10 years at FCB

No glittering gold watch awaited me. Nor did colorful streamers dance above my desk. Instead, here I stand, on what should have been my jubilee day, unnoticed and uncelebrated for my decade-long dedication to the company.

Yet, I, Jos Vis, the unsung hero, find myself at the unexpected helm, addressing my colleagues with a gracious smile, forgiving their oversight. And oh, how we made amends! A week later, faces flushed with embarrassment, we rallied with bitterballen and white wine, showering me with belated recognition.

A decade at FCB Amsterdam, a decade as its guiding force. Though officially dubbed 'president' by the Americans, I remained the humble leader, known within the agency's walls as the hands-on foreman. Together, with sleeves rolled up, we sculpted FCB into a beacon of innovation.

Amidst mergers, relocations, and countless pitches, we forged ahead, culminating in independence—a crowning achievement on October 1, 2019. Little did we know, just months before the world would be plunged into chaos by the looming specter of COVID-19.

Now, over four years have passed since that pivotal moment. I, now an independent entrepreneur, reflect on my journey. While the official records may have long forgotten me, my presence remains palpable within the agency's corridors, a testament to my enduring dedication.

As I look ahead, I welcome the prospect of another decade with open arms. For amidst the whirlwind of change, one thing remains constant—my unwavering commitment to shaping the future of FCB Amsterdam. And indeed, I believe, these next ten years may just hold even greater promise, brimming with untold stories waiting to unfold.