Joost Brugman

What pleasantly surprised you when you started working here?
How things were handled differently compared to my previous job. During onboarding, everything was ready for me—my equipment, a photo for the website taken during the first week, and anything I needed was arranged promptly. Plus, the people: everyone is treated equally, and there’s genuine interest in you as a person. Also, the speed of action—starting new initiatives and trying things out. As a small organisation, we accomplished so much and viewed every challenge as an opportunity.

What does a typical Friday afternoon look like at the office (or digitally) at Gladwell?
During Friday lunch, people take a little more time to connect, and the conversations are longer. In the afternoon, meetings are usually calmer, and you plan ahead for upcoming work. Around 4:30 PM, snacks and drinks are often set out. Those in the office usually gather for a drink around 5:00 PM.

What’s the coolest project or most challenging task you’ve worked on?
Both were in 2024: in February, we organized an event in New York for our clients. Then in September, we held an event at BMW Welt in Munich for clients in the hardware sector. What made the Munich event special was that it was launched and successfully completed within just four months.

What’s the funniest or most memorable moment you’ve experienced with your colleagues?
There have been many memorable moments—from my first work trip to Poland, to skiing in Austria, and a company outing to Barcelona. The annual conferences in the U.S. are a highlight for me. From hiking in the Rocky Mountains to discovering the music scene in Nashville, those experiences really stand out.