The New Abnormal

Series OneIn this episode of 'The New Abnormal' I interviewed the futurist and serious big-thinker Leon Kreitzman. He's the author of 'The 24 Hour Society' which took an incredibly prescient look at the world today, when it was published back in the 1990's. Leon also co-wrote the superb 'Rhythms of Life' and 'Seasons of Life' with Professor Russell Foster. His particular area of specialisation is in the relationship between biological and social factors in determining human behaviour, including consumer activity. In this podcast, we discuss his views across a wide range of areas and issues inc Huxley, Orwell, Ballard, social stratification, receptiveness to surveillance, decentralised Government, and various emerging dystopias. What's not to like?

Series OneIn this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interviewed Teresa Havvas, an award-winning creative communication consultant and educator (inc UCA Business School, Westminster, University of the Arts London, Conde Nast College and the British School of Fashion) regarding her blend of brand expertise, design sensibility and applicable theory. Teresa is also the founder of 'The Advisory &' a space to sense-check strategies and inspire good ideas on a collaborative basis via 1-1 counsel and creative workshops. In our discussion, she explains her views on what being a 'Creative Communication Expert' should mean today, why the 'R' in PR is all about sustainable & responsible relationships, and why we should also replace the p's with d's in the new marketing mix. Along the way, she illuminates her insights into storytelling, cross-generational mentoring, personal authenticity, self-development, whole-health management, transformational leadership, and collaborative intelligence. What's not to like?

Series OneIn this early episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interviewed the incredibly dynamic Will Skeaping, an activist and strategist with Extinction Rebellion. He's co-editor of the best-selling XR handbook 'This is not a Drill', and is currently challenging the advertising industry and art world to act now on the climate & ecological crisis. When he's not haunting meetings and social occasions as the ghost of our climate & ecological future, he specialises in brand strategy for start-ups.In this interview, we discuss the impact of C19 on protest and activism, along with ongoing disinformation and fake news regarding the XR movement, and 'what happens next' regarding the #COP summits.Hence why we mustn't allow our attention to be diverted from the overarching issue of the climate & ecological emergency, which is 'C19 on Meth'.

Series OneIn this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interviewed John Shaw, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Superunion 'a next-generation agency built on a spirit of creative optimism'. (His past roles inc being Chief Strategy Officer of WPP Team Red, Strategy & Planning Partner at Rapier, Regional Planning Director EAME / Joint Worldwide Planning Director at Ogilvy, and Planning Director at Wieden + Kennedy). During the episode, John illuminates his views on issues regarding the ongoing changes in both corporate culture and agency-land, why so many agencies are still so bad at clarifying their positioning, poses the question 'what is a company' and provides some compelling answers re: the future of work inc workplaces / workforces. He then moves on to discuss the tensions between luxury and sustainability, and why the C19 crisis has led to a resurgence of nostalgia. Along the way, he discusses a really dynamic career that's seen him work with some of the biggest and best names in the world of agencies, and gives his advice for the planners & strategists of tomorrow. Note: since recording this podcast, John has now set up his own consultancy 'Earthling'. Checkout-his LinkedIn page for more info...

Series OneIn this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interviewed the fashion educator, writer and consultant Harriet Posner. She's the BA Programme Director at Conde Nast College of Fashion Design. Harriet has spent her working life designing, teaching, writing about and generally immersing herself in the world of fashion and design; and specialises in the sector's branding, marketing, promotion and communication. She's also the author of 'Marketing Fashion: Strategy, Branding and Promotion' which is recognised as a core text for those studying fashion marketing and promotion, and which is published in four languages. In this interview, we discuss macro and micro trends effecting the sector, along with the crucial impact of the pandemic. We therefore cover a wide range of issues, including the future for supply chains, pricing strategy, luxury branding, sustainability, ethics, activism, and experiential marketing. 

