Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Advertising, Attitude & Aptitude, Chaos, Creative Development, Creativity, Culture, Emotion, Entertainment, Fear, Individuality, Music
We’ve all been there.
At school, work or home … where you realise what you have done is not what you thought you had been asked to do.
And when that happens, your mind switches off from everything around you to intensely focus on all the possible scenarios of what is going to happen next.
The shouting.
The insulting.
The feelings of stupidity.
The need to find time to fix something you haven’t allocated any additional time to fix.
Basically, it becomes a catastrophization-fest.
Now of course, more often than not, the disaster you imagine doesn’t eventuate.
That might be because you’re able to make your case for the work you did … or you’re able to adapt your work on the fly, to meet the expectations of the meeting you’re in or you just come clean and discover that – in most cases – people are reasonable and just ask you to sort it out as soon as you can.
But even though most of us will have gone through this situation countless times, the feeling of trepidation when you sense you may have messed up, never goes away.
I say this because I recently saw a video that captures this experience at a magnitude that – fortunately – few, if any, of us, will ever experience.
Pianist Maria João Pires stepped in as a last-minute substitute for the conductor, Stephen Hough.
Because of the timing of the concert, there was no rehearsal time, but having talked to the conductor over the phone, she felt confident as the piece – Mozart’s Concerto in A major [K.488] was something she had performed at a concert previously.
Except she hadn’t.
Because as the orchestra struck up the introduction to the piece – in front of a paying audience at a full concert hall – Maria discovered the piece she was expected to play was in D minor [K.466] … not only a fundamental difference to what she knew but also how to play.
The video just shows the utter panic she experiences, amplified by the fact there was a room full of people all staring at her, waiting for the moment where she begins.
And you know what, she pulls it off.
Because after the feelings of trauma, drama and death that no doubt went through her entire being, she realized she had nothing she could do except trust her talent.
Which she did.
Flawlessly.
Even though the appreciative audience will never realise just what she did for them.
Which is my way of saying as bad as things can sometimes feel – as long as you’re not in your situation because of laziness – there’s 4 things to remember:
1. Believe in your talent.
2. Remember you’re not in as bad a situation as Maria.
3. Whatever situation you’re in, it’s not the end of the World … it just temporarily feels that way.
4. The most powerful moments of creativity are often born out of adversity.
Check it out below …
Filed under: Advertising, Attitude & Aptitude, Cannes, Creative Development, Creativity, Fans, Film, Jill, Management, Marketing, Martin Weigel, Music, Paula, Planners, Reputation, Strategy
Back in 2019, Martin Weigel and I were invited by WARC to do our talk, ‘The Case For Chaos’ at Cannes.
While it seemed to go down pretty well – despite me wearing a Louis Theroux t-shirt – we thought that was the last time it would ever happen and not just because COVID was to happen the following year.
However in 2023, WARC invited us to do it again, which – in my mind – was proof ‘long COVID’ was most definitely a real issue and it majorly affected people’s taste and judgement.
Anyway this time, the wonderful Paula Bloodworth joined us to present our infamous ‘Strategy Is Constipated, Imagination Is The Laxative’ talk.
Again, it seemed to go down quite well – despite me wearing a Rosie Cat/Sky Budgie t-shirt – but now we were absolutely certain it would ever happen.
And yet, despite their being no global pandemic to mess with WARC’s minds, they’ve brilliantly/stupidly asked us to do something one more time.
This time, Paula and I will be presenting a talk entitled, ‘Secrets Of Effective Strategy From Artists Who Only Live Creatively’.
In essence, it’s a talk about what we have learned about strategy from working with artists and how they have fundamentally changed our minds on how it’s done and what it’s capable of doing.
Now I must admit, I feel a bit of a fraud doing this, because while I have/do work [part-time] with a number of stupidly successful and amazing artists, I’m basically their ‘cat litter tray’ – doing any ol’ shit they can’t be bothered to do themselves or can’t be bothered to work out – whereas Paula not only works for the incredible Idris Elba fulltime, she is his true strategic partner … both in terms of helping him explore and fulfil his creative and commercial ambitions as well as being the CMO of his IE7 group of companies.
Anyway, our talk is on Wednesday, 16th June at 5pm at the WARC Rotonde Stage.
The premise of our talk covers this:
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Despite all its research, resources, technology and talent, why is the ad industry continually out-played, out-thought and out-innovated by artists with zero marketing knowledge, training or experience?
Based on first-hand experience, this presentation discusses the unique mindset of the artist and how this enables them to fulfill their creative and commercial ambitions in ways our industry’s over-reliance on process, research and spend rarely achieves.
