Pitching: A mental health gamble.

Last week was productive for my business, filled with fruitful conversations, website building and planning that hopefully promises growth. None of it felt futile.

But while I was feeling energised, I couldn't help but think about the thousands locked in the pitch trenches. Pitching, a cornerstone of the industry, often feels like a win-or-bust gamble with a heavy price tag.

The statistics are grim: 54% of agency workers say pitching harms mental health, 64% say it has toxic effect on agency culture. (MediaSense, 2023)

Adding pressure, tight deadlines, and sacrificing personal time for a client you might never work with again - how is this conducive to a healthy, supportive environment?

And it's not just about mental health. Another survey (Pitch, 2023) revealed that 10% of agency staff have left their jobs due to pitching stress.

The whole system feels seriously broken, serving neither individuals nor agencies well.

But there is a way out. Remember, saying "no" to the pitch is an option. It's what we did at Across the Pond where I was MD, and it paved the way for a more sustainable, fulfilling work experience.

Creative business leaders, how far are you willing to go in 2024 to change the story?