After 32 years, Annick Nicolay still comes happily to the office, with the same degree of enthusiasm. “As Communication Channels Director I have a challenging and varied job and that motivates me,” says Annick. In addition to multimedia planning, she actively participates in pitches and in implementing strategies for existing clients.
“I especially love the highly versatile aspect of my work.”
The fact that no two days are the same for Annick is evident from her reply when asked about a memorable moment in her career. She doesn’t have to think about it for long and seems amused when she starts talking about it. “I have worked with great pleasure for Pairi Daiza for many years. One day I had an appointment there but the meeting rooms were all taken. The only option was to take a seat in the large aviary. There I was, PC on my lap with all the birds fluttering around me and visitors looking at us in bewilderment. It was hilarious.” Annick bursts out laughing.
Teamwork works
Yet we can hardly imagine that someone who has been with Mediabrands for more than thirty years has never considered moving to another company. “I have,” she admits. “In the past, I asked myself that question a few times. But why should I leave if I feel good here?” Annick considers it unique that despite her extensive experience in this profession, she still learns something every day – especially since she started focusing more on strategy three years ago. “On the one hand, there is an enormous wealth of sector knowledge in this company and you get the chance to constantly update your knowledge; on the other, there is the human aspect that really appeals to me,” she continues. “The rapport between colleagues is particularly good.” It’s common knowledge that cooperation and team spirit are not empty words at Mediabrands. Annick continues: “In the Strategic Department, in which I’ve worked for 3 years now, when a new strategy has to be drawn up, we all reflect on it. We never take a copy/paste approach. We start from scratch every time. It allows us to constantly come up with new ideas.” Annick is also proud of the relationship she had with her clients when she was Media Planner at Initiative. “I was lucky enough to have lots of contacts,” she explains, “because I met very diverse clients, both national and international, and that’s unique.” In her job, she also got the chance to travel (long before Covid-19, that is).
“I‘ve been to Brazil and Lapland, which I particularly enjoyed, as well as participating in seminars in London, Milan, Stockholm, etc. Each time it broadened my horizons.”
Happy days
Travel, exercise and the outdoors re-energize Annick. She lives in the countryside and goes cycling or walking in the fields as often as she can. “I only really pause to eat,” she jokes, “and occasionally to play a game of Scrabble or read a book.” She especially loves the funny stories of French novelist Gilles Legardinier. “I am also a little nostalgic,” Annick confesses. She enjoys cheesy Christmas films like The Holiday with Cameron Diaz. “It may be a naive Christmas story but it’s set in the English countryside with its typical cozy cottages, and I like that.”
It is striking how Annick radiates calm and contentment despite her busy job. She is clearly in good spirits. “I owe that mainly to my husband,” she says. “He is my rock. I met him at a difficult time in my life. Thanks to him, I now enjoy a good balance between my work and family life. And if there is anything I would like to pass on to my two sons, it is that they should do something they enjoy. All too often, our lives are driven by what is expected of us and sooner or later it results in frustration. If there are times when things don’t work out, no problem, as long as you live the life you want to live.”