10 Things CEOs Need to Know About Design

10 Things CEOs Need to Know About Design

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Work Harder AND Smarter

How about this article as an inpiration for Entrepreneurs. Are you a Lifestyler or a Hustler?

Me? I’m a hustler (aww, yeah!). I escape 9-5 by working 8 to 8. I work weekends. When I’m not working, I’m thinking about work. Sound bad? Maybe we have different ideas of what work is. Work has no negative connotations to me. It’s equally rewarding as it is inspiring; equally exciting as it is relaxing. I always have my eye on the prize: making things better all the time for our company, for our community and for our customers. It’s not that I have no life, hustlers are expert life-multitaskers. They recognize that ideas or opportunities can arise at any time, and they’re always prepared. Ever seen Gary Vaynerchuk speak or watch WLTV? Hustler. Ever notice how Marc Ecko always has 100 things going on at a time? Hustler. Hustlers work smarter and harder.

A Good Pitch

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Dream of Forgiveness

Thoughts



What characterises the human race more, cruelty, or the capacity to feel shame for it. I'm lonelier and wiser now, and I know it isn't cruelty or shame that characterises the human race. It's forgiveness that makes us what we are. Without forgiveness, our species would've annihilated itself in endless retributions. Without forgiveness, there would be no history.

Without hope, the would be no art, for every work of art is in some way an act of forgiveness. Without that dream, there would be no love, for every act of love is in some way a promise to forgive. We live on because we can love, and we love because we can forgive.

- Roberts, Gregory David (2003) Shantaram

Beautiful Mine

Thoughts



Every time I see you, the film of high heels and silver plates runs through the void. You can't ease what the pain divides, and I don't want this state of mind. You are a stress factor that I can't handle, while at the same time I prostitute myself trying to understand you. It is hard to be strong when I crave you like I do.

At the core is the ruthless and emotionless change within a day. Where is the smile, open heart and willingness to involve? Now, all I see is distorted dreams in silence. No vital signs just the violence. Please, push me away because I can't do it myself.

The Peace Is My Culture

Thoughts



I was thinking about another kind of soul, one that runs through every one of us, no matter where we come from. It's the pure, essential truth of what each of us is, and can achieve. All my life I'd been a fighter. I was always ready, too ready, to fight for what I loved, and against what I deplored. In the end, I became the expression of that fight, and my real nature was concealed behind a mask of menace and hostility.

They nailed their stakes into the earth of my life, and marked it with a new name, Shantaram - man of peace. Whether they discovered that peace or created it, the truth is that the man I am was born in those moments. The better man that, slowly, and much too late, I began to be.

- Roberts, Gregory David (2003) Shantaram

The Soul Has No Culture

Thoughts



I was falling a sleep. At that very moment she came and touched my shoulder. Reached out to comfort me; only there and then did I see and feel the torment of what I'd done, and what I'd become. My heart broke on its shame and sorrow. I suddenly knew how much crying there was in me, and how little love. I knew, at last, how lonely I was.

But I couldn't respond. My culture had taught me all the wrong things well. So I lay completely still, and gave no reaction at all. But the soul has no culture. The soul has no nations. The soul has no colour or accent or way of life. The soul is forever. The soul is one. And when the heart has its moment of truth and sorrow, the soul can't be stilled.

I clenched my teeth against the stars. I closed my eyes. I surrendered to sleep. One of the reasons why we crave love, and seek it so desperately, is that love is the only cure for loneliness, and shame, and sorrow. But some feelings sink so deep into the heart that only loneliness can help you find them again. Some truths about yourself are so painful that only shame can help you live with them. And some things are just so sad that only your soul can do the crying for you.

- Roberts, Gregory David (2003) Shantaram

Zeitgeist Addendum

Philosophy + Thoughts

Tonight I watched the hyped film Zeitgeist Addendum (watch it here). It is a very eye opening and thoughtful film. I must say, I am very pro capitalism ideas of motivating people from inside and giving them incentives to work to make their life better. I don't believe that state managed world would never survive because of the sloth people will endure eventually.