Series OneIn this episode, I interview the leading-edge artist Chemical X. We start by discussing his latest work in Los Angeles, that led to him appearing on America's TV screens in the world's most surreal car chase c/o the LAPD; due to a series of 'provocative artistic statements' that saw the homeless community juxtaposed with the world of luxury brands. I last saw him after he'd returned from a show in Lisbon to launch a superb collection in London, in those happy days when we could all actually hang out in galleries. (As he says, his next shows will have to be held cities beginning with a different letter). We then move on to talk about the show he's currently working on, titled 'Fake'. (You'll find more info at chemicalx.co.uk) .

Series OneThis episode features a masterclass in luxury branding advice from Alex West (co-founder of Maker London), a consultant who is renowned for being at the epicentre of the luxury sector. He discusses his viewpoints on areas ranging from quality control and consumer touchpoints, to brand actions and communication reflecting the authentic values of the brand in question. Alex also illuminates the creation and development of the staggeringly successful 'GREAT' campaign. It's one that saw him initially presenting the 'Big Idea' to Govt ministers assembled around the Cabinet table at No10, which also then led to 184 (yes, 184) further meetings...but which had a hugely beneficial impact on both the national brand and on a myriad number of organisations, people and places around Great Britain. In addition, he also discusses the vital need for artisans and craftspeople to be promoted, and how this ethos is championed at London Craft Week, where he's heavily involved on a senior level. 

Series OneThis episode of #TheNewAbnormal featured Gideon Wilkins, Head of Research at McCann Central.  (Part of McCann Worldgroup, who have an integrated network of advertising agencies in over 120 countries). Prior to joining McCann's, Gideon was the Global Brand Guidance Director at Kantar Millward Brown, based in Shanghai. In this podcast, he discusses the findings and implications of some fascinating natural language analysis that the agency has been conducting. In doing so, Gideon explains the insights gained via integrating multi-source and AI-analytics in conversational data, regarding the present and future self. We debate issues such as clarifying meaningful roles for brands in the context of C19, leveraging a 5C's ethos; and the vital role that disruption plays for legacy and challenger brands, for instance regarding System 1 & 2 thinking.

Series One In this episode of The New Abnormal, I interview Kate Shepherd, Director and Co-founder of The Future Collective. She specialises in strategic design direction and cultural intelligence, based on 25+ years experience in the design industry where her clients ranged from Rolls-Royce to adidas to P&G. After working for leading agencies inc Imagination, Checkland Kindleysides, and Fitch, she then co-founded The Future Collective - an alternative consultancy specialising in brand identity and experience design. Crucially, their collective approach offers clients a means of commissioning world-class freelance talent, instead of simply using the standard and more expensive agency model. That collaborative ethos is replicated in different guises in markets and sectors around the world, but it's one in which there is still much to learn from, and of course give back to, in a spirit of 'pass it on' open-source generosity.  Therefore, Kate explains why the Future Collective's approach to collaboration seems to have worked so well, and what the practical lessons are for both client-side marketers and freelance creatives & strategists who may be interested in utilising this dynamic approach.

Series OneIn this episode of 'The New Abnormal' I speak with a truly inspiring individual, Kevin Braddock; who has 25 years' experience as a writer-editor and consultant, leading storytelling projects from conception into reality. He was Features Editor of The Face, Contributing Editor (GQ, Esquire) and Editor-in-Chief (Sleek) and well as being the founder & publisher of Torchlight System: Storytelling For Recovery. In addition, he's author of the renowned "Everything Begins With Asking For Help".In this interview, we discuss his despatches from the cutting-edge of youth culture, hanging out with 'drifting creative dreamers', reaching burnout in Berlin and his hugely impactful writings about dealing with depression / anxiety. He also gives hugely insightful perspectives about his cultural & social observations during the C19 lockdowns, and his considered thoughts about the road ahead. If you ever need kind, actionable and progressive advice about mental illness: Kevin Braddock's insightful viewpoints are a great resource. And as a cultural observer, he's as sharp as he ever was, when uncovering the #FreestyleWheelbarrowScene. Ever seen that hashtagged before?