O2 Network profiles creative talent

Gyula Deak

What department do you work in?
I’m a senior art director in the creative department of O2MC and O2Branding.

How long have you worked at O2?
I started with O2 three years ago then I moved to UAE to gain experience in brand management. I rejoined O2 in March 2009, so I’ve been here almost two years altogether.

Why did you join O2?
Originally I joined because I thought it was O2 Telecom from the UK. Turns out it wasn’t :) Three years ago O2 Network was completely different. We had a small, funky office in Deira and it looked like a nice creative environment to work in. I’ve met some of the “old school” people back there; Yunas, JP, Mohan, Nariman. I love them to bits and not just because I work with them.

What do you love the most about your job?
The team I work with! They are the heart of O2, not the corporate vision or mission. I love the fact that my job is pretty diverse. There is nothing worse than working on the same thing for a long time when you are a creative person. There are loads of possibilities in O2, and sometimes it’s hard to focus in the middle of the buzz! I believe in something called “low fuss”. Keep it simple is the key.

What have you learnt since you joined the company?
Well I believe you learn something new every day. For example, today I’ve learnt the term “footfall” from Emma :)

How has working at O2 changed your life?
It changed my life in many ways, mainly because of the people I’ve met here. I’ve made so many friendships and business connections at O2, and they always take my life to different stages.

And how did the actual company changed my life?
Well…If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger. And I’m still alive :)





Marcia Johnston

What department do you work in?
I work in the creative department. I provide copywriting to all of O2’s subsidiary divisions across the entire O2 Network.

How long have you worked at O2?
Since June 27, 2007.

Why did you join O2?
To make money, gain experience, do something that I’m passionate about, put my creativity to good use, and to join a talented team that I’m proud to be part of.

What do you love the most about your job?
I love the creativity involved in my job and the challenge. I love that I don’t dread going into work in the morning (especially on Sundays) because I enjoy what I do. I feel like I’m making a valuable contribution to the team and this makes me happy.

What have you learnt since you joined the company?
You have to work with passion, even when the going gets tough. You have to take ownership and produce work you’re proud of, otherwise, why bother? You have to be objective. You have to think from different angles and make sure it makes sense. If you don’t have all the answers, find them. Don’t be lazy. Organization, endurance, conciseness, precision, concentration, how to block out a lot of noise, juggling, balancing, diplomacy, etc. Mostly I’ve learned that I’m really lucky to be working with such an amazing group of people and to be part of such a talented team.

How has working at O2 changed your life?
O2 has become a big part of my life mostly because I don’t have time for much else. I live and breathe O2. It’s great to work somewhere that you love. I would have moved back to Montreal over a year ago, but O2 is what has kept me here and I’m happy here.