#WFH Diaries: Chris Hercik of HEVĒ
As confinement continues in most parts of the world, we're checking in with creative people to see how they're faring. Here, we chat with Chris Hercik, CEO of HEVĒ.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
A creatively-driven, content-obsessed CEO of branded content studio HEVĒ (usually in NYC), husband and TikTok-ing father.
Where are you living right now, and who's with you?
Bethlehem, Pa., with my wife and two daughters, aged 14 and 16.
What's your work situation like at the moment?
I have a home office, but have been guilty of taking meetings in my car or in the backyard, weather permitting, just to get out of the house.
Describe your socializing strategy.
I am a people person by nature and believe in the power of collaboration. Usually, magic happens when the brightest minds are in one room brainstorming together.
How are you dealing with childcare, if applicable?
My high-schoolers are attending classes virtually. It's an adjustment, but I'm grateful to the amazing teachers who are pivoting the curriculum based on the circumstances.
What are you reading?
I want to be as educated as possible to make informed decisions on how to move my business and personal life forward. Unfortunately, the news is the best way for me to grasp the magnitude of this situation. Other than that, I find that Adweek and other trade outlets do a fantastic job of reporting on how brands are pivoting in this climate.
What are you watching?
A lot of Netflix series: The 100, Tiger King and Money Heist. Open to suggestions if anyone wants to email me!
What are you listening to?
Ironically, my music selection is still the same. I always had music on before, but now I need it more than ever. It helps replace the energy I usually get from the team hustling around the office.
How are you staying fit?
Luckily, I have workout equipment at home, but to be honest I think I work out less than before. Motivation is key; and for me, motivation comes from the energetic pace of the city and business. So I just think of this as recovery time for my body from all the years of abuse from sports.
Have you taken up a hobby?
Does occasionally learning a TikTok dance with my kids count? It's not my proudest accomplishment, but I love the time with them and I'll take any and all creative outlets I can get!
Any tips for getting necessities?
I'd encourage you to not only buy the necessities, but some of the things you wouldn't usually have or use everyday, but enjoy. It adds a little sense of normalcy, and will remind you to appreciate those simple things. For me, it's things like my favorite cheese, Piave, to go with a great red wine.
An awkward moment since all this started.
I realized that work is my life because I truly am so passionate about what I do. With a bit more down time, it became obvious that starting a new business had become my sole focus.
Best work email you got since all this started.
At HEVĒ, we believe brands need to communicate with their consumers now more than ever. At the onset of our world flipping upside down, one of our clients wanted to go dark in all of Q2—until we presented a proactive creative idea encouraging them to be that voice of reason during these troubling times. Three weeks later, we had a commercial spot produced, approved and live that I genuinely think will benefit audiences tremendously. Their final stamp of approval was by far the best, because it showed we did our job, and that no matter the circumstances we are here to guide brands in crafting their narrative at any given moment.
An aha! moment since all this started.
Yes, we can all function and work virtually, but nothing replaces the creativity and productiveness of being together in an office.
What's your theory on how this is going to play out?
I believe it's going to be uncomfortable, but people are resilient and their creative spirits will prevail. We are human beings that crave social interaction. Those that start to push the boundaries and take innovative risks with new technology, in a safe way, are not only going to be the ones to acquire a semblance of normalcy first, but will also hold the ability to disrupt industries across the board.
