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Through The Eyes of an Employee at People Have Influence

September 29, 2023
Emma Hessen

When I initially joined the People Have Influence family, I must admit I had no idea what awaited me. Having only slightly dipped my toes into the world of influencer marketing before, this was a whole new league because it’s what the agency specializes in. Fast forward just a few months, and I've had the privilege of witnessing the beautiful mayhem behind the scenes. So join me as we explore the ins and outs, the quirks and perks, and everything in between of being an employee at People Have Influence. 

The Team

What struck me right from the beginning was the warmth and camaraderie of the team. I was introduced to a small, tight-knit group of individuals who were not just amazing at what they did, but also genuinely amazing people. They welcomed me with open arms, embracing me as one of their own from day one. It wasn't just about working together; it was about becoming part of a family where knowledge was shared freely and everyone took it upon themselves to ensure I felt right at home. 

The Team members of People Have Influence

I very quickly got to know each member and what made them special, from their quirks to their incredible talents as campaign managers and beyond. 

You’ve got Georgie on the sidelines with her fringe comb and perpetual Southern accent, making sure everything is perfectly in place and ensuring the team attends her meetings to film TikToks. There’s Ali, always adding a unique soundtrack to our day with sneezes, sighs, all sorts of sounds and his positive energy. We’ve got Justine - the life and party of the office, always offering her sidekick status to anyone who needs it. There’s Amanda, the silent assassin, working wonders undercover. There’s Zane and Matt, our office dads, always keeping us in check. And, of course, there's me, single-handedly keeping the coffee industry afloat. 

But come rain or sunshine, good day or bad, there’s Phi, our phenomenal boss  – always bringing her infectious energy with her when she steps through the door. If we're lucky Mr Charles the one eyed pekingese puppy also makes an appearance, or as Phi likes to call him – “Bebe”. He brings zen to the chaos, and his tail wags are better than any mood enhancer.

“I could not ask for a better family to work beside each day. The friendships I’ve made here are unmatched with everyone continuously building me up and pushing me to be the best version of myself!” - Justine Lotter, Junior Campaign Manager

The Boss

Phi McCann - CEO and Founder of People Have Influence

Let me tell you a bit more about Phi, our north star here at People Have Influence. Our journey together began five years ago when we were both grinding away at a previous agency we worked at. Back then, we teamed up for a while, and I quickly realized that Phi was not your run-of-the-mill colleague. Fast forward to today, and she's still as unforgettable as ever. 

Phi is a powerhouse, and she's got an impeccable work ethic that's second to none. Dynamite clearly comes in small packages, with enough energy to power a small city. When Phi finally convinced me to join the People Have Influence Team this year, I jumped at the opportunity because, well, who wouldn't? Phi is the kind of boss who makes you look forward to Mondays, and that, my friends, is a rare superpower.

A Typical Day at PHI

Our mornings here are like a warm embrace you never knew you needed with hugs all around. Some of us are just beginning our love affair with that first cup of coffee while I've usually ventured into the realm of caffeine nirvana with my fourth. 

Once the morning rituals are complete, we roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into the day's tasks. Our calendars are packed with meetings, where ideas flow freely and strategies take shape. Whether we're deep in conversation with clients, brainstorming campaigns, playing matchmaker between brands and influencers, or dissecting data for reports, there's never a dull moment. But amidst all the hustle, we've mastered the art of injecting a bit of madness into our methods.

Laughter is our constant companion, and good vibes are always present. We’re pretty sure our neighbours are sound proofing our office as we speak. Lunchtime is a cherished pause in our day, where we come together as a tight-knit team to refuel and recharge. And sometimes we come bearing cakes in the afternoon, because we believe in celebrating life's little pleasures. Every day walking out of the office feels like a huge accomplishment in itself.

“When I started working at PHI, it was my first full-time job so naturally I was nervous to see how I would fit into the team. I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams that this team would honestly become my family. We laugh together, cry together and some might say spend way too much time together but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” - Georgina Phillips, Campaign Manager

Our Clients

The clients of People Have Influence
The clients of People Have Influence

One of the things I love most about working at P.H.I. is the relationships we build with our clients. It's not a typical client-vendor dynamic; it's a partnership where we work alongside them. Their success is our success, and we're in it together. 

