Thinkerbell’s head of people and culture and the agency’s first employee, Emma O’Leary, is departing after 8 years. In an exclusive chat, she shared insights into the agency's unique culture and her reasons for leaving.
Why Emma O’Leary is Leaving Thinkerbell
Working with co-founder Adam Ferrier for 16 years was a significant factor. O’Leary expressed pride in what she helped create at Thinkerbell, from its humble beginnings in the Revs basement on Chapel Street to becoming a notable agency. She's ready to take her learnings to a new industry.
Creating Thinkerbell’s Unique Culture
O’Leary described the culture as a 'colorful, cacophony of curious, creative creatures'. She emphasized the importance of rituals like Measured Mondays, Magic Hours, and the $1,000 Thinker and Tinker of the year prize, handed out in $1 coins in a hessian sack. The culture is built on a leadership team with heart and passion, giving people the freedom to be themselves.
Most Vivid Memory (and Trauma)
Losing Thinkerbell’s cryptocurrency passwords, which amounted to a potential $137,000. With the current state of crypto, the sting is less harsh now.
What Agencies Need to Focus On for Strong Culture
Rituals, rituals, rituals. O’Leary stressed the importance of meaningful rituals over empty ones, like Friday afternoon drink trolleys. Agencies should create moments that bring people together genuinely.
What Annoyed Her Most About Thinkerbell
A humorous list of quirks, from pink and green colors to the lack of pisco sours, but she clarified these were actually things she loved about the agency.
Thinkerbell is a bloody special place, and O’Leary’s departure marks the end of an era.
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