Member Highlight: Philosophy Communication

TELL US ABOUT YOU:

Jen Lester, CEO of Philosophy Communication, balances a solid foundation between creative and business acumen. At 29, she was adamant that creative genius needed to be grounded in substance, and it needed to honor both great work and the great individuals behind the work’s creation. In 2001, she co-founded Philosophy Communication, Inc., an award-winning, marketing, public relations and digital agency serving the needs of well-known clients such as Sub-Zero Group Inc., Colorado Proud and Haselden Construction.

With 20 employees by her side, Jen has driven highly successful brand awareness, consumer sales, employee engagement and business initiatives that have redefined companies financially, operationally and culturally. Jen believes that creative with substance creates a calculated disruption that delivers extra impact to help companies get noticed. In her words, “If you aren’t going to disrupt a little, then don’t waste your money.”

HOW IS YOUR ORGANIZATION SUPPORTING THE CREATIVE ECONOMY?

Philosophy is especially happy to share its commitment to the arts through its partnership with The ONE Club for Creativity – Denver, a nonprofit organization that fosters collaboration and inspiration among industry creative professionals.

To acknowledge that partnership, Philosophy took a special interest in the ONE Club’s signature event, the Paper Fashion Show. Philosophy believed that the Paper Fashion Show was a diamond in the rough just waiting to put Denver’s effervescent, original design expertise on the map. Once Philosophy took over the marketing and public relations for the event, they helped not only turn the Paper Fashion Show into its biggest revenue stream, the event has become one of Denver’s most notable signature creative events and recognized as the largest paper fashion show in the nation. With Philosophy’s marketing strategy and public relations help, The ONE Club for Creativity – Denver has seen attendance exceed 1,000 paper patrons, a 35 percent increase in event sponsorship dollars, and a 100 percent increase in design teams. Not to mention, Denver is now recognized for its exceptional designers and creative thinking when it comes to paper sculpture.

Philosophy Communication partnered with CBCA and provided their expertise with the design concept for the 2024 Business for the Arts Awards. Philosophy designer, Abby Conrad, came up with a brilliant concept and design that represented the partnerships between arts and business celebrated at the event!

HOW HAVE ARTS AND/OR CREATIVITY HELPED YOUR COMPANY INNOVATE OR GROW YOUR IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY?

Not only is “creativity” a core value of Philosophy, it’s the soul of the company. Uncovering the many exceptional art experiences that the world has to offer is like breathing at Philosophy. From taking in an innovative local chef to attending a play at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts to traveling the world, Philosophy believes it is important to work at “art” by employing all kinds of creative modalities. Philosophy’s creative work inspires communities, audiences and industries. To Philosophy, E.A.R.T.H. without art is just “eh.”

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH CBCA?

Jennifer Lester, CEO of Philosophy Communication

Philosophy believes that the CBCA is extremely valuable to Colorado, and we believe every business should be involved with the organization. For a business, art is one of those intangibles that people can’t quite put their finger on, but know that it makes for stronger, more vibrant communities. People want to live in places, stay employed longer with a business and engage more with their communities when they are inspired. And when businesses focus on creating places and experiences that inspire, we have happier, healthier and stronger communities. Exceptional leaders understand the value the arts provide not only to individuals, intuitively grasping that value leads to greater financial gains for their business, their community and the overall economy.

In addition to designing the concept for CBCA’s 2024 Business for the Arts Awards and CBCA’s 35th Anniversary, Philosophy Creative Director, Randall Erklens, has supported CBCA as a committee member and entertainer.

If you would like more information about becoming a CBCA member, visit the CBCA Membership page or contact our Membership & Development Manager, Sarah Braverman at sbraverman@cbca.org.