It's not just about delivering a service; it's about being fully invested in our client’s goals and aspirations. In a world where business can sometimes feel transactional, our approach is completely different, it’s personal and intimate. Clients even get excited for our weekly catch up meetings, some calling it the highlight of their week. 

From the very beginning, we make it our mission to deeply understand our clients' needs, challenges, and aspirations. We don't just offer solutions; we become an extension of their team.

CI Sessions

Brainstorming is an art at P.H.I. We believe in the power of collective thinking, and our Concept and Ideation (CI) sessions are a testament to that. It's a time when everyone's ideas are welcome, and no concept is too wild. Imagine a room filled with whiteboards, colourful sticky notes, and a tornado of ideas.

It's a beautiful chaos of creativity, where sparks fly, and boundaries are pushed. Our Concept and Ideation sessions are a testament to our commitment to thinking outside the box. It's like a whirlwind, and in its midst, we uncover the gems that become our biggest campaign masterpieces, ensuring we constantly work with the latest trends and if anything, predict them before they even reach the surface. 

Celebrating Small Wins 

“Success is a series of small victories, so let’s not forget to celebrate all of your achievements – they’re what keep you going!” 


We celebrate small wins like they're golden ticket victories. They're just as important as the big ones. Sent a tough email? Let's crack some champagne. Found your earphones? Look at you go. Small wins are our daily dose of motivation, and we're not ashamed to cheer like we've won the lottery when they happen. In our dynamic and ever-evolving world of digital marketing and influencer partnerships, it's easy to get caught up in the big picture. But we've come to understand that it's the little moments along the way that pave the road to success. Let's be honest, life's victories don't come with fanfare, so we provide our own. 

Weekly Pits and Peaks

You know you've reached peak adulthood when your best part of the week is Friday’s Pit's and Peaks" sessions. Picture this: a room full of grown-ups discussing their highs and lows for the week. Some people are celebrating their new plant successfully sprouting leaves, while others are lamenting the tragic loss of their favourite pen. Let's face it, adulting is tough, and we deserve a pat on the back for surviving. It's the kind of therapy you never knew you needed. Weekly pits and peaks are mandatory at P.H.I. every Friday before we clock off for the weekend. This ensures we all celebrate our small wins together and enter the weekend feeling proud and fulfilled with our weekly achievements. 

“There are so many options for growth at People Have Influence. Phi pushes us, brings out the best in us and reminds us every day of our value and the talent we bring to the table. She sees something in us even when we’re sometimes not able to see it in  ourselves. Every day we grow individually and together as a team.” - Amanda Ngabire, Campaign Manager

Monthly Team Building

The People Have Influence team doing a Aperol Spritz Masterclass as a team building

Our team-building activities are a testament to the importance of fostering strong connections. It’s where we turn from colleagues into comrades. Whether it's attempting gourmet cooking (cue fire extinguishers), dominating the putt-putt course (in our dreams), or winning an Aperol tasting competition, we’re all in. First Thursdays? We're basically art critics in disguise. Padel days? A friendly competition that gets way too intense. Roller skating? Let's just say the bruises were badges of honour. At P.H.I, team building is a monthly endeavor – because we believe we shouldn’t have to wait for an end of year party to celebrate together as a team when you can do it every month. We truly believe you are only as strong as your weakest member, so the goal is to keep the team tight.

Picture Perfect

Team photoshoots are our chance to unleash our inner supermodels. We may not grace the cover of Vogue, but our Instagram game is on point. They’re the perfect excuse for us to don our most stylish get-ups and hit the Cape Town CBD with all the confidence and flair of a professional. These photoshoots are more than just moments in front of the camera though; they're a representation of our close-knit culture and the strong connections we've built with each other along the way. So on that note, if you see us sporting our best power suits down Bree Street, you know what’s up. 

