27 Oct Pulse Check: What Moves Mendoza
Your favorite Jurassic Park scene was inspired by Earth, Wind & Fire. One day, Steven Spielberg was cruising along, jamming to the hit song September so loudly that the bass rhythmically shook the rearview mirror. Spielberg then pulled over and called his effects designer, Michael Lantieri, and told him how he wanted to introduce the legendary T. Rex: with a rippling glass of water.
Inspiration is the fuel that propels Oscar-winning moments, winning pitch concepts, and ideas of all forms. It’s a force that pushes us further in our work and pulls us closer in our lives. And Mendoza is tapped into that feeling all week throughout our annual staff retreat.
Our teammates traveled from across state lines, country borders, and continental divides just to celebrate each other in-person for a few days. In that intercultural spirit, we went around the agency and asked, “So, what’s inspiring you lately?”
These are some of our responses.
Julieta, Senior Translation Project Coordinator
“My biggest inspiration right now is my dad. He turned 70 this year and he’s in the best shape ever. We both signed up to run a 10K together this November, and just thinking about it gives me an extra push every day. Trying to keep up with him is the ultimate motivation.
Sharing this goal helps me stay motivated. Whenever I start feeling tired and start making excuses, I think of him. At his age, you’d think he’d be slowing down but seeing how much energy he still has makes me want to try my hardest and pushes me to stay focused.”
Amanda, Associate Media Director
“This is something that I’ve never noticed since I didn’t work in the home office until fully working remote, which is also my pet rabbit’s (Grumpy) room, but I was working in there last week and I heard cute little honk-like noises coming from her pen. Later realized that was Grumpy snoring. I never knew she snored and it’s the cutest little background music to have while working.
It reminded me to focus more on the present and be grateful for the good things in my life. That perspective helps me throughout the day by reminding me to appreciate where I am now, and the opportunities that this change brought.”
Tyler, Project Manager
“Crazy as it sounds, I’ve been really inspired by a video game that was recently released — Runescape Dragonwilds. It has a really fun gameplay loop that involves simple farming, fishing, cooking, etc., that has really helped me slow down in hectic times.
I think about the choices that can be made throughout my day to slow things down and think more intentionally with how I approach everyday tasks.”
Jessica, Bilingual Content Creator
“Recently, I went to a Chayanne concert with my mom and my sister, and it was such a special experience. I grew up listening to his music in Venezuela, and I love that after so many years, he continues to perform and make music in Spanish. Being in an arena full of Latinos from so many different places, all singing along to the same songs, was a really beautiful reminder of how music can keep us connected to our culture and our roots, no matter where we are.
Living in the U.S., one of the things I miss most about Venezuela is being surrounded by Spanish and hearing Spanish music everywhere. Growing up, music was always around, whether it was playing at a neighbor’s house, on the bus, or simply somewhere in the background as you went about your day. Now, listening to the music I grew up with brings a little bit of that feeling back. It takes me back to Venezuela and gives me a sense of home, familiarity, and connection to my roots, even when I’m far away.”
CaShonna, Senior Accountant
“Lately, I’ve been inspired by the quote, ‘control what you can control.’ It helps me maintain focus on myself, energy, actions, thoughts, reactions, etc. while obtaining a positive and free mindset.”
Max, Translation Project Coordinator
“Travel – I recently got the opportunity to visit Europe for the first time in my life, and seeing new places and experiencing authentic food, language, and culture is invigorating for me.
[Inspiration comes from] the fact that I get to look forward to going more places and doing more things. Travel is a big motivator for my work.”
Bryan, Art Director
“My recent trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire for sure. Being in remote places is like deep cleaning your brain – it gives your mind a chance to hear itself without all the clutter of modern day life.
It reminded me to find quiet moments without screens and to just be present whenever I can. It’s simple but often overlooked, and it does great things for my mood, creativity, and capacity to think.”
Jennifer, Translation Project Coordinator
“Lately, I’ve been inspired by the friendships I made at a course I attended in New York. I went there hoping to learn new things and grow professionally, but I didn’t expect to meet such a great group of women along the way. We still keep in touch, cheer each other on, share opportunities, and celebrate each other’s wins. It’s been a really nice reminder of how much the people you meet can become such an important part of your journey.
Knowing that I have people in my corner who are always cheering me on definitely keeps me going. Whether it’s a quick message, sharing an opportunity, or just checking in, that support is a great reminder that I’m not doing everything on my own. It motivates me to keep learning, growing, and hopefully be that same kind of support for others too.”
Dubra, Creative Director
“I really loved how many people and brands responded to the overwhelming surge in AI-generated posters. AI can create amazing assets, but without the right instructions, it just delivers versions of the same basic layout, the same overused creative resources, and very limited illustration styles- everything full of mistakes and making all brands look the same. In response, some brands started using pen and paper to create their own posters and messages, putting the focus on the human element behind every communication and every company. Please never put aside the humanity included in a handwritten note.
Thinking that this world is still about humans and the humanity in us. The software and hardware we use every day are just tools, but the origin and end of those connections are human – with our pros and cons. Even the most serious procurement officer likes to untie their shoes at the end of the day.”
Omayra, Creative Project Manager
“My daughter. She came into my world to make it so much better. The desire to provide a better childhood than I had. I would like to give her the world and the assurance that Mom will always be there for her.”
Diana, Senior Project Manager
“A small but meaningful moment that has inspired me lately was seeing my 14-month-old son’s happiness and smile at the beach. It was the first time he walked on the sand by himself, and he was so curious and excited about everything around him. Seeing his smile made me pause and think about how precious that moment was and how grateful I am that life has given me the opportunity to experience something so beautiful. Sometimes, the simplest moments bring the greatest happiness.
What keeps me going every day is the thought of spending time with my son after daycare and seeing his little smile. He inspires me to keep growing, both personally and professionally, and to become a better version of myself every day. I want him to grow up seeing that Mami works hard, follows her dreams, and never stops learning—not only for herself, but for him, too. He is my biggest motivation and reminds me every day why even the smallest steps forward matter. ❤️”