Creating Stories That Matter: HLabs launches its new vision

News
Our founder, Han Springett, shares why updating the brand name and mission and launching our vision report is the perfect way to start year four.
1st June 2023
6 min read
Written by Han Springett. Founder & CEO at HLabs
HLabs Han presenting
HLabs Founder & CEO, Han Springett, presents to the team at the last quarterly review

Wow, where to start?! Three years have flown by. From a solo designer to leading a team of 42 people? It's hard to believe! #MindBlown!

I'm here now writing my inaugural blog post, expertly edited by my editorial team, designed by my talented creatives, and utilising a new no-code technology I knew little about before launching the company. It's astonishing how much we've grown in such a short time, expanding not only in team size but also in expertise, client base, and specialised services. I’m hoping in this first attempt at writing, it will convey our team's focus and our ongoing mission to challenge industry norms. Here we go!

Creating Stories That Matter. What's it all about?

I’ll start by saying, I can’t take the credit here! The new vision originated from our Creative Director, Shadi Ekman. Inspired by a meaningful WWF project to reduce underwater noise and protect whales, Shadi proposed prioritizing stories that truly resonated with our team. When you believe in the content you work on, creativity, efficiency, and innovation flourish.

The entire HLabs team, including 10 remote members, embraced the idea. We held a workshop and asked everyone: what ignites your passion? It wasn't limited to charities or environmental causes, but anything the team were passionate about, from music and sports to mental health and human rights. My brain was buzzing watching the team come alive, sharing their motivations and childhood stories. We then voted on the standout work we've delivered through the year and planned how to amplify it.

Our new vision report, featuring these inspiring case studies, can be found here:

View our vision report

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As CEO, what stories matter to me?

RuPaul's Drag Race, Pokémon and my love of late-night karaoke were all obvious contenders, but leading by example is paramount, so I made the list a bit more meaningful!

Creative innovation always wins for me. From humble beginnings teaching myself Flash at uni to now collaborating with the enterprise, top tier no-code companies worldwide, I have loved seeing technology open designers’ independence to create and build digital experiences. Creating and owning projects without needing developers is empowering.

On a lighter note, skiing brings me joy. Snow and sunny skies make a winning combo. Add the après-ski? Pure bliss! Any ski-related brand...count me in! Salomon, Ski Sunday, or the next big ski documentary—these kinds of potential new clients excite me!

Lastly, shattering agency stereotypes is my daily passion. At HLabs, we prioritise work-life balance. We encourage our leadership team to guide and support our employees. We are not afraid to fail and pivot, and I try personally to listen as much as I can so we can continue to challenge processes for the better. I want my team to feel their career path is important to us by allowing them to voice their specialisms and initiatives that they are excited to create to help the business succeed.

View the vision report

I want my team to feel their career path is important to us by allowing them to voice their specialisms and initiatives that they are excited to create to help the business succeed.

How will this new vision lead HLabs to success?

The highest priority is targeting new clients the team feel most strongly about. We'll focus on accounts highlighted by our team and embrace their stories. We'll also decline clients misaligned with our goals. Both impact team efficiency and enthusiasm.

We’re also proactively testing and launching exciting, low-code or no-code tech experiences. From AI to AR/VR in the Metaverse, we're already productising new offerings.

Lastly, we’re planning to expand our reach through virtual and in-person events, collaborations with creatives, and partnering with tech, agencies, and brands. Exciting possibilities ahead!

Writing down our new vision has already yielded results. We're just getting started!

View the vision report

The highest priority is targeting new clients the team feel most strongly about. We'll focus on accounts highlighted by our team and embrace their stories. We'll also decline clients misaligned with our goals. Both impact team efficiency and enthusiasm.

Have you got a story that matters?

Through creating stories that matter, we aim to harness the power of interactive storytelling to leave a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Join us on this journey, as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and reshape the way stories are told online. Let us help you tell your story

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Want to see our new 'Creating Stories That Matter' vision in action?

Tap here to visit our new interactive report here to explore our innovative projects, learn more about our approach, and join the conversation. Together, we can inspire, educate, and drive positive change through the power of interactive storytelling.