“My absolute favourite part of working at People Have Influence is my team and the culture we’ve created” - Alistar Rayner, Senior Campaign Manager

Work Life Balance 

At the heart of our company culture is a profound belief that when you trust your team, great things happen.

Mondays and Fridays are your golden opportunities to kick back, relax, and tackle your tasks from the cozy confines of your home sweet home. It's the ideal way to kickstart your week with a burst of productivity, or the perfect wind down as you head into the weekend. 

But the rest of the week, you'll find us in our big downtown office. We're all about that sweet spot between smashing your work and savouring your life. As long as you're nailing all your tasks, you're free to come and go as you please. Flexibility means something here. We understand that a happy, motivated team is the secret ingredient to our collective success.

The Vision and the Mission: PHI's Guiding Stars

What's P.H.I's big picture? It's not about being the biggest; it's about being the best. Our vision and mission are simple yet profound.

The People Have Influence Team

To Be the Best, Not the Biggest

Size isn't everything, and at P.H.I, we know it. Our aim is to excel in what we do, delivering top-notch results and making a significant impact in our field.

To Grow Stronger Together

We understand that a team is only as strong as its weakest member. That's why we prioritise growth, both as individuals and as a collective. We grow stronger together, and that's how we conquer challenges.

Challenge Equals Growth

Remember the saying, "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you"? Well, that's our mantra. We embrace challenges with open arms because we know that's where growth happens.

Get in Touch

Get in touch with us today to meet our team of campaign managers and let’s create some beautiful synergy between your brand and only the best influencers. Or head on over to @peoplehaveinfluence_ on Instagram where you’ll find us doing what we do best.

Liked this Blog? You May Be Interested In These:

Five Years of Influence #BirthdayMonth
Five Years of Influence #BirthdayMonth
Let’s Celebrate The Reason We Exist: Brilliant People
Let’s Celebrate The Reason We Exist: Brilliant People
What a specialized influencer marketing agency (really) looks for in an influencer Blog
What a specialised influencer marketing agency (really) looks for in an influencer.

Through The Eyes of an Employee at People Have Influence

September 29, 2023
Emma Hessen

When I initially joined the People Have Influence family, I must admit I had no idea what awaited me. Having only slightly dipped my toes into the world of influencer marketing before, this was a whole new league because it’s what the agency specializes in. Fast forward just a few months, and I've had the privilege of witnessing the beautiful mayhem behind the scenes. So join me as we explore the ins and outs, the quirks and perks, and everything in between of being an employee at People Have Influence. 

The Team

What struck me right from the beginning was the warmth and camaraderie of the team. I was introduced to a small, tight-knit group of individuals who were not just amazing at what they did, but also genuinely amazing people. They welcomed me with open arms, embracing me as one of their own from day one. It wasn't just about working together; it was about becoming part of a family where knowledge was shared freely and everyone took it upon themselves to ensure I felt right at home. 

The Team members of People Have Influence

I very quickly got to know each member and what made them special, from their quirks to their incredible talents as campaign managers and beyond. 

You’ve got Georgie on the sidelines with her fringe comb and perpetual Southern accent, making sure everything is perfectly in place and ensuring the team attends her meetings to film TikToks. There’s Ali, always adding a unique soundtrack to our day with sneezes, sighs, all sorts of sounds and his positive energy. We’ve got Justine - the life and party of the office, always offering her sidekick status to anyone who needs it. There’s Amanda, the silent assassin, working wonders undercover. There’s Zane and Matt, our office dads, always keeping us in check. And, of course, there's me, single-handedly keeping the coffee industry afloat. 

But come rain or sunshine, good day or bad, there’s Phi, our phenomenal boss  – always bringing her infectious energy with her when she steps through the door. If we're lucky Mr Charles the one eyed pekingese puppy also makes an appearance, or as Phi likes to call him – “Bebe”. He brings zen to the chaos, and his tail wags are better than any mood enhancer.

