Avoid falling prey to Parisleaf. I should have ended the interview process halfway through when I discovered that the owners (CEO/COO Chad and Ali Paris) have zero background or formal education in Creative, Branding, Design, Marketing, ETC. In addition, the current Parisleaf team, all hired within the past 4 months, consist of “self-taught designers” according to the current Creative Director. During one of my interviews, the PM (who is also leaving) said “Chad (the CEO and owner) could sell ice to an Eskimo”, which answered my question as to how Parisleaf has found some success running a creative agency.
Here are the interview details: The process took over a month, and included 5 Zoom interviews, 2 two-hour meetings with owners Chad and Ali Paris, the new Creative Director, and PM. After weeks of interviews, there was a surprise PI cognitive and personality assessment. My three references had to provide written statements and answer several questions about my character. Having gone through this long process being told that I’m the perfect fit, not only as their Senior Creative PM, but also as Director of Partnership. I was expecting an offer but was surprised when Chad called to let me know that he went with another candidate. When I asked why he went with the other candidate his response was that they "had more ‘passion' for project management. I then asked if the other candidate was as qualified (I’ve been in the industry for 20+ years and have held the title of SR. Creative PM for several fortune 500 companies. I’ve also led full rebrands in higher ed). He responded with “no, but we had to go with our gut on this one”. Parisleaf not only wasted my time but that of my references.
After going through the Parisleaf hiring process it’s perfectly clear why Parisleaf has zero staff retention. This CEO/COO combo is not qualified to work on your brand so exercise caution when getting involved with this company.