#GPJourneys | Part One

When we say we’re a global agency, we’re not talking about a single office in a different country—we’re talking about a strategic network of 30+ culturally embedded offices across multiple continents. Unique but unified, our global footprint gives clients unparalleled access to teams around the world and their unabashed creativity, distinct perspectives, and extensive knowledge. But it’s not just our clients that get this luxury—our teams do, too. With #GPJourneys, we’re spotlighting GPJers who’ve engaged with this global mindset by embedding themselves in new places, perspectives, and cultures.

These stories reflect what it truly means to be part of OneGPJ: a global team connected by shared values, a love for bold ideas, and a passion for experiences that move people.

I ensure that PO’s are being opened, contracts are being reviewed, jobs are being opened and updated, and serve as a main point of contact between our Integrated Production/Special Experiences/Live Production teams and vendors. Outside of work, I love to make art from my 5-9. I enjoy shooting film, writing poetry, making zines, painting, and using mixed media to create a new piece. I have had the pleasure of being featured in two local photography magazines based in SF and in a poetry magazine. I have also been able to display my art at 4 art shows in SF, which was a really cool experience! Outside of the art, I love to travel, BBQ, and skateboard around town! 

What an incredible opportunity! How was your time there?

The transition was extremely smooth and easy, especially because I had so much support from my manager and executive leadership. I was able to collaborate with our Account Operations team in India, which was nice not to have to fight the 12.5hr time difference! I had a great time learning about the office culture and trying some of the local foods around the office. Outside of that, it was business as usual, very easy to get my typical workday regimen incorporated into my time in India. 

We’re happy the move was painless, Shiv. Bangalore sounds like an amazing time! You mentioned you had support from your managers and executive leadership (which is awesome)—how specifically did GPJ support you with this transition?

My manager and the director of my department were wholly supportive of me. They were very excited for the opportunity to embrace our OneGPJ culture and bridge the gap between India and the USA. We had clear communication in terms of work hours, ensuring work was completed accurately and efficiently, and relaying the schedule change to our larger team so everyone was aware of the shift. 

Who wouldn’t love Bangalore after reading that answer? Was there a part of the move that surprised you?

One thing that really surprised me was how young and diverse the office was in its own right. I didn’t expect such a wide mix of perspectives, backgrounds, and creative energy, which made collaboration feel dynamic and engaging. I was also struck by how relaxed the overall environment felt while still maintaining a strong sense of focus and productivity. There was a healthy balance between flexibility and accountability that clearly worked well for the team. Additionally, the office itself was extremely modern and thoughtfully designed, very comparable to the SF office in both look and culture, which made it feel familiar yet exciting at the same time.

It sounds like they’ve got our work-hard-play-hard mentality nailed down! Reflecting on your month spent there, how did the move influence your perspective and approach to your work?

Working from this office really helped broaden my perspective on GPJ as a truly global company. Being immersed in another region allowed me to better understand the global GPJ culture and see firsthand that the incredible work we do is happening seamlessly all the way on the other side of the planet. It reinforced how interconnected our teams are and how much true collaboration exists across regions. This experience has influenced my approach to work by encouraging me to think more globally, communicate more intentionally, and appreciate the diverse perspectives that strengthen our collective output.

Did you learn any important lessons while working with these teams and clients?

I learned a lot about working with India-based clients, including their office culture and the norms of Indian professional life. What stood out to me was how similar many of these practices and expectations are to our culture in the U.S., which made collaboration feel natural and aligned. This experience helped me better understand client needs in the region and reinforced how shared values around teamwork, communication, and delivery transcend geography.

We’re happy you had the opportunity to experience this firsthand, Shiv! Is there any advice you would give to someone who’s thinking about relocating offices?

I would absolutely encourage them to take the opportunity if they can. Just make sure to be very clear and transparent with your manager and the executives across your account and department. Open communication is key. Having honest and truthful conversations about where you are, what you are hoping to experience, and what you need for success makes a huge difference. I am especially grateful that my manager has always centered open communication and trust in our professional relationship, which made this experience possible and incredibly positive.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I think many of us carry a certain image of India in our minds, and that perception is not always fully accurate or complete. I have been to India many times throughout my life since my family lives there and my immediate nuclear family is the only part of my family based in the U.S.. While those trips were meaningful, they were always centered around family, and I never had the opportunity to experience what a professional office environment in India truly looked like. None of my relatives work in a traditional nine-to-five corporate setting, so this perspective was entirely new to me.

