Before I look ahead to 2019, I must take a quick look back on what has been quite a year for Because. It’s the combined strength of the team which is behind our many achievements in 2018, and I’m thankful to everyone at the agency for caring about the business as much as I do.
I’m particularly excited about what the new year will bring and these three things are front of mind:
1. A global offering for global clients
Growing Because globally is now a core focus – and we’ll be gearing up to launch Because Amsterdam in 2019. It makes good sense to have a European base, and given my South African roots, I particularly like doing business with the straight-talking Dutch folk.
Each of our Because territories bring something special to the party. Collectively, this then makes our service offering to clients much stronger. We have a robust business system in place that enables ideas to be shared, and ways of working to be aligned – so next year I’ll be focused on keeping everyone on the same page.
2. Our business leaders setting the pace
Our agency heads recently came together for a week of learning, sharing, planning and having fun. When we leverage our shared global learnings, extraordinary things happen and we are all revved up to make 2019 the best year ever.
A few years back I went to Cranfield to make time to work ‘on’ the business. I left with a clear vision and an action plan, as well as honed leadership skills. I’ve put our own spin on what I learned at Cranfield and will be spending as much time as possible mentoring territory heads into being the best leaders they can be. Agencies are all about talent, and it takes a talented senior team to attract, retain and motivate best-in-class people.
3. Promoting the importance of healthy, happy minds
Agency life is full on at times and we have several initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of our growing team. Working globally is incredibly fun however conference calls at all hours can also be mentally taxing, so we’ll be ramping up our well-being efforts even further in 2019.
Everyone at Because now has an annual well-being allowance to spend as they choose – but this isn’t just for the obvious things like a gym membership. We’ll be having regular acupuncture sessions at the agency as well as life coaching with an industry expert.
To all our readers, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and here’s to an extraordinarily great 2019.