INK Communications Co., a strategic communications agency for B2B technology and energy companies, today announced it has been named to Fast Company’s 2026 Best Workplaces for Innovators list. INK earned recognition in the Small and Mighty category, joining eight other organizations honored for creating cultures where innovation can thrive.
“At INK, innovation does not live with one person or one department. It starts with the people closest to the work noticing what could be better – and having the trust, time, and support to build it,” said Starr Million Baker, CEO and co-founder of INK Communications Co. “This recognition belongs to every INKer who challenges assumptions, shares what they are learning, and turns a good idea into a better way forward.”
Be There Before® Operationalizes Proactivity for Better Client Outcomes
INK’s signature innovation, Be There Before®, is its trademarked methodology for building integrated communications programs that effectively anticipate change, identify emerging narratives, and determine how to participate. Developed from patterns employees observed across INK’s strongest client work, it codifies a proactive approach built on three pillars – Partnership, Integrated Communications and Analysis – and guides how INK plans, executes, measures, and evolves its programs.
Be There Before® includes agency-wide certification and an 80/20 planning model, where 80% of client programming is strategic and deliberate, while 20% is reserved for emerging opportunities. This approach also led to INK’s monthly Be There Before® Media Trend Reports, which combine media analysis, social listening, and human judgment to identify rising narratives across the B2B technology and energy sectors.
Employee Experimentation Shapes New Agency Capabilities
INK’s emphasis on proactivity and exploration helps the agency stay ahead of broader shifts and client needs, such as the rise of generative AI. Anticipating how AI would reshape communications workflows and brand discovery, INK formed a cross-functional AI Taskforce to lead research, adoption, and employee upskilling. Ongoing training and weekly office hours give employees opportunities to test applications and build AI fluency.
This internal push around AI also informed INK’s AI visibility services, which help clients understand and influence how they are discovered and described within AI search tools through AI visibility audits, generative engine optimization (GEO) strategies for communications, and ongoing measurement and monitoring.
Creating the Conditions for Innovation
INK creates opportunities and space for people across the agency to explore areas of curiosity, contribute ideas, experiment and build new skills. Workplace practices supporting this include a hybrid, flexible work model, generous paid time off, leadership transparency, and INK University, the agency’s professional development program featuring third-party and employee-led learning plus stipends for external certifications.
“The most innovative workplaces don’t simply ask their employees to come up with great ideas; they create the conditions that make great ideas possible,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “This year’s honorees understand that innovation is ultimately a cultural commitment that requires empowering people to think differently, take risks, and turn ideas into actions. We’re proud to recognize the companies and executives who are leading by example.”
The full 2026 list of Best Workplaces for Innovators and INK’s Small and Mighty category recognition are available on Fast Company’s website.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, visit fastcompany.com.
About INK Communications Co.
INK Communications Co. is a strategic communications agency for B2B technology and energy companies operating in complex industries. With offices in Austin, Denver and New York City, INK delivers public relations, thought leadership, digital and content marketing, brand strategy, creative and AI visibility services. Its trademarked Be There Before® methodology helps clients anticipate change, define their narratives and build enduring credibility before conversations become crowded.
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