For SYLVAIN, 2023 was a year of devastating loss, hard questions—and a renewed sense of purpose. We embark on 2024 as a company transformed, but more determined than ever to make sure that some things never change. Launching today, our third annual impact assessment, Progress Through Adversity, discusses it all: the highs, lows, lessons, and pivots. Like last year, this assessment is our attempt to hold ourselves to the same ethical and social standards we expect of our clients. It’s a transparent self-reflection on the impact we make as an organization, both for our team and for our stakeholders out in the world. Read it all here: https://lnkd.in/eGdf-rM4 An annual commitment of this kind would not be possible without a massive, dedicated team. Thanks to Jillian Rosen, Natalie Berry, Joey Camire, Chris Konya, Michael Kaye, Margo Husted, Xahra Gilbert, Aaron L. Powers, Natalie Kilic, Matthew Carter, Brian Okarski, Daniel Abary, Camille Drucker, Tony Vuong, Katie Cowden, Douglas Quenqua, and Justin Smith.
About us
SYLVAIN is a strategy and design consultancy that provokes progress for companies, people and society at large. Founded in 2010 and a Certified B Corporation.
- Website
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http://sylvain.co
External link for SYLVAIN
- Industry
- Business Consulting and Services
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- New York, NY
- Type
- Privately Held
- Founded
- 2010
- Specialties
- Innovation Consulting, Brand Strategy, Strategic Planning, Product Development, Management Consulting, Visual Identity, and Packaging Design
Locations
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Primary
176 Grand Street
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10013, US
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Achtergracht 17-19
Amsterdam, WL 1017, NL
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217 W 7th St
Richmond, Virginia 23224, US
Employees at SYLVAIN
Updates
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It's intern season at SYLVAIN, which means our Progress Report newsletter has new writers. In the first issue of the intern edition, "Manufactured Third Places," Abibatou Diallo, Matthew Li, and Kiki Pham discuss the recent buzz around 'third places.' How can brands and businesses build third places that aren't disrupted by commerce? Are there other ways to tackle the core issue of a yearning for connection? Read from our interns as they talk pedestrians, pop-ups, and plant life. With illustrations from Shengxuan Hu. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eykhwG_k Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/efffStq7
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How do we decide what feelings matter? On the latest episode of the Critical Nonsense podcast, Jess Vander and Joey Camire talk about Inside Out 2, compound emotions, cognitive development, sonder, motivations, and sandwiches. Listen on your platform of choice: https://lnkd.in/eBt_mrBr
Critical Nonsense
thisisnonsense.com
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Last month, our Chief Design Officer Michael Kaye delivered a talk titled "The Anomaly of Delight: A Designer's Guide to Corporate Sabotage." It delved into the ways technology and businesses have attempted to co-opt 'serendipity', ultimately leading to a homogenized consumer experience. He emphasized that as designers and creatives, we hold the power and responsibility to create genuine opportunities for serendipity through our work that can truly propel brands and individuals forward. Special shoutout to Nora Mestrich, Ash Casper, Marques O., Matthew Carter, Courtney Perets, Esther Li, Jillian Rosen, Daniel Edmundson, Natalie Berry, Yoon Joo Cho and Shengxuan Hu.
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We're proud to present the Alain Sylvain Creative Fund, created in collaboration with our friends at Ghost Note Agency and PopTech, a global network committed to the vanguard of emerging technology, science, and creative expression. The Alain Sylvain Creative Fund supports scholarships for emerging New Majority creatives to attend the annual PopTech forum and benefit from the mentorship of the combined PopTech and SYLVAIN communities. The participating young people will be selected based on their shared commitment to using strategy and creativity to buck the status quo. In addition to being our Founder and CEO, Alain sat on multiple boards, including PopTech's. Prior to his passing, he had already begun funding young people's attendance to its annual forum. This is our effort to honor Alain's legacy by continuing to nurture a new generation of young, kindred spirits. Donations can be made securely via the link below. Special thanks to Leetha Filderman, FRSA, Steven Jumper, Reggie Snowden, Brian Collins, Michael Ventura, Jillian Rosen, the team at SYLVAIN, and Alain's family. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/eZXRKbNU
The Alain Sylvain Creative Fund
secure.everyaction.com
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What does it mean to be a champion in today's social media environment? In the latest Critical Nonsense podcast episode, Aaron L. Powers, Jess Vander, and Joey Camire chat about the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Nikola Jokić, celebrity, and Caitlin Clark. Catch a snippet of their conversation below—the full episode is available on all podcast platforms. Join in on the fun: https://lnkd.in/e72GQTgZ
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Is aging losing its stigma, or does society still regard growing older with a grimace? In the latest Progress Report newsletter, "The State of Aging: A Veneer of Progress," Strategy Director, Joanne Bolens, shares her take on the current culture surrounding aging. From sexuality to retirement, Joanne debunks five aging myths and offers fresh perspectives on how we can honor the aging process. With illustrations from Matthew Carter and Courtney Perets. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eGx9hyup Subscribe to our newsletter for more: http://eepurl.com/hn5zQj
Progress Report: The State of Aging
progressbysylvain.co
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At SYLVAIN, we strive to spark conversations that challenge conventional thinking and provoke new perspectives on modern culture. Last week, our Chief Strategy Officer Joey Camire delivered on that promise through a talk at Collision Conf, entitled "The Deception of Comfort Zone". He explored how addiction to comfort can stifle innovation on both individual and cultural levels, with brands and businesses being responsible for the “insulation” of consumers against discomfort and thus, growth. But, we have more power than we realize, whether as individuals or organizations. When brands venture beyond their comfort zones, they create a ripple effect, encouraging competitors, industries, and audiences to do the same. It all begins with that crucial first step: get uncomfortable. Congratulations to Joey for delivering a successful presentation. Special thanks to Ryan Tobin and Kim Gleeson for their invaluable support, and to everyone who attended and engaged with us!
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How do we predict the future? Check out this week's Critical Nonsense podcast episode, where Jess Vander and Joey Camire talk about political polling, phone phobia, targeted advertising, and e-mail compartmentalization. This and more at: https://lnkd.in/eBt_mrBr
Critical Nonsense
thisisnonsense.com
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Is Gen Z on the way to an earlier life crisis than ever? And if so, how can brands and businesses provide an antidote to a generation embroiled in turbulence? In case you missed it: SYLVAIN's CSO Chris Konya offered her insights on the topic through an interview at TNW last week. Here are the highlights: ✅ Gen Z is navigating a chaotic cultural landscape marked by social and political changes, amplified by tech innovations like AI and blockchain. ✅ Despite these challenges, Gen Z is maturing and thriving by diverging from traditional expectations. But is it enough? ✅ Brands have a responsibility to build an environment that fosters a sense of purpose, uplifting and propelling this young generation forward. ✅ Three essential pillars of purpose-building are: fueling resilience, inspiring optimism, and creating space for iteration. Congratulations to Chris, and special thanks to Victor Bueno and Sebastien Toupy for their support throughout the journey, as well as everyone in attendance! #TNWConference