“You are here for business, not a fashion show” words C.E.O, Edwin Kugonza told Kate, the first time the two met. Prolly because she’d dressed to the nines and didn’t look the stereotypical “creative part” (This was something CEO was going to have to live with, I mean who is Kate minus her stunning sense of fashion?)

The proprietor of the “Kate Linley Fashion Stylist” brand… (kati madam this where you prepare my cheque for this ad).  I digress.

Kate Namuddu, a telecommunications engineer who chose to pursue a career in the ad business, a female in a male dominated field of “creatives” is no stranger to going against convention. (C.E.O confessed she’s the first female “creative” he’d met!). Again, I digress!

Ladies and gentlemen, our CREATIVE DIRECTOR.

QN 1:

For a creative, you get a lot of briefs to execute in a fairly short time. How do you handle the pressure of meeting all deadlines and still create impressive work?

The key with tight deadlines is planning and being clear on priorities. Doing a few things well, is better than trying to do everything at ago.

It is team effort…. everyone gets to contribute to the final output. This shared responsibility means we get to share the pressure.. It is a little bearable that way. And if the deadline is really unrealistic, we communicate to client prior and propose a more realistic time-frame!

To answer the question though, I take small five minute breaks time and again and get back to work with a calmer mind.

QN 2:

All year round, brands have run campaigns… If it were up to you to award the best (creative execution-wise). What would it be & why?

Locally, “OBULAMU” it is. I love the concept especially the big idea…. It is very relatable.

Coca Cola’s Taste the feeling also makes the cut on the international scene.

QN 3 :

Among your workmates, choose one you would recommend to be a brand ambassador (a brand of your choice). Tell us why?

Pareto, for Guinness any day. He never cheats on the drink plus he’s got features suitable for the part. (No one has mentioned his tummy, lol)

QN 4 :

What is the most outrageous place you’ve hidden money?

Bra, hahahhaha

Qn 5:

Given your experience in this business, if you are to mentor someone…What qualities would you wish them to possess?

They have to be someone willing to learn and explore, resilient and ready to take risks. But above all, I expect them to bite more than they bark.