Level Up or Lose It

INTEL January Edition

New year. New expectations. You risk falling behind if you’re not actively stepping up—whether in your career, hiring strategy, or personal brand. The workplace is evolving fast, and successful leaders know when to level up.
 

That’s why we’re launching The Creative Leadership Incubator this February. It’s designed for creative professionals tired of being passed over for leadership roles and who want to step into positions where they can drive real change. 

Designed with powerhouse corporate veterans like Bonnie Wan, Author of The Life Brief and AdAge CSO of The Year, and Rimma Boshernitsan, Futurist | Strategist | Leadership Expert | CEO of DIALOGUE - these virtual sessions will help Creative + Design Directors, VPs, SVPs, and senior managers sharpen their leadership skills, step into more senior roles, and confidently lead in today’s ever-changing industry.

Let’s break it down. ⤵ 

1. Creative Leaders & Hiring Managers

2. Job Seekers & Career Dreamers

3. Get Branded. Get the Job

4. About the Program

01 - CREATIVE LEADERS & HIRING MANAGERS

Maybe the people you hired for rapid growth are not the right people to help you move on to the next chapter.

Why This Matters:
2025 is here, and if your team isn’t ready to adapt, you’re going to fall behind. Companies that win in this market aren’t just filling seats—they’re building teams that can drive them into their next phase of growth. 

Key Points:

• Audit your team for the next chapter.
  The hires that got you here may not be the ones to take you forward. It’s time to assess: 🔍 Who are your rockstars ready for 2.0? 🔍 Who do you need to bring in to lead your next growth stage?

• Hire for alignment, not just skills.
  The game has changed. Hiring isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about finding people who align with your mission and can authentically advocate for your brand.

• Upskill your current leaders.
  Let’s be honest—many creative directors are figuring out leadership on the fly because they’ve never had proper training. This incubator is designed to give them the tools they need to lead with confidence and clarity.

• Prepare your leaders for today’s creative challenges.
  Think about the new responsibilities creative leaders are taking on—like managing social media strategy and leading brand influencer initiatives. These aren’t just marketing tasks anymore—they’re part of creative leadership.

• Build a leadership pipeline.
  Whether you’re scaling, pivoting, or dealing with uncertainty, you need leaders at every level who can step up when needed. This incubator will help you identify and develop those leaders.

• Retain your top talent.
  Companies that invest in leadership development retain their best people. Leaders who feel supported stay. Leaders who grow their teams instead of competing with them build strong cultures. This incubator will help your team learn how to lead in a way that grows people—not just work.

Action Steps:
→ Ready to build your 2.0 team? Let’s talk. My team specializes in finding game-changing hires and providing leadership training.

→Register here to hear about our next Leadership Incubator

02 - JOB SEEKERS & CAREER DREAMERS

Companies hire for their current needs—make it clear you’ve delivered at their stage. What stage of growth have you supported, and what results have you driven?

Why This Matters:
Here’s some real talk: The job market has shifted. Companies aren’t just hiring for experience—they’re hiring for alignment. If your personal brand doesn’t scream value and impact, you’re already behind the competition. IF you’re not getting promoted or considered for leadership roles, it’s not because you’re not talented. It’s because leadership is a skill, and most creatives haven’t had leadership training. To make it worse, you’ve likely been stuck under leaders who never got leadership training, so now you’re expected to figure it out independently. That’s exactly what this incubator is designed to fix.
 

Key Points:

• Align your personal brand with business needs.
  Companies hire for their current growth stage, whether scaling, rebranding, or launching new products. Your LinkedIn, résumé, and pitch need to reflect how you’ve delivered results that match their current situation.
   

Pro Tip: Replace generic headlines like “Creative Director with 18 years of experience” with specifics like “Creative Director | Scaling retail brands from $5M to $50M.”
 

• Stop blending in—start standing out.
  This isn’t the time to be modest. Highlight the measurable wins that set you apart. Did you lead a rebrand? Scale a team? Launch a product that changed the game? Shout it out.

• Invest in yourself.
  Don’t wait until you’re desperate to do a personal brand glow-up. A LinkedIn Tune-Up, a résumé refresh, or coaching can mean the difference between landing the dream job or staying stuck.

• Be ready to talk specifics with hiring managers.
  Companies hire for their current needs, so show how you’ve delivered in similar situations. Did you launch a product? Lead a national expansion? Focus on results that matter.

• Details matter.
  Of over 400 KDA Leadership survey respondents, 60% were disqualified for missing basic details when applying for a free coaching session. That’s a leadership red flag. Great leaders don’t just do big things right—they also nail the small stuff.

• Develop your leadership POV.
  Leadership isn’t about bossing people around—it’s about having a point of view and guiding your team through change. This incubator will help you develop that POV and learn how to manage up, down, and across.
   

Action Step:
→ Ready to level up? Let’s make sure your brand matches your goals. Get KDA coaching.

→Register here to hear about our next Leadership Incubator

03 - KDA Coaching: Level up like a boss

Did you know that 70% of design leaders have never had access to leadership training?

Why This Matters:
Your personal brand is more than your job title—it’s how people perceive your ability to lead, influence, and deliver results. If you’re not intentional about shaping that perception, someone else will control the narrative for you.

The reality? Most creatives who’ve hit a plateau in their careers didn’t get stuck because of their skills—they got stuck because they didn’t know how to show up as leaders. This incubator changes that.

Key Points:

• Your LinkedIn profile is your storefront.
  First impressions matter. Make sure your profile is clear, compelling, and shows exactly what you bring to the table. Don’t let an outdated, half-baked profile cost you opportunities.
  

Pro Tip: Share insights and wins consistently. Be your own advocate—you never know who’s watching.

• Lead with power, not perfection.
  Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about showing up with clarity and confidence, even in uncertainty. This program helps you sharpen your leadership presence so people see you as someone worth following.

• Reposition for where you’re headed.
  Your brand should reflect not just where you’ve been but where you want to go. Are you ready for leadership? Are you looking to transition industries? Your profile needs to tell that story.

• Elevate your leadership visibility.
  Leadership opportunities don’t just show up—you create them by showing up. We’ll help you refine your story, build your presence, and position yourself for the roles you want.

• Consider what stage of growth you’re targeting.
  Companies want leaders who have experience relevant to their current challenges—whether scaling, launching new products, or rebranding. Your personal brand should reflect how you’ve driven results at similar stages.

Action Step:
→ Ready to take control of your personal brand and leadership growth? Book a 1:1 coaching session with my team.

→Register here to hear about our next Leadership Incubator

04 - ABOUT THE iNCUBATOR

About the Program:

Creative Leadership Incubator: Navigate Change, Lead with Vision, and Get the Best Out of Your Teams Presented by:
The Keva Dine Agency.

Led by:

• Bonnie Wan (creator of The Life Brief)

• Rimma Boshernitsan (founder of Dialogue Agency)

• Special Guest: Keva Dine (Founder & CEO, The Keva Dine Agency)

Launch Date: February 28, 2025
Format: Interactive Video Sessions
Seats: Limited to 25 participants

Final Thoughts:
Level up or lose it. That’s the reality in today’s market. Whether you’re a job seeker ready to step into leadership, a hiring manager looking to elevate your team, or someone eager to build a personal brand that stands out, The Creative Leadership Incubator is your chance to make it happen.

Seats are limited, so don’t wait—this is your chance to gain the skills, confidence, and presence you need to thrive in today’s creative industry.

IF YOU MISSED US IN FEBRUARY, WE ARE PLANNING MORE INCUBATORS.

Register here to hear about our next Leadership Incubator

That's all she wrote! (see you next month!)

-Keva