Ralph
Q: You were recently featured on Khaleej Times and Gulf News for one of your passion projects. So cool! What can you tell us about this?
A: I've been developing a dark fantasy thriller under a pen name, which has garnered media attention. The visual novel follows three main characters navigating a politically fractured fantasy world. This project required a diverse set of talents, including illustrators, editors, psychotherapists, screenwriters, authors, and lawyers. Finding the right illustrators was particularly challenging due to the need for consistency in design and communication.
Q: In your 9 to 5 you’re a manager at the Strategy& Activation Hub. What excites you the most about the work that you do?
A: The Activation Hub provides immense value and opportunities. The team dynamic is outstanding, with everyone eager to support each other, regardless of seniority. The exposure to strategic topics, collaboration across departments, and the trust placed in me to handle significant mandates make this role incredibly fulfilling.
I love working on a variety of strategic and high-impact topics, from the future of gaming to sports mega-events. Being entrusted with bigger mandates and collaborating on initiatives like AI is incredibly motivating. The dynamic environment and our team's growth make my job truly unique.
Q: How do you make time to balance work and passion?
A: Balancing work and personal life is challenging. For me, the key is identifying immediate priorities once work is out of the equation. Each person is unique, so there's no one-size-fits-all solution. I dedicate 10-20 hours a week to my passion project, often working late at night and on weekends. By putting some activities on the back burner and combining others, like using Audible for reading, I've freed up time to focus on what truly matters.
Q: You left Strategy& a few years ago and came back. What brought you back?
A: After working at startups for two years, I felt like I had completed my goal of experiencing the entrepreneurial world and shaping a company from scratch. I was ready to return to the corporate world. Having previously worked at Strategy& and witnessing the intellectual caliber of the staff, I set my mind on rejoining. When I learned about the Activation Hub, it seemed like the perfect match: brain-stimulating tasks, exposure to strategic topics and senior staff, a non-rotating team, no traveling (my lower back is grateful), and an optimal work-life balance. This role allows me to pursue my hobbies while adding value to the firm.
Q: How would you describe the culture and people at the firm?
A: The culture is fast-paced and warm. It's focused on productivity and quick turnarounds, while a strong sense of camaraderie binds teams together, especially during tough projects. This bond often extends beyond the office, and some of my closest friends are people I've met at Strategy&.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: I'm incredibly grateful to Strategy& for encouraging me to keep learning, take risks, and have a variety of experiences. At this early stage of my career, I saw an opportunity to try something new and took a leap of faith.
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