Making the Most of 'In Real Life' Workshops

Nowadays, online workshops have become the norm. So there has to be a great reason to bring people together for a real-life event. Expectations will be high. It has to be worth it. What you don’t want people to say afterwards is: ‘we could have done this online’.

So, how do you ensure that real-life workshops feel special? How can you ensure they’re worth the time, effort and money? Here are a few suggestions.

1 Address your toughest challenges

You have the opportunity to make real-life sessions longer than online workshops. Therefore, focus on the biggest, thorniest topics. Day-day business can be handled via online meetings

For example, developing your brand strategy. In real-life sessions you can spend good chunks of time getting into the detail. You can debate, take a break and then re-look at where you’ve got to. You can sense whether you’ve made a breakthrough or reached a consensus via the body language and energy in the room.

Innovation sessions often work best in real life. There’s more opportunity for spontaneity and for sparking off each other. You can scribble, sketch and share. You can speed up, you can slow down. You can use the physical space to create more freely and move around. You can use a range of materials to bring your ideas to life.

2 Ensure there’s lots of social time

It’s much rarer to meet face-to-face in this new hybrid world of work. So make the most of the time you have together. Make sure there’s a good amount of social time. People love the opportunity to catch up, gossip or get to know each other better.

This usually revolves around food and drinks. Breakfast is good and it gets people to the workshop early. Arrange post-workshop drinks. Try and find a nice local bar. Alternatively, go for a walk, or do an activity together.

3 Use lots of stimulus

Fill the room with products. Of course, your own, but also your competitors. Bring other objects that will inspire you. For example, interesting packaging, cool new brands, and adverts. Fill the walls with stuff to look at. Whatever’s relevant to the topic you’re exploring. We can’t create ideas in a vacuum, we need something to spark off.

This is what online workshops can’t give you. The opportunity to see, touch, smell and taste something interesting.

4 Move people around

Sitting in the same place with the same people is draining. Therefore, allow attendees to mix with everyone. This can happen during social time of course, but also during the workshop. Re-form the teams regularly. Encourage as much cross-fertilisation as possible. It also creates energy and makes the workshop feel more dynamic.

5 Maximise the location

Make the most of the facilities available. If it’s a big room, use the entire space. This may involve moving the furniture or playing with the layout but don’t stay stuck in the same area. If there’s a nice garden or a terrace, go outside. Maybe you could work outside, weather permitting.

If you’re in an interesting location, make sure you get the chance to visit the neighbourhood. Try and use it as part of the workshop experience. For example, visit local stores or talk to people on the street. Look out for a nice spot nearby for post-workshop drinks.

6 Exciting Food and Drink Choices

Don’t underestimate the power of great food, drink and snacks. Everyone is a foodie nowadays, so make an effort with the catering. Make sure there’s enough choice for people with special dietary requirements. Food is also a great opportunity to bond.

Have fun snacks available all day to help maintain energy. And of course, ensure chocolate is on hand as special treats and prizes.

Summary

In contrast to the pre-Covid period, people look forward to real-life workshops. As they’re rarer they need to feel more like an event. Think carefully about how you make it extra-special. Go the extra mile.

Use your valuable time together to address tough, strategic challenges. Ensure everyone gets to know each other better. Make it feel 3-D by using lots of stimulus and of course, make an effort with the food and drinks. For some people, this is what defines a successful real-life workshop. As a facilitator bring all your energy. Build in social time. make sure you use the venue to its max and explore the neighbourhood.

Online workshops have their place. But nothing can beat the buzz and excitement of a real-life workshop. Make the most of them.

Remember to Look Up

This week, I’ve been reflecting on the film ‘The September Issue’ made in 2009. A behind-the-scenes documentary on Vogue magazine and how the edition is pulled together. Anna Wintour is central to the film, but the star of the show is the creative director Grace Coddington.

I remember a scene where she was in a taxi looking out the window and said.

"Always keep your eyes open. Keep watching. Because whatever you see can inspire you."

I often think about what she said.

I hate to think how many hours we spend looking at our phones every day. Our heads stuck in an online world, oblivious to what’s happening around us. It’s addictive and the people who run social media platforms are paid to keep you hooked. While on our phones we miss so much of what’s around us.

I’m as guilty as anybody. I’ve therefore given myself a challenge.

Remember to Look Up

This means putting your phone down and consciously looking around you. Here are some examples.

When Travelling

This is particularly satisfying in airports and on buses. At airports, I love watching people walk through the arrivals door. Families, holidaymakers, business travellers from all over the world. Their outfits are always interesting. I wonder where they’ve come from and where they’re heading. I love watching the reunions. People waiting to meet them are often holding cards and gifts. There are often big hugs, passionate kissing and inevitably tears. I speculate on what their stories are.

Buses are fun too. The top deck of a bus in particular gives you a fresh perspective. You’re looking down. You travel through different neighbourhoods. There’s always something to see on top of a bus shelter. There are all kinds of people hopping on and hopping off.

Even sitting on a tube is interesting. I’m particularly fond of looking at people’s footwear. Trainers or shoes? Polished or scuffed? You can tell a lot about people by looking at their shoes.

When Walking

I often walk with headphones, listening to podcasts, lost in this world. Lately, I’ve started to leave them behind, particularly as the days are lengthening. In my neighbourhood, I’m noticing new things, by consciously looking around me. I read inscriptions on walls. I visit churchyards. I notice how the architecture changes. This is where looking up comes into its own.

