Keryn Nossal Managing Director Fancy Films’ commitment to supporting a global trend towards business for good, has led to Fancy Films being awarded as a Certified B Corp. Passionate about embracing sustainable business practices, that ensure positive outcomes for all stakeholders, Keryn and the Fancy Films team create purpose-driven meaningful stories for strategic engagement and social impact.
Fancy Films scored highest on B Corp’s ‘community’ criterion, reflecting that they are recognised as supporting their local community through being champions for diversity, equity and inclusion in the film industry, as well as through their supply chain. Fancy Films dedicate 5%-10% of company revenue to charitable causes through social impact film work, in Indigenous Education and Cross Cultural Awareness, Homelessness and Disadvantage, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Cancer Research.
Keryn and Fancy Films have been recognised with numerous awards for their film making, including most recently being named Finalist B&T Women in Media Awards 2019, three 2019 Platinum Marcom Awards, three 2019 Gold Marcom Awards, USA Communicator Awards Distinctions in 2019 and 2018, 2018 Global Trend Video Awards Winner, and three 2018 US Videographer Awards.
What are your reflections on the importance of relationships in business?
Relationships are key. Building your tribe of people who understand your value, doing good work for them, keeping in touch by proactively thinking of new ideas and being there when they need you. It is also about having a strong support network and not being afraid to ask for help and guidance to help you grow.
Remember: as David Burkus shows, you’re the average of all the people who surround you.
How can organisations engage strategically via film using Future of Work themes?
I wrote a script for an opener to the Australia Post senior leadership conference in February this year. It was all about the future of work, about the impact technology and globalisation is having on our future, about how we need innovate in real time and reinvent everything we know…who would have thought that a few weeks later we would be walking out of our offices never to return in the midst of a global pandemic?
The thematic approach I take to my work is to ground it in the real world, look at what is happening around us and push the brand to the side. In this case it was about being skilled to embrace uncertainty, find meaning, common context, purpose, a sense of belonging, creating value as it emerges. Along with the idea that the more we are present for each other, the more responsive we can be to face these challenges. I think the theme will still resonate for that workforce as they navigate this phase we are going through now.
Why do you ‘lead from the balcony’ when mentoring your team?
My role has progressed into coaching creative teams. I have spent an awful amount of time in what we call Fancy Film School, helping the team to hone their craft, so I do spend a lot of time on the dance floor too. I love it! We have got to the point now where I am able to get out of their way and let them test their own ideas.
Mentoring is about helping them become really great at their jobs, allowing them to fail, providing a safe environment for feedback and ultimately teaching confidence. I want them to back themselves.
Tell us why Fancy Films applied for B Corp status, and what it means for your business?
We wanted to become a B Corp because we’re passionate about accelerating a global cultural shift which is redefining success in business, to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. This means as a B Corp, Fancy Films is not just a business that’s out to make money — it’s a business that is legally bound to have a positive impact on society, its workers, the community and the environment too.
It’s pushing us to be a better business.
I want to do more substantial and transformative work in the world, I want to be more courageous and make changes to develop my best self committing to social causes beyond myself. Becoming a B Corp is one step in the right direction towards making those changes.
When I found out about B Corp I thought, this is us. This is what we have been doing for over 15 years – the community, the philosophy and the sense of purpose. It pushed us to be a better business – we just had to get the B.
We imagine a future with less competition and more collaboration but our work is far from done. We are always learning and evolving it’s all part of the process. The certification experience has shown us that we are resilient. Once we commit, we push for what we are passionate about, do the preparation and turn up. We look forward to continuing to produce meaningful purpose driven work, knowing we can feel good about making a positive difference using business as a force for good.
Your greatest challenge?
Narrowing my focus, saying no and navigating that clear path forward to complete my MBA.
Most proud of?
Of course my kids! We often say Fancy is my fourth child. She was a dream baby, has been temperamental at times, had some growing pains, but has flourished and is getting ready to leave home some time soon, stay tuned.
Advice for future female leaders?
Stay true to yourself, do not be defined by any one thing in your life and live a good generous life.
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