Havas Worldwide’s Rayomand J. Patell: A Peek at his week
Of problems with IT heads, co-pilots and finding magic in each client
And for my third Sunday at the office, a few stray thoughts and a few general observations and a few points of view (all my own work):
Like how do you really say Havas without everyone bringing out the desi jibes about nether-region passion? #Pujari
My own contribution? Dropping the H and the S and going with “Aywa” as the Frenchies do. It’s yet to catch on, though my mother Ava, is most pleased.
Like I restore old cars. And young minds. That first spark in both is a wonder to behold when they start up after ages of neglect.
Like spirit is everything. If you think you can, well then you just can. When I left Contract after 11 years, many said I was running towards a fire… I prefer to think of it as parachuting into a plane and regaining control. And part of that has been getting my co-pilot Shyam in. And then getting everyone to just get back to flying.
Like when there’s harmony at the top, there’s harmony all the way down the line and work just happens peacefully and plentifully.
Like it’s not about the clients you have, it’s about finding the magic in each client and then just going hell for leather to make it happen. In their success, lies ours.
Like I think I’ve driven my IT head nuts. Not to mention my CFO, the HR Head as well as the admin head. But I think they’re still talking to me. Mostly. Except maybe the IT head.
Like creativity and creating an environment in which everyone can produce their best work in an atmosphere of fun, is the only secret recipe. For those who are professionals, not professional politicians, it’s fairly easy to get an agency rebooted. All you need is love. And coffee. Ok and maybe a brainstorm lounge built a la the White Room of Alyque’s Lintas.
Like this agency has a garden all around it. And a bar. And a barbecue. There are squirrels and birds of various plumages outside my desk. Walking barefoot on the lawn, is indeed all they say it is.
Like internet bandwidth is the First World Problem of every agency.
Like admittedly, not too many employees walk through the office door with a piano. But the good people of Havas have taken it in their stride.
Like I’m seeing more of my boys, they walk down the lane with goodies for everyone at the 4 p.m. hungry mark. To answer your question, I however, still drive.
Like we’re hiring some of the most interesting creative talent. So if you’re someone with your ideals still intact along with a fondness for Jim Jam cookies during brainstorms, do get in touch.
Published on Economic Times