SYLVAIN

For SYLVAIN, 2023 was a year of devastating loss, hard questions—and a renewed sense of purpose. We embark on 2024 as a company transformed, but more determined than ever to make sure that some things never change. Launching today, our third annual impact assessment, Progress Through Adversity, discusses it all: the highs, lows, lessons, and pivots. Like last year, this assessment is our attempt to hold ourselves to the same ethical and social standards we expect of our clients. It’s a transparent self-reflection on the impact we make as an organization, both for our team and for our stakeholders out in the world. Read it all here: https://lnkd.in/eGdf-rM4 An annual commitment of this kind would not be possible without a massive, dedicated team. Thanks to Jillian Rosen, Natalie Berry, Joey Camire, Chris Konya, Michael Kaye, Margo Husted, Xahra Gilbert, Aaron L. Powers, Natalie Kilic, Matthew Carter, Brian Okarski, Daniel Abary, Camille Drucker, Tony Vuong, Katie Cowden, Douglas Quenqua, and Justin Smith.

Second servings. Pennies. Lil Wayne. Designer Marques O. takes over this edition of the Progress Report newsletter. Read this edition (and our archive!): https://lnkd.in/e6m99uPi And subscribe: https://lnkd.in/efffStq7

Why are brands so boring these days? Why do they stay in the margins? In this clip, from Web Summit in Lisbon last week, our Co-CSO Joey Camire and long-time friend Eshan Ponnadurai (Meta) offer up two explanations. Thanks to Lara O'Reilly (Business Insider) for facilitating a great conversation. And to the full #WebSummit team, especially Brian Tobin, for having us back on stage. Watch the full fireside chat at the link in the comments. Till next time!

After the U.S. election last week, it’s more important than ever for Impact Communicators to look ahead. That’s why we’re hosting a conversation on emerging topics for Impact Communicators on Friday, November 22 at 9 a.m. PT / 12 pm ET. Join ICI Executive Board Members Jennifer Shapiro of Visa and Brandon Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSA of Wilbron Inc., plus guest speaker Aaron L. Powers of SYLVAIN in exploring critical?#ImpactCommunications topics for today and tomorrow, the forces influencing them, and how we can and should engage. You won’t want to miss this opportunity – register now: https://lnkd.in/gDpjQays

Another great Web Summit in the books. With thanks to Don McGuire, Omar Berrada, Joey Camire, and Esh Ponnadurai for sharing the stage with me. (And to Restaurante Pabe for the delicious food.)

One year ago today, our Founder & CEO, Alain Sylvain, passed away. We continue to miss our friend every single day. But today signifies something else for us. The swift passing of time. Sometimes it’s scary, how quickly it’s gone. Sometimes, it's surprisingly encouraging, as it shows us what’s possible when we persevere. As our team reflects on this, and the broader moment we're all in, we're coming together and taking care of ourselves and each other. So we leave you with this song (one of Alain's favorites) by Nina Simone. We hope you listen, enjoy, and take care of each other, too. https://lnkd.in/eZg5BABg

An outstanding keynote speech shifts entire rooms. Something Joey Camire effortlessly accomplished today. Armed with a captivating slide deck and flawless delivery, Joey Camire, the Chief Strategy Officer and founding team member of SYLVAIN, delivered a presentation so powerful that stays planted in your mind hours later. The talk was a wake-up call against ?????????????? ??????????????????. A deep-dive into why consumers are getting "the ick". ????????'?? ?????? '???????????? ??????????????' ?????????? ???????? ??????????: 1. Desperation kills attraction. ??? ? "No matter how badly how much we want something, when we act desperate it usually has the opposite effect". 2. Data overload doesn’t equal inspiration. ??? ? Brands are drowning in numbers, but the future isn’t in the spreadsheets. 3. Chasing trends leads to a shallow identity. ??? ? When Brands are 'thirsty', they latch on to any cultural trend to be relevant, irrespective of whether or not it aligns with their values. ("Joining in a chorus instead of singing a solo") ? This approach makes audiences question authenticity, and as Joey perfectly put it: "We don't like it when people or brands are not themselves." 4. "Graceless need for attention creeps people out." ??? ? Brands that crave validation without considering their existing customers just make things worse. ? When you don't fix your root product issues, you're just buying new customers to be frustrated with you. ????????'?? ?????? ???? ?????????? ?????? '???????????? ????????': 1. Be needed, not needy. ??? 2. Run from the mirage. Relying on the idea of a tropical retreat and some magic happening is not enough. ??? 3. Patience and persistence hunting. Build for the future and outsmart competitors. ??? 4. No brand is an island. Nobody solves their problems along. You have to have an innovative and collaborative approach. ???????????????????? ???????????????????? ? Desperation results in separation. ? Feeling thirsty isn't the problem - Acting thirsty is! ?? ? When everything becomes a transaction, genuine relationships seize to exist. ? Companies can master their thirst and avoid hyper fixation. (Not doing so will lead to losing customers). Thought-provoking stuff! Thanks again Joey Camire. ------------------- P.S. Had you heard of the term "acting thirsty" before? Comment YES or NO below.

Most brands are guilty of what Joey Camire, chief strategy officer at SYLVAIN calls acting 'thirsty' – a desperate need for attention or approval that, instead of attracting customers, drives them away. This desperation is obvious, and it rarely yields the respect brands are seeking. To Camire, mastering it means focusing less on selling and more on genuinely serving. Because, ultimately: 'You can’t sell thirsty'. For more insights from Web Summit, visit lsnglobal.com.

What impact communications conversations can we expect to have in 2025? It's a big question, and we're tackling it next week (11/22) at the Impact Communications Institute virtual seminar. Strategy Partner Aaron L. Powers will be in conversation with long-time SYLVAIN friend Jennifer Shapiro and CEO of Wilbron Inc., Brandon Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSA. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gDpjQays

Many know of SYLVAIN’s East Coast and European presence. But did you know we have a mighty West Coast contingent (that also knows how to have a good time!)? A couple weeks ago, our L.A. crew got together with a handful of friends for a dinner at Chulita in West Adams (https://lnkd.in/e_n4HeXy). We welcomed partners from Amazon Music, Paramount, Los Angeles Times, The Walt Disney Company, Netflix, and more. One of the highlights of the evening? Our Aces & Insights card deck, a labor of love from our full team. The deck featured 52 consumer and cultural insights that seized our attention this year — each meant to ignite conversation and inspiration through play. Thanks to all who joined. And, of course, to all who made this evening possible: Meron Medhanie, Aaron L. Powers, Chris Konya, Daniel Abary, Brian Okarski, Emily Morris, Ash Casper, Yoon Joo Cho, Cyra Cupid, Jillian Rosen, Xahra Gilbert, and Amy Waters.