The normalisation of deviance Have you heard of 'the normalisation of deviance' before Reader? I confess I had to be reminded of it by my brilliant photographer friend Nick Rawle, via particularly astute Instagram reel, last week. Sociologist Diane Vaughan introduced the phrase in her analysis of the 1986 Space Shuttle Disaster. The shorthand definition being that, within an organisation (in this instance NASA), the subtle, gradual erosion of standards, accepted principles and practices over...
25 days ago • 1 min read
Relish the moment and smile... "Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three", Reader, This is my favourite line from one of my favourite childhood films – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Here's the clip in question (in case you've never seen it): (Or click the direct link here). Ahead of the big reveal, "Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three" was Willy Wonka's invitation to the children and their families to pause before they step into the magic in front of them. When was the...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
The Creative's Hierarchy of Needs Here's a thought Reader, Last week I took a moment to revisit what I want and why it's important to me... (two questions I always invite my clients to ponder), and I keep coming back to a business vision I created for myself years before I even contemplated starting my own business: "To write a better story for my family" Nice words, but what does it mean? My marketing brain loves the sentiment. My logical brain has to challenge the inherent fluffiness... And...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Are we scared of the facts... ...or just the stories we tell ourselves Reader? A friend of mine had been offered a job recently which, in their own words, felt "terrifying". They'd worked in the same place for over 30 years. They loved what they did, and they were great at it. So much so that someone else had noticed and had asked if they fancied moving over... albeit from a field role into leadership. Other friends were quick to offer their thoughts – "Go for it! You'll be amazing. You have...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Mind Monkeys... is now on Spotify Please excuse the weekend email Reader, If we're connected on LinkedIn, you're possibly aware that I started a regular live stream series back in February, called "Mind Monkeys Welcome... Bananas Optional". Packed with conversations with special guests; the purpose of the show is to name, explain and reframe the hesitations (the Mind Monkeys) that we each encounter in our daily lives. The more we openly talk about how and why we hesitate... and hear thoughts,...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Business advice from a drummer... really? Stick (ahem) with me Reader as this is a good one, There is something us drummers have to put up with which, when you think about it, is a bit bonkers really... It's called the 'kit share'. What is a 'kit share' you ask? If there is more than one group playing, and it's a smaller pub or club, chances are that the stage isn't big enough for every band's drum kit, and there isn't enough time to swap them on and off. So traditional etiquette dictates the...
3 months ago • 2 min read
The creatives' antidote to A.I. "I can do it all with A.I. now, thanks Reader," I was wracking my brains over this all too popular belief about a week ago. A lot of the people I speak to are feeling despondent because this is what too many of their former / potential clients are saying. It feels like a barrier they are continuously coming up against. I'm probably older than you and have been through a handful of digital revolutions – where the promise of new technology threatened to upend the...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Tiny unnoticeable things Show us your T.U.T.s Reader, WOW! Okay, do please re-read that because it cost definitely didn't say what you thought. T.U.T.s – tiny unnoticeable things The little moments of magic (of success) that we overlook, sidestep, ignore... the invaluable patterns that our brains miss, but that make an enormous difference. Let me give you an example (or four): The unsolicited thank you message you humbly respond to and then immediately file The brave 'no' you said to...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Practice does NOT make permanent We've been misled Reader, I'm working on something that I can't tell you about yet (I know... how conceited of me to think you care!). It is something that fits the following criteria: It's been an ambition of mine since forever When offered the chance, I jumped in two feet first I am 100% capable of delivering on it (above and beyond, in fact) Since saying yes, I've become more and more terrified Any of that feel familiar? A big opportunity comes your way and...
5 months ago • 2 min read