Will the facebook ad ban make a difference ?

No question, “stop hate for profit” has put Facebook’s practices in focus. But will it effect a fundamental change? Aurora asked me for an opinion: view . ( see link) I am not optimistic. I hope I am wrong. A wider understanding of Facebook internationally (and how surveillance capitalism works) indicates that its real vulnerabilityContinue reading “Will the facebook ad ban make a difference ?”

We have all gone Zoomtastic

Back in February, European marketers, creatives and strategists from Amazon joined me in London for a new training course called Insights Inspiration. I had co-designed it with Laura Downey and Alexa Caldecott across several enjoyable and animated meetings in small rooms at Amazon HQ near Liverpool Street. The commissioner of the project was Mark WillockContinue reading “We have all gone Zoomtastic”

Should Sir Kier Starmer have called for the sacking of Dominic Cummings ?

It must have felt “strong” and “decisive” and a thoroughly good thing in the bear pit of Westminister- but I am not so sure it was “a good look” when it comes to the general public. Before I say why, let’s be guided by the science – this is compulsory in all briefings these days,Continue reading “Should Sir Kier Starmer have called for the sacking of Dominic Cummings ?”

In praise of retro marketing: it’s thoroughly modern

I saw these packs in M&S yesterday. Boy, do the Brits like to hark back to their ” finest hour ” (c. W. Churchill) , when a crisis hits. The Queen was at it in her broadcast to the nation.  Has there ever been as better brand name than “Spitfire” ? I don’t think so.Continue reading “In praise of retro marketing: it’s thoroughly modern”

Will your brand be blind-sided by cultural change in 2020?

My copy of The Economist now comes in a see through non-plastic wrapper that is “100% compostable” and can be “put in the food waste bin”. An example of “leadership thinking” you might think (from a brand that prides itself on foresight) But, in truth, The Economist had no choice but to make this changeContinue reading “Will your brand be blind-sided by cultural change in 2020?”

Why politicians get so angry about Dominic Cummings

I am becoming one of those people who shouts at the TV screen. (I suppose it was inevitable – it comes with age along with hair sprouting unattractively from ears and nose and busy eyebrows. I haven’t developed the full Denis Healey – but i can see the direction of travel). My ire is aimedContinue reading “Why politicians get so angry about Dominic Cummings”

The psychological trick all politicians should know

What do all the following have in common ? Love it or hate it (Marmite) Probably the best lager in the world (Carlsberg) and this famous ad for VW: They are all highly successful examples of the pratfall effect    which is this:- Displaying weakness increases empathy and like-ability. Imperfection and making mistakes are the stuffContinue reading “The psychological trick all politicians should know”