How I Went From Buddy to Boss and Reevaluated Leadership Techniques

Advice for anyone rising into a higher position from a peer-intensive one

Illustration of a purple figure with flowers on it and other figures in the background in blue

You're in the position where you now have to give directions to people you used to be on the same level as. Getty Images

By Rob Schwartz

August 18, 2019

I remember the day clearly. Lee Clow asked me into his office, and we sat down on his two big leather chairs facing each other.

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This story first appeared in the Aug. 19, 2019, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.

Rob Schwartz

@Schwartzie14 A leading creative director for the majority of his career, Rob Schwartz transitioned from CCO to CEO in 2015 to lead the New York office of TBWA\Chiat\Day.