A Journey from Traditional to Hybrid
In the latest episode of Return to People, host Kaleem Clarkson welcomes Christian Jacobsen, co-founder of The Many, a global creative agency. Jacobsen shares his journey from working with traditional big-name agencies to founding his own, Mistress, which later rebranded to The Many. Reflecting on the early days, Jacobsen describes the fast-paced, demanding nature of the advertising industry in New York, which led him to seek a more balanced lifestyle on the West Coast. "I live in the mountains above Malibu because I'm a surfer," he notes, highlighting his shift to a more nature-connected life. > I live in the mountains above Malibu because I'm a surfer. — Christian Jacobsen
Embracing Hybrid Work
The Many's transition to a hybrid work model was not without challenges. Jacobsen explains how the agency moved swiftly to a virtual setup during the pandemic, which initially seemed promising. However, rapid growth and a lack of operational structure led to fragmentation within the company's culture. "We grew too quickly. We did not, we were not able to transition properly," Jacobsen admits. > We grew too quickly. We did not, we were not able to transition properly. — Christian Jacobsen To address these issues, The Many implemented a flexible hybrid model, requiring employees to work in the office three days a week while allowing deep work days at home.
Unique Work from Anywhere Policy
Understanding the importance of flexibility, The Many introduced a unique 'work from anywhere' policy during July and from Thanksgiving through the New Year. This approach acknowledges the diverse needs of their employees, particularly those who are not originally from Los Angeles. "This is a unique model, sir. I have not heard this," Clarkson remarks, impressed by the innovative strategy. > This is a unique model, sir. I have not heard this. — Kaleem Clarkson
The Power of Participation
A key theme in Jacobsen's philosophy is participation, which he explores in his upcoming book, Wired to Participate. He argues that humans are inherently tribal and thrive in participatory environments. "We're still wired for tribal society," Jacobsen states, emphasizing the importance of community and engagement in both work and media. > We're still wired for tribal society. — Christian Jacobsen This approach not only shapes The Many's business strategy but also influences their internal culture, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and collaboration among employees.
Jacobsen's insights provide a compelling look at how agencies can adapt to the evolving work landscape by prioritizing flexibility, cultural cohesion, and participation.
