Agency. A small word that packs a big punch. It’s one I’ve reflected on a lot over the past year. I’ve been pondering it again recently as I crafted the copy and content for our new website.

Our agency, Two Degrees Below, is barely 10 months old. But, in the least-used sense of the word, our ‘agency’ – the ability to control our own destiny, what action we take, the impact we make and where – has been years, if not decades, in the making.

It’s a long story, one better told over a coffee or a beer. But suffice it to say, Two Degrees Below was born from a place where – as colleagues in our previous business – decisions beyond our control meant we felt our sense of agency diminishing. Both metaphorically and, sadly in the end, literally.

So, why did we decide to dust ourselves down, go again and start something new?

We knew it wouldn’t be easy. Weekend work. Weeknight work. The impact on our families. Boundaries blurring between work and life – a key change theme we talk to our clients about.

Perhaps the hardest thing has been our own proposition. I love that kind of work. But doing it for your own business is like being your own therapist. A good customer proposition has many elements, but on a base level, you need a descriptor. Something that tells people what you are. And, ideally, what you bring.

‘The creative change agency’.

A commercial entity, yes. But also, an energising force. Inspiring and activating all the change agents and positive disruptors in our clients’ worlds – from the CEO to the frontline.

So, back to the beginning. Why did we do it? I made a list.

Talent.
Respect.
Friendship.
Everything we’ve learned so far.
Everything there is still left to learn.
A sense of adventure.
Unfinished business.
Potential agency.

And now, at last, our website.

It had to encapsulate everything Two Degrees Below is and does (so far) in one quick dip. A toe in the water, so to speak. And what did we call the section about our rapidly expanding team of people? About our philosophy and brand story? Where we’ll share all our latest news, views and hires?

‘Who we are’ was the working title. That felt a little trite. ‘Our culture’? Too naval-gazey. There was only one option. Two words. Our agency.

Interested in being part of our journey as a client, creative or potential colleague? Get in touch.