Owen Fegan

Oh, it's been quite the journey! My passion for music led me to found a rock band called Rubyhorse, which brought me to the United States, and even got the chance to collaborate with the legendary George Harrison. As the band journeyed, I discovered my love for creativity beyond music and found myself drawn to branding and design. That curiosity and drive to explore new avenues led me to transition into creative leadership roles, where I could elevate brands and foster design-forward cultures.

Being a musician taught me the power of creativity and how it can connect with people on a deep level. I learned the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and creating experiences that resonate with audiences. Those principles have been the cornerstone of my creative leadership style in other industries, whether it's entertainment, media, SaaS, or financial services.

I've always been intrigued by new challenges and opportunities. While I loved my experiences in entertainment and media, I wanted to explore different industries and apply my creativity in diverse ways. SaaS and financial services presented exciting challenges, and I saw the potential to make a significant impact on brands and businesses in those fields.

Scaling the creative studio at Yext was an exhilarating challenge. We had to attract and develop top-notch talent, ensuring that our creative output aligned with the company's growth and evolving brand identity. The rebranding process required meticulous planning and collaboration to maintain consistency while infusing fresh ideas. It was all about striking the right balance between creativity and strategic direction.

It's about finding the sweet spot between creativity and efficiency. I firmly believe that human-centric thinking is at the core of great design and branding. At the same time, I embrace data-driven insights to inform our decisions and measure the impact of our creative efforts. By combining these elements, we can create work that is not only visually captivating but also strategically effective.

Brand consistency and recognition are vital to building trust and loyalty among consumers. Consistency in design, messaging, and overall brand experience helps establish a strong brand identity, making it recognizable and memorable in the crowded marketplace. In my previous roles, I've worked closely with teams to develop brand guidelines that ensure consistency across all touchpoints, whether it's print, digital, or experiential. This cohesive approach reinforces the brand's values and distinguishes it from competitors.

One of the most memorable experiences was being part of Yext's journey from a growing company to an IPO and beyond. Leading the creative team through such transformative moments and witnessing the brand's evolution was incredibly rewarding. It taught me valuable lessons in adaptability, resilience, and the power of creativity to drive business success.

Authentic leadership is about being genuine, approachable, and leading by example. I strive to create a positive and collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to bring their ideas to the table. As for clear strategy, it's crucial to set well-defined goals and align the team's efforts toward achieving them. I ensure that every creative project is rooted in a strategic vision that aligns with the brand's objectives and that clarity guides our decision-making throughout the process.

Embrace your passion for creativity and be open to exploring different paths. Surround yourself with talented individuals who complement your strengths and share your passion. Create an environment where everyone feels valued, and their contributions are recognized. Remember that success comes not only from talent but also from fostering a positive and collaborative team culture. And most importantly, never stop learning and evolving as a creative leader.