The New Abnormal

Series OneIn this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interviewed Ole Petter Nyhaug, who  is a high-profile trend researcher from Oslo, who conducts research across Scandinavia and, further afield, in numerous countries around the world. He's the Global Head of Research for Opinion AS, and works with clients such as Coca-Cola, IKEA, Unilever, Audi and Vodafone. I first met him years ago, when we specialised in youth-culture research and often used to be on the speaker-list at seemingly endless trend conferences. In this interview, we discuss his views on a wide range of issues impacting culture and society, and debate how these do, or do not, differ across countries and regions. Along the way, we cover his views on the new punk/DIY generation, Green Swans, brand relevance, and Orwell... 

Series OneIn this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interview the writer, educator and consultant, Nilgin Yusuf. The ex-Creative Director of the School of Communication at London College of Fashion and a graduate of Central St Martins. She's also been a journalist of over 30 years, including being Fashion Editor of the Sunday Times. Nilgin is currently working on her third fashion book and studying for a BA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck. With work that spans print, film curation, exhibition concepts and events, she believes that meaningful narratives are key. In this episode, we discuss her career and her viewpoints across a wide range of social / cultural issues that have been impacted (or illuminated) by C19; such as inequality, wellbeing, compassion, mindfulness and indeed why Covid has been such a learning opportunity. Finally, and along with her insights into digital storytelling (she was the Media Programme Director at LCF for many years), she also explains why Warbler is her favourite app...

Series TwoIn this episode of The New Abnormal, I interviewed the Creative Director & Editorial Consultant, Navaz Batliwalla. A fashion journalist and stylist regularly contributing to international publications, Navaz is the author of 'The New Garconne' (which identified a new tribe of 'considered consumers'), the publisher of the renowned blog #Disneyrollergirl and co-founder of The Beauty Conversation. She's collaborated with a huge range of brands; recently including Agnes b, Chanel, Dior, Smythson, Turnbull & Asser, Levis's, Grenson and Shinola. So...we discuss a range of issues including her interest in brands and products that 'have a real reason to exist and are made to last', why the years '78-'82 mean to such to her (linked to growing up nearby the legendary punk venue, the Nashville), how Chelsea College of Art was so catalytic, why running a blog means 'being opinionated', cultural and social intersectionality, the 'Dance Art TikTok Explosion', charity shop style, creative collaboration, the crucial issue of craft, a renewed focus on design thinking, the myth of convenience, and 'where next' for influencer culture and activism...

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.