Trinidad and Tobago-based Ross | Rethink was recently recognised with three Angel awards - a Best of Show, one gold and one silver - for its exemplary public service work during the fifth Annual American Advertising Federation District 4 Angel Awards ceremony.
Ross | ReThink won the Best of Show and gold awards for its collaboration with the Guardian Group, in promoting its Happytalism initiative. The silver award was given for Ross | ReThink's World Kindness Day charity initiative.
Designed to address the long term effects of the covid19 pandemic on the mental and financial health of thousands in the Caribbean, Happytalism provided everyone who participated with free advice, tips and insights on ways to become emotionally resilient and happier in their lives, and even how to become financially better disposed, both in the operations and promotion of their careers or businesses, whether small, medium-sized or large.
The initiative featured workshops by best-selling author, Harvard lecturer Dr Tal Ben Shahar, founder of the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education Mohit Mukherjee, and Ernie Ross, founder of Ross | ReThink and creator of the Intangience methodology.
Beginning March 1, the three-month Happytalism initiative was led by Shahar, who shared insights on achieving happiness and building emotional resilience in the most difficult times.
Mukherjee provided a blueprint for designing "the life you want" by introducing tools such as appreciative inquiry. And for the business and branding aspects of this programme, Ross took participants through the importance of a value-driven and purpose-centric approach for businesses to connect with their customers.
Over 4,000 people registered to be a part of Happytalism. With coverage and interest on traditional and digital media, including special mention on CNN, Happytalism helped thousands of people in the Caribbean to experience a paradigm shift from uncertainty to optimism. The CNN article featuring Happytalism can be found at https://sponsorcontent.cnn.com
Ross | ReThink's World Kindness Day initiative also responded to the challenge facing thousands across TT who were still feeling the uncertainty and gloom of the pandemic over their lives. There needed to be some impactful way to send a message to the population that there was still hope and positivity that could be shared through gestures of kindness, to keep hope alive and keep each other strong in challenging times.
Ross | ReThink utilised the resources, networks and alliances comprising its non-profit charity organisation - Band of Support, to commemorate World Kindness Day, introducing its mascot, Captain Kindness (also known as Captain K) to lead the initiative on the day. The character charmed adults and children alike as he approached them on the streets of Port of Spain with jovial energy, sharing care packages to pedestrians, and cold refreshments to drivers, with casual conversations and kind words of encouragement. Supported by volunteers
