Being part of Afi
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Change as the only constant
Since its foundation, Afi has been managed with the conviction that if we do not evolve and adapt, we will disappear within two years. This enthusiasm for constant transformation has allowed us not only to survive, but also to grow and be profitable.
We look back and see that what we do today is very different from what we did yesterday.
The need to constantly transform ourselves is not incompatible with the obligation to maintain the same values and principles that have brought us this far, and which we set out in this text. That is why we always talk about ‘continuing to transform ourselves in order to remain the same’.
Afi's values and principles are stable, but everything else is subject to change: the areas, the organisational structure itself, the functions, the methodology, the workspace and more.
Be ambitious
Ambition (not to be confused with greed or selfishness) is the virtue that drives us to constantly improve. This ambition helps us grow as a company, but on its own, it is not sufficient for success. Well-understood ambition is contagious and, when shared, it multiplies.
Be bold
All of us, regardless of our level of responsibility, can contribute to improvement. Proactivity is in our DNA, not only in terms of generating ideas for improvement or new business, but also in helping our clients go beyond their own ideas. Be proactive, do not limit yourself.
Afi has established many mechanisms (surveys, mentoring programmes, commercial commissions, internal meetings, employee meetings, etc.) so that anyone can contribute to growth with ideas and proposals. Everyone at Afi can take part in any discussion, from morning meetings to departmental meetings or other venues (yes, even after-work gatherings).
We always say what we think. We dare and we propose. At Afi, we value ideas, but even more so the ability to implement them: design, development, sales (when they are commercial initiatives) and delivery. An idea can only be capitalised on if it is accompanied by a plan to implement it and someone to push it forward. We propose ideas, but above all, we propose a way to implement them.
We do not accept ‘no’ for an answer, but rather ‘no, because...’. Once we receive a reasoned refusal, we do not get frustrated. We try to learn from the response and accept disagreement naturally.
We know that those who dare are more likely to make mistakes. That is why we penalise inaction and conformism, and not failure when we embark on new paths.
Stay open to change
Transversality and a commitment to transformation are key for us. Escaping inertia and continually exploring are habits that help innovation and progress. Small or large changes, such as participating in projects with different people, developing new functions, or changing physical location and neighbouring areas, are further incentives to help us renew ourselves, establish new relationships and remind us that the only constant in professional growth is continuous change. Resistance to change creates friction and is therefore a waste of energy.
Diversity enriches us
Transforming oneself when surrounded by people who are just like you is very difficult. Diversity goes beyond academic training and encompasses many other personal and cultural facets. Afi is made up of people from very different geographical, cultural, social and ideological backgrounds. This variety helps us to challenge and enrich our ideas, to better understand our clients (and our clients' clients) and to offer far more valuable solutions.
The foundation of diversity is respect. Unfortunately, we live in a world where it is still necessary to write this explicitly: at Afi, we respect everyone's right to feel and live as they see fit, and we do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, geographical, social or cultural origin, sexual orientation, religious, political or any other beliefs, or any other characteristic or preference. We understand that our obligation is not only to respect, but also to welcome all those who, while sharing our fundamental principles, can bring something different to the table.
Contrasting our ideas, criteria, beliefs and experience with those of different people is a very enriching exercise that greatly fosters our professional and personal development. Knowing how to relate to those who are different is sometimes complicated, but it is much more valuable and constructive than the comfort of isolating ourselves in our own ideas and surrounding ourselves with people who think like us.
Regardless of the diversity of beliefs and opinions among our employees, Afi is a neutral, independent organisation with no political affiliations.