Considering applying for a role at Dentsu / Isobar in Toronto. Does anyone have any insight into the culture, if it’s overall a decent place to work? Or if there are any red flags to watch out for?

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Isobar/Dentsu Toronto has great benefits coverage (100%) and they have a built in WFH policy since pre-pandemic which is really rare. But in terms of the work that comes out there, they did one thing (Cadillac Live) and are still raving about it so you’ll likely be producing extension projects of that across GM brands. It’s not flashy work at all and you might find yourself bored within a year or two. Also the data driven thing is code for “we’re a media driven agency” not necessarily creative so it depends what you want to get out of this role. I would only reco if you’re a need a foot in the door or super senior and ready to chillax for the rest of your career. Even so, as a producer it’s possible you’ll have a bit of chaos on the regs because you have to work with partner agencies which can add weird power dynamics to a place that basically has no leadership hierarchy. Also the office is beautiful though but beware of the CCO, he’s NUTZ. Hopefully you won’t have to work with him often if ever.

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Who is the cco?

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The leadership at the network level are brilliant. A wonderful connected smart, kick but team. The creative team has a brilliant future. Think big pic. This is a good plan.

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Isobar is well respected globally, but at the Americas level, dentsu creative leadership treats it as the ugly stepchild of the group.

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Also they are very much an all hands on deck type of place. Lots of digital banner ads, lots of website rejigging projects. Pretty typical auto client tasks with a side of “oh god this project is so boring”. I’d be surprised if you leave with anything interesting to show for

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I’ve heard as much, thanks for corroborating that.

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I've worked in Toronto on and off for 13 years and had no idea we had an Isobar office here.

Makes me think they're definitely not doing the kind of work that turns industry heads. But maybe that's not what you're looking for?

Also, "considering applying"? What? Just apply. If you start getting interviews or offers, come back to this thread.

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Asking for a friend. 😅 They've applied and are close to getting an offer.

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I love the people there. I work with them all the time. Really talented, non-toxic!

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I worked for GM Detroit. Great place to get your foot in the door. Hard to get promoted, I waited 2 years for a promotion and still didn’t get it until I left but that was also during the pandemic. GM has some fun things they do but can be tedious and repetitive at times.

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Are you applying for GM side or studio side?

It would be for the GM side.

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