We’re excited to share with you the culminating episode of the 25@25 podcast series. We started this series in conjunction with VML’s 25th anniversary with the goal of learning more about some very distinctive VMLers … and in the process, I believe we learned what makes VML such a special place.

Jon Cook has served as the host of the initial 24 episodes. Now the tables are turned — and he is the one being interviewed in the final session of the 25@25 series. He sat down with Chris Wood, executive director of VML Europe, to talk about his personal journey at VML over the past 22+ years and what he loves about this remarkable place.

In episode No. 24 of 25@25, Global CEO Jon Cook talks with his long-time friend and business partner Eric Campbell, the president of VML. Jon and Eric have worked together for almost 20 years. This is a great conversation that gets into some big things happening in Eric’s life. He’s moving to New York to be part of VML there and continue his role. The two go into what that means for him, his views of New York and what it means to his family. The conversation also touches on how Eric disconnects, how he keeps his balance and some of his best experiences and memories over the past 20 years.

As we near the end of the 25@25 podcast series, VML Global CEO Jon Cook sits down with members of the VML Foundation Advisory Committee, a group of VMLers dedicated to VML’s charitable outreach programs. The VML Foundation has always been at the core of who we are, and this conversation showcases the diverse ways VML gives back around the world.

This episode of 25@25 was recorded in Johannesburg, South Africa in a week of very exciting news! VML was evolving from NATIVE VML to VML South Africa and along with that came evolution of our leadership. Global CEO Jon Cook sat down with VML South Africa CEO Jarred Cinman and Managing Director Danelle Stiles. Both are newly appointed in these positions but have been leaders at VML for years. It was a fascinating, timely conversation about their views on VML South Africa, the culture in that office and their leadership styles. But they also talked about South Africa as a country and the unique opportunities and challenges facing the country today – from a government revolution to a water shortage in Cape Town.

In this episode, VML Global CEO Jon Cook sits down for a compelling discussion with Suba Nadarajah, director of design. Suba has a deep, articulate, and rich perspective on the impact design has on society and diversity / inclusion at VML. 25@25 is a podcast series, led by Global CEO Jon Cook, dedicated to exploring the people and offices that make up our growing VML family.

In this episode, Jeff Geheb, global chief technology officer, joins to talk about balance, his priority of family and how he focuses. Jeff started his career at VML as a technology intern in 1999, and offers a unique perspective on growth and his time on the road – not only traveling for VML, but around the country in his RV.

Flight Plan is a month-long sabbatical for VMLers who’ve dedicated more than 10 years of service to the company. In this episode, hear from three people who share their inspiring stories and how they gave back to their communities. Beth Wade is Chief Marketing Officer of VML, Tony Snethen is an Executive Creative Director and Hunter Eshelman is a Group Creative Director. To help you visualize what they talk about, check out their amazing photos here: http://bit.ly/2yT7wCf.

This episode of 25@25 is on the road – in the Windy City – with Madeline Nies, group channel director, connections planning at VML Chicago. Connections planning is a relatively new role at VML and one Madeline herself crafted. In this episode, Global CEO Jon Cook and Madeline talk about the role of connections planning, life in the Chicago office, and recent recognition Madeline has received, including VML's 2017 Spark Award.

In this episode, Ronnie Felder, managing director, human resources, joins to talk about VML’s recent recognition as a 3% certified agency. The certification notes VML’s progress and benchmark in inclusion and diversity as a company. In this episode, Ronnie also brings a lot of perspective to not only the certification but his own experience with inclusion and diversity. He also talks about his feelings on where VML is headed and what we need to do next.

VML Global CEO Jon Cook sits down to talk with five of the VML Boomerangs; Amy Worley, Dave Altis, Melissa Green, David Gray & Mindy Lenox. VML Boomerangs are people who have left the company for whatever reason, and then chosen to move back. It's a great reminder of how much better a place, VML is, because they came back and the incredible culture at VML.