Defining the Punch DNA

Pete Goold

It was the Punch Christmas party yesterday - and there have been more than a few space cadets around the office today as a result.

The theme this year was to expand on a phrase that we sometimes use internally - 'the Punch DNA' - which we use to mean what it is that makes Punch different and unique. We typically mean it in terms of the attributes that we aspire to - such as responsiveness, flexibility, attention to detail, creativity etc. Also, it refers to the fact that we are trying to create something unique in integrating PR, Search and Social Media. 

However, in this context, I thought it was an idea that we could have some fun with. So, I asked everyone in advance for a couple of their favourite tracks - a party tune, a tune that has some personal meaning and anything else they fancied - a book that they've always meant to read but not gotten around to and a shameful item of clothing from the back of their cupboard. I bought the music and created it as a playlist which was the soundtrack to the early part of our day. The books were duly ordered and handed around mid-afternoon

We then had a quiz to see if people could identify who was responsible for what. The results were spectacular.

Highlights include:

• Music - some real shockers. East17 being a real low. One of mine was chosen because it was the record I heard at a night out in Nottingham which was the last time I saw my brother before a year of travel (The Kings of Tomorrow/Finally) and my party tune was the amazing Witness by Roots Manuva. What was great about this was the fact that stereotypes were completely upended - our new Finance Manager, Dee, chose a Faithless Track (God is a DJ) whilst self confessed Music afficionado and blogger George chose Wizzard's I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
• Books - A couple of beauties here, including Riders, by Jilly Cooper. I went for the first Sandman graphic novel. A couple of people went for Alex Garland's The Beach. The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings made an appearance
• Clothes - My cub-scout jumper from about 25 years ago was a giveaway as it still had my name tag. Special mention must go to Ben's white (see through?) shorts, Georgina's horrific blue top, Kirsty's bling jacket (still with label attached) and Phil's monkey suit (which was actualy a very hairy coat).

Phil nailed the music test. Then the clothing round. I think he was second in the book one. So, he claimed the grand prize. Of the six bottles of Prosecco that were prizes, he took five. Which he then shared with everyone else, handing them around.

So, on going back to the scene of the crtime this morning, I learned that we drank the bar dry of vodka, jagermeister, red bull and whisky. 

Yet somehow, I've managed to have a super productive day, which is weird. Perhaps my headache has been deferred to tomorrow?

Either way, I had a top night with the team. And whilst alcohol clearly is a core facet of the Punch DNA, apparently so is generosity and the output of Jamie Oliver, Noddy Holder and Bryan Ferry.

Is it too early to wish everyone a Happy Christmas?

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