01Human Capital Development
FIRM – WIDE INITIATIVES
86%
*Based on the number of employees
90%
*As of February 18, 2025
40%
12,000
56
4
Around the Network
INTRODUCING PARENTAL COACHING
In 2024, Cherry introduced a new parental coaching program, an initiative designed to support working parents as they transition back to work. This program offers personalized coaching sessions that address the unique challenges faced by parents re-entering the workforce, such as time management, work-life balance, and career progression. An expert coach provides practical strategies and emotional support, helping parents navigate their dual roles with confidence and ease. Since its introduction, the parental coaching program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many parents reporting increased job satisfaction and reduced stress levels.
A WEEK OF MOVEMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH
During Mental Health Awareness Week in May, Madano hosted a full week of activities focused on movement and physical exercise. Employees were encouraged to participate in daily wellness challenges which included desk yoga sessions, walking meetings, getting off the bus a stop early, and going for lunchtime runs. This program underscored the importance of physical activity for mental health.
FOSTERING CONNECTION THROUGH WELLNESS CHALLENGES
In the spring and fall of 2024, NATIONAL hosted two wellness challenges, designed to motivate and inspire employees across all offices to stay active. Participants engaged in various activities that not only promoted physical well-being but also strengthened interpersonal connections. These friendly competitions were successful in fostering a sense of belonging and creating a strong support network filled with encouragement, motivation, and camaraderie.
WELLNESS WEBINARS
In 2024, Padilla held two sessions dedicated to supporting employee wellness. The first was an interactive webinar held in May for Mental Health Awareness Week, which provided employees with actionable strategies to manage stress and prioritize their well-being and mental health in a compassionate way. Additionally, the brand organized a panel discussion featuring Padilla parents with children of various ages who shared tips, strategies, and personal stories about balancing work with parenting. The panel sparked significant discussions and enthusiasm, leading to plans for creating a formal employee resource group for parents.
NEW BUSINESS TRAINING PROGRAM
In 2024, Hanover launched a refreshed version of its new business training program called “Ignite”. The program is conducted by internal and external stakeholders and consists of five core modules that employees across all business locations are required to complete. These modules cover important aspects of business development such as writing a winning proposal, design training, presenting confidently, organic growth, and pitching.
MONTHLY LUNCH-AND-LEARN SESSIONS
Padilla’s lunch-and-learn program is a cornerstone of the brand’s professional development program, offering 45-minute skills-based training sessions led by Padilla staff from various levels, brands, and specialties. In 2024, the brand held monthly sessions on topics ranging from the basics of agency writing to media relations, social media account management, and copywriting. This series provides opportunities for staff to practice internal knowledge sharing while allowing junior employees to acquire new skills.
DEVELOPING THE COLLECTIVE STRENGTHS OF YOUNG LEADERS
Seven leaders from the Time & Space management team completed the “Emerging Leaders” program through the consulting firm Pivotal Growth. This program offers a customized leadership development experience, using AI-driven insights to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement, and creating actionable plans for impactful results. Participants got to learn about each other’s learning and communication styles to foster improved internal collaboration. The program also emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing blind spots to effectively leverage the strengths of others.
Achievement Awards
95
2024 Luc Beauregard Award
SARAH WILSON (MADANO)
The Luc Beauregard Award, dedicated to the memory of our founder, is presented to one of the AVENIR GLOBAL Achievement Awards winners whose stellar nomination and strong performance during the year truly stood out among all local laureates.
Sarah Wilson, Senior Director at Madano, has been selected as the 2024 winner of the Luc Beauregard Award. She is also the recipient of the Business Development and Management Achievement Award for Madano.
Sarah has demonstrated an exceptional ability to bring new ideas and craft compelling stories that resonate with clients. Her strategic thinking and creative storytelling have been pivotal in securing two of Madano’s largest new business wins this year—Roche Obesity and UCB Osteo. Sarah led these projects with remarkable skill, driving them to success through her innovative approach and dedication.
In addition to her client work, Sarah played a crucial role in leading the client excellence workstream as part of Madano’s five-year planning process. She has also been instrumental in expanding Madano’s commercial offerings within healthcare, establishing new specialties that have strengthened the Firm’s position in this sector.
Sarah’s leadership extends beyond project delivery; she is committed to mentoring others and instilling excellence throughout her teams. Her ability to adapt quickly and apply strategic insights across various challenges makes her an invaluable asset not only within Madano but across AVENIR GLOBAL. Her achievements exemplify what it means to embody the spirit of the Luc Beauregard Award—bold thinking combined with unwavering commitment that inspires us all at AVENIR GLOBAL.
2024 AVENIR GLOBAL Way Award
HEATH RUDDUCK (PADILLA)
The AVENIR GLOBAL Way Award is presented to the employee who best represents the Firm’s values and embodies our brand by applying bold thinking to solve challenges and establishing trusted relationships with clients and partners.
The 2024 recipient of this award is Heath Rudduck, Padilla’s Chief Creative Officer. Heath exemplifies leadership and collaboration in every sense, setting a high standard for innovation within our Firm. His visionary work and team leadership have been instrumental in bringing winning ideas to life for clients like Florida Department of Citrus, Jack Links, Norwegian Seafood, Richmond Regional Tourism, and many more.
Heath’s boundless passion for delivering “strategically creative” work that changes behaviors is evident across various projects—from branded content to paid media campaigns to engaging digital experiences.
He advocates for resourcefulness, ensuring each project achieves its full potential regardless of budget or timeline constraints. Embracing new technologies like GenAI, Heath sees opportunities where others see challenges.
Recognized as one of AVENIR GLOBAL’s top creative talents, Heath inspires through action by embodying the Firm’s values daily. His commitment extends beyond Padilla; when NATIONAL Toronto faced challenges ahead of several big pitches, Heath flew over immediately to help craft a world-class approach that resulted in new business wins.
Heath truly personifies what it means to be part of AVENIR GLOBAL: innovative thinking combined with steadfast support makes him a deserving recipient of this year’s AVENIR GLOBAL Way Award.