Collaboration, Teal Management & A Paradigm Shift: How DV Media Co. Was Born
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist
When people are intent on finding purpose and meaning, they might not always find it — but more often than not, they do find each other. In the middle of a raging pandemic, a media entrepreneur was able to connect remotely with a writer and designer to help throw into relief a dream that had been simmering for years: a collaborative network.
It is only apt that DV Media Co. was born in a time of extreme uncertainty — for it addressed the need of the hour: to work towards building a more sustainable future, with a focus on transforming media along the way.
A paradigm shift — ‘a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions’ — comes along perhaps once in a generation. The Covid-19 pandemic no doubt marks one for us; around the world, governments, populations and economies are grappling with its debilitating repercussions. There has also been an awe-inspiring realignment of values, priorities and systems across industries — a moment to pause and consider what kind of world we want to work towards and build for future generations.
DV Media Co. was born to address exactly this predicament.
Born in 2020, it is a collaborative network that aligns professionals from across the globe and crafts media solutions for businesses focused on sustainability and making a social impact.
Teal Management: At the Core of the Organisation
‘The Future of Management is Teal’ puts it succinctly, “Organisations are moving forward along an evolutionary spectrum, toward self-management, wholeness, and a deeper sense of purpose.”
“Life is a mishmash of passion, purpose and pursuits,” the founder of DV Media Co., Dona Varghese, reflects. “I believe Teal Management understands that.”
What drew us to the Teal Management model is the idea of self-management and the idea of taking responsibility for one’s own behaviour and well-being. In this system, there is a high degree of flexibility in working hours, as long as commitments are upheld.
“I want to create a system that encourages people to be authentic and, through this authenticity, comes great work,” Dona elaborates. “When people strive for self-fulfillment, money becomes a by-product to live a fulfilling life as opposed to being the only goal to life.”
With Teal Management at the heart of the organisation, DV Media Co. formulated and fleshed out its primary brand values.
Brand Values of DV Media Co
Diversity of thought, expertise, experience and background. DV Media Co. is a global network with expertise, experience and backgrounds from US, UK, Middle East, India, South Africa.
Anybody can be creative, given the right opportunities and resources. Cultivating domain expertise, encouraging experimentation with adjacent interests and empowering oneself with technical know-how are three steps that will set you right on the path to diverse ideation.
Transparent in the way it does business. DV Media Co. gives access to information others keep to themselves.
Everlane’s marketing concept is something we stand by, where both the producer and consumer are aligned in the creation and consumption of the product.
Collaborative and non-hierarchical working environment. Win-win, give-take projects.
Founder of DV Media Co. Dona Varghese managed a brand as a part of a collaborative effort while studying in New York. The brand included a plant-based product, but the feeling the client promoted was of a community that prioritised self-love and self-care rituals. The client had set up her company in such a way that it was a lifestyle; there was a lot of give and take in creative efforts.
Innovative because the goal is not simply to apply best practices — but also to invent them.
In ‘Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation’ by Steven Johnson, the author reflects that — contrary to common perception — more than eureka moments, it is ‘gradually-maturing slow hunches’ that develop over time and lead to discoveries and innovation.
Integrity as an expression of courage and accountability.
Creatures of Habit, the all-natural clothing brand and an ally of ours in sustainable living, is a great example of this brand value. When they realised just how bad current fashion habits are, they dispensed with the idea of working with polyester or plastic altogether. Starting from scratch, they use the best natural fibre they can find and have them custom-knit to their specifications — creating fabrics that are versatile and all-natural.