Issue Number: 435

2025 Creative LIAisons coach, Alfred Wee, Executive Creative Director, McCann Worldgroup, Singapore shares the story of his mentee, Martha Teves, Senior Art Director, Leo, Manila.

"This is the story of Martha Teves, a Manila creative standing at the edge of her next leap. After nine years of copywriting, she’s preparing for the ACD role where the brief gets bigger, the thinking gets sharper and the work demands a different creative instinct. She isn’t chasing a title, she’s expanding how she sees ideas, culture and collaboration.

When we spoke at Creative LIAisons, what struck me was her honesty. No posturing, no hesitation. Just a creative who knows she is ready for more and wants to grow her range, her voice and her leadership with intention.

My advice to her was straightforward. Trust your instincts. Be clear about what good work looks like. Protect your originality and let curiosity lead you. The title will come when the work and confidence align. What matters now is stepping into the room with a point of view and using it.

Martha is stepping into this moment with courage and clarity. And I can already see her settling into a rhythm that feels unmistakably hers."

LIA + Transatlantic Present Gems from the Sea Episode 7 Featuring Samira Ansari, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy NY. 

Samira was on the 2025 LIA Digital and Use of Social Media & Influencers Jury.

"A foundation is everything. Without it, you're floating..."

Listen to more pearls of advice, insights and stories from Samira. 

This year, as LIA celebrates its 40th anniversary, it also marked the aquatic birth of a new series: “Gems from the Sea”,  a spin-off of the Oceans series that has ran over the past three years.

TRANSATLANTIC and LIA joined anchors and set sail in search of 12 creative pearls from within the industry, each of whom were part of the 2025 LIA Jury line-up.

Through the Seven Seas Interviews, conceived, written, and individually crafted for each guest, Simone Nobili, founder of TRANSATLANTIC Arts & Media LLC and published author, waded into deep waters with his guests, surfacing stories against the backdrop of Sin City.

Episodes were filmed live at the Encore @ Wynn Las Vegas during LIA judging, from September 25th through October 3rd. Stay tuned for the rest of the 2025 series.

Swim in the water with us.