SABOTAGE: How breaking the rules can set you free

The Playful Saboteur at Saboteur

Nick is a co-founder of Saboteur, an independent brand studio on a mission to set brands free. After spending twenty years as a creative lead at renowned brand agencies, Nick helped to found Saboteur on a few key principles: people-first, autonomy, transparency, and play. So, no formal job titles, no set holiday allowance, flexible teamwork, and open communication.

Alongside Saboteur, Nick is also a renowned teacher, trainer and mentor. Since 2013 he has run D&AD’s Creative Thinking Masterclass which has given him the chance to share his enthusiasm for ideas with people around the world.

Fran – “the Nimble Saboteur” – has spent her career adapting to different roles and places. From brand strategy to employee experience, from London to New York and Southeast Asia.

At Saboteur, an independent brand studio on a mission to set brands free, Fran spends her days moving between strategy and culture. One minute she’s solving a strategic brand challenge for a client, the next she’s asking what we can do to improve teamwork, communication and wellbeing at Saboteur.

She has a “Franwork” for most things but finds joy in staying nimble.