Unlocking Next-Gen Creativity: Jon Dick’s LIA Mentorship Experience

Citizen Relations believes in the power of curiosity and mentorship as a critical form of connection in the creative space. Their commitment to empowering curiosity and nurturing the next generation of leaders is exemplified by the journey of Jon Dick, Senior Copywriter based in Toronto. Jon is in progress at the highly selective London International Awards (LIA) Mentorship Program. This intensive, global initiative connects Jon with a curated panel of industry leaders, offering a unique, executive-level perspective that is now being infused directly into his agency work.

For Jon, the LIA Mentorship program ensured he was prepped with the ability to secure a path forward in a rapidly evolving industry. Jon sought guidance from a diverse group of creative leaders working across different sectors and regions. This intentional breadth confirmed a vital truth: success is achieved by forging your own unique path, one that often “meanders” through different experiences.

A major topic of conversation with global leaders was the looming question of Artificial Intelligence. While uncertainty abounds, the consensus from Jon’s mentors was overwhelmingly optimistic: AI will function as an increasingly embedded tool in the creative process, but it won’t replace the core human element.

“In a world dominated by AI, the differentiating factor will be ‘taste,'” Jon notes. “This requires the uniquely human ability to judge the quality of work, to believe in humanity, and to possess that individual belief in what is truly good.”

The most significant lesson Jon is bringing back to his day-to-day work at Citizen is a refined clarity: success is about creating work that makes a measurable impact now, not just chasing titles or flashy campaigns. This shift in mentality emphasizes driving the most significant value for clients and consumers, aligning perfectly with Citizen’s commitment to setting the industry standard and unleashing potential for its clients.

The key takeaway that aligns closest with the agency’s values is the mandate to be “insatiably curious.” Jon stresses that curiosity is the essential fuel for all creative professionals, leading them to find new insights and avenues for breakthrough work. Much like Citizen’s CCO Josh Budd advocates for, Jon is prepped to expand his Creative Range of Motion (CROM) and stretch his creative muscles. 

Jon’s mentorship experience required him to chase down meanings to feed his curiosity, which reinforced that great opportunities are only “half the battle.” The journey to success never ends, and sustained effort, driven by relentless curiosity, is the key to unlocking true potential.