“I could not ask for a better family to work beside each day. The friendships I’ve made here are unmatched with everyone continuously building me up and pushing me to be the best version of myself!” - Justine Lotter, Junior Campaign Manager

The Boss

Phi McCann - CEO and Founder of People Have Influence

Let me tell you a bit more about Phi, our north star here at People Have Influence. Our journey together began five years ago when we were both grinding away at a previous agency we worked at. Back then, we teamed up for a while, and I quickly realized that Phi was not your run-of-the-mill colleague. Fast forward to today, and she's still as unforgettable as ever. 

Phi is a powerhouse, and she's got an impeccable work ethic that's second to none. Dynamite clearly comes in small packages, with enough energy to power a small city. When Phi finally convinced me to join the People Have Influence Team this year, I jumped at the opportunity because, well, who wouldn't? Phi is the kind of boss who makes you look forward to Mondays, and that, my friends, is a rare superpower.

A Typical Day at PHI

Our mornings here are like a warm embrace you never knew you needed with hugs all around. Some of us are just beginning our love affair with that first cup of coffee while I've usually ventured into the realm of caffeine nirvana with my fourth. 

Once the morning rituals are complete, we roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into the day's tasks. Our calendars are packed with meetings, where ideas flow freely and strategies take shape. Whether we're deep in conversation with clients, brainstorming campaigns, playing matchmaker between brands and influencers, or dissecting data for reports, there's never a dull moment. But amidst all the hustle, we've mastered the art of injecting a bit of madness into our methods.

Laughter is our constant companion, and good vibes are always present. We’re pretty sure our neighbours are sound proofing our office as we speak. Lunchtime is a cherished pause in our day, where we come together as a tight-knit team to refuel and recharge. And sometimes we come bearing cakes in the afternoon, because we believe in celebrating life's little pleasures. Every day walking out of the office feels like a huge accomplishment in itself.

“When I started working at PHI, it was my first full-time job so naturally I was nervous to see how I would fit into the team. I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams that this team would honestly become my family. We laugh together, cry together and some might say spend way too much time together but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” - Georgina Phillips, Campaign Manager

Our Clients

The clients of People Have Influence
The clients of People Have Influence

One of the things I love most about working at P.H.I. is the relationships we build with our clients. It's not a typical client-vendor dynamic; it's a partnership where we work alongside them. Their success is our success, and we're in it together. 

It's not just about delivering a service; it's about being fully invested in our client’s goals and aspirations. In a world where business can sometimes feel transactional, our approach is completely different, it’s personal and intimate. Clients even get excited for our weekly catch up meetings, some calling it the highlight of their week. 

From the very beginning, we make it our mission to deeply understand our clients' needs, challenges, and aspirations. We don't just offer solutions; we become an extension of their team.

CI Sessions

Brainstorming is an art at P.H.I. We believe in the power of collective thinking, and our Concept and Ideation (CI) sessions are a testament to that. It's a time when everyone's ideas are welcome, and no concept is too wild. Imagine a room filled with whiteboards, colourful sticky notes, and a tornado of ideas.

It's a beautiful chaos of creativity, where sparks fly, and boundaries are pushed. Our Concept and Ideation sessions are a testament to our commitment to thinking outside the box. It's like a whirlwind, and in its midst, we uncover the gems that become our biggest campaign masterpieces, ensuring we constantly work with the latest trends and if anything, predict them before they even reach the surface. 

Celebrating Small Wins 

“Success is a series of small victories, so let’s not forget to celebrate all of your achievements – they’re what keep you going!” 


We celebrate small wins like they're golden ticket victories. They're just as important as the big ones. Sent a tough email? Let's crack some champagne. Found your earphones? Look at you go. Small wins are our daily dose of motivation, and we're not ashamed to cheer like we've won the lottery when they happen. In our dynamic and ever-evolving world of digital marketing and influencer partnerships, it's easy to get caught up in the big picture. But we've come to understand that it's the little moments along the way that pave the road to success. Let's be honest, life's victories don't come with fanfare, so we provide our own. 

