You've heard it - maybe even thought it:  "I could have come up with that!"  I hear it a lot from young creatives - but sometimes in a dismissive way - when they see a high-powered creative launch a new campaign, or a new product. Besides the obvious reply, "Of course you could have come up with that, but you didn't," I think it's important to remember that we operate in a culture that may overvalue the idea makers. 

Consider this: there may not be a replacement for putting some miles on the tires. Having enough experience to know how to move an idea ahead. Enough time on the road to anticipate hazards and sufficient time-in-service to identify market potential and timing. I think this is really important, especially for my young marketing and creative friends who are looking to jump right into leadership. While I know you have innovative and amazing ideas -- you may need to saddle up alongside someone who can also help you figure out how to launch, how to sustain, how to scale those ideas. It’s one thing to come up with the idea. It’s another thing to have the experience required to understand the climate, avoid the pitfalls, find the best way forward, engage the right resources, build the strategy and ultimately to make it happen.

Photo: I love the promise of a pile of Legos. One of the most recognizable brands in the world and the quintessential tool of our imaginations. This big pile was at Disney Springs in Orlando.