ROT$ Worldwide is more than an agency. They are game changers and innovators who think outside the box to present new and exciting ideas to the public. Their motto, “Culture Drives Commerce,” has been their driving force as they strive to make work that gets noticed and shared. ROT$ is always at the forefront of the culture, shaping trends instead of following them. They bring brands to the culture and culture to the brands.
Founded by Tiffany Swiney and Rabhy Ortega in 2018, ROT$ is a minority-owned creative communications skunkworks that provides new experiences and cutting-edge solutions that positively impact the world. Their tendency to push boundaries and break traditional molds has led them to produce work for brands such as Apple, Sony Music, Google, NASCAR, and more.
We recently spoke with the founders of ROT$, who let us into their world of cultural innovation, sharing their journey, mission, challenges, and what makes them unique.
What made you decide to start ROT$ Worldwide, and what’s your mission behind the brand?
“ROT$ Worldwide was born out of a desire to disrupt traditional narratives in advertising and culture. We wanted to create a platform that blends art, strategy, and cultural intuition to redefine how brands connect with their audiences. Our mission is to inspire fearless creativity, empower underrepresented voices, and deliver work that cuts through.”
What makes ROT$ unique?
“Our approach is rooted in cultural authenticity. We don’t just follow trends; we anticipate and shape them. We’re unafraid to challenge conventions, and we prioritize storytelling that feels raw, real, and relevant. Plus, we’re not just another agency —we’re a creative skunkworks consisting of BIG thinkers, dreamers, and doers who bring diverse perspectives to every project.”
How have you overcome some of your most challenging moments in business?
“By trusting our instincts and staying true to our vision. Every challenge has been an opportunity to innovate, reflect, and evolve.”
What is the most rewarding part of ROT$ in your opinion?
“The freedom to create without rules, collaborate with friends, and work with boundary-pushing creatives—it’s limitless, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. Seeing the impact of our work is cool too. We are driving business metrics and building brands.”
As the founders, how would you describe your leadership styles?
“We lead like Mother Nature—sometimes it’s sunny, and sometimes it’s a violent storm. It’s all part of the creative process leading to an epic output.”
How would you describe your personalities?
“We’re a mix of tenacious, visionary, and grounded. There’s a balance of bold ambition and humility in how we approach work and life. We value curiosity, humor, and authenticity, which keep things fresh and exciting in everything we do.”
In what ways have you expanded your business?
“We’ve expanded by staying agile—taking on diverse projects that range from art events to global brand campaigns. We’ve also tapped into emerging technologies and platforms, broadened our international footprint, and cultivated partnerships with innovators across industries.”
What is your vision for the brand within the next 5 years?
“In five years, we see ROT$ leading the cultural conversation globally, with initiatives that cross the boundaries of advertising, art, and technology. We aim to build a legacy brand that’s synonymous with creativity, cultural relevance, and impact while continuing to inspire the next generation of storytellers and creators.”
In your opinion, what is true creativity?
“True creativity rewrites the rules of perception. It’s fearless, raw, and intuitive—a relentless drive to see the world not as it is but as it could be. It dares to disrupt, challenge, comfort, and transform vision into experiences that ignite emotions, inspire movement, and bend the norms of what’s possible.”
What has been your favorite project or initiative you’ve worked on?
“That’s a tough one. Working with BigKlit was a standout—we hit #1 on Spotify Viral Charts in the US and 11 other countries twice in three weeks, went from making music in the kitchen to top studios, and eventually signed a Sony Music deal. It was our first big win, proving our philosophy works on the highest level. It also helps when you have a mega talent.
We’re also proud of our work with the Canadian Premier League, especially the 2024 Kit Launch with YisKid. It blended art and soccer to reach new audiences while staying authentic. We even built a custom dashboard to track how our efforts perform across all channels, showing impact and uncovering opportunities. Both projects embody ROT$: pushing limits, building connections, and driving results.
In October, we conducted a social experiment centered on “Nothing,” stripping away traditional event norms. Set in an unconventional location—attendees were invited to interpret it freely. For some, it was nothing; for others, it was deeply personal. The event sparked unexpected conversations, embodying our mood of boldness, mystery, and lasting impact.”
As businesspeople, what has been a piece of advice that you’ve received that’s stuck with you throughout the years?
“Stay inspired and open.” It’s simple, but it’s everything. Inspiration fuels your work; openness keeps you questioning yourself and what’s next.”
What’s next for ROT$?
As for what’s next for ROT$, that’s simple. They are leaving that up to a higher power.
“Only God knows.”
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