Zeitgeist Addendum argues "there should be no states"

The internet is opening the world to mash up culturally and economically. We are opening our world to new information. In addition, as we speak the monetary system is about to collapse. I believe, within the next couple of years, the world will start to accelerate away from the monetary system, where the system is for the profit. Not for the people. I think it could be for both. Monetary system worked in the old world where technology could not take away scarcity. Today it is outdated, because of the still emerging information and technology revolution.

Is the solution towards the ideas the Venus Project states in Zeitgeist Addendum? Maybe, maybe not. That does not matter. The film's strength is that is makes you think.

However, the film does have its weakness. One issue it does not cover is power. Ultimately, people do not look for money or easy living, they look for power. And we should not be naive to believe, that even with all needs provided, people would live in harmony with no power hungry individuals emerging.

Still, the point of the film is that it is time for a new system. I agree. We are no longer living in a world where scarcity is an issue. Human society has means to provide everything for everybody, from energy to transportation and food. if we just could take away the power hunger.

Could we live in a world where cultures mash up to produce individual opinions and little notions about places, people, behaviors. About the good and positive issues human mind truly wishes to have. In a world where no war is fought because there is no scarcity?

Free your mind.

Helsinki - Home Sweet Home

Thoughts

[caption id="attachment_394" align="alignleft" width="128" caption="refurbishing"][/caption]Last couple of weeks been intense. London trips, intense business development meetings, refurnishing my new flat and getting all together for moving. Some of my sensible assumptions been wrong, still I am getting a good story out of all this mess. Out of what mess someone might ask? The problem is, that once again I seem to be on a run. Where are man's roots?

"Act one was when we met, I loved you at first glance
You read your line so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seemed to change and you acted strange
And why I'll never know
But I'd rather go on hearing your lies
Than go on living without you"

Elvis Presley

So in this situation those words of Elvis can be thought to mean for falling in love with a girl, or falling in love with a place. Beside falling in love with girls, I always want to fall in love with a city. To see if I can grow my roots there. Helsinki was the town I fell in love with for the first time, second London, third New York. However, the real love seemed to be in my hometown of Lappeenranta. Still, once again I feel the need to be on a run away from the memories hitting hard. Man never learns?

"You look like an angel,
Walk like an angel
Talk like an angel
But I got wise
You're the devil in disguise
Oh yes you are"

Elvis Presley

Why a man has to run looking for something and when the world turns, suddenly be hungry again. One has to walk the streets again, learn to steal and suddenly the cold wind breaks again. When can a man stand tall and proud?

Helsinki, I beg you, do not betray me.

Number #1 Political Lyrics

Thoughts



Kanye West
'Diamonds Are Forever'

Diamonds are forever
They're all I need to please me
They can't stimulate or tease me
They won't leave in the night
Have no fear that they might
Desert me

"Diamonds are forever forever forever"
Throw ya diamonds in the sky
If you feel the vibe
"Diamonds are forever forever forever"
The ROC is still alive
Everytime I rhyme
"Forever and ever!"
For ever ever? for ever ever? ever ever?
Ever ever? ever ever? ever ever? ever ever?

Good Morning, this ain't Vietnam still
People lose hands, legs, arms for real
Little was known of Sierra Leone
And how it connect to the diamonds we own
When I speak of Diamonds in this song
I ain't talkin bout the ones that be glown
I'm talkin bout Rocafella, my home, my chain
These ain't conflict diamonds,is they Jacob? don't lie to me man
See, a part of me sayin' keep shinin',
How? when I know of the blood diamonds
Though it's thousands of miles away
Sierra Leone connect to what we go through today
Over here, its a drug trade, we die from drugs
Over there, they die from what we buy from drugs
The diamonds, the chains, the bracelets, the charmses
I thought my Jesus Piece was so harmless
'til I seen a picture of a shorty armless
And here's the conflict
It's in a black person's soul to rock that gold
Spend ya whole life tryna get that ice
On a polo rugby it look so nice
How could somethin' so wrong make me feel so right, right?
'fore I beat myself up like Ike
You could still throw ya Rocafella diamond tonight, 'cause

