Inspiration Personified: Scooter Churchill

Wunderman Thompson are the inspiration experts. Because of this, we know that inspiration doesn’t come from any one place, but rather it should be drawn upon from a diverse and inclusive culture. 

This allows us to see things differently, to reject conventional thinking and to push the boundaries of creative bravery. The emergence of hybrid working environments has meant that finding opportunities for meaningful connections and a sense of belonging are more important to protect and nurture than ever before. 

In this new environment, it’s imperative for businesses to actively build a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued, and heard. Our Business Employee Resource Groups are just one way we bring people together and provide a positive forum for development, education and idea exchange around a common interest. 

We now have 20 of these groups across the Wunderman Thompson network devoted to topics such as AAPI, Sustainability, Marginalized Ethnicities, Disability, Women and more. They’re a key component of what makes Wunderman Thompson inspiration experts, and ensure that their core values are reflected in every aspect of the company. 

In 2022 the company added Business to the existing ERG program, which creates more opportunities for the diverse voices of employees to directly impact their work. This is just one way we’re putting inclusive experiences at the heart of our business to help drive growth for our clients, and something we’re passionate about sharing to inspire the wider industry. By incorporating these groups, we take ownership and responsibility for creating culturally competent work that drives conversation to enrich our culture and wider society.

Here are thoughts from their members on what inspired their creation, and how they use them to inspire change from their corner of the world.

Name: Scooter Churchill

Title: senior project manager + Wunderman Thompson North American B+ERG lead

City: Seattle, WA

Business + Employee Resource Group / Affinity: OUTstanding LGBTQIA+ B+ERG

Q> Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role?

Scooter> My name is Scooter Churchill and I have been a project manager on and off for 30 years now! In between, I’ve worked as an account executive in retail at The Bon Marché (now Macy’s), completed a stint as a side buyer, became an internet producer and then campaign marketing manager at Nordstrom – then a decade ago I shifted into the advertising world as both a project manager and an account manager finally landing at Wunderman Thompson. All of those roles were based in Seattle except for three years spent in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where I worked as an advertising manager among other side trades.

Q> What made you crave more cultural inspiration at work?

Scooter> Though I’ve always loved project management, I’ve also been passionate about supporting inclusion, equality and diversity within the workplace for as long as I can remember, via the HR/People department along with social groups and culture clubs. I like to set up events and parties, but more so than that, like to educate work peers on the subjects of diversity and inclusion. It brings an additional and important layer to ‘the day job’!

Q> What is the purpose of your group? What is the change you are trying to achieve? 

Scooter> OUTstanding B+ERG (Business + Employee Resource Group) is a creative collective within the Wunderman Thompson global ad agency. Our mission is to unify LGBTQIA+ employees and their allies, to forge professional growth, establish an inclusive environment, and produce advertising that mandates equality in the community. 

We educate both our internal team and the broader agency by holding ‘fireside chats’. These in-depth conversations have shone a spotlight on the trans experience, with participants including an author raising their trans child to become an out and proud trans man in our industry. We have also hosted Drag Bingo events to both highlight the art of drag and to support that community – while having lots of fun! Our goal through both these events and through newsletters, which include content on how to get help, how to donate, how to volunteer, and how to grow as a person, is to contribute to a positive work environment built on understanding one another.

Q> What’s been the best part about being involved in your group? 

Scooter> A huge highlight of this experience has been meeting new people – not only in my own office but across North America. It’s a real privilege to find commonality with people from all backgrounds, places and walks of life. 

Q> What happens when you get together?

Scooter> Getting together is so rewarding. We plan subjects to cover in the future, both internally and externally, talk about the best ways we can support our colleagues, arrange events, but more than anything? We just hang out!

Q> How do you stay connected to one another? 

Scooter> Our Wunderman Thompson B+ERG full team meets a couple of times a month on Microsoft Teams, but as we’re starting to be able to attend local offices in person again, there are gatherings and upcoming Pride parties on the horizon! The future looks bright. 

Q> How does your group inspire you/others? 

Scooter> It’s been such a great opportunity to connect with employees across North America that I wouldn’t otherwise have ever had the opportunity to meet, especially those with like-minded opinions, issues and stories. This even goes for within our own offices – again paths that may not otherwise have ever crossed. Each time I talk with my Wunderman Thompson B+ERG team members, I’m inspired and my heart and mind are opened to new things.