CEO Stories: Five things we learned from Tribera agency's co-founders
Tribera content agency co-founders Fran Nolan and André Picart were the latest guests on CEO Stories – a podcast from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce which delves into the minds of the region’s best and brightest business leaders.
The podcast, hosted by GBCC chief executive Henrietta Brealey, is available in full on all major listening platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Tribera is a leading Birmingham city centre-based agency which has racked up a host of accolades including being named in the Sunday Times' 'Best Places to Work' list.
In the final episode of CEO Stories season three, we were given an insightful look into the journey and vision of Tribera's co-founders.
Here are five intriguing takeaways from Fran and André's conversation with Henrietta...
1) Balancing ambition with boundaries
Both Fran and André shared deeply personal anecdotes that shaped their professional boundaries.
Dre recalled two defining moments - one where his work ethic was commendable, and another when he realised the importance of work-life balance during the birth of his child.
Similarly, Fran's career shift was ignited by the birth of her daughter, prompting her to pursue creativity over corporate rigidity.
The takeaway? Ambition is essential, but it must be balanced with personal well-being to prevent burnout.
2) The birth of Tribera
The origin story of Tribera is a testament to seizing opportunities.
With no initial plan, Fran and Dre were offered investment to start their agency.
They took a gamble, choosing passion over security, despite Fran having a potential job at a large agency.
This bold move highlights the power of trusting one's instincts and being open to serendipitous opportunities.
3) Culture over credentials
The co-founders emphasise the importance of culture over credentials.
Initially focusing on skills, they soon realised that having a team that shared their vision and values was crucial.
This approach helped Tribera win an award for being one of the best places to work in the UK.
As Fran puts it, they've learned that getting the "match right" is what counts, showing that fostering a strong organisational culture can be as critical as hiring skilled employees.
4) The 32-hour work week
Tribera's shift to a 32-hour work week demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to work-life balance.
By ditching the term 'four-day work week' for '32-hour work week', they've allowed for genuine flexibility in their team.
While this model presents challenges, such as maintaining pace and ensuring client availability, it ultimately empowers employees, allowing them to balance personal and professional commitments better.
5) Harnessing AI and new digital trends
A keen observer of industry trends, Dre is enthusiastic about AI, seeing it as a tool to enhance rather than replace human capabilities.
Tribera leverages AI for automation and optimisation, enabling their team to focus on creative tasks they love.
Additionally, they've adapted to major shifts like short-form content and the rise of influencer marketing, proving that staying adaptable and relevant is critical in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