Using All My Senses

I don’t just look, I listen. What sounds can I hear? What can I smell? How does it change throughout the day? This is particularly noticeable when I’m in a new part of the world. Everything is different to what I’m used to.

Last year I went to several cities in the USA and was often overwhelmed by all that was around me. Sometimes I would stop, pause and look around. I wanted to take everything in.

Making Connections

Whilst looking up, I reflect on what’s around me. For example, I try to understand why and when newer houses in our neighbourhood were built. What became apparent was that pockets of new houses were the result of bombing from World War 2.

When I visit different cities I try to understand their history and background. It makes the experience so much richer. It’s even more enriching if you stop and talk to people.

Summary

There’s a wonderful Eurostar advert from a few years back called ‘A Travel State of Mind’. It outlines how we should see the world when we travel. The fifth piece of advice is…yes, remember to look up. This has always stuck with me. It’s easy to get distracted by your phone. Try to avoid it. As Grace Coddington said, keep your eyes open. There’s inspiration everywhere. The most interesting parts of life are right in front of us. Remember to look up.

When is Hiring a Coach a Bad Idea?

In a previous post, I explored how a coach could help you. However, a coach isn’t right for everyone. I wouldn’t recommend hiring a coach under the following scenarios.

1 You don’t believe you need any help

Sometimes, people are offered coaching support by their organisation. However, you may feel happy with your progress or feel you’ve already got a good support system. A coach’s role is to, listen, ask questions and offer ways forward. If you're not open to receiving further help or already feel in control, working with a coach may not be useful.

2 You’re not prepared to put the work in

Like everything else in life, the more effort you put into coaching, the more you'll get out of it. All of us are busy. But if you regularly cancel sessions or don't pay attention during the session then you won't benefit. Plus, there's often work that needs to be done between sessions. It's like doing your homework or revising. If you're unwilling to put in the time, then you won't succeed.

3 You don’t trust the coach

A great coaching relationship is based on trust. A coach should have a clear code of ethics and respect the confidentiality of the coachee. They should be trained professionals with the knowledge and expertise to support you. There needs to be rapport. A coachee needs to feel that the coach is a credible partner and be willing to discuss their real issues. If the coachee puts up barriers or is not completely honest, the work will not be as beneficial as it could be.

4 You expect the coach to have all the answers

A coach's job is to help you find answers to your problems and encourage you to make the changes you want. While you can ask for the coach's advice and input, it’s up to you to find the answers yourself. If you expect the coach to tell you what to do or make decisions on your behalf, then it’s not a true coaching relationship. The coachee must take on this responsibility.

Summary

Coaching can be a valuable tool for personal and professional development, but the circumstances have to be right. It’s quite a commitment, so you have to feel ready for it. If you feel happy and in control of your life, then you won’t see the full benefit. You need to recognise that you have room for growth and that external support can help you. Choose your coach carefully as trust is essential. You need to believe that the coach has the expertise to help you. At the same time, understand that the answers, ultimately will come from within you.

How Could a Coach Help You?

If you’ve never had a coach or are thinking of getting one, how could they benefit you? Here’s what works for me.

1 To act as an accountability partner

When you set yourself a goal or promise to do something, it’s good to check in with someone. You don’t want to feel like a failure. If you know you have to report back to your coach you’re more likely to do it.

If progress isn’t what you hoped for, your coach can help you understand why. Equally, if do achieve what you set out to do, your coach can offer you further encouragement. You can then reset and update your goals. For this to work well, you need regular check-ins.

2 To help find answers to the questions that are troubling you

Simply talking to a coach can help you surface some of the questions that keep nagging at you. These questions may appear trivial at first but could mask deeper and more significant issues. Through attentive listening and digging further, a coach can help you understand what’s troubling you.

A good coach helps you see more clearly. They can help you work out ways forward. They can help you make the right decisions.

3 To provide an independent point of view

When you ask for direction from people who are close to you, their perspective may not be entirely impartial. A coach has no vested interest. They only want the best for you. They have no skin in the game.

For example, if you’re looking to change careers, your current boss may not want you to leave your current role as it could cause disruption. If you speak to close friends about moving location, they may hate the idea that it could upset your relationship. Their advice may not always be impartial.

4 To spot inconsistencies

Over time, a good coach can spot patterns and point out contradictions. They may observe sudden changes in your point of view. They may be able to spot gaps between what you say and how you behave. They should then have the insight to point these out to you and help you explore them. Even if you’re unaware of them.

5 To provide you with support and inspiration

Sometimes a coach can pick you up when you’re down and help you through a tough time. They can boost your confidence. They can help you overcome imposter syndrome. They can help you see your strengths and achievements when you can’t always see them.

If the coach is someone you truly admire, they can act as a role model for you to follow and imitate. They can be a source of inspiration and encourage you to achieve more.

Summary

Coaching can help you in lots of ways. In good times and when you need specific help. Remember, hiring one is quite a commitment. Good coaches aren’t cheap and it may take you several sessions before you see the benefit. Do your research. Ask for recommendations. Have some initial ‘chemistry’ sessions, to explore which coach is best for you. All high-performing individuals work with coaches. Why not you?

2024 Will Be The Year of Fun

Is it too late to make a prediction for the year? Probably, but I’ll do it anyway. In the world of business and marketing, 2024 will be all about humour and having a laugh. It will be the year of fun. I’ve seen anecdotal evidence of this. I’ve noticed that people re-branding their businesses have used playful cartoons. Or have incorporated amusing copy. Here’s an example. There were lots of funny ads during this year’s Superbowl. Celebrities were not taking themselves too seriously. The Beckhams. Ben Affleck. And in my favourite ad - Arnie and Danny.

