NEIL FOLLETT

President

Hi there. I thought I’d forego the usual write-about-yourself-in-the-third-person approach to work bios and be more direct. Given this is a platform about work, I’ll start with some job stuff. I worked at a few agencies a long time ago (Cyberplex and Infinet) where I learned a ton and met some amazing people, but I think my current job is the most interesting. More than 10 years ago (and no, I can’t believe it was that long ago!) I started an agency called Brightworks. It’s been a more rewarding adventure than I ever could have imagined, and by far the toughest job I’ve ever had, as any entrepreneur will tell you.

Along the way, I’ve been lucky to have some amazing experiences in addition to watching the agency grow and evolve. I’ve sat on committees at such respected institutions as the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). I’ve spent almost 10 years on the board of directors of the Ontario Pharmaceutical Marketing Association. I’ve been exposed to incredible talent as a judge for multiple awards programs, including the Enactus Student Entrepreneur of the Year, and I’ve spoken at conferences in Canada and the US on digital and pharmaceutical marketing. I was even once nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year, something I had absolutely no chance of winning. But hey, as they say, “it’s an honour just to be nominated”!

Next to Brightworks, I am (professionally) most proud of Innovation Day, our yearly ideas and inspiration conference. If you’re interested, check it out at www.innovationday.ca　(Opens in a new window). We’ve hosted New York Times best sellers, heard from some of the most successful businesses on the planet and been inspired by talented and passionate entrepreneurs and artists. One of the cool things about running your own company is that you get to do things like make up your own conference and no one is really able to tell you “No”! I highly recommend it.

To clear my head, I try to get out surfing as often as possible and have enjoyed the view from such beautiful spots as Barbados, Costa Rica, Hawaii and California. Above it all, I am a father of two awesome boys, who are learning to surf themselves. I am very proud that one of their favourite things to do is visit the office. They may be a little disappointed to grow up to find that not all companies have a pool table, a fridge full of food and happy people to teach them new dance moves.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end.