Introducing #MancrushMonday : Francis Gersbach
Francis Gersbach is episode 18 of my #MancrushMonday series dedicated to showcasing some seriously inspiring men that have crossed my path. Previously on my #jaxpirational series I gave the ladies some props, it’s time the men got a shout out!
I have worked creatively with this Francis in the past and I so appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to chat with me. So without further adieu let me introduce:
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a husband of one, Dad of two, recently qualified as a homeschooler and baker, but my usual gig is for our company, ‘the Works Brothers’ where we help companies move forward with marketing ideas and concepts, and my main function is to handle the photographic and video requirements from our clients. So a creative, through and through. I’m also a musician and a big beer and coffee fan, so can make a cuppa in about 65 different ways… oh yes, and I exaggerate a lot.
When and where were you born?
11 June I was born in Jozi, but proudly SA Portuguese.
Where are you living now?
Cape Town, South Africa
What kind of creative are you?
I’m a Videographer and Photographer
Name of your brand?
The Works Brothers
How did you discover your calling?
I’d always spent time with my Dad at photo club meetings in the days of film, so we spent a lot of time developing too – I knew it was something I loved and took a detour working sales jobs before taking the plunge into “not working a day in my life” doing what I love – creating stories through visuals.
What do you love most about what you do?
not selling – I think I was going against my grain selling stuff to people – even when I was a freelance photographer – I didn’t like the “sale” – I’m glad now that I have a business partner who trusted enough to invest his dreams in my talent and he does a pretty good job selling it for me… plus he’s got a great marketing mind, so being able to bounce ideas and create new things bringing those ideas to life.
What do you like the least about what you do?
Lockdown. Hehe – but seriously, I think it’s a tough question and given lockdown, I appreciate what I’m doing much more – I think I’d do it still if I didn’t need the money – so I guess having to sell it to make money would be the least favourite part, but I’m grateful we have clients willing to pay for it. Oh yes, and corporate instructional videos.
Who or what has been your biggest motivators ?
My family being proud of who I am and what I do as a big picture… and my business partner has been crucial to motivating me on a daily basis to better myself and throwing those extra challenges to help me better my craft.
Have you experienced fear along the way & how did you overcome it?
I think I have feared failure the most – but with time I realised it was the main contributor to crippling anything I do and I think I’m strong mentally in a way that I know what I want and I know where I’m wasting time and that I can put that aside to set my mind on what today holds. We can’t change the past, or predict the future – both things out of our control – so the best is to be present in now.
What are your greatest achievement/s?
I think being a Husband and Dad, but work wise – to work for many brands I set sights on when this all started and a few awards, but I don’t think much of those or sell myself that way… I think getting to this point and learning what I have and still going strong is my greatest work achievement because I’ve seen many a failure along the way, and this is the best run so far.
Who do you thank for your success?
My Wife has been very supportive of me even when it doesn’t seem to make sense, she’s endured a lot of hard times along the journey and not given up on my… sometimes given up on the idea at times, but never me.
What upcoming projects do you have?
We’re working on a few short videos for collaborations between brands and we have some great retainer clients who keep us busy and on our toes.
How are you currently coping with the #Covid19 Crisis?
Routine – even in the madness – it’s the only thing keeping me sane – fortunately now I can take a little walk, but it’s been challenging with home schooling etc… and Memes – need to laugh every now and then.
Any words of encouragement for other male creatives out there?
Don’t give up – you’re creatives and this is your best opportunity to be just that. The world is/has changed forever and you can adapt and change with it – that’s your super power.
Where can we stalk you on social media?
Website: www.theworksbrothers.com
Instagram : @francis.gersbach @theworksbrothers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisgersbach
Facebook: @worksbrothers
Special Thanks to Francis Gersbach for his time and sharing a bit more about himself. Stay tuned for another #MancrushMonday next week!
Don’t miss next week’s #MancrushMonday Interview – Subscribe now!
