Our Vision, Mission, and Values

As creators of children’s content, 9 Story has an important responsibility. Our shows are watched by millions of kids around the world and the imperative to tell diverse and authentic stories and help create good citizens through our content has never been greater.  As an employer, we also have a vital obligation to our staff, in creating a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has equitable opportunities for personal growth.  As a company, we are deeply committed to addressing systemic racism and aligning our personal and institutional behaviors with our values of equity.  

Iconic series like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Blue’s Clues & You, Doc McStuffins, and new series like Ada Twist, Scientist and Karma’s World, are strong examples of 9 Story and Brown Bag Films’ clear and ongoing commitment to telling authentic stories that celebrate diversity, with the utmost thought and care. But we have more work to do.

9 Story has spent much of the last year building a strong foundation in its approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: working with CCDI (The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion) to develop a sound strategy, understanding the experiences of our employees through a number of focus groups and surveys, partaking in regular education sessions, and receiving input from the newly established Global Culture Council and Regional DEI Committees.

Vince Commisso, President & CEO

VISION

Inspiring kids to change the world for the better.

MISSION

To create characters that connect with kids today

and for generations to come.

VALUES

TRANSPARENCY

We are open about what we do and how we do it. We know that trust takes years to build and seconds to lose.

PLAYFULNESS

Every kid deserves to have fun. Play is how children learn about the world, themselves, and each other.

QUALITY

We fully embrace our responsibility to our clients, partners, and teams and most importantly to our audiences to deliver our best possible work.

INNOVATION

We are always thinking about what kids need today and what they might need tomorrow. We pivot. We adapt. We continuously improve.

RESPECT

We believe respect is a basic human right. It underpins everything we create and how we interact with everyone.

FUNDAMENTAL BEHAVIOURS

At 9 Story, our mission is to create characters that connect with kids today and for generations to come – and our goal is to live that mission every day. We also believe in our 5 values: Quality, Innovation, Transparency, Respect, and Playfulness. The “Fundamental Behaviours” that follow describe the daily behaviours that bring our values to life and make our mission real.

EMBRACE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES

Be open to learning from others, no matter what role they have, and regardless of their race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, industry, experience, or tenure with our team. We make better decisions and create better content when we consider multiple perspectives.           

HAVE EACH OTHERS’ BACKS.

Be willing to step into another role or help a colleague when that’s what’s required for success. Take steps to help each other succeed. Don’t let your ego or personal agenda get in the way of doing what’s best for the team.                   

HONOR COMMITMENTS.

Do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it. This includes being on time for all calls, milestones, meetings, and promises. If a commitment can’t be fulfilled, notify others early and agree on a new deliverable to be honoured.            

LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

Take responsibility, both formally and informally, to coach, guide, teach, and mentor others. The best way to influence others is through your own example – walk the talk.  Share what you know and have learned to help strengthen our team.

TREAT EACH OTHER WITH KINDNESS.

Whether it’s a kind word during a tough stretch, a friendly smile each morning or a helping hand in stressful times, show your compassion and recognize the uniqueness of your teammates. Our relationships go deeper than simply being colleagues at work. We genuinely care for and about each other.

WORK ON YOURSELF.

Adopt a learning and personal growth mentality. Seek out and take advantage of every opportunity to gain more knowledge, increase your skill set, and expertise. Be resourceful about learning and share it freely with others.   

DEMONSTRATE A PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE.

Set a high bar and strive to deliver your best work with the resources that you have.  Be ready to prioritize and focus on what matters most.  Demonstrate a passion for excellence and take pride in the quality of your contributions.

SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

Don’t make excuses or wait for others to solve the problem.  Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, rather than explaining why it can’t be done. You may not be able to resolve it on your own; proactively seek out help if you need it.      

CHALLENGE WHAT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE.

Don’t accept anything at “face value” if it doesn’t make sense to you. Be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and listen intently to the answers. Dig deeper to go beyond the expected. Ask the extra question.       

PRACTICE BLAMELESS PROBLEM-SOLVING.

Demonstrate a relentless solution focus, rather than pointing fingers or dwelling on problems. Identify lessons learned and use those lessons to improve ourselves and our processes so we don’t make the same mistake twice. Get smarter with every mistake. Learn from every experience.                       

COLLABORATE.

  Be intentional about sharing information and working together. Collaborate internally and with our partners to push for creativity and to find better approaches. Enlist new perspectives and be inclusive.        

LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND.

. Listening is more than simply “not speaking.”  Give others your undivided attention. Be present and engaged. Minimize the distractions and let go of the need to agree or disagree. Suspend your judgment and be curious to know more, rather than jumping to conclusions.                                                 

SPEAK COURAGEOUSLY.

Speak honestly in a way that helps to make progress. Say what you mean, and be willing to ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause conflict when it’s necessary for team success. Be courageous enough to say what needs to be said. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.  

GET CLEAR ON EXPECTATIONS.

Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront. Set expectations for others and ask when you’re not clear on what they expect of you. End all meetings with clarity about action items, responsibilities, and due dates.                

SHOW MEANINGFUL APPRECIATION.

Regularly extend meaningful acknowledgment and appreciation — in all directions throughout our organization. Recognizing people doing things right is more effective than pointing out when they do things wrong.          

DO THE RIGHT THING, ALWAYS.

Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every action you take and in every decision you make, especially when no one’s looking. If you’re unsure about what the right thing to do may be, consult with your teammates and/or your supervisor for clarification.  Always tell the truth, no matter how difficult it may seem.                                                                         

BE FANATICAL ABOUT RESPONDING.

Respond to legitimate inbound questions or inquiries within 48 hours, whether it’s in person, on the phone, or by e-mail. This includes simply acknowledging that we got the question and we’re “on it,” as well as keeping those involved continuously updated on the status of outstanding issues.         

SHARE THE WHY.

Before others can understand what to do or how to do it, they must first understand why.  Explain the goal and desired outcome.  The more people understand the reason for what they’re doing, the more actively they can participate in the solution.                                                                  

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. 

Try a new way. Think differently. Look from a different or new perspective. Improvement and success don’t come from playing it safe. They come from a thoughtful and intentional willingness to try the unconventional and to ask, “What if?” 

BE TRANSPARENT.

 With appropriate respect for confidentiality, share information freely throughout our organization. Learn to ask yourself, “Who else needs to know this?” The more people know, the better we can collaborate.

KEEP PERSPECTIVE.

Sometimes things can get stressful. In those moments, be kind to yourself and others. Try to remember that while our work is important and has meaning, nothing that we do is the end of the world. Through our work we are bringing joy and a little bit of magic to kids and families all over the world. Hold onto that joy and find ways to inject fun to make those tough days better. 

OWN YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE.

Own and protect your work-life balance. Know and communicate boundaries and when you need to take a break to refresh and recharge. To give your best, you must be at your best. Be a steward of our most valuable resource: you!