In recognition of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I asked my colleagues to share what they’re most thankful for. It could be their teammates’ talent, the opportunity to work on a particular client campaign, industry trends that present a unique opportunity or exciting marketing challenge, or the tools and resources that help them do their job. I also took a moment to reflect on what I’m most thankful for in my life as a content marketer.

Keep reading to learn what fuels gratitude at Wray Ward.

1. A Cornucopia of Stories

I’ve loved words for as long as I can remember: I sold my first short story at age 5 and wrote a novel for fun when I was 21. After graduating with an English degree, I was glad to be invited to the marketing party — and the evolution of content marketing helped convince me to stay.

I love the creativity of content marketing, whether it’s shaping a great story or figuring out how to tell that story via many different marketing channels and forms of content. Content that provides direct value for the people our clients most want to engage? It isn’t exactly Shakespeare, but it’s fun to create, and because of its high value, it’s earned its place as a main course.

On a side note, if you love to read as much as I do, I hope you’ll devour at least one of these 11 great books to elevate your marketing game over the holidays.

2. A Feast of Flavorful Campaigns

At Wray Ward, we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with all of the incredible brands we serve.

When asked what she’s most thankful for, Content Marketing Associate Manager Tamiya Anderson gushed over VELUX skylights: “I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with our VELUX brand team to create sponsored content for HGTV® Giveaway Homes,” she said. “VELUX has been bringing natural light and fresh air into homes around the world for more than 80 years, and our agency friend and interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn delivered a stellar design for HGTV® Dream Home 2022. It’s a privilege to be part of the incredible work that our team produces to showcase the beauty of skylights and their transformative power for all to enjoy.”

3. An Appetite for Curiosity

Ashley Virgil, insights and brand strategy senior manager, said, “I’m thankful that Wray Ward fosters space for curiosity and the privilege of asking, ‘What if?’ It’s present in every department, but in Insights and Brand Strategy, it fuels our ability to solve problems in new ways, inspires new perspectives and lays the foundation for strong and distinct brands.”

4. A Rotating Menu of Platforms and Trends

Social Media Manager Lily Start isn’t scared of change: “I am thankful for the ever-changing social media landscape because it helps me stay on my toes and become a better marketer.”

5. A Seat at the Trade Show Table

“I’m thankful for the return of in-person trade shows and the enthusiasm of our Public Relations and Social Media teams to attend,” said Amanda Williams, public relations director.

ICYMI, read Amanda’s blog post with trade show PR tips.

6. Casual Conversation That Sparks Inspiration

Amanda Williams’s gratitude for deeper connections extends to ideation: “I’m thankful for spontaneous brainstorming sessions via Zoom and in person for unique social media content,” she said.

7. Teams Who Treat Each Other Like Family

For Lily Start, teamwork makes all the difference: “I am thankful for the relationships that I have with my co-workers, all of which help me grow both professionally and personally.”

Insights and Brand Strategy Executive Director Leslie Gillock says, “I am immensely thankful for my team! They bring talent, expertise and enthusiasm to the work we do every day. This includes the way they support and encourage each other in our individual and collective spirit of continual learning and improvement in delivering better-performing work, always asking, ‘What if?’”

Want to keep up with this grateful group throughout the year? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, trends and helpful tips.