People askin' me is I'm gon' give my chain back (uh)
That'll be the same day I give the game back (uh)
You know the next question dog 'yo, where Dame at?'(uh)
This track the Indian dance to bring our reign back (whoo!)
'wassup wit you a Jay man, are ya'll okay man?'

[Jay-Z]
Yep!
I got it from her 'ye damn!
The chain remains, the game is intact
The name is mine, I'll take blame for that
The pressure's on, but guess who ain't gon' crack? [laughs]
Pardon me I had to laugh at that
How could you falter when you're the rock of gibraltar
I had to get of the boat so I could walk on water
This ain't no tall order, this is nothin to me
Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week
I do this in my sleep,
I sold kilos of coke, (so?) I'm guessin' I can sell CD's
I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man
Let me handle my business, damn!
Kanyeez you got me, Freeway and Foxy
YG', Teairra Mari, Petey watch me
Bleek could be one hit away his whole career
As long as I'm alive, he's a millionaire
And even if I die, he's in my will somewhere
So he can just kick back and chill somewhere, oh yeah
He don't even have to write rhymes
The Dynasty like my money last three lifetimes
Shirley Bassey was in the rear sayin exactly
What I was sayin practically my whole carreer
The diamond is forever, I been mindin' this forever
Now the Louis Vuitton Don's timin' couldn't be better
People lined up to see the Titanic sinkin'
Instead we rose from the ash like a phoenix
If you waitin' for the end, the dynasty signed
And what seemed like forever is a mighty long time
I'm young, bitches
Goodnight!

EMI On The Way Up?

Thoughts + Business

In a report by The Hollywood Reporter Lars Brandle of Billboard writes that EMI has posted a £59m profit in Q2 of 2008, up from the loss of £45m just a year ago. Of course it about a year since Guy Hands took over to overhaul the music major.

In January I wrote a post about the overhaul of the company, predicting that Guy Hands business approach on music production and sales will be very beneficial. Seems that cost reduction and streamlining are starting to take effect. Like Guy Hands claim The Hollywood Reporter's article:

It is already clear to me that what is emerging at EMI is not only a far leaner organization, but a more focused and effective one as well, and better aligned with the interests of our artists. An organization that is becoming much better placed to serve artists and customers alike, and to give our talented people the opportunity and the tools to produce their best work.

Right, I agree that the company is much better and focused. Bringing business to the obese music business, that rotted the industry in the late 90's and early 00's, is nothing but beneficial for both the artists and customers. However, I wish to raise few points.

- By being more focused, how much fewer artists EMI serves today? Is the focus only on the most profitable albums or is the still experimental and risk taking mentality in the company's A&R sector?

- Is EMI still holding on for the Digital Right Management systems. If it is, how satisfied the customers are?

- How much EMI has contributed on developing digital distribution systems during the last 12 months?


I must admit I don't know the answers on these. However, seems that EMI is turning the tide and getting back on its feet, but me as an Artist Management, has to question the means this is archived. Good management in the creative field would has to involve innovation like in any business. Investing to the future is the only way to guarantee a continued success.

At the moment EMI is boasting about profitability and cost reductions (mainly be laying off 2000 employees). Is Guy Hands is one of the "New Olympians", the global elite of investors who oppose state intervention until they need a government bail-out? Much of the problems of the credit crunch is because of the free traders, who are no longer driven by comparative advantage, rather the ability to maximise profits by cutting costs. Therefore, I wish there would be a report on the creative output as well.

