Lessons from a decade in business: In conversation with Tom Tapper from Nice and Serious - Descript

Reimagining Work From Within

DESCRIPTION

In this special edition of the Reimagining Growth From Within podcast, we celebrate Within People’s 10th anniversary with a conversation featuring Tom Tapper, co-founder of the creative agency Nice and Serious. Tom shares candid insights on the journey of building a purpose-driven agency, balancing profit with impact, navigating challenges like imposter syndrome, and staying true to the agency’s core values over the last decade. This episode delves into leadership, creativity, and how to remain focused on making the world a better place through meaningful work.

SHOW NOTES

Tom Tapper from Nice and Serious, a creative agency focused on sustainability issues, reflects on his journey over the past 10 years alongside Within People co-founder Jeff Melnyk.

Through the years Nice and Serious have shifted their focus from providing creative services to becoming creative problem solvers, working on broader challenges like brand strategy and campaigning for change. They also implemented a moral compass to guide their decision-making process and ensure alignment with their values. While they have turned down lucrative projects that didn't align with their ethics, they believe that staying true to their purpose will lead to long-term success and impact.

Tom Tapper reflects on his experience as a leader and the challenges he has faced, including imposter syndrome and the pressure to follow patterns of growth of other agencies. He discusses how he has grown more comfortable with uncertainty and trusting his own instincts. Tom also shares his thoughts on Within’s 8 Qualities of Human-centered Leadership, highlighting Conviction as his strength and Patience as his biggest stretch. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and the need to balance ambition with staying true to the agency's values.

Looking ahead, Tom envisions Nice and Serious evolving in response to the changing needs of clients and society, while maintaining its focus on sustainability.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• What it takes to grow a purpose-driven creative agency
• How to use decision making criteria to choose impactful work that matters to your creative team
• How to bring awareness to and manage imposter syndrome
• The qualities of leadership required to stay true to your values in challenging times
• Evolving and adapting your services as an agency to meet clients where they are at as you lead in a sector

KEYWORDS

Nice and Serious, creative agency, sustainability, film production, creative services, creative problem solvers, brand strategy, change, moral compass, decision-making, ethics, impact, imposter syndrome, leadership, conviction, patience, empathy, creativity, growth, sustainability