Exclusive Interview with Ned Younger, Inside Track

This week, Jonathan spoke with Ned Younger, Director at Inside Track, a group who use insider knowledge to push industries towards a just transition. In the last fortnight, an anonymous group of senior advertising insiders published a memo calling out what they see as a "vacuum of responsible leadership" in our industry.

Their concerns are stark. They believe advertising acts to enable negative social and environmental forces: a critical enabler to tech platforms that stoke hatred and division; facilitating hate groups at a time of increasing polarisation; supporting the social licence of the fossil fuel industry and providing broader greenwashing services; and rolling over in the face of anti-DEI rhetoric, deserting commitments our industry has made to individuals, teams and communities.

It was a fascinating conversation about the merits and value of speaking out. Jonathan asked Ned why Inside Track exists, why the memo is anonymous, what else they've done, and what happens next.

Key Takeaways

1. The memo diagnoses a "vacuum of responsible leadership" Inside Track's anonymous group of senior advertising insiders identifies a widening gap between the industry's stated values and its lived reality. From enabling platforms that stoke division, to retreating on DEI commitments, to providing cover for fossil fuel interests, the memo names what many are feeling but few are saying.

2. Anonymity shifts focus from individuals to systems Why anonymous? Ned Younger explained it's not about protecting individuals from consequences. It's about moving the conversation away from "who said what" towards the systemic issues that need addressing. The goal is constructive dialogue, not finger-pointing.

3. This is a scene-setter, not a conclusion The memo isn't designed to be transformational on its own. It's the starting point for a longer conversation. As Ned put it: "This should pave the way for future work, as opposed to being the work in and of itself."

4. The ask is deliberately light touch Read the memo. Share it, publicly or privately. That's it. Inside Track recognises that people will find their own pathways into this work, and many are already doing it.

5. The conversation is becoming unavoidable With LEAD conference on the horizon and industry scrutiny intensifying, these questions aren't going away. The memo offers a resource for those ready to engage honestly about what kind of industry we want to be part of.