Insights
Insights
As an independent brand consultancy, we know no other way than to be ourselves, and in that authenticity we keep growing. We’re natively global, we’re that mix of charm and brutality, we are One Saffron. We take on world changing brand work, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
We believe in Saffron magic: When we come together, 1+1=3. We’ve felt it big time this year. This holiday season, we want to share a pinch of that spice with you.
Day 1
We root our magic by remembering our co-founder and branding industry pioneer Wally Olins.
Wally Olins: The Brand Handbook established the ground rules for branding success in the 21st century, explaining why understanding the links between business, brand and consumer has never been more vital for commercial success, and reflecting on the recent enormous changes in the branding world.
Day 2
Saffron spice lights up the global trade routes.
Magic postcards from Saffron in Angola, Baku, Brussels, Lisbon, London, Puglia, Reykjavík, Riyadh, San Sebastián and Tel Aviv.
One of the best parts of our One Office approach is that Saffronites bring their unique global experience – and deepen it travelling to some of the world’s most fascinating places.
2022 has kept us on our toes with our passports in hand! We are grateful for the magic of meeting in person again with our clients far and near.
Day 3
Monday magic in the mundane.
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”― W.B. Yeats
This year brought us back together (finally!) in person in our offices to share: space, laughs, coffee, food… so many second breakfasts and afternoon snacks. 2022 brought back the spontaneity in how we connect and exchange, it let us share the simple joy of IRL. An office opening in Vienna, a move in London, and important co-working with canines… and pinches of Saffron yellow when you spot them.
Day 4
The humanising magic in making a brand work to fight cancer together.
Asociación Española contra el Cáncer had led the fight against cancer in Spain for almost 70 years when it entrusted Saffron with its greatest challenge to continue to make history. Together we were able to create a new brand identity that bridges the gap between the reality of the Association and its outdated perception, and reflects their commitment to become a people-first organisation. The rebrand launched in October 2021. This October, we were fortunate to welcome our client Yolanda Domínguez Vega back to our office in Madrid – both to drive internal awareness about cancer, and to listen first-hand to the transformative impact she’s experienced in this first year.
There’s magic in getting to reunite like that, in learning how our work together has been embraced by and empowered the thousands of people that bring the organisation to life for the millions of people affected by cancer. Realising how this has touched all of us as professionals and people.
Listen here to a special podcast with Saffron Strategy Director Paloma Castiñeira and Yolanda Domínguez Vega, Director of Marketing and Communications, on the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer’s transformative first year since the launch of their rebrand. (Podcast in Spanish.)
Day 5
The magic is growing.
In 2022, we welcomed 21 new Saffronites, each one contributing their talent, spice and natively global background. Together, we end the year almost 100 strong, speaking 15 different languages and representing 24 different nationalities.
Celebrating 2022’s newest Saffronites:
Almudena Casanueva Villalón, Junior Digital Designer
Carlota Blasco Semis, Programme Manager
Carmen Rodriguez Lo, Strategist
Carolina Lucio Maymon, Junior Programme Manager
Chelito Rubio, Associate Strategy Director
Drew Castle, Senior Strategist
Elizabeth Moe, Marketing Director
Juan Quijano Sánchez, Junior Strategist
Julian Valenzuela, Strategist
Julen Díez, Motion Designer
Laura Rodríguez, Office Manager
Maria Antonia Dolman, Strategist
Maria Pérez-Bustamante, Junior Strategist
Mao Kawakami, Strategist
Morgan Holt, Chief Strategy Officer
Lisa Fleck, Senior Designer
Ludovico Cesetti, Senior Designer
Olympia de Dietrich, Associate Strategy Director
Paulina Talenton, Junior Designer
Santiago Rodriguez, Senior Strategist
Sasha Koltsov, Senior Designer
Trayana Ivanova, Junior Designer
If you are interested in joining Saffron, visit our careers page to see our openings.
Day 6
Threading through time travelling magic.
Saffron was born in 2001, and since then, a lot has changed. Today we celebrate the original band members, those who’ve been part of the family for many years now, the most brutally charming. (You know who you are.) Here’s a Saffron Offsite timeline toast – and a wink and a nod to Saffronites past, present and future
Day 7
A magical getaway.
Once a year, Saffronites from all over the world gather in a surprise location to celebrate our achievements, bond with the newbies, learn from each other, and discover a whole new experience together. This year in Marrakech took Saffron Offsites to a whole new level.
With the holidays upon us now, it’s time to unplug from work and replug into other inspirations: the places we come from, our families and friends, our wish list destinations. As we welcome the wonderful retreats that this season gives us, we smile remembering 2022’s big Saffron getaway.
Here’s to discovering magic together in 2023!
