Before telling this story, I will hide the real names of those involved, out of respect for them and privacy.

Spring of 2020 marked the beginning of a chapter that unfolded in the most unexpected yet rewarding way. I was on the lookout for a new adventure abroad, contemplating the possibility of returning to France, my birthplace. Fate, however, had different plans for me.
A stroke of luck led me to stumble upon an agency that aligned perfectly with my passion – working with big brands. In a spontaneous burst of enthusiasm, I crafted an email in French and hit send. To my surprise, the agency that responded was nestled in Switzerland, a country that hadn't even crossed my mind as a potential home. As it turned out, this picturesque setting became the perfect backdrop for what would become one of the most significant chapters of my professional journey.
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With a sense of urgency, they roped me in for an initial engagement of just three months. The mission was clear – tackle a crucial project that demanded immediate attention. Without hesitation, I agreed, and within five days, I found myself in Switzerland, ready to dive headfirst into action. The next 12 days were a whirlwind of intense work, culminating in the presentation of three proposals for the project campaign. I assumed the role of Head of Design, collaborating with the Creative Director, affectionately known as "Lo," and the Client Service Director/Head of Strategy, aptly nicknamed "Me." We ran against six other agencies that were also competing. Time and conviction led me to primarily focus mostly on one of them, and confidence contributed to our success. Yes! We won! And at the end of the initial three months, they extended a second contract, which I joyfully accepted.

From there, it was the beginning of what would become a passion that I only remembered feeling when I opened my own studio back in 2013/14. Despite the challenges the company faced, I sensed a unique camaraderie and a deep respect for each team member. Naturally, I ended up approaching directors who had a similar path to mine when they were younger. On one or another Saturday, and several times of my own free will, the agency turned out to be my refuge where I often found the directors working. I also never turned down pleas for help, neither during nights nor weekends. Because, in my book, if we're a team, we should act like one.

Anyway... We had another big project in the fall, for which I was responsible as the Head of Design Project. We made three proposals, I essencially focused again on one of them (again, the project that the client selected), and we were successful. We crafted three proposals, and once again, success was on our side. Yet, beyond the triumphs and challenges of each project, what resonated with me was the sense of respect, encouragement, and mutual support that permeated the agency. "Me," the Head of Client Service/Strategy, became more than a colleague – he evolved into a steadfast friend, a source of invaluable knowledge derived from his vast experience. Today, I miss him.

A lot has happened intensely. In the absence of "Pa" or when "Me" was engrossed in strategic ponderings, I spontaneously took charge of the creative room, offering guidance to interns – a role I relished since my 24th year.

Switzerland became a melting pot of experiences. I put one of my native languages ​​back into practice - French. I made friends, especially Spaniards, where I was trying to eradicate my “portunhol” and I had one or another special friends. I lived in several houses (long history but the process was always complicated due the contracts and other conditions). I had easy mobility (a car that the company lent me frequently). I was responsible for some of the biggest btrand projects. I heard phrases that filled my soul like “you keep this place alive”, “your personality is necessary for any agency”... There was no room for anger or internal competition; only a profound sense of camaraderie. As the end of my third determined contract approached, sadness enveloped me, knowing it was time to bid farewell, and Covid gave the final push out.

I left the agency, and I received some news just a few months later. To my surprise, I was told that “Me” decided to leave a month after. “Lé” (a senior account for whom I also developed a fondness and who worked closely with “Me”) left the following month after him. And “Lo”, quit his project after 17 years. The realization hit me like a gut punch – and the fleeting nature of time spent in Switzerland contrasted sharply with the lingering nostalgia.

Because when a team embodies humanism, unconditional support, knowledge-sharing, patience, understanding, and warmth, the collective spirit thrives. I don't regret what I did or anything because regrets should be reserved for what we didn't do. And I guess I pushed myself to a limit that was only possible because at the end of the day... we were together, we were united. And perhaps, that is another testament to the philosophy embodied by "Me" – "we never leave a man behind”!

On the first day, I heard “Nous, la Famille”. We were indeed a family, passionately fighting for the love of "dressing the company jersey." And in my case, honoring the legacy of "Me" and "Pa". And that's why the expression "Esprit de corps" makes all sense here and I found its meaning in it;s pure nature.

Forever,