What’s the most relevant business and/or creative lesson you learned in 2020 and how will you apply it to 2021?
The pandemic changed so much. It accelerated the adoption of new technology, changed the way we work, who and how we hire and how we interface with clients. And the companies that were able to pivot quickly, adapt and innovate have been able to achieve success amidst this challenge. For me, I feel like we continued to do something that has worked for us for a long time: think like a Startup. Don’t get tied up in process, overcome limitations and both accept and embrace change. This is something we intend to keep doing in 2021.
How will the events of 2020–from the pandemic to the call for social and racial justice–impact the content you create and/or the way you work?
For a long time, Doner has focused on working with women-, minority-, and veteran-owned production suppliers, and our clients have recognized our efforts and supported our ongoing initiatives. In 2021, Doner will be increasing the overall amount of our agency’s production spend with women-, minority-, and veteran-owned production suppliers. We hope others throughout the industry follow our lead.
Gazing into your crystal ball, what do you envision for the industry–creatively speaking or from a business standpoint–in 2021?
2020 has fundamentally changed the way we work, and I predict this new way of working will continue well into the future. This is not because the pandemic will rage on, but because it is simply a better way to work. Bloated productions and boondoggle travel have long been a thing of the past. Agencies have learned / been forced to work smarter, faster, and cheaper. Collaborative work sessions and interfacing with clients has evolved for the better. We are all fully embracing collaborative ways of working via Zoom, Google Docs, Collaborative Keynote, Slack, Miro, etc. 2020 has forced everyone to move outside of their comfort zone and adopt new ways of doing things. Those that are waiting for the pandemic to end so things can “go back to normal” are short-sighted and doomed. We’re not going back. The industry had changed. Get on board.
What’s your New Year’s resolution, creatively speaking or from a business standpoint, for your agency, department or company?
Continue our agency momentum and keep building the creative energy.