With examples from artists including Idris Elba, Metallica, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus and Queen, ‘ Secrets Of Effective Strategy From Artists Who Only Live Creatively’ provides lessons every strategist, creative and marketing director can use to reignite the excitement, intrigue, creativity and commercial power in their own work.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
So if you’re there, come for the brilliance of Paula and stay for whatever tragic t-shirt I choose to wear on the day, which – if I’m being honest – will probably feature the words “Sorry Jill”, given I’ll be missing her birthday for this. Eek.
On the brightside, I’ve lost so much weight since I last presented at Cannes, people may think I’ve been on the Ozempic to fit in with the look of the celebrities we’ll be talking about – haha.
Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Advertising, Agency Culture, Ambition, America, Amsterdam, Asia, Attitude & Aptitude, Auckland, Australia, Bands, Billionaire, Birkenhead, Bonnie, Campaign Magazine, Canada, Career, China, Colenso, Colleagues, Comment, Context, Corporate Evil, Creativity, Culture, Dog, Dream Small, Easter, Empathy, England, Experience, Family, Fashion, Fatherhood, Hong Kong, Japan, Jill, LaLaLand, London, Management, Martin Weigel, Metallica, Michael Jordan, Miley, Mr Ji, Mum, Mum & Dad, Music, My Fatherhood, New Zealand, Nike, Otis, Paul, Paula, R/GA, Relationships, Rockstar Games, Rosie, Shanghai, Singapore, Sunshine, Sydney, The Kennedys, The Kennedys Shanghai, UK, Virgin Atlantic, WeigelCampbell, Wieden+Kennedy
I have written before that apart from my friend Paul, I owe almost everything in my life to the fact I left the UK and went on an adventure.
Without that, I would not have met my wife … would not have had my son … would not have had my pets … would not be working with rock stars … would not have had all the life experiences and adventures I’ve been fortunate to enjoy and almost certainly would not have the career I currently enjoy.
That’s pretty huge when you think about it and while there’s a whole list of people I need to thank for making it all possible, one of them is an old boss.
Who was a prick.
I had a rather complex relationship with this individual.
Because while they were pompous, petty, condescending and rude, they were also smart, knowledgable and experienced.
On top of that, they gave me a shot on a couple of projects that they probably shouldn’t have. I should point out that wasn’t because they necessarily believed in me – it was more there was no one else to do it – but I appreciated it all the same.
Anyway, when I decided to leave – to go explore opportunities in another country – they were pretty pissed off with me.
While I’d love to say it was because they didn’t want me to go, the reality was they were frustrated I was leaving after they’d agreed to give me a payrise.
That this ‘rise’ was still below market rate and they’d fucked me around for literally 2 years, seemed to have completely slipped their mind … which is maybe why on the day I left, they thought it would be ‘funny’ to write the following comment in my leaving card.
“You’ll be back. Come crawling”.
I remember watching him going around telling people what he had written, laughing hilariously at his own ‘joke’ and while I didn’t take it too much to heart – because everyone knew he was a bit of a prick – it still hurt.
Little did I know then, how those 5 little words would play such an pivotal role in how my career would turn out.
You see, when I ended up in this other country, I initially found it very difficult.
Not just because I didn’t have friends, contacts or a job … but because my Dad was very ill back in the UK.
In all honesty, the temptation to go back was huge but there were 2 reasons I stuck it out.
1. I wanted to show my gratitude to my parents for supporting and encouraging me to go, despite them going through a terribly tough time because of my Dad’s major stroke.
2. Those 5 little words.
While I’d like to think the former was the biggest motivator, I fear it may have been the latter.
That’s pretty pathetic isn’t it … especially as I could have gone back without having to go back to that old job.
But I wasn’t going to let him have the satisfaction directly or indirectly.
And so I persevered.
Pushed, prodded, walked the streets, did shitty, temporary roles … anything that kept me from gaving to go back with my tail betweeen my legs.
And it everntually worked out.
Not because of any talent I did or did not have, but because of my perseverence.
And willingness to take any bullshit salary … hahaha.
But for me, getting a break was my main objective … because while I knew I was not the smartest strategst, I knew my work ethic meant I could out-work most.
Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciate that is a toxic trait – but it is my trait – and back then, it was a way for me to prove my worth to agencies/clients who didn’t have to give me a chance or keep me on board.
Of course, over the years, my motivation for continuing to explore the possibilities of the World and my career have evolved.
These days it is far more about wanting to feel I’d be making my parents proud than it is me reacting to 5 little words from a toxic, little manager.
But I also have to acknowledge that without that persons toxic motivation, it is unlikely I would be in the situtation I currently enjoy.
So thank you AC … you were a strange little man, but for all the fucked up shit you did – and there was plenty – you did one thing right, even if it was wrong.
And while I doubt you even remember me – let alone care what I’ve done – it doesn’t matter.
Because I didn’t come back and didn’t come crawling and so for that, I won, so there.