Leaving London

Thoughts

So, it has happened. After just 2 months of planning, I left the amazing London. I am not sure if I will drag my ass back to the city, most likely will, or will I take another direction to lets say New York. I prefer the latter one to be honest. Or China sounds interesting as well, not least because of the economic development in Asia. 21th Century will belong to China.

However, 5 years in London were a ride I was looking for and I cannot be but thankful. In a retrospect, what did I learned from this city of eternal smoke? Like I have often said, I loved London because it has given me so much shit. I think the whole reason for London life versus the secure nest in the north, was to run away from the numbness that was crawling on me back in 2003. I needed to fall down to be able to pick myself again.

One major factor, of course, was the Arts Management course. Those years of studying, reading and debating about points of view completely overhauled most of my beliefs about creative process. However, outcome is an understanding that gives me ability to face and take on challenges. I learned how to use my personal strengths, and bravely went to use them in VJ and online TV industries.

Surely, living deep in South London was another main factor. Seeing a man shot 100m from your doorsteps, being mugged, your landlord attacking and running out of cash, finally forcing one to sneak into the nightlife London. The nightlife being the final stepping point into what I call my army training. How different it would have been in the north?

However, now it is time to move on. Final blow for this major step came from the one love. A person I could die for, Jade, as I cannot face London without her. No doubt time will heal the wounds, and maybe enable me to return, but not for a while, no. Still, even this fall on over love does teach something...well...like the theme that Christopher Nolan directed Batman Begins revolves around:

"Mr Wayne, why do we fall? So that we learn to pick ourselves up again".

The discipline to focus myself in the last 2 years after graduation has enabled me to leave my mark into the London nightlife. These years crystalized many ideas, some of which I plan to execute next.

Below a photo of the great MoSTV team. Good times.

Returning to Helsinki

Thoughts

It was time to return to the land of fathers. This comes from the deluxe room at a design hotel Glo in the heart of Helsinki. The reason is work, filming two features for MoSTV. Feelings run deep and philosophically this is a well meaningful journey.

Just after one day, I'm seriously enjoying this city. Quality of life is so much better, but would have the same opportunities if living here? They say traveling is meaningless without a place to return. The question is am I traveling or simply rooting myselfto London?

More interestingly the skills, experiences and all the shit that has been poured over have changed me inside. Cliché but in this case very much applicable. How will Helsinki treat me during this trip might change course of this journey. Will it be better to have been away or will it just feel like utopia of days gone by? One thing is for sure, Helsinki has changed as well. I am the one to catch up.

Cool Skateboarding Video

Thoughts

Today I was pointed to this great video. Skateboard videos are known for their repetitious subject matter. There has been many efforts to bring variety to the tricks with bloopers and other jackass behavior. However, Spike Lee's (I think it is his?) take on Fully Flared video intro gives a new understanding on the high impact of skateboard culture.

Fully Flared Intro

EMI challenge - finally a major wakes up

Thoughts + Business

Guy Hands has realised that the music industry's investments are not delivering much. And that it is a massive task to turnaround a institutional company like EMI. In his blognote, Gerd Leonhard sites the Digital Music News article:

EMI needs to be able to capitalize on A&R's creative output and respond to consumer trends rapidly, and on a global scale. This means that we will move from a regional business model to a global functional model in which the primary reporting lines are aligned to the functions and not to geographical location.

I think Guy Hands has shown his experience as venture capitalist and business leader by boldly going into an industry that has stagnated because of its unwillingness to adapt. Reasons for the stagnation are many I believe. Through my own experience, I would argue one of the reasons to be leaders who are very incapable of analysing and are living by the words "sex, drugs and rock ' roll".

Music is often seen as art. Well, it is when you just concentrate on the production. We have to remember that it becomes a business when the artists and labels want to get some income from it. At that point, you HAVE to be to able realise changes and adapt to the fast changing business environment.

Guy Hands is actually doing this. I give my praise to him as he seems to be one of the few ones with enough balls to change a music major. Many in the music industry talk about EMI sinking, but I beg them to explain why. If I would be an artist, I would definitely stay. Finally EMI is awake.

