Since we rolled out PAN’s new brand identity last week, I thought it might be fun to address a little mystery – what does PAN stand for? Over the years I’ve heard all sorts of theories, one of the most popular is PAN was the Greek god of shepherds, hunters, and the untamed wilderness. He was the original “bad boy,” which is a cool persona, but not quite what I was looking for from a business perspective.
Another suggests a nod to Pangea. Not to take you back to middle school, but for those that don’t know, Pangea comes from the Greek word “pan” meaning “all,” which actually is pretty fitting for where the company is today, especially as we reflect on our rebrand.
Our Journey
Nearly 30 years ago, I started PAN with a vision. We were a small firm, and the idea of scaling was daunting. Since then, we’ve honed our craft and our approach. We’ve gone from a group of generalists to a group of specialists who will stop at nothing to deliver the best results for our clients. I also am fortunate to be surrounded by the best leadership team a CEO could ask for. They all have their own swim lanes that are tailored to their expertise and are a big reason we’ve been able to grow like we have.
Our dedication to exceeding client expectations, staying ahead with fresh ideas, and genuinely caring for our brand has set us apart in the industry. Additionally, our people-centric culture has always been close to my heart. It reflects who I am and the values I cherish, making PAN more than just a workplace but a community where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
My Leadership
Leaders are all driven by different things. For some it’s organic growth, for some, it’s new business, but for me, my philosophy has always been people-first. I believe in the power of empathy, of understanding each person’s unique story and needs. And I’ve used this to shape our internal culture and to influence how we interact with clients and the community.
At PAN, diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords; they are principles we live by. This commitment extends beyond our hiring practices to how we interact, how we support each other, and how we celebrate each person’s unique contributions.
Our involvement with HBCUs highlights our commitment to fostering the next generation of PR professionals and ensuring it’s as diverse as the world we live in. We’re on a broader mission to make the PR industry more inclusive and accessible.
Why Rebrand Now?
As I look at where PAN is today, it becomes clear that our growth and evolution mirror the nature of the word “pan.” This rebrand isn’t just about a new website or color scheme; it’s about aligning our identity with what we’ve become.
This new branding reflects where we are and where we’re headed – embracing all possibilities. It’s a nod to both our roots and our future, recognizing that while we started with one vision, we now encompass so much more.
Please check out our CMO’s blog post for more details on how the rebrand came together and why the time has never been better.
Embracing “All” That We Are
Our journey has taught us the power of embracing “all” – all challenges, all opportunities and all people. From focusing on DEI to pushing the boundaries of our services, PAN serves to embody “all” in every aspect of the business.
So, I’ve carried on quite a while without revealing what PAN stands for. I know what you’re thinking, “but Phil looks like a Greek god, so maybe it actually is related to that.” And while I’m quite flattered, I’m proud to share that it’s my initials! The brand may have just started as my initials, but it’s grown to represent everything our company stands for. And as we continue to evolve and expand, we remain committed to being a place where “all” are welcome, “all” can succeed and “all” can find a home.
