3 October
I’m encouraging people to connect with nature while my agency is partnering with the organisations destroying it. Help!
One reader is torn between the stunning creative their agency produced to inspire people to connect with nature, and their agency’s secret partnership with one of Australia’s biggest gas and electricity companies.
Can they make it work? Or is it time to have ‘the talk’?
Pearl shares her advice.
The dilemma
Dear Pearl,
I’m caught in a bit of a quandary.
You see, we recently relaunched our brand identity with our agency, and it was really something special.
The work they delivered was a bold, nature-inspired, colour-filled joy—encouraging people to get out there and connect with the great outdoors.
You should see the creative. This was a brand identity overhaul that brought to life everything we stand for. *Chef’s kiss*
But (there’s always a but, isn’t there) I just found out the same agency is working with one of Australia’s largest gas and electricity providers. Ergh. I can’t wrap my head around it.
How can we champion nature, while they’re partnered with an industry that’s contributing to the destruction of it?
Do I raise the issue or let it go?
Sincerely,
Worried Wilderness Enthusiast
Pearl’s advice
Dear Worried Wilderness Enthusiast,
Oh, sweetheart. What a conundrum you’ve found yourself in! It’s like planning a perfect, sun-dappled hike, only to discover the trail leads you straight into an industrial wasteland. Talk about a mood-killer!
Your rebrand was all about celebrating nature. And yet, the very agency that helped craft such a joy-filled brand identity is also cozying up to an energy company that’s contributing to the climate crisis. Not exactly the adventure partner you had in mind, is it?
It’s time for ‘the talk,’ darling.
Sit down with your agency and let them know that this partnership with a fossil fuel giant feels out of sync with your brand’s values. Ask them directly how they plan to reconcile these conflicting relationships.
If they can’t offer a clear path forward, or worse, if they brush it off, then it might be time to find a new agency that aligns with your vision.
Remember, sweetheart, you deserve a partner who’s on the same path and shares your values every step of the way. Anything less? Well, that’s just heading off-course.
Good luck, darling!
Love, Pearl.
