It's no secret that the past three years have been brutal on auto manufacturers and suppliers. That's why we were so happy to get a call from our old friends at BASF. After three years of slumping sales, re-locations and layoffs Coatings Division chief Juan Carlos Ordonez decided to host an all-employee meeting to thank everyone for their contributions during this dark era...and to start injecting fun back into the business.

Corporate Sidekick "Coaty" (who works in the Department of Culture Shock!) joined in the festivities interacting with Juan Carlos and other senior executives throughout the day long meeting. And by the end of the day Coaty - and the BASF employees - were reassured about the health of the Division and excited about the future.

It was great to be part of the festivities, and to have the opportunity to work with our old friends at BASF. Best of all it was great to help management relay such a positive, hopeful message to the employees and put the gloom of the past few years behind us.


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Management at the world's largest retailer wanted to show their thousands of store managers how much they appreciate the managers' efforts and that they understand the difficulties they face. So they introduced Corporate Sidekick® "Willie Sellmore" at the annual managers meeting. 

"Willie" played the role of a store manager and challenged the management presenters in a good natured repartee throughout the event. 

Managers howled with laughter as Willie presented their case in light-hearted comedy dialog, raising issues that were on everybody's mind, but that no one dared voice out loud.

Following his first appearance at the U.S. Managers meeting, "Willie" has become a popular fixture  at partners conferences, Canadian managers meetings and web videos.

Check our a few clips below from his debut!

WalMart's newest manager,"Willie Sellmore" barges in at the top of the meeting in a hilarious exchange with a senior executive.

"Willie" pounces on some initiatives gone amuck with the head of merchandising.

In the end "Willie" sees the wisdom of management's new direction and signs on with the boss.