So why is this?

1 Funny Ads Are More Effective

Studies have pointed out that people love amusing advertising. Plus they work. They help build positive brand associations and grow the business. The agency System 1, has been arguing the case for some time. Click here and the marketing world seems to be cottoning on. Studies by the IPA and agencies like Kantar also make the case for more humour in communication.

Humour helps you stand out. The eatbigfish podcast ‘Let’s Make This More Interesting’ highlights that dull advertising is costly. One surefire strategy is to be funny.

2 Purpose Fatigue

In recent times, creating ‘brands with purpose’ was all the rage. Now this interest has waned. We’ve realised that not all brands need a purpose. Often, the result was worthy but dull campaigns. Or else attempts to shoehorn ‘purpose’ into every brand positioning.

Influential marketing thinkers, such as Mark Ritson, have pushed back. Unilever used to be advocates of purpose-driven brands. Not anymore. Indeed, the recent Hellmann’s Superbowl ad featured a talking cat.

3 We Need Levity in Our Lives

Covid is over but times are tough. The world is uncertain. All the news is bad news. War, climate change, the economy. It’s relentless. We need to escape from this and business has a part to play.

It’s not just in advertising. Post Covid, there’s been a return to ‘in real life’ workshops and events. Whilst we’re all familiar with remote working and online tools, people love meeting up. And part of the brief is always, let’s find time to have fun together.

Summary

So, I predict that 2024 will be the year of fun, at least in the world of business.

Expect to see more humourous advertising in 2024. We enjoy them and they’re effective. Lots of brand re-launches will be wackier. Expect to see more Liquid Deaths. There will be much less emphasis on brand purpose. We’ll have more IRL workshops with more social time. Even Zoom sessions will be lighter and jokier. Could the boozy lunch make a comeback?

Maybe this is wishful thinking. We shall see.

Are We Too Fixated on Failure?

It seems that everywhere I look on social media, there’s a post saying that it’s good to fail, keep failing, don’t fear failure, etc. I’m wondering whether this focus on the merits of failure has gone too far. Whether our fixation on failure is a good thing.

Elizabeth Day is the champion of failure. I’m a big fan. I enjoy her podcast ‘How to Fail’. I’ve bought her book ‘Failosophy’. I follow her on Instagram.

Thanks to her work, I understand why embracing failure can help us grow and succeed.

a)      It teaches you resilience: you have to bounce back and overcome your failures.

b)      We learn and grow. It’s argued that you learn more from failure than you do from success.

c) It teaches us humility. It keeps our ego grounded.

All of which are good things. However, the reality is:

a)      Failure is excruciating. It can be painful, humiliating, and costly.

b)      It can destroy our self-confidence. It can stop us from pursuing our goals.

c)      It can become a habit. It’s easy to go on a losing streak and to feel that your whole life is one big failure.

I’m not particularly competitive, but I hate failing. If I’m pitching for a piece of work, I want to win it. If I host a party, I want it to be the best party ever. If I’m delivering a presentation, I want the audience to love it.

Just as failure can be a habit, winning can be a habit. Success breeds success. Your confidence grows, and you get braver, bolder, and more audacious. Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola don’t believe in failure. Liverpool and Man City fans fully expect their team to win every time they perform. As do the players.

Of course, failure happens to all of us and we all need to deal with it. But don’t make failure the goal. Don’t put it on a pedestal. Don’t make it an aspiration. All of which I fear some of these ‘failure features’ imply. Failure is inevitable at some points, but success is much, much better.

Instead, I’d suggest you try and adopt the benefits of failure, without seeking to fail. For example.

1 Stay Humble

If you are winning or successful, don’t let it get to your head. It’ll come back to bite you. Feel happy, but stay grounded. What’s the old Kipling quote? Something about treating success and failure as the same thing? Remember what the Stoics taught us - ego is the enemy.

2 Keep Learning

Retain the mindset of a student. Even if you’re successful, keep reading, be open to new ideas, and stay curious. Take lessons from success. Continue to seek fresh perspectives. Don’t wait for failure to force you to learn new things.

3 Push Yourself

If you are winning or successful, never rest on your laurels. Look for the next challenge. Develop better habits. Re-invent yourself if necessary. Again, don’t wait for failure to force you to do this.

Summary

Whilst learning to deal with failure is a good thing, don’t get too fixated on it. Don’t act as though failure itself is something to aspire to. Focus on winning instead. Success is much better.

The only caveat is that you mustn’t let success go your head. Enjoy it, but don’t let success lead you to arrogance or complacency. Don’t wait for failure to force you to learn and grow. Stay grounded, keep learning, and continue to push yourself.

Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. My Key Take-outs

I’ve recently finished the book ‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver Burkeman, which describes itself as ‘Time Management for Mortals’. I found it enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Rather than quickly moving on to the next book, I thought I’d stop, reflect, and capture my key take-outs.

Here they are.

1 Our Lives Are Remarkably Short

Assuming we live to 80, it only lasts 4,000 weeks - hence the title of the book. And you only get one shot at it. This is quite a sobering thought. It doesn’t sound very long, does it? But this should be a liberating thought. It should encourage us all to make the most of our short time. He calls it ‘embracing your finitude’.

