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How do you get to know a colleague? Embark on a three week trip with them, of course.
While we’re both Account Directors at Media Profile, we rarely cross paths as one of us works on a variety of B2B, not-for-profit and food and beverage accounts, while the other spends the majority of time with consumer and travel clients.
It was back in summer 2023 that we found ourselves in the lounge at the office discussing where we wanted to go for our Work Away trips. We soon realized we both were ready to jet set to South America, so we figured why not pool our $3K per person benefit and go together!
Shortly after, we had a full itinerary planned for Argentina and Uruguay — destinations neither of us had been to but desperately wanted to explore.
From the laid-back beachy vibes of Punta Del Este and the electric culture of Buenos Aires to the colourful canyons of Cafayate and the expansive mountains of Tilcara, we learned a lot about Argentina and Uruguay. But the best lessons we learned were from each other.
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Cut from the same cloth
It’s funny to look back now and think about how we barely knew each other when arriving at Pearson Airport on December 28. Knowing we were orbiting around each other unaware of how much we have in common is comical.
We’re the exact same age. We both did our undergrad and masters degrees in a combination of English, Journalism and Communications. We both worked at CTV as chase producers before switching to PR. We both love indie/folk music. We both love hiking. The list goes on and on!
And while our similarities are what made the good times (and tunes) roll, it’s our differences that helped each of us evolve as PR professionals.
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Two peas in a PRGN pod
Much like two strangers getting to know each other on a three-week trip together, we didn’t know what to expect when walking through the doors of Identia PR in Buenos Aires. However, within moments of meeting their gracious team, we felt right at home.
Both Media Profile and Identia are members of PRGN, a global network of more than 50 hand-selected, independent communications agencies. Despite being located thousands of miles from one another, what shocked us most was how similar our office culture was, but also the nature of our work.
Media landscapes in Argentina and Canada share common threads as both undergo significant changes. Traditional newsrooms are shrinking, making way for a digital era where sponsored content and influencer partnerships take center stage. While strategies shift, securing earned, traditional media coverage on radio, broadcast and print is still important when looking to reach mass audiences. Taking the time to build relationships with journalists is a top strategy for both of our offices, relying on these relationships to secure top-tier coverage for our clients.
New cities and connections waiting to be explored
The value of building relationships and networking extends far beyond newsrooms. This Work Away trip helped us discover that it is equally as important to get to know colleagues, both at home and abroad.
Since being back at the MP office, we’ve collaborated on various tasks, leveraging each other’s strengths when asking for support. As we wrap this unforgettable adventure, we’re eager to continue exploring and already thinking ahead to our next Work Away and how we can continue to extend our connections across the globe.
Curious to learn more about MP’s adventures abroad? Stay tuned for future Our Take #PassportToMP blog posts where employees will share their work away experiences.