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LÉON BRISTOW (Ngāpuhi)

@leonbristow

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👨🏽‍💻 That Māori Art Director in advertising
🖤 Forbes 30u30 | Shattering glass ceilings
🌱 Founder 📧 [email protected]

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Springing 🫶 🌸 🥘

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Léon Bristow is a Māori Samoan creative leader using storytelling and design as tools for inclusion, equity, and change.

As an Art Director at Colenso BBDO, and Founder of BEINGS, a casting platform championing underrepresented talent, Léon is reshaping how stories are told, and who gets to tell them.

At just 30, Léon has become one of the most recognised young creatives in the world. Listed on Forbes 30 Under 30, ranked the 4th Best Art Director globally at Cannes Lions, and a finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year, Léon’s accolades reflect both vision and impact.

His work spans brands including Under Armour, Samsung, Volkswagen and Sony Pictures, earning multiple international awards and Grand Prix, alongside work as a judge, speaker, and mentor.

Through creative practice, advocacy, and leadership, Léon is creating greater space for others to be seen, heard and celebrated.

Hear his keynote at the Indigenous Tech Summit, 26-27 November in Pōneke 🌊

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same me, better position

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This year, @leonbristow was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list.

But behind the recognition is a much bigger story.

For Léon, being Māori in an industry where our people remain significantly underrepresented has meant more than bringing a different creative perspective. It has meant speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. Advocating when nobody else will. Carrying conversations that were never written into the job description.

And turning that responsibility into action.

Through his work as an Art Director and the creation of @beingsdotco , Léon is challenging who gets represented, who gets to tell our stories, and who gets a seat in the rooms where decisions are made.

Because original thinking doesn’t come from filling rooms with people who all think, live and see the world the same way.
It comes from difference.

Read Léon Bristow’s full kōrero via the link in our bio.

📷 @zicooneillrutene

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🎉We're excited to announce Léon Bristow (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Hāmoa) as our Keynote Speaker for E Tū Rangatahi!

Léon is the founder of BEINGS, a platform championing authentic representation in the creative industry. He's also a 2026 Go Media Young New Zealander of the Year Finalist and has recently been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list.

But Léon's story is about more than achievements. After being diagnosed with a brain tumour at just 11 years old and later facing a second tumour, he chose to turn adversity into impact. Through creativity, storytelling, and leadership, he's created opportunities for others and continues to inspire young people across Aotearoa.

His journey reflects what E Tū Rangatahi is all about: backing yourself, using your voice, and creating positive change in your community.

🎥 Check out the video to hear from Léon and why he's excited to be part of this kaupapa! See less

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❤️🖤🤍🎈

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Who inspires you? Who’s making a difference in their own way?
This is your chance to put them forward.

The 2027 @kiwibanknz New Zealander of the Year Awards are about spotlighting people who lift up others, push for change, or simply show up when it counts.

Nominate them now via the link in bio.

#NZOTY

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What is your hope for Aotearoa?

If someone gives you hope for the future of Aotearoa, now’s your chance to tell their story.

Nominations are now open for the @kiwibanknz New Zealander of the Year Awards are now open. Nominate before 18 August via the link in our bio.

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3rd year in a row the Kurutao cohort from University of Auckland have come thru to visit our whare. Students who whakapapa Māori can jump on this kaupapa to learn about the world of entrepreneurship.

Today we shared the whare with @leonbristow and @timmysmithspace to kōrero and invest in these rangatahi, and we got to learn about tea ☕️ @pauseforteanz

They’re off to Te Arawa apōpō - haumaru te haere, safe travels. @uoacie

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So grateful for what June has given me 🖤🖤

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last 6 months of eating, laughing, crying, writing, speaking, exploring, and loving

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What do you love most about being Sāmoan? 🇼🇸

For Sāmoan Language Week, we asked members of our community that very question.

From family and faith to food, music, language and service, each reflection offers a different perspective on what it means to carry Sāmoa with us wherever we go.

Swipe through and share your answer below.

For more reflections from our contributors, full article via link in bio

🇼🇸 #VaiasoOleGaganaSamoa #wearesamoa

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