2 We Can’t Master Time

We’re inundated with tools and techniques to improve our productivity. He concludes that none of them work and that we should abandon our futile attempts to master time. Phew! The more efficient we become, the more work we generate. We never feel in control. We can never clear the decks. We never feel we have enough time, despite all the time-saving devices at our disposal. There’s always more we could be doing. Of course, we should do our best to become more efficient. But we should accept we’re never going to succeed in mastering time. We shouldn’t feel like we’re failing.

3 Distraction is the Big Enemy

What blocks our attempts to optimize our time is distraction. We get bored easily. We find it hard to focus on one thing. We find it hard to give anything our full attention. We blame technology and social media for this. There’s lots of advice to help us manage our relationship with technology. This usually involves tactics around disconnection.

But it goes beyond this. We were distracted before smartphones were invented. There’s something within us that wants to be distracted. Being alert to distractions helps us survive. It’s something we’ll always struggle with.

4 Don’t Chase the Future

Time managers try to map out their lives in detail and make grandiose plans. This can lead to stress or anxiety as nothing turns out quite as you expect. We can’t predict how everything will turn out. Events out of our control often scupper our intentions.

He therefore warns against obsessive planning. Indeed, when we look back on our lives, we’ll note many of the events that have shaped us have been the result of chance.

Micro-planning can lead to too much deferred gratification. We put things off, rather than enjoying the here and now. Remember the old saying - life’s not a dress rehearsal. Also, we risk losing the joy of spontaneity. Indeed he talks about the pleasure we gain from impulsive, generous gestures.

5 Learn to Enjoy Doing Nothing

There’s a risk that we become obsessed with the idea of ‘using time well’. Life becomes something we need to fill up, to maximize. Even when we’re not working. Instead, he advises us to rediscover rest. To learn to truly relax. To take place more pleasure in ‘wasting time’. Whatever that might be. Going for a walk. Playing with a train set. (A favourite pastime of Rod Stewart). Don’t feel guilty about it. Don’t see leisure as a means of being more productive. Enjoy leisure for its own sake.

6 Embrace Your Limitations

You can’t do everything. He advises us to accept what we can and can’t do. Plan this. He calls this ‘strategic underachievement’. Be consciously unbalanced. Make choices that will enlarge you. Even if at first they feel uncomfortable or challenged. Choose to not do things that diminish you. Things that make you unhappy, that cause anxiety.

7 Take Pleasure in the Mundane

This is all about seeing joy in the simplicity of everyday life. Noticing and appreciating the beauty and meaning behind what we take for granted. This could be about feeling grateful for small things such as a delicious cup of coffee or a walk in nature. Viewing regular events such as a meal with your family as significant. Be present and engaged in everyday tasks. Make the most of them.

8 Be More Patient

Modern living has led to more impatience. We hate waiting. This could be when we’re driving, awaiting a pizza delivery, or expecting a web page to load. People complain that they have no time to read nowadays. People complain they have no time to do anything.

He suggests we fight this. True fulfillment takes time. Be it relationships or new ventures. Too often, he argues we ‘jump off the bus’ too early. Instead, make incremental progress. Get better at finishing stuff, at completing. Before we get bored and move on to the next thing. Accept that things take time.

9 Embrace Your Irrelevance

We often put ourselves under pressure to ‘make our mark’ in the world, and achieve greatness. The reality is that we’re not that special. Humanity is 6,000 years old. There are 8 billion people in the world. Very few of us get to change the world. Relax. Don’t set yourself ambitions that are too grandiose. Aim for what he calls a ‘modestly meaningful life’. Otherwise, you risk disappointment.

10 Community is as Important as Individual Freedom

We’re often urged to take individual control of our lives, to go our own way, to not be answerable to others. But there’s a downside - loneliness.

It’s often more uplifting to be ‘in sync’ with others. For example, being part of a choir, with a crowd supporting your sports team, or simply hanging out with your neighbours. In short, being part of a community. Don’t neglect this dimension of what you do with your time.

Summary

‘Four Thousand Weeks’ is a book that challenged my long-held beliefs and made me reflect. The tone is light and not preachy and if you decide to read it, I don’t think it will be a waste of your time.

It’s also a book that’s changed my beliefs and behaviours. I was fascinated by efficiency and optimising my ‘valuable’ time. Now, I recognise that this is a pointless pursuit. I’m also a bit looser and less focused on planning the future in great detail. Random events will always scupper them. I do my best to feel grateful for what I have and take pleasure in the everyday. I’m lucky to be here.

My life is full of mundane activities and I’m learning to love them. Even David Beckham in his Netflix documentary loved cleaning his kitchen. Maybe I should follow his example.

'The Rest is Entertainment' - My Unmissable Podcast

I listen to a lot of podcasts. Dog walking, on the bus, making dinner. Over the years they’ve got better and better. There’s a lot of choice, from the cerebral through to the comedic. However, there’s only one that I never miss. A recent launch - ‘The Rest is Entertainment’, hosted by Marina Hyde and Richard Osman. Essentially, it’s all about popular culture - aka, showbiz. Film, music, tv, theatre, books, celebrity.

It ticks all the boxes for me.

It keeps me up to date on popular culture

I don’t watch that much tv, so it helps me understand what people are imto nowadays. This is how I learnt about ‘The Traitors’, the re-launch of ‘Gladiators’, and who ‘Mr. Beast’ is. I feel I’m more up-to-date on what’s new and interesting. It’s easy to live and work in your own little bubble. I know I do. This helps me escape from it. Also, as someone who works in marketing, it’s a good way for me to keep in touch with what’s popular nowadays.

And it gives me something to talk about.

