Decoupling and Discovery: My Journey from JWT to Hogarth Worldwide

#advertising #marketing #printproduction #management #leadership

"Our only security is our ability to change." - John Lilly.

In the bustling streets of New York, I found myself immersed in the fast-paced world of advertising. Having worked for several years at Sudler & Hennessey, I had recently secured a position at J. Walter Thompson, a renowned ad agency celebrated for its creative endeavors. This exhilarating opportunity ignited my aspirations of collaborating with global brands.

One sunny day, while visiting the agency's luxurious bar, I heard whispers of something called "decoupling." My curiosity got the best of me, and I began exploring this mysterious idea.

Decoupling, I soon discovered, meant separating certain parts of the agency and turning them into independent units. It was a strategic move to make things more efficient. I got anxious when I realized this change could affect the studio I managed.

Time passed, and the rumors we heard turned out to be true. Our studio had to say goodbye to J. Walter Thompson. It was a bittersweet feeling, a mix of sadness and excitement. We were no longer a part of the agency we considered our home. As expected, some of the stakeholders resisted the transition. Initially, it was tough for me as a manager to navigate my relationship with my former teammates, who now saw us as vendors. However, once we all embraced our shared vision, things became much smoother. We formed a close partnership and collaborated closely as sister companies. Ultimately, the formula for success had already proven effective with other agencies.

But that wasn't the end of the story.

As one door closed, another opened wide. We were welcomed by a promising startup production company named "Hogarth Worldwide." The name itself filled me with excitement and renewed enthusiasm.

Hogarth Worldwide, with its innovative approach, offered a fresh start for our creativity. It was like entering a world without limits. Our studio's talents were nurtured, and we were encouraged to push the boundaries.

Days turned into months, and Hogarth Worldwide thrived. Our studio became an essential part of this growing company. The startup transformed into a full-service agency capable of handling every creative aspect.

We weren't limited to production anymore. Hogarth Worldwide opened doors to endless opportunities. We dabbled in conceptualization, art direction, writing, campaign strategies, and more. Our work expanded, and our passion soared.

Collaboration became our driving force. We joined forces with talented people from different fields, creating a synergy that took our work to new heights. Our ideas merged, resulting in innovative and emotional projects. Every endeavor we pursued was fueled by camaraderie and shared vision.

With time, our efforts paid off. The world recognized Hogarth Worldwide's exceptional work. Our campaigns touched hearts, sparked conversations, and made lasting impressions. The startup had become a respected creative force, admired by both peers and clients.

Reflecting on the journey, I couldn't help but marvel at the transformation from a night studio manager at JWT to a contributor in Hogarth Worldwide's success. It was a story of change, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness.

As the sun set on another day in bustling New York, I admired the beauty of this tale—a tale that reminded me of the unexpected paths leading to extraordinary destinations. Hogarth Worldwide not only provided a platform for my talents but became a second home where dreams were nurtured and turned into reality.

Ernie Arias is an Advertising Studio Manager at Hogarth Worldwide. Social Media enthusiast. Content curator. All opinions are my own.