GCM is a family-founded global communications agency that believes in the power of human connection and business as a force for good.
We are slightly obsessed with artificial intelligence and are constantly looking for ways to do better and more. We use our hands when we eat pizza and prefer nice stemware when we drink wine, although a coffee mug would do in a dire situation. We make jokes when we are nervous or having fun, but are serious about good work and real impact.
We value relationships over transactions and believe that we achieve the best outcomes when good people work well together. That's why we actively seek partnerships with like-minded businesses and organizations, ranging from individuals and small enterprises to the world's largest and most influential organizations. Together, we forge genuine connections that bring lasting value.
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GCM’s work is led by this core team of experts with decades of experience in communications, marketing, creative direction, and design. As necessary, we bring in a vast network of trusted, experienced partners, and resources to execute almost any communications and marketing project.
A curated playlist that allows you to dive into the sonic landscapes that inspire us. We regularly update this collection to reflect our individual styles and moods, ensuring there's always something new and exciting for you to discover.
Zach is a branding communications expert with 15 years of experience in public relations, public affairs, marketing and both digital and social media. He has worked for the largest public relations agency in the world in Washington D.C. and Johannesburg and as an independent contractor, and now runs his own boutique communications firm.
His clients have ranged from executives and Fortune 500 companies to startups and community businesses. Zach specializes in customized trainings to help organizations hone in on their identities and set the foundation for strong communications and marketing strategies. He also has launched and run an award-winning corporate news site, crafts and executes comprehensive communications strategies, including crisis communications plans, and helps his clients scale internal and external communications capabilities.
As a lifelong sports enthusiast with a love for politics, Zach enjoys working on teams to strategize, problem solve and win. His relationships with clients bring him joy, as does working with them as an extension of their teams, to help them meet their goals.
Zach sits on the boards of two nonprofits, is an active member in his local community and regularly speaks at conferences. Zach has a passion for travel, conversation and wine, driven by his love for storytelling, history and place. He lives in the Charleston, S.C. area with his wife and two young sons.
With over a decade of diverse experience in communications, marketing, and sustainability, Emma Giglio has built an expansive career that crosses three continents and multiple industries. A South African native, Emma's journey has been enriched by her passion for travel and her fascination with new cultures and people. This global mindset deeply informs her approach to her work and life.
Emma met her husband, Zach, in China in 2010, and their shared passion for communication and connection laid the foundation for a strong personal and professional partnership. Emma first established her own communications consultancy in 2016, then joined forces with Zach in 2020 to formalize their company as Giglio Communications & Marketing (GCM), blending her social media and marketing expertise with his corporate communications and PR prowess.
Operating out of Charleston, South Carolina, GCM is a testament to Emma's belief in the power of human connection as a force for good. Her unique consulting approach, acting as an extension of her clients' teams, enables her to gain an in-depth understanding of their aspirations, business objectives, challenges, and market identities. This intimate connection empowers Emma to craft and implement communications and marketing campaigns that effectively resonate with her clients' target audiences.
Before GCM, Emma served as a Senior Consultant at Cape Classics, Emma laid the groundwork for the flagship sustainability program for the largest importer of South African wine in America. Her contributions were instrumental in aligning the company's sustainability initiatives with their commercial goals, setting the stage for the organization's future successes in this area.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Emma is a devoted mom to two little boys. Balancing her dynamic career with motherhood, Emma brings the same level of passion, commitment, and energy to her family life as she does to her work.
Emma earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Mandarin from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. She currently serves on the board of a local nonprofit organization and teaches spin class each week.
Hailing from South Africa, Gustav Steenkamp is a gifted creative director and graphic designer who has built a remarkable career spanning over a decade, cutting across various industries including public relations, advertising, fashion, and marketing. Gustav possesses an unparalleled mix of creativity, technical expertise, and a sharp eye for detail.
Gustav joined GCM as Creative Director in 2021, bringing his rich experience from running a successful freelance design studio for eight years. His extensive network of trusted global clients stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication, people-centric approach, and commitment to brand development and creative expression.
At the heart of Gustav's work ethic and career progression is his passion for people and brands. His design philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that design is a form of visual storytelling that has the power to foster connections, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact. This philosophy has driven him to consistently deliver innovative design solutions that not only meet client expectations but also inspire and captivate audiences.
Previously, Gustav served as a designer at the South African branch of the world's largest public relations agency and honed his skills in digital and social media content creation for some of the biggest brands on earth. He played an instrumental role in two major newsrooms, Barclays and Eskom, collaborating with PR specialist teams to generate riveting graphics that amplified their content.
With a proven track record of success, Gustav is well-positioned to continue making significant waves in the design world. His unique blend of technical skill, creative vision, and a warm, human-centered approach sets him apart in the field, promising a future filled with more innovation and inspiring designs.
Gustav holds a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communication with a specialization in Communication Design and Illustration from Open Window School of Visual Communication. He currently lives in Cape Town, South Africa.
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