Company Culture at Wavemaker

Wavemaker has cultivated a remarkable company culture known for its emphasis on curiosity and positive provocation. This culture is fuelled by the company ethos of ‘positive provocation’, the cornerstone of the agency's success. 

Wavemaker asked its global client presidents Anna Hickey, Al Bannerman and Alex Altman to share their views about what makes the Wavemaker culture truly provocative and driving force behind the media agency’s continued success.

Positive Provocation

Wavemaker's culture is all about positive provocation. This means challenging the norm in a constructive and forward-thinking way. Employees are encouraged to push boundaries, explore new ideas and challenge assumptions. This mindset of positive provocation drives innovation and keeps the company at the forefront of the advertising industry.

At the heart of Wavemaker's culture is the belief that curiosity is the key to constant growth and improvement. Everyone in the media agency is encouraged to keep their minds open and continuously seek new ways to help clients grow. In the ever-evolving field of media and advertising, taking an informed and intelligence-led approach to growth and staying relentlessly curious is essential.

Diverse and inclusive

Wavemaker prides itself on its diverse and inclusive work environment. The agency understands that true positive provocation can only happen when different perspectives are brought to the table. This commitment to diversity is therefore an imperative part of the agency’s ability to deliver on its promise to positively provoke growth; to fulfil this, Wavemaker actively supports and promotes initiatives that foster inclusion and equality within the organisation.

The agency's culture of curiosity also aligns with its mission to provide clients with innovative solutions. In a rapidly changing industry, the ability to explore new ideas and adapt to emerging trends is crucial. Wavemaker's dedication to positive provocation ensures that clients receive cutting-edge strategies and solutions that drive success.

Wavemaker's culture of curiosity sets it apart in the advertising industry. It's a place where diverse talent comes together to question the status quo, embrace change, and push the boundaries of what's possible. As the industry continues to evolve, Wavemaker's culture remains a driving force behind its continued success.

The three pillars

Wavemaker's culture is built on three pillars: knowledge, challenge, and support. Knowledge involves a deep understanding of clients and the industry, challenge centres around the concept of positive provocation, and support fosters psychological safety. These values combine to create an environment where employees can thrive and excel.

One key aspect of Wavemaker's culture is inclusivity. The agency encourages individuals to bring their authentic selves to work, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated. The company leaders feel strongly that employees should never feel that they must hide their true selves at work, as this leads to happier and more secure individuals who, in turn, produce better work.

Wavemaker's commitment to its culture contributes to a positive and inclusive atmosphere that not only benefits its employees but also enhances the quality of work delivered to clients. It's a testament to the agency's dedication to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Openness and Friendliness

One of the defining features of Wavemaker's culture is openness. Employees are encouraged to express their ideas, challenge the status quo, and engage in constructive dialogue. This open atmosphere fosters creativity and innovation, allowing teams to collaborate effectively to deliver outstanding results for clients.

Friendliness is another hallmark of Wavemaker's culture. The company's dynamic environment attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions. Despite the differences, a sense of camaraderie and collaboration prevails, making Wavemaker a welcoming and inclusive workplace.

To hear more on this topic in their own words – watch here.