The New Abnormal

Series Two In this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interview Alex Durussel-Baker. The founder of CreativeMornings/Edinburgh, she's also a certified Design Sprint coach, an award-winning UX designer, produces awareness campaign @diabetesbydesign and is a coach at Tribe Women.  With a background in startups and agency design, she founded Korero Studio - a design collective that brings together “plug-and-play” talent to deliver Design Sprints, an innovation methodology to help solve tricky business problems and bring ideas to life in just five days. (Alex specialises in delivering design thinking and strategic workshops for businesses and individuals in the early phases of their product or service). Therefore, in this episode we discuss the dynamic CreativeMornings (a movement begun in NYC 'believing in the power of communities' that, every month, sees people gather in over 200 cities across nearly 70 countries), along with her viewpoints on how to run truly catalytic workshops. Alex also discusses the dynamic @diabetesbydesign which raises awareness and dispels misconceptions surrounding T1D -  informing, inspiring and igniting new conversations around this often misunderstood disease.

Series TwoThis episode of #TheNewAbnormal podcast features Lore Oxford, Global Head of Cultural Insights at We Are Social, where she combines academic research methods with a digital-first approach to understand and track culture on a global scale. Her work is designed to unearth cutting edge insights that drive cultural impact for multinational brands inc Guinness, Bumble, adidas and Instagram. When she’s not busy analysing her fellow humans, she can be found defending TikTokers and the art of the selfie from contemporary culture snobs. In this episode, we discuss the above, and the latest annual trend report from the agency 'Think Forward' which explains how we're stepping into #BraveNewWorlds. (It’s based on a series of trends identified by their Cultural Insights team, a network of 50 analysts and strategists globally, and supported by a survey of 3,000 people aged 18+ who use social media daily from the US, UK, France, Italy, China and Australia).As she says "we’re on the brink of a renaissance in creativity on social, in which brands and creators alike are going to have to work harder and better to make us laugh, move us, and connect us". 

Series Two In this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interviewed Chris Sanderson, co-founder of The Future Laboratory, one of the world's most renowned futures consultancies. Via their unique blend of trend forecasting, consumer insights, foresight, brand strategy and innovation, they inspire and future-proof organisations. Clients include Louis Vuitton, Google, L'Oreal, Facebook, Diageo, Spotify, Unilever and Nissan. Chris discusses the practicalities of running a forecasting business, and a range of issues that the Future Lab have identified as of being of direct importance on a social/cultural/business level, as they relate to brand futures and brand strategy. So we talk about trends such as the 'Pleasure Revolution', 'Cultural Triangulation', the 'Transformation Economy' along with his viewpoints on the focus that this series has taken around 'Hope, Community & Resilience'. And, of course, Chris acknowledges the ever-present influence of the mighty William Gibson. The Future Laboratory have built a reputation for being incredibly dynamic, and this episode reflects on their success. 

In this episode, Matt Klein, a Cultural Theorist + CyberPsychologist + Strategist, discusses using AI for trend analysis, the responsibility of marketers in shaping the future, struggling with detachment, exploring new forms of religion in a secular world, and the intersection of AI and culture.

Series Two In this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interview Lydia Caldana, a global brand strategist, trend forecaster and consumer insights analyst. She identifies emerging behaviours and technologies that guide macro shifts in society to help brands navigate change and develop long-lasting relationships with consumers. Working on strategic projects that answer “what is the future of..?” her research, analytical, and forecasting skills are applied to a series of clients with various challenges, ranging from the UN-Habitat, to Google, Nike, Unilever, etc. She’s extensive work experience with those inc The Future Laboratory, Protein NYC, VICE, Refinery 29, Collider Lab, Box1824, Aurora 3, The Grid etc; and has led end-to-end insights projects within the US, UK, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, India and South Korea. Lydia is currently completing a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies (Global Urban Futures / Gender & Sexuality Studies) at The New School in NYC. In this episode, we cover a wide range of issues regarding gender, race and class. In doing so, we discuss a series of her research case histories, alongside subjects inc population dynamics re: social change around culture, identity, community, inequality, etc. And she also gives an overview of the superb ‘Future Resources’ that she runs - an open online platform for womxn in foresight, strategy and innovation.