Weekly Pits and Peaks

You know you've reached peak adulthood when your best part of the week is Friday’s Pit's and Peaks" sessions. Picture this: a room full of grown-ups discussing their highs and lows for the week. Some people are celebrating their new plant successfully sprouting leaves, while others are lamenting the tragic loss of their favourite pen. Let's face it, adulting is tough, and we deserve a pat on the back for surviving. It's the kind of therapy you never knew you needed. Weekly pits and peaks are mandatory at P.H.I. every Friday before we clock off for the weekend. This ensures we all celebrate our small wins together and enter the weekend feeling proud and fulfilled with our weekly achievements. 

“There are so many options for growth at People Have Influence. Phi pushes us, brings out the best in us and reminds us every day of our value and the talent we bring to the table. She sees something in us even when we’re sometimes not able to see it in  ourselves. Every day we grow individually and together as a team.” - Amanda Ngabire, Campaign Manager

Monthly Team Building

The People Have Influence team doing a Aperol Spritz Masterclass as a team building

Our team-building activities are a testament to the importance of fostering strong connections. It’s where we turn from colleagues into comrades. Whether it's attempting gourmet cooking (cue fire extinguishers), dominating the putt-putt course (in our dreams), or winning an Aperol tasting competition, we’re all in. First Thursdays? We're basically art critics in disguise. Padel days? A friendly competition that gets way too intense. Roller skating? Let's just say the bruises were badges of honour. At P.H.I, team building is a monthly endeavor – because we believe we shouldn’t have to wait for an end of year party to celebrate together as a team when you can do it every month. We truly believe you are only as strong as your weakest member, so the goal is to keep the team tight.

Picture Perfect

Team photoshoots are our chance to unleash our inner supermodels. We may not grace the cover of Vogue, but our Instagram game is on point. They’re the perfect excuse for us to don our most stylish get-ups and hit the Cape Town CBD with all the confidence and flair of a professional. These photoshoots are more than just moments in front of the camera though; they're a representation of our close-knit culture and the strong connections we've built with each other along the way. So on that note, if you see us sporting our best power suits down Bree Street, you know what’s up. 

“My absolute favourite part of working at People Have Influence is my team and the culture we’ve created” - Alistar Rayner, Senior Campaign Manager

Work Life Balance 

At the heart of our company culture is a profound belief that when you trust your team, great things happen.

Mondays and Fridays are your golden opportunities to kick back, relax, and tackle your tasks from the cozy confines of your home sweet home. It's the ideal way to kickstart your week with a burst of productivity, or the perfect wind down as you head into the weekend. 

But the rest of the week, you'll find us in our big downtown office. We're all about that sweet spot between smashing your work and savouring your life. As long as you're nailing all your tasks, you're free to come and go as you please. Flexibility means something here. We understand that a happy, motivated team is the secret ingredient to our collective success.

The Vision and the Mission: PHI's Guiding Stars

What's P.H.I's big picture? It's not about being the biggest; it's about being the best. Our vision and mission are simple yet profound.

The People Have Influence Team

To Be the Best, Not the Biggest

Size isn't everything, and at P.H.I, we know it. Our aim is to excel in what we do, delivering top-notch results and making a significant impact in our field.

To Grow Stronger Together

We understand that a team is only as strong as its weakest member. That's why we prioritise growth, both as individuals and as a collective. We grow stronger together, and that's how we conquer challenges.

Challenge Equals Growth

Remember the saying, "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you"? Well, that's our mantra. We embrace challenges with open arms because we know that's where growth happens.

Get in Touch

Get in touch with us today to meet our team of campaign managers and let’s create some beautiful synergy between your brand and only the best influencers. Or head on over to @peoplehaveinfluence_ on Instagram where you’ll find us doing what we do best.

Liked this Blog? You May Be Interested In These:

Five Years of Influence #BirthdayMonth
Five Years of Influence #BirthdayMonth
Let’s Celebrate The Reason We Exist: Brilliant People
Let’s Celebrate The Reason We Exist: Brilliant People
What a specialized influencer marketing agency (really) looks for in an influencer Blog
What a specialised influencer marketing agency (really) looks for in an influencer.