PLA Podcast #11 | July 2025

Creativity is no longer just the domain of agencies and studios — it's becoming essential across all industries. As the creative economy grows at twice the rate of the traditional one and already contributes around 6% of global GDP, the ability to lead creatives effectively is more relevant than ever.

In this episode of the PLA Podcast, host Eva Bilhuber Galli sits down with Debra Coleman, Business & Personal Coach for the visual effects and creative industries, and founder of Open Frame Coaching (London, UK). Together, they explore the real-life challenges and insights that come with leading creative teams — from fostering co-creation and managing the balance between creative freedom and productivity, to navigating the evolving landscape of remote work.

With over 25 years of experience in visual effects, Debra shares a grounded and inspiring perspective on what it truly means to support creativity in business environments. Whether you're working in a creative firm or in a traditional industry, this conversation offers valuable insights into what matters most when leading co-creation to success.

🧭 Conversation Outline

00:00 – Introduction to the Partnering Leadership Academy
04:58 – Why leading creatives matters now more than ever
10:48 – Behind the scenes of the visual effects industry
18:52 – Common challenges in leading creative teams
24:38 – Balancing creative flow with delivery pressures
29:49 – The value of feedback and co-creative rituals and habits
39:36 – Recognizing contributions in collaborative work
50:45 – Creative leadership in remote and hybrid setups

💡 Key Takeaways

• Leading creative teams essentially means leading for successful co-creation.

• Surprisingly, too much freedom — rather than setting clear boundaries — can cause problems.

• Productive creativity requires a conscious balance between allowing creativity to flow and staying within the boundaries of productivity.

• Frequent feedback loops allow individual creatives to reflect on their personal contribution as part of a larger creative outcome.

• Recognizing individual contributions as a ritual helps maintain motivation in the co-creation process.

• Idle time isn’t wasted — it fuels creativity.

• Remote and hybrid work environments require intentional mentoring, especially for junior talent.

• AI is seen as a tool that enhances creativity, not as a replacement for human imagination.

• As AI enters our world of work, the ability to create environments where human creativity can flourish may become essential in any industry.

👤 About Debra Coleman

Debra is the founder of Open Frame Coaching, specializing in leadership development for creatives. Her journey spans almosst three decades in the visual effects industry — from runner to global head of compositing — contributing to more than 25 films and guiding hundreds of artists.

She’s been part of Oscar-winning teams, judged for the British Arrows and the Royal Television Society, and today channels her energy into supporting others as a mentor, trainer and advocate — especially for women in the creative industries.

Debra also serves on the board of Animated Women UK, and is a proud parent of twins.

Interested in learning more about Debra Coleman's work?
Here’s where you can explore her work and connect with her:

• Website: www.openframecoaching.com 

• Leadership course: https://www.openframecoaching.com/leadwithease01

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-coleman/

• Insta: @debra.coleman.coaching

• Book a chat: https://calendly.com/openframecoaching/coaching-intro-chat

Further links mentioned that might be of interest for you:

• Get the referenced free download of The 18 Partnering Collaboration Principles here

• Glen Longs referenced course “Building your best course”