5 Minutes With Tom Harrison

#TeamMindshare believes in Empathy, Energy and Impact. As we adjust to working differently, we're continuing to empower people to challenge the status quo and drive Good Growth for our clients and the industry. Growth isn’t just a flash in the pan, but it’s enduring, diversified, and more sustainable over time. We’re proud to be unmistakably #TeamMindshare, and make it the place where we do the best work of our career, grow and have fun. Hear from Tom on how he's adapted, what his biggest learning is and how he stays inspired.

Biggest learning from your career?

Approach your career and personal life with the same values and common-sense principles. Most of us are guilty of passing through the proverbial membrane from 'home me' to 'work me,' whether walking through the office doors or logging onto our laptops at home. Sure, there are many examples of why not to overshare personal details in the workplace (some folks may simply not want to), and that's OK. Still, the reality is that we're the same person in sweatpants as we are in [enter appropriate work attire here as I seem to have forgotten…]. Trust your gut: it doesn’t know when you’ve got your human, marketer, or consumer hat on.

One word to describe the last year?

Cheers!. I don’t need to waste ink (or…pixels..?) on listing the world’s current events for you. The point being is we’ve all gone through a lot; are going through a lot. I don’t think life ever lets up, but we should definitely stop to smell the roses a LOT more often and celebrate the small (and the big) things. We’re here. We’re moving forward. That’s pretty awesome. Cheers!.

What is the best advice you can give for hybrid working?

Embrace it & change environments when possible. I've found I'm far more productive when my surroundings change, and the occasional stagnation I feel isn't a product of an office environment. In fact, I experience the exact same feeling from the desk in my bedroom. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I've found this to be true for hybrid working. When I'm at home, I miss sitting around a huge desk & collaborating with the team. When I'm in the office, all I want is to be doing is blasting my music on my speakers at home. Resetting your motivational clock by mixing up your environment and enjoying their unique positives will remind you of the benefits of both.

How have you stayed inspired?

Honestly, I haven’t at all times. If anyone reading this claims to have lived in a state of perpetual inspiration for the last 12 months I’d love to get the contact information of your Shaman. Having said that – inspiration for me is a fine balance between always having something to look forward to (big or small) & being as in-the-moment as possible to enjoy these when they come around. From a holiday/vacation to an exciting work presentation or workstream, look forward to them (or them ending!) and enjoy the ride.

P.S. have a hobby! or have fun trying to find one.

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