It’s Intelligent

Marina and Richard not only explain what’s going on in the world of entertainment, but they explain why. Marina is a brilliant and funny journalist. Richard is a successful novelist, tv host and producer. They know how entertainment works. They’re part of it and they understand its machinations.

Recently, they explained why Channel 4 is in trouble and what the future might hold for it. They explained how shows get commissioned and the risks behind it. They dissected how book publishing works. They explored why music magazines are folding and what this means for us.

I learn so much.

It’s entertaining

Given the title of the podcast, you’d expect it to be an engaging listen. And it really is. They’re both witty and charming. They have a great chemistry and share the limelight. They’re enthusiastic and genuinely enjoy the shows they talk about. They were obsessed with ‘The Traitors’. They laugh at themselves and the absurdities of celebrity culture. Jeff Bezos and his fiancee get a hard time.

The shows only last 30-40 minutes and time flies by. They’re not promoting a book or talking about themselves.

Their job is to entertain and they do.

It makes recommendations

I never know what new shows to watch or books to read and they’re always making suggestions. They’re particularly good at new films and new streaming series. Even when they don’t make explicit recommendations, by simply talking about shows / books / tv series, I’m encouraged to check them out.

I trust their opinions.

Summary

The news is so depressing that I tend to give political or current affairs shows a miss nowadays. I also find the guests on podcasts a little less interesting than they used to be. The same people seem to pop up everywhere.

So I heartily recommend ‘The Rest is Entertainment’. Always an enjoyable and enriching experience. It comes from ‘Goalhanger Podcasts’, owned by Gary Lineker. Looks like he’s got another hit on his hands. Which will no doubt irk a few people in the world of entertainment and politics.

My Favourite Italian Brands

This is a highly personal list. It’s not based on impact, scale, uniqueness or anything like that. It’s just a list of Italian brands that I love. Brands that sum up what my homeland means to me. So, in no particular order, here goes.

1 Barilla

I feel disloyal saying this, given that I spent several years of my life as the Buitoni brand manager. Sadly, Buitoni is no longer with us nowadays - despite my best efforts. Instead, I’ve always got a pack of Barilla in my cupboard. More specifically, Barilla Spaghetti No.5. For me it has the perfect width and texture for spaghetti. This doesn’t mean I’m entirely loyal to Barilla. As all students of Ehrenburg Bass understand, as a heavy pasta user, I buy all kinds of brands. I’m still searching for the perfect rigatoni - La Molisano does a great one. And I always love interesting soup pasta shapes - Da Cecco is always good.

2 Alessi

I’ve recently packed away my Alessi Christmas tree - I love it. Whenever I use my Alessi coffee maker, it brings a smile to my face. Alessi is a brand full of wit and style. I guess its most iconic piece is the lemon juicer designed by Philippe Starck. It’s an expensive brand, so I don’t possess many of their items. But when I feel the need to upgrade my cutlery, Alessi is the first place I’d look.

3 Bianchi

Now and again I think about buying a cool carbon bike. If I did buy one, it would have to be a Bianchi. I usually talk myself out of it, given the price and the fact that I already own about 6 bikes. Bianchi is all about the colour, what it calls Celeste. It looks so good. Bianchi has a great heritage. It was made famous by one of my cycling heroes, Fausto Coppi. France may have the greatest bike ride in the world, but Italy makes the coolest bike gear. Campagnola beats Shimano every time.

4 Peroni

For beer, it was a tough choice between Peroni and Moretti, but Peroni shades it. I love the Moretti guy with the moustache, but Peroni is a bit more stylish. Also one of my favourite restaurants in Rome - Pasquale Pulcini - has an old Peroni sign painted on it.

I’ve noticed in recent years that Italians are getting more and more into beer. The ‘craft beer’ section in Italian supermarkets seems to be growing and occasionally I go to Italian microbreweries such as this one. Another brand I’m starting to buy is Ichnusa from Sardinia, particularly the unfiltered version.

5 Benetton

Benetton was at its peak in the 80s and 90s, when ‘United Colours of Benetton’ was everywhere. I loved it then and I love it now. It feels that it’s past its prime, but whenever I go to Italy I call in on a Benetton and always find things I like. You don’t see many stores in the UK nowadays. I bought a lovely linen jacket last year. It reminds me a bit of Uniqlo, in that it’s mainstream yet stylish. Benetton still has its distinctive colour palette and wearing their clothes always makes me feel nostalgic.

6 Mutti

I’ve tried lots of tinned tomato brands, but I keep coming back to Mutti. Smooth, rich and delicious. It’s my go-to brand for pasta sauce and pizza topping. There’s always a stash in my cupboard. At a push, I’d buy Cirio if Mutti’s not available, but it’s never quite as good. I love their printed tins and often you see them on display in posh Italian delis.

7 Campari

There are lots of gin brands out there, but there’s only one Campari. It’s the irreplaceable heart of my favourite cocktail - the Negroni. I also love Campari and Soda. Whenever I make one, I’m immediately transported to sun Summer evenings in Italy. I quite like an Aperol spritz, but is still not as nice as a Campari spritz. Just perfect.

8 Lavazza

Whenever I use an Italian Moka Pot to make coffee, I usually use Lavazza. It’s finely ground with that distinctive bitter, espresso taste. Perfect to get you going in the morning. I love the way the smell fills up the kitchen when it’s ready. It reminds me of my childhood. I sometimes buy Illy, but it’s much more expensive. I guess it must be the lovely tin it comes in. I drink so much coffee that I panic a bit when my stocks are getting low.

