A geometric pattern featuring green, light green, and light blue shapes arranged symmetrically on a square grid.
A geometric pattern featuring green, light green, and light blue shapes arranged symmetrically on a square grid.
A geometric pattern featuring green, light green, and light blue shapes arranged symmetrically on a square grid.
A geometric pattern featuring green, light green, and light blue shapes arranged symmetrically on a square grid.

Perspective

Two Years at With: Reflecting on Growth, Partnership, and Purpose

Two Years at With: Reflecting on Growth, Partnership, and Purpose

Two Years at With: Reflecting on Growth, Partnership, and Purpose

Brad McDonald

Brad McDonald

Aug 14, 2025

3

min read

This June marked two years since I joined With (formerly DVXD) as its first Managing Director.

This June marked two years since I joined With (formerly DVXD) as its first Managing Director.

This June marked two years since I joined With (formerly DVXD) as its first Managing Director.

As I pause to reflect, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. These past two years have been a significant period of growth and learning for me, both personally and professionally. It has been an incredible journey, shaped by the people I’ve had the privilege to work with and the challenges we’ve faced together.

Throughout my time at With, I have been inspired daily by the dedication, creativity, and integrity of our team, past and present. Each person contributes something unique to the culture we’ve built, one grounded in collaboration, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Your hard work and partnership have propelled our projects forward and supported me personally as I have grown into this role. Thank you for your trust, your ideas, and your commitment to this collective journey.

Our partners also deserve sincere recognition. It is only through your trust and collaboration that we can co-design products, services, and brands that make a meaningful impact. The relationships we build are the foundation of our ability to create work that matters. I am grateful for the openness, ambition, and shared drive you bring to every project we take on together.

I want to extend a special thank you to Derek Vaz, our founder and CEO. Working closely with Derek over these two years has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at With. His vision and steady support have been vital as we’ve navigated an important evolution for the studio. Our recent rebrand to With was more than a name change; it marked a renewed focus on values that have always been at the heart of what we do: care, creativity, and equity. This identity better reflects who we are and how we approach every project, collaboration, and challenge.

Looking back on these past two years, I am proud of the work we’ve done and the culture we continue to nurture. More than that, I am excited about what’s ahead. At With, success is not only about immediate outcomes but also about the lasting value we create. That means supporting our partners’ growth, improving the experiences of the people they serve, and contributing positively to the broader world around us. This holistic approach keeps me grounded and inspired every day.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your collaboration, encouragement, and belief in our shared mission have made all the difference. I look forward to continuing this work together, learning more, and building futures that are equitable, creative, and meaningful.

— Brad

As I pause to reflect, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. These past two years have been a significant period of growth and learning for me, both personally and professionally. It has been an incredible journey, shaped by the people I’ve had the privilege to work with and the challenges we’ve faced together.

Throughout my time at With, I have been inspired daily by the dedication, creativity, and integrity of our team, past and present. Each person contributes something unique to the culture we’ve built, one grounded in collaboration, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Your hard work and partnership have propelled our projects forward and supported me personally as I have grown into this role. Thank you for your trust, your ideas, and your commitment to this collective journey.

Our partners also deserve sincere recognition. It is only through your trust and collaboration that we can co-design products, services, and brands that make a meaningful impact. The relationships we build are the foundation of our ability to create work that matters. I am grateful for the openness, ambition, and shared drive you bring to every project we take on together.

I want to extend a special thank you to Derek Vaz, our founder and CEO. Working closely with Derek over these two years has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at With. His vision and steady support have been vital as we’ve navigated an important evolution for the studio. Our recent rebrand to With was more than a name change; it marked a renewed focus on values that have always been at the heart of what we do: care, creativity, and equity. This identity better reflects who we are and how we approach every project, collaboration, and challenge.

Looking back on these past two years, I am proud of the work we’ve done and the culture we continue to nurture. More than that, I am excited about what’s ahead. At With, success is not only about immediate outcomes but also about the lasting value we create. That means supporting our partners’ growth, improving the experiences of the people they serve, and contributing positively to the broader world around us. This holistic approach keeps me grounded and inspired every day.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your collaboration, encouragement, and belief in our shared mission have made all the difference. I look forward to continuing this work together, learning more, and building futures that are equitable, creative, and meaningful.

— Brad

As I pause to reflect, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. These past two years have been a significant period of growth and learning for me, both personally and professionally. It has been an incredible journey, shaped by the people I’ve had the privilege to work with and the challenges we’ve faced together.

Throughout my time at With, I have been inspired daily by the dedication, creativity, and integrity of our team, past and present. Each person contributes something unique to the culture we’ve built, one grounded in collaboration, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Your hard work and partnership have propelled our projects forward and supported me personally as I have grown into this role. Thank you for your trust, your ideas, and your commitment to this collective journey.

Our partners also deserve sincere recognition. It is only through your trust and collaboration that we can co-design products, services, and brands that make a meaningful impact. The relationships we build are the foundation of our ability to create work that matters. I am grateful for the openness, ambition, and shared drive you bring to every project we take on together.

I want to extend a special thank you to Derek Vaz, our founder and CEO. Working closely with Derek over these two years has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at With. His vision and steady support have been vital as we’ve navigated an important evolution for the studio. Our recent rebrand to With was more than a name change; it marked a renewed focus on values that have always been at the heart of what we do: care, creativity, and equity. This identity better reflects who we are and how we approach every project, collaboration, and challenge.

Looking back on these past two years, I am proud of the work we’ve done and the culture we continue to nurture. More than that, I am excited about what’s ahead. At With, success is not only about immediate outcomes but also about the lasting value we create. That means supporting our partners’ growth, improving the experiences of the people they serve, and contributing positively to the broader world around us. This holistic approach keeps me grounded and inspired every day.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your collaboration, encouragement, and belief in our shared mission have made all the difference. I look forward to continuing this work together, learning more, and building futures that are equitable, creative, and meaningful.

— Brad

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