Newsletter
#WFH Diaries: Peter Ignazi of Cossette and Denise Rossetto of Broken Heart Love Affair
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the world, we’re checking in with folks in the creative industry to see how they’re doing. Here’s an update from Peter Ignazi of Cossette and Denise Rossetto of Broken Heart Love Affair.
Give us one-line bios of yourselves.
Peter Ignazi: My name is Peter Ignazi, I’m the global chief creative officer of Cossette.
Denise Rossetto: Mom. Partner and chief creative officer of Broken Heart Love Affair.
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
Peter: In my home with a competitor and two of her interns.
Denise: Toronto with Peter and my twin 11-year-old boys Dante and Jude.
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
Peter: Honestly, the pressure to cook for and take care of these people has really intensified and become exhausting. Thankfully, they give me a few hours a day to enjoy my hobby of running a five-office advertising agency.
Denise: Well, I’m launching an agency in an pandemic. Dream crazy.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Peter: Ping-Pong, board games, yelling at people to get off screens. There’s a lot more quality family time than I’d anticipated!
Denise: See the “aha moment” answer below.
How are you dealing with childcare?
Peter: The 11-year-olds have actually been very good. The older girl refuses to pick up after herself.
Denise: Like any good agency, we have a PingPong table.
What are you reading?
Peter: People’s social media posts about the news.
Denise:
What are you watching?
Peter: Tiger King. I feel like I’m in social isolation of not getting why this is good.
Denise: The wheels go round and round.
What are you listening to?
Peter: I’m on a vinyl tear. Marvin’s “What’s Going On?” is the answer to any global problem.
Denise: Peter’s vinyl of the day. Today was Neil Young.
How are you staying fit?
Peter: Now that I can’t go to the gym, I’m finally doing the exercises my physio gave me. I’m also flossing!
Denise: I’m keeping up with 11-year-old boys. Unfortunately, eating like them too. CHIPS!
Have you taken up a hobby?
Peter: See “Advertising” above.
Denise: Hahahahahah no.
Any tips for getting necessities?
Peter: Buying three months’ supplies of fresh vegetables is not as clever as one would think.
Denise: Send Peter out.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Peter: Um … my wife starting an agency with my ex-partner of 22 years.
Denise: When Peter suggested I learn how to cook. I still can’t think about it.
Best work email you got since all this started.
Peter: The first team email I got presenting work. I was really nervous about how what Bernbach put together 50 years ago was going to work remotely. Immediately, my fears were quashed.
Denise: Being asked to be part of industry leaders to help the industry as one. It was very touching.
An aha! moment since all this started.
Peter: We have the tools now where teams really don’t need to be in the same room to create the same magic.
Denise: It’s conclusive. I’m a full-fledged introvert.
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
Peter: I think the NHL will be back and the Bruins will win the Stanley Cup.
Denise: Never ask a hypochondriac that.
