Employee Spotlight: How Creativity and Strategy Shape Great Branding

With the participation of:

Behind every strong brand is a team that knows how to balance vision with execution. For Tansley, that balance is ingrained in our DNA. Our process combines creative thinking, design principles, and data-driven strategy, led by a team whose expertise spans everything from storytelling and film to digital infrastructure and audience analysis.

To understand what makes that work possible, we spoke with three of Tansley’s co-founders – David Gascon, Mathieu Guérin, and Erahm Christopher – to explore how their unique backgrounds shape the way brands come to life.

Starting with Story, Backed by Strategy

For David, building a brand begins with taking a step back. “Business owners frequently forget their own stories – what drove them to start, why they continue, and how they impact others’ lives,” he says. At Tansley, part of the work involves helping clients rediscover and define that story, then shaping how it is shared with their audience in a meaningful way.

A successful brand, he adds, is “built on emotional creativity but supported by metrics and data.” That balance is central to Tansley’s approach. “Brands are half emotion and half data – each supports the other.”

Erahm echoes this need for a clear foundation. “It is important to develop a solid strategic foundation from real customer data before thinking about the creative,” he says. “Otherwise, you may waste time, money, and resources trying to hit a moving target.” For him, strategy and creativity aren’t opposing forces – they work best together when each is designed to support the other.

The Power of Collaboration

Internally, our team’s multidisciplinary strengths enable them to tackle client challenges from various perspectives – resulting in smarter, more comprehensive solutions.

“I focus on strategy, David on creative, and Mathieu on technology,” Erahm explains. “Since we each approach the brands we work with from different angles, we are able to develop solutions that are strategically sound, creatively compelling, and maximize the available technological resources.”

That kind of cross-functional collaboration gives Tansley its edge. “We translate client needs into messaging, visuals, and design that authentically reflect their brand,” adds Mathieu.

He emphasizes that his role isn’t just technical – it’s tactical. “Experience has taught us what works – and more importantly, where to focus time, energy, and budget to prioritize what’s going to be most profitable for the client.”

Lessons from the Field

One example of this approach in action? Mathieu points to Gouttières Bernier, a Quebec-based gutter installation company. “We developed a clear, simple service message with an easy online quote system,” he says. “The result? A Google Ads conversion rate over 20%, and strong search engine rankings thanks to optimized web pages.”

For Erahm, Beonyx, a Quebec-based startup that produces autonomous electric all-terrain vehicles, stands out. “We developed and designed their logo and identity, established brand guidelines, crafted their brand story, designed their website, and created and executed their marketing strategy,” he explains. “The business is growing at an accelerated pace and they are developing a loyal community of people who align with their values and intentions.”

These success stories share a common foundation: a curated strategy that reflects the unique people behind the brand.

What Brands Need to Know

When asked what advice they would give to businesses trying to build something lasting, each founder emphasizes the same idea: authenticity matters. “Be meaningful,” says David. “Reach out to us –  we’d love to talk about your digital marketing needs,” adds Mathieu.

And as Erahm puts it, “People don’t just buy products… they buy into stories, values, and identities that resonate deeply with who they are or want to be.” At Tansley, we help brands do just that – build with intention, connect with heart, and curate an identity that reflects who they are and where they’re going.

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At Tansley, Alexandra thrives in the agency’s collaborative and innovative environment, where she channels her passion for storytelling into campaigns that resonate. Outside of work, she is an avid pop culture enthusiast who loves exploring Montreal’s vibrant culinary and arts scenes, drawing inspiration from the city’s creative energy.

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David Gascon

Creative Director and Partner
David Gascon’s career blends creativity and leadership in film and advertising, underscored by his deep passion for visual storytelling. After six years of academic training in filmmaking, David has spent over two decades as a director, producer, and cinematographer, significantly influencing both fields. He also contributed to film education, teaching for seven years and directing a film school in Montreal. Transitioning his focus to design, David co-founded his agency in 2019 and rebranded as Tansley in 2021 with partners Mathieu Guérin and Erahm Christopher. As the creative director of Tansley, he is committed to empowering entrepreneurs by shaping enduring brands and fostering a collaborative environment for diverse talents to thrive. At Tansley, David embraces the opportunity to create value in a noisy world, empower entrepreneurs, and build a legacy that aligns with his personal and professional aspirations. This role allows him to integrate his passion for filmmaking and teaching with his leadership in marketing, making Tansley not just a company but an extension of his values. David is an avid traveler and photographer, capturing breathtaking scenes from Iceland to Indonesia. He enjoys camping and star gazing, which allow him to connect with nature and escape the bustle of city life. While he is happy to have achieved many career milestones, David’s greatest source of pride is his son, Hadrien, who constantly inspires him to appreciate the value of life each day.

Erahm Christopher

Creative Strategist and Co-Founder
Erahm Christopher is an accomplished filmmaker, social strategist, entrepreneur, and speaker renowned for his ability to forge authentic connections through impactful storytelling. His career began when he created the influential Teen Truth series, which led him to address crucial issues within challenging educational settings across North America. Over time, Erahm expanded his scope, founding an educational content company, directing the feature film Listen, and spearheading mental health initiatives in communities across North America. His films and live experiences have connected with audiences of over 8 million people. Erahm is also an acclaimed author of several books, a TEDx speaker, and a contributor to the Washington Post. His combination of storytelling finesse and strategic planning enables him to work seamlessly with governments, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide. In 2020, Erahm helped launch Tansley with a clear goal: to revolutionize how entrepreneurial businesses engage with their audiences through storytelling. Looking ahead, Erahm is eager to merge his varied professional experiences to enhance Tansley’s ability to craft meaningful brand narratives that speak to customers and drive tangible business growth. When he’s not strategizing at Tansley, Erahm loves to be outdoors—whether skiing in winter or kiteboarding in summer—and values the balance these activities bring to his busy life. He treasures time spent with his family, embracing the philosophy that life’s best lived with a blend of meaningful work, connections, and activity.

Mathieu Guérin

SEO | SEM Strategy Director and Co-Founder
Mathieu Guérin has sharpened his expertise in digital marketing and web visibility over fifteen years, backed by a solid foundation in administrative technology and e-commerce from UQAM. As Tansley’s CTO, Mathieu drives strategies that do more than function—they succeed, delivering quantifiable wins for our clients. He’s more than just the tech-savvy brain behind Tansley; he’s a visionary who has founded and steered two successful companies, mastering the complex world of digital strategies that elevate brands to industry leadership. At Tansley, Mathieu finds a perfect match for his dynamic, results-driven approach, ensuring that strategies are flawlessly executed to ensure clients exceed their objectives. Mathieu particularly values concrete metrics and genuine client relationships that define our work at Tansley. Away from the digital landscape, Mathieu seeks the tranquility and thrill of the ski slopes, where he recharges among mountain vistas and cherishes quality time with his family. His life revolves around three core values: family and friends, respect for others, and honesty. The commitment and care Mathieu brings to his personal life are also integral to his professional. Mathieu continually seeks new opportunities to enhance his skills and strives to integrate his passion for technology with robust business strategies at Tansley.