Working out of the Bangalore office was genuinely eye-opening. It challenged assumptions and expanded my understanding of what modern professional life in India looks like. The office culture reminded me so much of San Francisco that I was honestly shocked. It was modern, fast-paced, collaborative, and filled with incredibly driven and creative people. At the same time, it was deeply rooted in warmth, culture, and community, which made the experience even more meaningful. Being surrounded by people who felt familiar in mindset and ambition while still bringing their own unique perspectives was powerful. It reinforced how global our work truly is and how aligned we are across regions, even when separated by thousands of miles. There was a strong sense of curiosity, openness, and mutual respect, and I felt welcomed not just as a colleague but as a person.

India is a vast, vibrant country filled with opportunity, intelligence, and talent, and experiencing it through a professional lens gave me a new level of appreciation. I am genuinely glad that GPJ is investing in the region because the potential there is undeniable. The energy, creativity, and capability of the teams make it clear that incredible work is being done and will continue to grow. I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering the experience to take the opportunity, as it offers both professional growth and a meaningful shift in perspective.

Thank you for your time, Shiv. GPJ India was thrilled to have you for the month!

And what office did you relocate to, Grace? Feel free to share a bit of background on your move and why you’ve relocated.

I temporarily relocated from the Detroit office to the Boston office this past October. I spent a month living in Boston to explore the city, and I became absolutely enamored with our office that sits on Long Wharf overlooking the Boston Main Channel. Being a Michigander all my life, I’ve been eager to move out of the Midwest since I graduated from college. The East Coast has always been one of my favorite places, and upon further research, I set my sights on Boston. Before moving my life to a different state, I was given the incredible opportunity to spend some time in the city to make sure I could see myself there first.

Boston is a great pick! What was the transition like, both professionally and personally?

The transition was definitely interesting. I live in a small town in metro Detroit, so moving to the heart of Boston for a month without ever living in a city before was definitely a bit jarring. Despite the harrowing experience of driving (and parking—forget about it!) in downtown Boston, I adjusted pretty quickly. It’s not hard when you’re surrounded by incredible food, sights, and people. The Boston GPJers were super welcoming and happily introduced me to the team despite only being around for a few weeks. I felt right at home, which made it extra difficult to leave!

We’re glad the move went smoothly, and we’re not surprised the team greeted you with open arms! That’s the kind of support we champion globally. Speaking of which, how has GPJ supported you with this transition?

One thing I love about GPJ is how supportive everyone is when it comes to team members investing in not only their career growth, but their personal growth, too. My managers gave me the thumbs up right away when I proposed working out of the Boston office for the month, and they were excited that I had the opportunity to branch out, connect with more GPJers, and explore a new city. One of my managers practically told half of the creative department I’d be in town so that they’d be expecting me! Our talent and culture teams also made the move painless—I only needed to give the Boston office’s admin the dates of my arrival and departure. She was so kind and even supplied me with a newsletter that updates every Thursday with fun weekend activities around the city. I was living alone for the first time and knew nobody in the area, so this was more helpful than she probably realized!

Something that sets GPJ apart from the rest is the genuine excitement your mentors and colleagues have for you when you’re pursuing something you’re passionate about. A big thank you to my managers, Eric Hachlinksi and Scott Kellner, for encouraging me to go for it! It was such an amazing experience, and I truly couldn’t have asked for more supportive teams.

We love seeing GPJers cheer each other on! Now let’s get into the good stuff—what was your favorite part about this new location?

Oh gosh, that’s a tough question. I have three favorites, because I can’t pick just one.

First, it was a blast meeting folks I’ve only ever spoken to through a screen, in person. As a global company with a lot of physical space between some of our teams, getting to put a name to a face in front of you is always rewarding. I was also able to reconnect with a fellow igniter during my time there! Second, the team was so friendly. Whether it was the best museum or pizza spot in town, they happily shared their favorite Boston recommendations. I ended up celebrating my birthday in Boston as well, and a few of the girlies got together and took me out for coffee that morning! Third, the office is stunning. Hands down, one of the coolest places you could possibly work. With three sides of the building surrounded by water, swings hanging from the ceiling, and charmingly historic architecture that rivals any drab corporate office, it’s hard not to come into work five days a week. Sorry, Detroit—I-75 will never beat sailboats and seagulls!

After reflecting on your month in America’s biggest small town, how has Boston influenced or changed your view on the work that you do?

Getting to meet so many new folks with such varying and unique perspectives on their own work gave me a fresh perspective on my own. The city itself is steeped in art, history, and culture, and would inspire anyone who had the chance to walk down its streets. It just makes you want to continue doing great work—work that means something to you, your teams, and your clients, and that ultimately pushes the envelope.

We’re endlessly inspired by our team members and their unique experiences, and we’re excited that we had the chance to share yours. Thank you for your time, Shiv and Grace!
Look out for more #GPJourneys here.