These past few months has meant a lot of travelling for work.
What comes with that apart from more stamps in the passport, it static time. On a plane. On a train. In a wait room. In a car. Wherever.
What comes with THAT is the perfect opportunity to listen to masters and experts on podcasts and Masterclass.com. I mean, there is very little you can’t learn about, and amazing people to hear from these days.
My pick today is Rick Rubin. Long time collaborator, award-winning music producer, now published author he is the ultimate living form of creative dexterity and sophistication.
Hold onto your hats…
Here’s some absolute gold he said:
“Whatever we see, that’s what we think.”
Now, having come freshly from a week of learning NLP, I know this isn’t the whole story, however, there is great truth in whatever you put out (particularly as an organisation), that’s what you get back. It’s the same principle. People will make short cuts and lump an understanding of you together based on what they see (and hear and feel) from you. So it’s super important that we become über intentional with our words, visuals, message tone, partnerships and placement so that we give the right impression.
“If we can connect with what’s around us, we can tune into our part in it.”
Context. Positioning. Landscape. If we can understand the big picture, we can then carve out our role and space within it. This can both surprise us and motivate us as organisational leaders – seeing white space and opportunity is a very powerful thing.
“There’s something beautiful about being able to say ‘This is me, the is how I see the world’ – that’s enlivening.”
And I would add, being completely unapologetic about it, too! Having the vulnerability to 1. know yourself and your story (including in business), i.e. authenticity and 2. have the courage to stand up and say it i.e. confidence, is pretty magic and we can all recognise these powerful traits. He describes this process as “a beautiful form of connection and communication”.
And so, so much more – he’s an inspirational man who understands the connectedness of all things and many great lessons we can draw on in our branding, communications and creative endeavours.
If you’ve not seen his book yet “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” then go out and get your copy – you won’t be disappointed.
These were taken from his conversation with Debbie Millman on Design Matters. Photo by Frazer Harrison.
Want support transforming your mindset, brand and business with an intimate group, in Portugal this October? Unapologetic Retreats is open if you’re ready to take your next big step.
Join 3 experts in their field as we navigate these 3 core areas of your business. Learn more at unapologeticretreats.com.