GroupM's Wavemaker has launched its 'Provocative Pioneers' talent exchange program in Australia, with Wavemaker Los Angeles employees, Melissa Saroyan and Tatiana Patrón, arriving in the Sydney office as part of the program.

In return, Wavemaker Sydney Group Director Peter Andrew will be heading to the Los Angeles office later this month.

The initiative follows a successful pilot between the New York and London offices in October 2023, opening up opportunities for top-performing employees on global client teams to visit another Wavemaker market for two weeks on a knowledge sharing trip.

"Provocative Pioneers is an amazing initiative that breaks down borders and allows our top talent to immerse themselves in the culture of our international offices. It’s an exceptional opportunity that Wavemaker can offer, and we’re thrilled to host Missie and Tatiana here in Sydney and excited for Peter Andrew to join our colleagues in LA later this month. What makes this program unique is the way we are bringing the client along for the journey, magnifying the lessons for all involved. It’s an exceptional opportunity that we can offer. We should never underestimate the positive impact of knowledge sharing when it comes to building skills and unlocking connections for the benefit of our clients and our people," said Wavemaker ANZ CEO, Peter Vogel.

Wavemaker North America Chief People Officer, Jessica Maley, said: "Provocative Pioneers sparks innovation and global collaboration within Wavemaker. It’s about empowering our teams, enriching client experiences, and driving growth worldwide. As we expand this program, we’re committed to pushing boundaries, fostering talent, and delivering exceptional results.”

The talent exchange program aims to enhance collaboration, inspiration, and connection between Wavemaker’s offices around the world.

Paramount Pictures was the global client selected for this iteration of the program. The Australian client, Paramount Pictures Marketing Director Erin O’Neill, said: “We are thrilled Wavemaker has chosen Paramount for this iteration of their Pioneers Program. It has been an invaluable opportunity for Paramount Pictures Australia to connect with Wavemaker’s talented team from LA and New York. Through this partnership, we have gained fresh insights and perspectives and helped continue to strengthen our global projects. We are grateful for Wavemaker’s commitment to nurturing their talent and fostering global collaboration.”

Patrón and Saroyan said they took pride in working for a company that fostered such knowledge sharing initiatives. "The ability to share our ideas and best practices across the globe has been immensely beneficial and insightful for both the US and Australian teams. Whether it’s sharing ideas or being inspired by fresh perspectives, the value of this cross-cultural exchange cannot be overstated. Through this program, we’ve not only gained invaluable insights but also forged meaningful connections.”

Wavemaker is actively working with its client leaders to identify the most suitable clients and markets for its next Provocative Pioneers exchange.