Arriving in San Francisco two years ago, Instinctif Partners may be the new kid on the block in the Bay, but they’re certainly not new to the game. With over 25 offices across the world and numerous awards under their belt, this international consultancy has figured out how to have clients do the right thing, at the right time, because they want to.

The team gave us an inside look at projects ranging from setting up live broadcasts for their clients on famous roads to Kiva Microfunds, an organization that helps alleviate poverty by allowing the average internet user to support entrepreneurs in developing worlds. Here are our three key takeaways from the evening.

1. Doing Nothing is not an option. This is especially important to keep in mind when your customers are hesitant to take on a new idea. But it’s important to remind them they can’t just keep doing the same thing (or nothing) - you have to move forward.

2. Being nice and polite and telling people what they want to hear will get you nowhere. You have to share your opinions and be willing to speak up when you disagree.

3. It comes down to observing and listening. Two things that aren’t always found in the corporate world. You’ll notice when you are researching a project, that a few things stand out from the others when you’re paying close attention - follow those.

Thank you to Instinctif Partners for sharing with us! They are currently building out their dream San Francisco design team and hiring all levels! View the rest of the photos from the evening here.

Our next studio tour will be at Pinterest on December 5th. Purchase your ticket here.

A big thank you to our photographer Matt Harris