Wavemaker Australia has appointed two Wavemaker Los Angeles employees to the Sydney office as part of its global talent exchange and knowledge sharing program Provocative Pioneers.
The Provocative Pioneers cultural program is designed to enhance collaboration, inspiration and connection between Wavemaker’s offices around the world – ultimately elevating global client knowledge.
The program is open to top-performing employees on global client teams for a two-week knowledge-sharing visit in another Wavemaker market where they become immersed in the local team and culture.
For the next two weeks, Los Angeles-based Melissa Saroyan, programmatic media director, and New York-based Tatiana Patrón, client investment lead at Wavemaker US, will be embedded with the Wavemaker Sydney Paramount team for an insider’s perspective on the unique challenges of the local market.
The experience will be reciprocated, with Wavemaker Sydney group director Peter Andrew heading to the Los Angeles office to meet the team later this month.
The LA-Sydney talent exchange follows a successful pilot program between the New York and London offices in October 2023.
Wavemaker ANZ CEO Peter Vogel said Provocative Pioneers is an amazing initiative that breaks down borders and allows the agency's top talent to immerse themselves in the culture of its international offices.
"It’s an exceptional opportunity that Wavemaker can offer, and we’re thrilled to host Missie and Tatiana here in Sydney and excited for Peter Andrew to join our colleagues in LA later this month. What makes this program unique is the way we are bringing the client along for the journey, magnifying the lessons for all involved," he said.
"We should never underestimate the positive impact of knowledge sharing when it comes to building skills and unlocking connections for the benefit of our clients and our people.”
US-based Patrón and Saroyan said being a Provocative Pioneer has been such an exciting and amazing experience, and they both take pride in working for a company that consistently fosters initiatives like this, which promotes knowledge sharing.
"The ability to share our ideas and best practices across the globe has been immensely beneficial and insightful for both the US and Australian teams. Whether it’s sharing ideas or being inspired by fresh perspectives, the value of this cross-cultural exchange cannot be overstated," said Patrón and Saroyan.
"Through this program, we’ve not only gained invaluable insights but also forged meaningful connections.”
Wavemaker North America chief people officer Jessica Maley said Provocative Pioneers sparks innovation and global collaboration within Wavemaker.
“It’s about empowering our teams, enriching client experiences, and driving growth worldwide. As we expand this program, we’re committed to pushing boundaries, fostering talent, and delivering exceptional results," she said.
The Australian client, Paramount Pictures MD Erin O’Neill, said the team is thrilled Wavemaker has chosen Paramount for this iteration of its Pioneers Program.
"It has been an invaluable opportunity for Paramount Pictures Australia to connect with Wavemaker’s talented team from LA and New York. Through this partnership, we have gained fresh insights and perspectives and helped continue to strengthen our global projects. We are grateful for Wavemaker’s commitment to nurturing their talent and fostering global collaboration," said O'Neill.
Wavemaker is actively working with its client leaders to identify the most suitable clients and markets for its next Provocative Pioneers exchange.
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