Local Agency Unveils Strategic Plan to ‘Circle Back’ on Literally Everything
Auckland independent shop Pleasant & Fierce has announced a bold new strategic direction for 2026, committing to circle back on all major decisions indefinitely. The initiative, titled Project Boomerang, was unveiled in a 47-slide deck that mostly featured photos of mountain climbers and the word ALIGNMENT in various fonts.
Managing Partner Talia Vercoe said the move reflects a changing market. “Clients are craving agility,” she explained, standing in front of a whiteboard that simply read ‘Thought Starters???’. “By circling back on every idea, we ensure nothing dangerous like momentum occurs.” The agency has already circled back on three campaign platforms, two taglines, and whether to order sushi or bánh mì for a workshop. A final decision on lunch is expected Q3.
Internally, staff have embraced the clarity. Creative teams now submit work directly into a folder labelled ‘Revisit’. Account managers have replaced the phrase “next steps” with “ongoing conversational loop”. Even finance has adapted, issuing invoices marked “Provisional, Spiritually”. One senior copywriter confirmed he has been circling back on the same headline since November and feels close to a breakthrough once everyone re-approves the original idea they liked in the first place.
Industry observers say the model is catching on. At least four other agencies have announced similar frameworks, including one boutique consultancy that specialises exclusively in pre-meetings for meetings that will later be rescheduled. Pleasant & Fierce remains optimistic. “This is about future-proofing,” Vercoe said. “If you never move forward, you can’t fall behind.” A follow-up announcement has been scheduled, then tentatively postponed, pending alignment.”
Managing Partner Talia Vercoe said the move reflects a changing market. “Clients are craving agility,” she explained, standing in front of a whiteboard that simply read ‘Thought Starters???’. “By circling back on every idea, we ensure nothing dangerous like momentum occurs.” The agency has already circled back on three campaign platforms, two taglines, and whether to order sushi or bánh mì for a workshop. A final decision on lunch is expected Q3.
Internally, staff have embraced the clarity. Creative teams now submit work directly into a folder labelled ‘Revisit’. Account managers have replaced the phrase “next steps” with “ongoing conversational loop”. Even finance has adapted, issuing invoices marked “Provisional, Spiritually”. One senior copywriter confirmed he has been circling back on the same headline since November and feels close to a breakthrough once everyone re-approves the original idea they liked in the first place.
Industry observers say the model is catching on. At least four other agencies have announced similar frameworks, including one boutique consultancy that specialises exclusively in pre-meetings for meetings that will later be rescheduled. Pleasant & Fierce remains optimistic. “This is about future-proofing,” Vercoe said. “If you never move forward, you can’t fall behind.” A follow-up announcement has been scheduled, then tentatively postponed, pending alignment.”