Barrie Shron
Partner, Associate Planning Director
I was just as excited to explore Manhattan as I was to go to my future destination (Italy).
Maxus NYC welcomed our first global Exchanger, Janneke Schmidt of Maxus Amsterdam. Her host, Barrie Shron recounts their many adventures around the city!
When I first found out that I was chosen to travel to another Maxus office anywhere across the globe as well as hosting someone coming to the NYC office, I sat back and thought that I was just as excited to explore Manhattan as I was to go to my future destination (Italy). The reason for this is because living in the tristate area (NJ/NY) all my life and never having visited the typical tourist attractions, you sometimes take advantage of what this city has to offer and the beauty it possesses.
When Janneke arrived from Amsterdam, I have to admit there were some wifi communication barriers and a bit of jetlag (6 hours difference), but both were quickly resolved and we were off and ready to explore this journey together, but first’¦.some shopping.
The upcoming two weeks were a blend of what it’s like to work, live and be a tourist in NYC. The first day in the office Janneke had an orientation which highlighted everything from the GroupM landscape to who we are as an agency and how we differ from all others. Later that night we stopped by the Empire State Building to see the views of the city.
The next day Janneke was welcomed with open arms to the Valeant team with a group lunch and later that evening we went to swerve (spinning) and explored the Highline in Chelsea.
The next few days were packed with meetings, lunches (one with Jodi Neuhauser ‘ Head of Brand and Business Development of the Americas) and other evening events including Top of the Rock, Escape the Room (we didn’t escape in time!) and rooftop happy hours.
Over the weekend, we visited the Botanical Garden, Bronx Zoo, Arthur Avenue (where another Maxus NY exchange winner, Antonio Alston, met us for a great Italian dinner) and of course on Sunday we were ready for some football where we saw The Giants beat The Saints in the last 2 seconds of the game!
The first week went by extremely fast, we were both surprised it went so quickly, but we still had so much more to do and so little time! With only 5 days left we managed to include more sightseeing, dinners and even a very early morning (7AM) dance party called Daybreaker on Lord & Taylor’s roof. Since this was way too early for my blood, Janneke and a coworker went and danced the morning away before work. We even fit a goodbye party on Janneke’s last day with cake, drinks and some NYC pride to take back with her to Amsterdam.
All in all, it has been such a whirlwind of an experience. Getting to know Janneke these last two weeks I have not only met a new coworker, but I made a new friend. In the beginning of this journey, she has said she could fall in love with New York City and I hope that I helped to make this come true, because…
I ‘¥ NY.