Series Two In this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interview Felix De Laet aka Lost Frequencies, who would normally be found manning a DJ booth somewhere in Paris, Tokyo, Berlin or New York.  The global pandemic put a stop to that - but he didn't sit around watching TV. Instead, he performed a spectacular show  on the roof of the Royal Palace in Brussels, and remixed music for the likes of Major Lazor, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Ellie Goulding , and LSD Labyrinth / Diplo / Sia.  His first smash hit went to No1 in 18 countries, while he's played a huge amount of gigs at festivals across the world; including Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Lollapalooza, closing down EDC Vegas in spectacular solo style. He also did a massive arena run with fellow chart-dominators The Chainsmokers.  So...in this episode, we discuss how Felix got into the music industry, key events along the way, his artistic inspirations, current producer activity (along with an overview of his label 'Found Frequencies') and future tour plans. Oh, and why he launched his own gin brand. Finally, I have to point out that he's amassed over 3.5 billion streams. Nice...

Series Two In this episode of The New Abnormal,  I interview Elodie Marteau, a Paris-based foresight strategist & cultural analyst, who helps businesses identify cultural opportunities to future-proof their brand strategy. Her viewpoints have been published by a wide range of organisations including the Fashion Network, LS:N Global, Trend Atelier, Canvas8 and the Global Scanning Review c/o the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies, etc. In the interview, we discuss her thoughts on a wide range of issues relating to some dominant topics and emerging trends. These include the environmental crisis, the future city, personal identity, and brand ethics. Having worked for some of the leading agencies and consultancies in the sector, she also outlines her route into, and experiences within, the world of trend research.  Finally, she highlights her views on 'hope / community / resilience' and her perspectives on the road ahead. 

Series ThreeIn this episode of #TheNewAbnormal podcast, I interview Andy Crysell, Founder & CEO at Crowd DNA, the dynamic cultural insights and strategy consultancy who have offices in London, Amsterdam, New York, Singapore, Sydney, Stockholm and Los Angeles. Formed in 2008, and operating across 70+ markets, they bring together trends specialists, researchers, strategists, data analysts, designers, writers and film-makers for the world's most exciting brands. So, we talk about all of the above, along with a wide range of issues that interest him, starting with his first job, aged 16, which involved him walking around Soho delivering photos to ad agencies. His career has led to him being on the STRAT7 exec board, contributing to strategy in areas such as acquisitions and international expansion. Oh, and  along the way, he got to interview the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Public Enemy, Snoop Dog, the Beastie Boys, Cocteau Twins and Massive Attack... 

Series TwoIn this episode of #TheNewAbnormal podcast, I interview Mark Shayler, owner at Ape. He's a  Thinker / Doer / Creator / Speaker / Author,  who helps companies grow sustainably by developing people, strategies and brand - whilst reducing impact. (Mark has saved his clients in excess of £120,000,000).He's also  author of the excellent books "Do Disrupt" and "Do Present".  In the interview, we discuss his highly specialised knowledge of sustainability, in which he has many years experience of advising and working with an array of clients, from major corporates to leading-edge startups. Along the way, he outlines his strategic thinking and practical approach to problems facing companies today and tomorrow. Mark also talks about the renowned Do Lectures, which have gained a stellar reputation over the years since he was  a founding partner, and with whom he continues to play a crucial role.  

Series TwoIn this reposted episode of 'The New Abnormal' I interviewed the filmmaker, broadcast journalist and presenter Wyn Baptiste. He's currently senior producer of the hugely successful TV drama 'MTV Shuga' which, for anyone not in the know, is essentially an entertainment show with a message aimed at young people; with the action set in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Cote D'Ivoire and most recently in India. He's made films on the Grenfell Tower disaster, EU Referendum, California Drought, HIV in Nigeria, Mental Health in Britain, International Corruption, The Queen, and Notting Hill Carnival. Wyn has also made documentaries for MTV, BBC and The Economist, along with campaign films for senior political figures. Prior to the above, he was a journalist at the BBC for several years.During this interview, we discuss a wide array of subjects, ranging from the social/cultural history of the Carnival, to the appalling tragedy of Grenfell, issues relating to social trust vs the pandemic, and the future for activism.  All this being set in a time where, as we recorded the podcast, #BLM demonstrations were taking place regarding the death of George Floyd and statues were being toppled in the US and UK. And in the context of this series, we also discuss the types of responses from brands that are required, along with those that are not...