Why we must view the UK ad industry as global not local
My recent participation in a debate about a strong UK ad industry made me think long and hard about the essence of the real contribution of advertising to the nation's economy.
Why we should all be more orca
What do female humans and orcas have in common? They both go through menopause, and there are lessons therein to be learned.
Farewell Campaign magazine
As Campaign prepares to go solely online, memories of the print issue's central role for anyone starting out in the industry.
What motivates people?
With a global talent shortage and as we get “back to school” for the autumn after the summer holidays, it is important to unpick, and then refresh, motivation at work.
Women's World Cup showed how expectations can and should be broken
Sexist attitudes linger and change on this front is slow, but unrealistic and stereotyped expectations are not confined to women.
Transcending the 'umwelt'
Realising that every living organism – and now even AI – has its own way of looking at the world is key to communication.
Five takeaways from Cannes 2023
Artificial intelligence, diversity and purpose in action, the power of humour and the return of big brands were among the main themes of this year’s festival.
Why 'convening' is vital to business success
What is a 'convenor' and why does every business need a good one in their leadership team?
If you can measure it, you can improve it. If you are measured, you will game it
Why targets can be both good and bad, making context and nuance key.
Embrace change... and perhaps chaos
In the new communications economy, change is continuous and accelerating, and we must be open to new learnings.
Immediate and overall purpose: what's the difference?
Here's why everyone you work should be clear about what they are doing there.
When ads are welcome
The reports of advertising's death have been greatly exaggerated.
48 ways to transform creativity, act 10: build communities
Building a community can enable a brand to get support from the crowd but also boost its success and profitability.
Don't let customer experience get lost in a brand-building silo
The necessity of making sure that every aspect of a user experience is easy and smooth is more crucial than ever.
Why brands should invite everyone in
I have never felt like I belonged to any segment that I have heard talked about by clever planners dissecting media tribes.
How to carve out an asymmetrical advantage
To win in 2023, you will need better use of data and better imagination than your competitors, while creativity will become ever-more crucial.
Why advertising has got better
Yes, the 'golden age of advertising' is no more, but things have come a long way since the industry's overriding purpose seemed to be the maintenance of the societal status quo from the 1950s.
48 ways to transform creativity, act nine: strip it back
Take a lesson out of music producer Rick Rubin's book: do less, return to the essence and you just might find greatness.
Why it can pay to agree to disagree
Consensus is not always a good thing as it can preclude diversity of thought.
Why we should be allowed to make mistakes
Making mistakes is important, they can engineer vital change and make subsequent success feel even sweeter.