Meet Chalks Corriette
Chalks Corriette utilizes his heart for problem-solving and expertise in communications as a Fervor creative stationed in Brussels for European Projects. Meet Chalks.
At Fervor, Chalks is: a creative stationed in Brussels for European Projects. His role fulfills our clients’ and team’s needs for exceptional planning, delivery and lots of hugging. Chalks serves as a uniting point between Fervor’s headquarters and our clients in Europe.
Digs Fervor because: “Fervor’s approach to marketing is unlike anything we have in Europe, yet it’s something we certainly need. With Fervor, we get to help people and organizations be even more awesome than they already are. How can you not jump out of bed in the morning and feel good about yourself and the world?”
A man of many means: Complex events organizer, dancer and aerobics instructor, operational troubleshooter, scout leader. But there is one strong vein that pulses through everything Chalks does: a deep desire to improve people’s lives, particularly the young. “They are the leaders of tomorrow. I’m lucky to have worked with youth from Botswana to Brazil and India to Romania – their curiosity and strength are invigorating.”
His background: Chalks grew up in six countries — yes, six! — and received his higher education in the United Kingdom. Chalks’ education included hospitality management, psychology, project management and more. “It was an odd range of things,” he says, “but I’ve been involved as long as I can remember in areas of processes and people.”
Starting his career: He launched his career in the hotel industry, working with management to add services for guests. The planning and organizational skills he developed within hospitality allowed him to springboard into the logistics and transportation sector. He spent much of his time on the creative side of the industry, bridging the gap between marketing and management. “I slowly but surely became the voice within the organizations. I’m a big solutions person,” Chalks says. “I believe if we really want to solve the problem, there is always a solution.”
DHL + UN + NGOs: This heart for problem-solving propelled Chalks forward into corporate roles with DHL, even working with the United Nations and NGOs as a link to the business world. Particularly when a natural disaster occurred, Chalks as Global VP of Corporate Citizenship utilized his logistics abilities to move aid material where it was most needed. “I found myself constantly going to big events, visiting with heads of state and heads of government, faith-based leaders and titans of industry. I got to talk to some incredible people on these projects, from Desmond Tutu to Colin Powell. I learned so much from being involved with these figures who most of us only see on television . . . I often had to pinch myself. I’ve been very lucky.”
People to People International and beyond: Chalks’ broad range of skills, combined with his cross-cultural expertise, led to leadership as the President of the European region of People to People International. The organization exists to create lasting cultural connections among everyday citizens to solve global issues. In addition to his PTPI work, Chalks works as a consultant in marketing, management, business development and the nonprofit sector.
His Fervor connection: Chalks was part of the audience when Fervor presented a final Brand Assessment to PTPI. “I saw Fervor’s process and output and how unique the work was. Particularly with DHL, I’d worked with advertising and media groups all over the world. But Fervor’s approach to messaging, as well as the connection to Ideal AdvocatesTM. . . there isn’t anyone like Fervor in Europe.” As Chalks successfully implemented Fervor’s recommendations with PTPI Europe, he stayed in touch with Fervor CEO + Chief Strategist Mike Farag. “Meeting Mike was no accident. And now Fervor is open for business in Europe!”
Family: Chalks and his wife Michiko have two children — a daughter, Emiko, and a son, Ben. Together, they enjoy athletics and fitness and connecting to their global community. “We also have a bit of an animal passion,” Chalks says, as the family has two cats, two rats and a rabbit.
A community he loves: “Must I choose one?” Chalks smiles. Among the many communities Chalks enjoys, he especially enjoys those he has met through voluntarism. He volunteers with the elderly and with refugee communities, and he’s particularly passionate about his work with the Scouts. “If we can educate our youth and give them a stronger, more positive experience, we can actually do something to change our world.”
Outside work: Chalks enjoys traveling, meeting new people and staying active. “I like to hang out at unusual cafes with friends and mull over the state of the world,” he smiles. He also fuels his interests through podcasts, and loves listening and learning about technology, psychology, current affairs and international policy.
Fervor wouldn’t be Fervor without . . . Chalks’ strong connections and networks: “I’m a real people person and, for me, it all has to do with keeping people connected and delivering that strong sense of service. I’m eager to capitalize on the communities and relationships I have across Europe for Fervor. I work towards a world where everyone is included and happy.”