Summary

I could go on, but I’ll stop there. I’ve not even mentioned Italian chocolate brands, the great Italian car brands, or the world of fashion. There are so many Italian brands that play an important part in our lives. These are my favourites. I’d love to hear yours.

The Stanley Tumbler Story

The Stanley Tumbler phenomenon was brought to my attention by my daughter. I’d never heard of it, so decided to explore it further. It’s an amazing story of how a brand emerged from nowhere to dominate its category.

Over the past couple of years, the ‘Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler’ - to give it its full name - has become an object of desire. In 2023, sales were around $750 million vs $70 million in 2020.

So why has it become so successful? Here are the key reasons.

1 It was adopted by a passionate community

Originally it was taken up by the Morman community in Utah. They’re affluent and well-connected. As they are not allowed to drink coffee and tea, they’re obsessed with what they call ‘dirty soda’. Soft drinks spiked with other ingredients.

The online influencers within the community caused it to spread and grow. They rediscovered the Stanley Tumbler and deemed it the perfect soda vessel. From there, its fame spread like wildfire.

2 It has an interesting backstory

The Stanley brand has been around for over a 100 years and specialises in camping and outdoor gear. Targeted at blue-collar men, for decades the Stanley thermos flask trundled along.

The company has a reputation for creating hard-wearing products and being very down-to-earth. A solid foundation to build from. The original thermos flask accompanied pilots in World War 2. It’s not some made-up brand. It has provenance and roots.

3 Fundamentally, it’s a really good product

One TikTok video in particular caused people to sit up and notice . A burnt out car was filmed with an undamaged Tumbler – which still had ice in it. It provided evidence of the product’s durability. It racked up many millions of views.

The Tumbler features a lid with a straw, a chunky handle, and an insulated body that is tapered, allowing it to fit in a cup holder. For a car-addicted, ice-obsessed society, this was exactly what people were looking for.

Whenever I’ve read product quality reviews, the Stanley Cup always scores favourably. It comes in many colours. So for the fans and the fashion-conscious, there’s always something new to discover.

4 Scarcity and Fomo

The initial success of the Quencher caught the organisation by surprise. Demand outstripped supply and it frequently sold out. Everyone wanted one, particularly the limited editions. Pictures of empty shelves appeared in the media. Purchases were limited to 2 per person. Stanley Tumblers started to appear on eBay, on sale for extortionate prices. It became a status symbol. All of which served to fuel the hype.

5 Social media amplification

The Tumbler has inundated TikTok, where the hashtag #stanleytumbler has over a billion views. Instagram influencers share photos of their Tumbler collections. The same hashtag has over 189000 views on Instagram. In no time at all, the celebrities jumped on board. Oliver Rodigro is a fan. As is Adele. All happily sharing their love for the Stanley Tumbler.

6 Marketing opportunism

None of this success happened by chance. The organisation saw what was happening and took advantage of its success. The woman who owned the burnt-out car in the video was given a new car by Stanley. (And a stock of Tumblers). It became very newsworthy and appeared in all the main media channels.

They continued to launch special editions to keep the brand in the news. A pink Valentine’s Day edition was launched in partnership with Starbucks and Target. People camped out overnight, so they wouldn’t miss out. It reminded me of the early days of the Apple iPhone.

They created affiliate partnerships with e-commerce sites and influencers who featured and promoted the brand. One site called The Buy Guide was particularly important in popularising the Tumbler.

Summary

There was not one specific thing that made the Stanley Tumbler such a hit. It all came together to create a phenomenon. A community embracing it. Influencers promoting it and selling it directly. Scarcity fuelling demand, backed by a huge presence on social media. Momentum was maintained by a stream of new versions and celebrities giving it their seal of approval.

How long will it last? Who knows? The hype is bound to fade as the Stanley Tumbler moves into the mainstream. Something new and exciting is bound to come along. In the past, other portable bottles have been in vogue - such as Chilly’s Hydroflask and S’well.

True to its roots, Stanley makes long-lasting, durable products. The Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler fits that brief. Even after the hype fades, it will be around for a long time to come. Maybe it will last another 100 years.

To Be More Creative, Just Follow the Rules

I’m reading a great book on storytelling at the moment, called ‘Into the Woods’ by John Yorke. What struck me was how rule-bound everything is. The way you structure a story, and how you create characters. How you create drama, intrigue, and heart-stopping moments.

All the elements of a great story follow a clear set of rules. And have done so for centuries, no matter whether you’re sitting around a campfire or creating a Hollywood blockbuster.

To be creative we’re often encouraged to break existing rules. I’ve heard this so many times - and said it too. However, I’ve concluded that this is not the best advice. Focus instead on understanding the rules of creativity intimately and become adept at following them. This is the true path to creativity.

Understanding rules is not just for storytellers. The same applies to any creative field. If you’re cooking, you need to understand food chemistry. What happens when heat is added. How flavours combine. The role of fat, sugar and acids and how they react to each other. (I got all this from my favourite Summer read - Lessons in Chemistry.)

The same with playing a musical instrument, drawing, dancing - anything. You’ve got to invest the time and effort into learning and following the rules. Alexander McQueen was one of the most celebrated and creative fashion designers of his generation. Aged 16, he served a two-year apprenticeship in tailoring on Savile Row and worked for other fashion labels. He then completed a Masters in fashion at Central St Martins. He was a true craftsman and an expert tailor before he launched his brand.

