Tools of the Trade is an AgencySpy feature to help highlight the many tools that help make advertising and marketing folks successful. The tools can be anything that helps people perform at their top form, from a favorite drafting table to the best software program to a lucky pen, a vintage typewriter or a pair of headphones.
Next up is Rebecca Gamsby, senior media planner at CMI Media Group.
Rebecca Gamsby poses with one of her hula hoops.
What is one tool you use all the time at work, and how does it inspire your work?
I have hula hoops that live in my home office and provide joy whether or not I’m actively using them. They remind me difficult tasks take time to master, require practice and focus, but are totally worth the feeling of accomplishment. And don’t take yourself too seriously—smile and have fun.
Why is it your favorite?
For work, being able to hoop is a great fun fact for ice breakers, and I was able to win our agency talent show in 2022, largely for using my hula hoops while they were on fire. Outside of work, it’s a fun, nostalgic way to move my body, test my boundaries, learn new skills and meet new people. I prefer to hoop outside so my use ebbs and flows throughout the year depending on weather, but sometimes I’m inspired to hoop in the living room minus the tricks. I have a travel hoop that breaks into segments so that’s the easiest one to transport but they’re all pretty light and easy to carry if I want to bring one anywhere.
How did you acquire your tool or hear about it for the first time?
I won a hooping contest at my best friend’s dad’s company picnic in high school and realized I had a natural ability to hoop. When working in Manhattan after college, I discovered a hoop dance class where I bought my first adult hoop and learned some tricks. After that, I was hooked and now have one fire hoop, three LED hoops, and two regular hoops (with another in my Etsy cart).
How does it help you be successful?
Hooping is a fantastic mood booster and stress reliever. The movement and repetition can be meditative or provide a rush of endorphins. As little as five minutes can reset my brain to come back to a task happier, more focused and productive. It also reminds me that I can do hard things.
Does it have sentimental value?
Yes, I have so many memories attached to my hoops from music festivals to hooping in the Dance Parade in New York.
Do you think your tool could go TikTok viral?
Absolutely. There are some amazing hoopers, it’s such a unique skill to have, everyone has a different style, and it’s such fun to watch.
We want to know what tools you use to make you successful. If you’d like to contribute or know someone who would want to be featured in Tools of the Trade, contact kyle.obrien@adweek.com and fill out our survey.