The Future of Media

Thoughts



This is a very interesting video on the future of media, posted at Callan's blog. Some great thought behind it and some catchy graphics make it worth the six minutes of your life. Is it unrealistic? You tell me. Not sure about the logo right at the end though - conspiracy theory anyone? And somehow I feel Google has something to do with this clip.

Band from TV

Thoughts

This is awesome. Television industry's superstars such as Hugh Laurie (House, Jeeves and Wooster - especially the latter one!), James Denton (Desperate Housewives), Greg Grunberg (Heroes), Bonnie Somerville (Cashmere Mafia), and Bob Guiney (The Bachelor) have formed a band. This group of amateur musicians call themselves a "Band From TV", and have become a phenomenon itself by storming download charts with their track "Minnie the Moocher".

What makes this so awesome is the fact that all the profit is going to different charities though Band From TV foundation and they genuinely have fun playing together. And it gives them such a joy to experience the recording studio set. Truly awesome example of the power of the music.

Viral World

Philosophy + Business

The new Cadbury chocolate advert with the gorilla. It has created a turmoil within the advertising industry, many top level people saying that the advertisement future is changing. Might be true, and the interview with Laurence Green, the creative director of the company behind the Cadbury's Gorilla (Fallon London), made me think about the issue.

"...there is a product message in there too. In fact, the entire commercial is a product metaphor. "Chocolate is about joy and pleasure. For years Cadbury has told us that it was generous, through the glass and a half strap line. We thought, don't tell us how generous you are; show us. Don't tell us about joy; show us joy."

What is important in this quote is the last bit. Society is changing, and the media has to change with it. We are so bombarded with advertisements and choice that sometimes it feels that we are anymore free to do the choice between products. This leads to the fact that audience / consumers (which ever way you want to call them) do not want someone to tell them. They want someone to show them.

This is a television broadcast spot that actually feels like a viral. There’s something intrinsically wonderful about seeing this weird little bit of film unceremoniously crop up between Big Brother commercial breaks.

Brilliant, memorable, left-field way to engage people with a famous brand that needs no introduction and has traditionally suggested that the most important thing about chocolate is a glass and a half of milk. Respects my intelligence and is prepared to spend some of my ‘hard earned chocolate budget’ on giving me a laugh.

Overworked, Underpayed

Thoughts

I am wondering about this rat race I'm living in. I am earning well enough to support myself, though relatively little to my London peers. Though money has not been the reason, rather the content of work. Currently I love what I do, but it makes me think is it worth it without any payment after 6 weeks of full on work. Am I underpayed? Yes, but the learning curve has been extremely beneficial and has opened many doors.

Minor Tones

Thoughts

To be honest, I think I'm more after the easy life than the little bohemian artist inside wants to be. I have nothing but good things to say about the people, though their current government is betraying the whole human kind for the sake of profits. That is beside the point however, as I wanted to talk about a situation that evolved last weekend in a lounge bar. A dude, dressed in an expensive suit, asks this from my friend.

"Where are you from?"
"England"
"Nice, very cool. I am from California, Los Angeles."
(I give away short laugh, for the obviously cocky manner he used)
"Why are you smiling like that? You must be jeaulous."
(Silencio)

Right, just why the hell would he think I am jealous for him. California is great in many ways...really it is, and I would move there if the opportunity should provide me the chance. Or to be precise, I do have the chance all the time, though have chosen to take another direction than moving there right now. Actually I think I'm more jealous for the homeless ones living in Barcelona than for him living in LA.

So what I am trying to say is that, stop being so god damn simple minded. Life is not always about sunshine, money and girls (although most of the time it is...). And beside, repetition kills you. The cookie you eat everyday, will soon taste like dust. Sometimes I admire my dad for his favourite hobby:

Sitting beside the lake, alone and just thinking.