Once you’ve mastered the rules, you can push and challenge them with more confidence and freedom. Like a jazz musician, you’ll feel powerful enough to improvise and play around. If, for example, you’re an architect, once you’ve mastered your craft you can experiment with new materials, new structures or add personal flourishes.

SUMMARY

Saying ‘break the rules’ is a trite and obvious thing to say when encouraging people to be creative. I understand why. Creativity is about standing out and being original. We mustn’t just copy and imitate everything that has gone before.

However, getting to know the rules is fundamental to creativity. Like the storytelling experts tell us, there are tried and tested ways of taking people on an emotional journey and keeping people engaged

Mastering rules is hard and time-consuming. It requires practice and dedication. I guess that’s why being creative is a lifetime’s journey.

Getting Going is the Tough Part

Self-improvement is on everyone’s mind at the moment. We’re inundated with articles on how to get fitter, how to achieve our goals, and how to make this year your best year ever. We’re certainly not short of advice and inspiration. It’s all around us.

I’ve only got one suggestion to make - to simply get going. No matter what your ambition is, just start small.

If you want to get fitter, go to the gym, do one exercise, and then leave. If you want to learn a new language, spend 1 minute on Duolingo and then put the phone down. If you want to publish more articles. Write the headline, then save it.

Once you’ve made the first step, the second step is so much easier. You’re not starting from zero. You’re no longer procrastinating, you’re on your way. It’s like a weight has been lifted off you. You will have shifted from planning to doing.

After this, you can begin to create the routines and habits that help you move forward. The second step is easier than the first, the third step is easier than the second and in no time at all, it becomes second nature. You’re on your way.

Summary

Getting going is always the difficult bit. It’s hard to snap out of your inertia, particularly in January, when you’re feeling jaded and it’s dark and cold outside. Therefore, don’t be overambitious. Don’t set scary resolutions. Decide what kind of person you want to be in 2024, then just make a simple start. Keep moving forward slowly. If you keep this going, then I’m sure that this could be your best year ever!

Your Best is Yet Come

A few weeks ago I was listening to an episode of Desert Island Discs with Adrian Edmondson. When the host, Lauren Laverne asked him what he considered his biggest achievement, he replied - I hope that my best is yet to come. I loved that answer. Adrian Edmondson is 66. A successful comedian, actor and writer. Almost a national treasure. Yet he still felt his best years were ahead of him. I nearly cheered.

I admire people who continue to push themselves. People who seek to learn and grow in their later years, even though they’ve already achieved so much.

I’m a huge fan of the artist David Hockney. He’s now 86 and is as innovative and productive as ever. There’s currently an exhibition of his work at the National Portrait Gallery entitled Drawing From Life. It’s wonderful. The range of his work is extraordinary. His most recent work is a series of portraits from 2022, which I loved.

At Tate Britain, there’s currently a large exhibition on feminism, called WOMEN IN REVOLT! ART AND ACTIVISM IN THE UK 1970-1990. For many of the featured artists, this is the first time their work has been given such a significant public platform.

Projected onto a wall is a 1977 piece by Raincoats bassist Gina Birch, made when she was at art school. Entitled 3 Minute Scream, it’s exactly that: Gina screaming into the camera for 3 minutes. It’s at the centre of the exhibition. Gina’s image is featured on all of the exhibition’s publicity material and it’s rejuvenated her career both as an artist and a musician. She released an acclaimed solo album earlier this year and continues to exhibit her work.

Summary

Age should never prove to be a barrier to your success. Nor should we ever rest on our laurels. We should all strive to be creative and to look to find our greatness, irrespective of our age or past achievements. Take inspiration from the likes of Adrian Edmondson, David Hockney and Gina Birch. They continue to be active and creative later in life. Your high points and recognition for your work may come later in life than you imagine. No matter what your age is, your best may be yet to come!

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

I’ve recently finished reading Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, a novel by Gabrielle Zevin. A great read. It’s set in the 1990s and focuses on the relationship between Sam and Sadie as they create a series of computer games. Whilst the Rick Rubin book teaches you about creativity, this book shows you creativity in action.

This is what I learnt and some of the questions it raised for me.

1 Creativity is Hard Work

Sam and Sadie work incredibly hard. They’re fully committed to the creation of their games, to the point of obsession. Their standards are high. They strive for excellence. It’s the only thing that’s important to them. They don’t sit around waiting for inspiration to strike. They keep showing up. They keep producing.

What’s clear is that there are no shortcuts in the pursuit of creative excellence. It takes dedication, practice, and consistency.

2 You Need Complementary Skills

They work as a creative team, but bring different perspectives to the table. They work as a true team by sharing feedback and adding to each other’s thoughts. Conflict is inevitable but they work through them. Other people are involved in some of the decisions, but they do the heavy lifting on the creative front. They trust each other. They believe in each other.

There are other creative partnerships in the book beyond Sadie and Sam. Is this the way creativity always works? Two people working seamlessly? We see this a lot in other fields. Advertising, comedy, music, and film-making. If you have a third person involved, does it feel imbalanced?

3 You’ve Got to Be Selfish

Not only did they work hard, they were focused. They excluded all distractions. They made sacrifices. Their personal lives suffered. They found little time for their families. They didn’t socialise very much. All the decisions they made were about getting a better outcome - despite the negative impact it may have had on others. Even those that they loved.

Is this evitable? Does all creative work come at a personal cost?

4 Failure is Inevitable

Despite their successes, there were failures. Sometimes public, sometimes private, but not everything they did turned to gold.

