Craft Club: Creative Partnerships

Stephen Jurisic is one of Canada’s most awarded creative directors and the co-founder of john st., which he launched in 2001 with longtime creative partner Angus Tucker. Together, they built the agency into one of the country’s most respected shops, known for its strategic creativity, cultural smarts, and digital leadership, and the occasional spoof of the ad industry itself. After nearly two decades at john st., Stephen shifted his focus to mentorship as Dean of Miami Ad School Toronto, where he helped shape the next generation of creative talent through honest feedback, real-world readiness, and a strong belief in the power of culture. Today, Stephen continues to mentor emerging creatives while spending more time developing his skills and voice as a photographer.

Dhaval Bhatt is a 20-year advertising veteran, educator and mentor with an eye for culture-setting and business driving creative concepts. In 2022, he co-founded indie Toronto-based agency Courage, the fastest-growing agency in Canada. Over his career, he has created internationally celebrated work for major brands like KFC, IKEA, Molson-Coors, General Mills, and many more.

Joel Holtby is the Founder & Co-CCO of Courage. His work has earned more than 300 international and national awards, including multiple Gold Cannes Lions as well as multiple medals at every major international show. Joel was named Ad Age's Creative Director of the year in 2020 and consistently ranks among the Top Creative Directors in Strategy magazine's Creative Report Card. His work has not only consistently become part of the cultural conversation, but also driven tangible business results for some of the biggest brands in the world. Joel lives in Toronto and is a proud dad to 2 wonderful little girls, June and Blair.

Sara Radovanovich is an award-winning Associate Creative Director currently working at FCB Canada. Her career has taken her to some of the most awarded agencies in the country, where she’s helped grow brands like ADIDAS, Air Canada, BMO, Volvo, Amazon, and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Her work has been recognized internationally at the world’s biggest award shows, including a Grand Prix in Direct at the Cannes Lions in 2023. She’s also been recognized as "The Greatest Human in the World" for 12 years in a row by her dog, Todd.

Sally Fung is an award-winning Associate Creative Director at FCB Canada and named one of the Next Creative Leaders by the One Club of Creativity in 2023. Her work has been recognized in local and international shows, including a Grand Prix in Direct at the Cannes Lions in 2023. Throughout her career she’s worked at some of the most awarded agencies in Canada, helping to grow global brands like adidas, Amazon, Air Canada, IKEA, and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. She's also been recognized as the best creative partner a writer could have by talented copywriter, Sara Radovanovich.