Get to Know…James

1. What is your role at Vovia?

My role at Vovia is Director of Creative Science. I’ve been working in the creative side of advertising for over 20 years, and I love finding ways to communicate messages in unique and surprising ways, be that through design and creative copy or using new channels to reach audiences.

My role here at Vovia allows me to expand that creative thinking in new ways by using our marketing intelligence capabilities to anticipate and predict which creative solutions will resonate best with our audiences.

Prior to my role at Vovia, I worked in cause marketing initiatives using video to spread awareness and engagement. I’ve also worked at many local and international agencies along with client-side work as Global Creative Director for media providers iStock and Getty Images.

2. What do you do in your spare time?

I have two daughters who dance competitively, so that ends up taking a lot of my spare time. It’s also given me my self appointed title of “World’s Best Dance Dad”. I don’t have the mug to prove it yet, but my daughters tell me I’m a shoe-in. I also love travelling to try new foods around the world and attempting to recreate them at home.

3. Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people.

I’m a “Braustralian Canadian”. Meaning I’m half Brazilian, half Australian and 100% Canadian. Until I was in my 20s, I actually held triple citizenship! I’ve also travelled quite extensively, having been to every continent but Africa and Antarctica.

4. What do you love/what are you most passionate about?

At work, I’m most passionate about creating advertising with meaning, that can make a difference. While “meaning” can’t always be found in advertising, I think it’s important to maintain a good mix of work that allows one to help people who are trying to make a difference in the world.

5. What is the best part about working at Vovia?

For me, it’s the people. Vovia is filled with people who genuinely care about each other and get along well. There’s a real focus on team here, and there are plenty of opportunities to get to know each other over ping pong, NSFW board games or Friday beers.

6. So, we hear you like to travel, where are your favourite spots to visit?

My friend and I have been slowly working our way around Asia on food travels over the last few years, so that has consumed most of my travel opportunities. So far, one of my favourite places is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam. It’s a very busy and vibrant city with very friendly people. Above all, the food is otherworldly good and inexpensive to boot!