You have to accept this, but it can be hard to take. Feedback can be brutal and sometimes humiliating. However, it didn’t put the protagonists off. They continued to work on new ideas and move forward. It’s part and parcel of leading a creative life. You have to put your work out there, You cannot control how people will react to it. You can’t always predict what the response will be.

5 You have to put your whole self into your work

All the ideas and quirks that went into their games were drawn from their personal experiences. Their work revealed who they were. You have to expose yourself, bare your soul, and include it within your creative work. If you hide behind a facade or pretend to be someone else, then your work will feel inauthentic.

Clearly, the author had a deep knowledge of the computer game industry in the 1990s. A friend of mine, who also worked in computer gaming, verified the accuracy and truthfulness within the book. I certainly felt immersed in that world she created.

All the main characters in the book had a troubled background or had suffered some kind of traumatic childhood experience. I see this a lot in artists, writers, and performers. Is this always the case with creative people? Is the best work born from suffering?

Summary

If you’re interested in the creative process and want to get transported on a creative journey then I’d recommend you read this book. I felt a little sad when it finished, as I often do when a good book is completed.

It reminded me a little of the Beatles docuseries ‘Get Back’. Where we see the real-life, behind-the-scenes creative process of the Beatles.

Even if you’re not into computer games, you can still get a lot out of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. It’s not just about creativity. It’s about love, loss, friendships, and grief. All the big stuff. I loved it.

The Embodiment of a Flow State

I’m a bit obsessed with the notion of flow. Earlier this year, I’d written about creating a state of flow in a workshop and how you could go about achieving it. Click here. I observed it last week when watching a documentary about the extraordinary snooker player, called ‘Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything.’ Click here for the trailer.

On several occasions, I marveled at his ability. Not only is he a brilliant player, he plays with panache. Both right and left-handed. Amongst his many achievements is holding the record for the fastest maximum 147 break. It was set in 1997 and took only 5 minutes and 8 seconds.

He plays in a perfect state of flow. His mind and body are in perfect sync. He’s focused. He’s consistent. He makes something very difficult appear easy.

It’s a great documentary for those with an interest in mental health. At times it’s dark and gritty, but I was gripped by the way he overcomes his demons and keeps performing. Despite his success, he’s a troubled soul and you can’t help but be moved by the final scenes. No spoilers, but I would recommend you watch it, even if you have no interest at all in snooker.

Let's Make This More Interesting Podcast: Six Key Lessons

I’ve recently completed the eatbigfish podcast, ‘Let’s Make This More Interesting’, hosted by Adam Morgan. I loved the diversity of the guests and the different perspectives they brought to the subject. Here are the five lessons I took out of it.

1 Dull is Costly

This refers to marketing effectiveness. In Episode One, Peter Field explains that it’s so much more expensive to show dull brand communications than it is to show creative, interesting advertising. Businesses have to spend so much to get their message noticed and understood.

We’ve known for a long time that the most creative adverts are the most effective. And that the biggest and best-resourced brands often produce the dullest communication. This only serves to reinforce that message. To learn more about which advertising works best and why, take a look at the analysis of System One. A definitive resource on the subject.

2 DULLNEss is Everywhere

What’s clear is that we’re surrounded by dullness. In everyday life, business folk sit through boring meetings, all vying to climb a corporate ladder. In Episode Two we learnt that people auditioning for reality TV shows often say the same things.

Very little stands out. Everything is copied. This fabulous article by Alex Murrell - ‘the age of average’, explores this in great detail. He concluded that everything - airports, cityscapes, cars, coffee bars, Instagram feeds - all looks the same.

3 being more interesting is an opportunity

Because of the omnipresence of dullness, being fresh and different offers an opportunity both commercially and personally. We should all celebrate our uniqueness. Everyone talked about this. To be a contestant on a reality show, you’ve got to stand out from the crowd. In Episode Eight, Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis encouraged us to follow a squiggly, rather than linear career. Have the bravery to follow your own path.

4 EVERYThing has the potential to be interesting

What became apparent is that there’s no such thing as a boring subject or an interesting subject. Everything has the potential to be interesting. A couple of teachers appeared during the podcast, with near-impossible teaching challenges. For example, teaching science to reluctant pupils. Or in the case of Sesame Street, holding the attention of pre-school children. They did this by making the topic relatable, by breaking it into chunks by using humour and by boundless enthusiasm.

I remember when I first came across Maria Kondo’s book, ‘The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up’. It was amazing how she made such a dull subject - tidying up - incredibly engaging. For me at least. She’s since become a global phenomenon.

5 we can all learn to be more interesting

What’s clear is that becoming interesting is learnable skill. Asking engaging questions and listening diligently immediately makes you more interesting. There were lessons on how classical rhetoric makes you more persuasive. In a previous post - click here - I’ve also talked about Aristotle’s approach to creating great arguments.

A couple of guests spoke at length about great storytelling techniques. There was even a defence of the much-maligned use of Powerpoint. FYI - here are my five golden rules.

6 being more interesting is an opportunity

My final lesson is that being more interesting is an opportunity for all of us. In marketing, there’s huge scope for creating more interesting brands and communication. Most of it is dull, so you’ll inevitably stand out. If you work in a ‘boring’ category, there are ways to make it more interesting. If you’re a teacher, there are many ways to make your lessons more engaging. If you’re presenting, you can learn how to make a better connection with your audience. We can all learn to become better conversationalists, develop more distinctive career paths, and become much better storytellers.

Why be dull, when you can be more interesting?