It’s Easter long-weekend that then leads into a big week for me/Colenso – from us hosting Fergus and his OnStrategy podcast to me saying goodbye [for the second time] to someone who is very special to me … so have a great weekend, overeat Chocolate and Hot Cross Buns and I’ll see you Tuesday.
Till then, this is for you AC.
With thanks.
Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Advertising, Agency Culture, Attitude & Aptitude, Authenticity, Collaboration, Colleagues, Communication Strategy, Confidence, Creativity, Culture, Effectiveness, Empathy, Equality, Fake Attitude, Fear, Harmony, Honesty, Loyalty, Management, Marketing, Marketing Fail, Music, Relationships, Reputation, Resonance, Respect, Trust
Following on from yesterday’s post, this is about the value of transparency.
Years ago, I wrote a post about a [then] new Police interrogation technique, which basically centered around empathetic transparency.
In essence, rather than use traditional tactics such as intimidation or ‘half-truths’ to obtain the information they wanted, they found transparency – without judgment – achieved much more positive results.
So, for example if someone asked if their actions were going to result in jail time, rather than give them the impression they will be OK if they hand over the information they want, they simply respond with the following:
“It is highly likely you will, but I will ensure the authorities are made aware of how you have helped us in this investigation”.
And then they actually ensure the authorities are made aware of how that person has helped in the investigation.
OK, it’s obviously more nuanced and complex than that … but the heart of this approach is the acknowledgement that people react more positively to truth than harmony.
And yet, despite this, harmony prevails in our lives.
+ We’ll keep your resume on file.
+ We’ll work with you in the future.
+ We like being pushed and challenged.
+ We will issue the payment this week.
+ We will introduce you to other companies.
There’s so many of these ‘daily’ statements of harmony going on in every office and company around the World … and while most are doing it because they want to avoid disappointing or hurting the other party, the problem is when it’s not true, it ends up creating bigger issues because people find out and then resentment cultivates and trust gets destroyed.
It’s why one of the greatest lessons I have ever learned came from the wonderful LTA of Wieden+Kennedy.
He said, “transparency is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give a client”.
That doesn’t mean you are a rude or selfish prick.
Nor does it mean you can act like a sledgehammer.
But it does mean you respect the other person enough to tell them the realities of the situation rather than the fantasy of it.
Not because you want to upset them or hurt them, but because you want to empower them …
To know where they stand.
To enable them to choose what to do next.
To own their situation rather than be owned by it.
And while you may all think this is just basic common-sense, in this age of toxic positivity it’s a pretty radical approach to commercial relationships.
But then, a lot of what we call relationships, aren’t these days are they?
More marriages of financial or outsourcing convenience.
Which may explain – as I wrote a few months ago – why one of my clients is so successful.
Because while relationships are at the heart of his business, not only does he understand they need to be mutually beneficial to encourage longevity, they need to be more than just convenience to be worthy of that label.
Put simply, relationships are built, not bought.
And the foundations of the best ones are always truth over harmony.
Filed under: Attitude & Aptitude, Creativity, Duran Duran, Entertainment, Music, Rock 'n' Roll
A few weeks ago I wrote a post about Duran Duran … or more specifically how a company trying to sell Duran Duran hoodies were claiming they ‘let you let out your inner rebel’.
As I said at the time, I like Duran Duran – I like the people, I like the songs and I even played with Simon Le Bon – but even when the band went through their ‘Wild Boys’ macho phase, they were about as rebellious as Paddington Bear.
However, I have learned I am wrong.
Because recently I saw a video of Duran Duran performing on stage and witnessed rock and roll rebellion at a level that would make Guns n’ Roses in their prime look like amateurs.
Take a look at this. But watch the whole thing.
Did you see it?
Did you see the utter disrespect and disregard for the fans?
No, it wasn’t that Simon Le Bon looked like he had been squeezed into his tee.
Nor was it John Taylor’s lack of bass playing and weird walking.
It was Nick Rhodes – the keyboard player, at the back of the stage – checking his fucking mobile IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SONG!!!
That’s the most ‘I don’t give a fuck’ move I may have ever seen … and I once saw Blackie Lawless of WASP, accidentally blow up his testicles after his crotch firework, failed [this is not a euphamism] while playing a gig at Rock City in Nottingham.
Let’s be honest, it takes a special sort of rock ‘n’ roll, rebel-psychopath to check their mobile while playing their music to an arena full of screaming fans.
What the hell could be more important than that?
Was he checking when his car parking ran out?
Was he booking a takeaway for after the gig?
Was he reading a scam email saying he’d been left a fortune by someone?
Whatever the reason, it’s real life proof that Duran Duran – albeit through just one member of the band – are rock ‘n’ Roll rebels and so I would like to publicly apologize to the hoodie company for daring to question their claims when – quite frankly – it’s the most true bit of advertising I’ve seen in years.