WiseOwl’s 8 Lessons from 2019
At WiseOwl, we learned A LOT in 2019. What a year it has been for communication and social change! So anyway, as we barrel through 2020, we thought we’d share some of the lessons we learned with you.
Lesson 1: Find the YES
Oya: Frankly, people are tired of hearing about what’s so wrong in the world. We all know we have tremendous problems, and we all want to help — we really do. Give us a reason to act for, not just against, something. The most important step in building a better world is imagining it.
Lesson 2: We’re in this together!
Joza: In 2019, we found strength in our diversity and overcame challenges together with organizations, advocates, and experts who brought fresh insights and creative solutions to the table. We’re very thankful to all our partners for creating a space where people can unite and contribute. No more othering and building walls. No more staying in our echo chambers… If you GIVE A HOOT for the common good, then know that we’re on the same team and making a collective impact is the only way we can win.
Lesson 3: Best channel: word-of-mouth
Mika: Remember to make time and set aside energy for meaningful conversations. They were instrumental in growing and evolving WiseOwl in 2019. We polished our elevator pitch, developed better solutions, and generated new client leads. Out of every interaction we have with clients, partners, and friends, we endeavor to always add value. In doing so, we’ve seen firsthand how fast the word spreads and how much easier it is to find the people we want to work with for causes we believe in.
Lesson 4: Culture is kween
Oya: Cold information is all good. But we are emotional beings. For social change to be lasting, it has to become part of our everyday lives — our habits, our common sense. Tap into our emotions, language, symbols, rituals, and practices. Let the change you want to make resonate with, and be consumed by, our culture, to be re-created, expressed and embedded in the most unique and effective way.
Lesson 5: Stay curious
April: What I love about working at WiseOwl is that the people around me feed and encourage curiosity- whether it’s big questions around democracy or dumb questions about food. It’s also refreshing to work in a place that sets learning goals which is a testament to how the company really values growth and learning.
Lesson 6: The secret to productivity: play
Mika: Play, we’ve come to realize, is essential. It doesn’t just make for a fun work environment, it also helps create a space conducive for creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Want a great team and new solutions? Say yes to board games, video games, cartoons, pop-up books, comic books, gag gifts, clown noses, memes, and obscure nicknames no one else will ever understand.
Lesson 7: Know your audience
April: If you want to connect to an audience then you have to make it a point to know them. Listening to them, understanding their livelihoods, families, communities and their day to day lives is important in crafting strategies. Most importantly, it also shows you why the work you’re doing matters, whether it’s a project related to health or human rights, and what really is at stake for the people you say you want to help.
Lesson 8: Learn to ask for help
Joza: We know we can’t do it alone. No matter the roles we play, skills we level up, and tools we acquire, we win as a team.
In 2019, another owl joined our party. As WiseOwl’s account executive, April helped us expand our network, foster relationships, facilitate workshops and, most importantly, she helped us brush up on our pop culture (and meme) references.
