The Village people
It’s okay guys, you can put the leather chaps down — I’m obviously referring to the lovely people here at 36E and not the eccentric bunch responsible for the eternal dance floor banger that is the YMCA.
Previous visitors weren’t lying when they said Chicago was home to some of the nicest people on the planet. Everyone I’ve met in this office and city for that matter have been so refreshingly friendly and welcoming (no disrespect London town — I love you, but we generally have a tendency to be too busy for newcomers), and with one week left to go, I’m already starting to think about how I’m going miss them.
Something I’ve picked up throughout all my social encounters with the people of Havas Chi above their warm personalities is their general enthusiasm and pride in what they do. From the facilities team to the CEO, it’s clear people genuinely love working here.
Talking to Jason Peterson, Chief Creative Officer of Havas North America, 1/2 of Havas Chi’s leadership and social media celebrity in his own right (check out his drone-based B&W photography on instagram), he tells me the one thing that matters in this place above anything else — including the actual work they do — is culture.
I’m so impressed by Jason’s passion for the subject which has obviously had a knock on effect throughout the agency. There’s no pillars to abide by or promises written on a wall and yet, the culture organically lives and breathes throughout the building. It’s not only what attracts people to work here (including a small army of some of Chicago’s biggest social influencers), but it makes them want to stick around and ‘make some cool shit’ while they’re at it.
Jason and Paul (Marobella, CEO) spearhead the culture here, but equally appreciate it has to be lived through their people. From local community projects, incorporating staff’s hobbies into their roles, hosting art exhibitions and inspirational talks with music, fashion and film’s latest influencers, to initiatives like ‘Employee Appreciation Week’ and Thursday Rum Club (my personal favorite), the agency is filled with extracurricular activities arranged by various staff members which makes Havas Chi more than just another ad agency with a ping pong table (although, they have one of those, too).
Everyone knows the pressures of this industry, but it’s refreshing to see a business invest and practice what so many attempt or promise, which has clearly been paramount to its success.
