September 2020 - Don't Stop Us Now

Future Proof Me – Advice on Starting your Idea

September 29, 2020
by Claire

This week’s Future Proof Me mini episode shares some great advice if you’re contemplating starting your own business or side hustle.

We were so inspired by social enterprise founder Navyn Salem when we had her on the show a year or so ago. She told us how, when she had the idea to set up a social enterprise to tackle malnutrition in children in developing countries, everyone told her it couldn’t be done.

She decided she would prove the naysayers wrong and, today, her organisation Edesia has made an incredible impact and transformed 12 million children’s lives in 54 countries.

In this mini episode, Navyn shares advice about how to get started and how to approach the many problems any founder is sure to encounter.

Navyn really is the ‘real deal’ and if you like this mini episode be sure to listen back to our full conversation with her here.

Useful Links:

Edesia Website

Navyn on Instagram

Link to the full ‘Don’t Stop Us Now!’ episode with Navyn Salem

How To Episode

How to Build Your Network

September 22, 2020
by Claire

This week’s episode is one of our ‘How To’ episodes and we’re covering that sometimes awkward topic of networking.

One of our guests has described your network as your ‘net worth’ and while that may be an exaggeration, there’s no doubt who you know can really make a difference to opportunities that may come your way. Particularly if you’re in the position of wanting to change industries or jobs.

Of course, building your network during COVID can be a little bit trickier and we talk about this during the episode.

You’ll also hear tips and advice on:

How to nurture and maintain your existing network
What we (Claire and Greta) actually say and do when we’re ‘networking’
How we approach it to take the awkwardness away
And how to think about growing your network to help your career goals.

So if you’re contemplating a career change, or have neglected your network this year, then this is the episode for you! If you know someone who is looking for a job or to change careers, then why not share this with them now. Enjoy!

Useful Links:

New York Times Article we refer to – ‘We’re all socially awkward now”

Full interview with Dr Cath Ball – Flying High with Drones and More

Full interview with Maria Macnamara – On Reinvention

Future Proof Me Mini Episode

Future Proof Me – Is Fear Holding You Back?

September 15, 2020September 15, 2020
by Claire

This week’s future-proofing mini episode is all about how to take action even when you feel unsure, nervous or afraid.

The advice and observations of one of our earliest guests, investment banker and Chair of numerous tech startups, Lindley Edwards, is really valuable on this topic. Particularly in this time of COVID, learning how to manage our fears, nerves and worries is an important skill.

It’s a skill we all need to continue to practise because it’s completely normal for all of us to feel fear at times, if not often, at work. But fear can hold us back from growing and learning if we don’t practise taking action despite some nerves or fear.

Lindley has a great way of contextualising this very human experience which we think you’ll find really helpful. You are not alone.

Enjoy this mini episode ….

Links

Listen to our full interview with Lindley Edwards

Interview

Debbie Millman – Brave Heart, Big Life

September 8, 2020
by Claire

We have such a treat for you this week with the truly multi-talented and globally respected Debbie Millman.

Debbie is a designer, author, educator, artist, brand expert and host of one of the world’s longest running and highly respected podcasts, Design Matters.

Named one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company and one of the most influential designers working today by Graphic Design USA, Debbie has also written six books, her artwork has been exhibited in numerous galleries, and she co-founded the world’s first Masters in Branding.

She’s also one of the most authentic and thoughtful people we’ve met.

From difficult and traumatic beginnings, Debbie has gone on to have a stellar career.

She was President of Sterling Brands for 20 years and grew the company from 15 people to 150 before selling the business. She’s created many many iconic household brands that you see in stores today, including for Haagen-Dazs, Burger King, 7Up, and Star Wars merchandise.

In this episode you’ll learn:

How the worst day of Debbie’s life ended up being probably the most important day of her life,
Why she feels branding is one of the most significant disciplines in our culture and lives today,
Her advice about developing self esteem; and
What’s she’s learnt from over 500 podcast interviews with some incredible guests.

Enjoy this episode with the insightful and inspiring Debbie Millman

Useful Links

https://www.debbiemillman.com/

Debbie’s TED talk – How Symbols and Brands Shape our Humanity

Society 6 Debbie Millman – various designs by Debbie that you can buy

How to Build Your Personal Brand – A Course with Debbie Millman

The Art of the Story – Creating Visual Narratives

Debbie’s reading list

Futurists Debbie mentions:

Faith Popcorn

William Gordon’s books

Photography credit: John Madere Photography

Future Proof Me Mini Episode

Future Proof Me – Managing Imposter Syndrome

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020
by Claire

This week’s ‘Future Proof Me’ mini episode shares fantastic advice on how to overcome Imposter Syndrome. We were really struck by the great advice one of our very earliest guests shared with us on this topic.

Courtney Hohne has a box seat to some of the most incredible innovations in the world as chief Storyteller at X: the Moonshot Factory, Alphabet’s (i.e. Google) – innovation and R&D company. Think self driving cars, internet balloons and drone deliveries amongst many other innovations in the works.

At X, Courtney is surrounded by some of the world’s brightest, quickest and sharpest minds, an environment where even the most confident of executives could be forgiven for feeling a tad intimidated or for feeling like an imposter at the meeting table!

In fact, as she so refreshingly shares with us, this is something Courtney has to face into every day and her great advice on overcoming that imposter feeling is well worth heeding.

Check it out now we’re sure you’ll be glad you did! Enjoy.