [15:38] Competition and respect [20:32] Setting global standard [24:51] Have an opinion [29:00] The goal isn't growth [31:18] Making bets [33:21] Growth versus ‘good’ [38:00] Embracing the future MORE ABOUT SEAN: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/seanamcdonald HOST SOCIALS: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinbonn Twitter: twitter.com/robonn MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY: Website: codefinery.com Book: Market of One Mentioned in this episode: Get Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire Is your agency really as differentiated as you think? And have you fully embraced the commercial disruption that AI is bringing? To find out, take five minutes to complete Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire. It's quick, free, and thought provoking, and you get a tailored report with practical guidance for sharpening your competitive edge. Visit codefinery.com/dq

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