The Show Must Go On
As Queen (the British rock band not the Queen Queen) said, “On with the show, the show must go on.”
My four weeks in London have come to a close, but it’s really just the beginning…the beginning of friendship, partnership, global network collaboration – an opportunity to approach new business opportunities with fresh eyes, hunger, and aspirations.
I’ve learned in my time here that through music, there is an incredible opportunity to help brands build deeper, more meaningful, more culturally relevant connections with consumers instead of simply bankrolling it behind the scenes. Music can help a brand play an authentic role in the consumer’s life when executed in the right way. And UMG backs all these decisions through the rigorous strategy and research implemented by the Global Insights team who find the intersection of the two. It’s so smart to see it all come together — I see so many similarities between their group and our Brand and Business Strategy team back home.
http://www.globe-umusic.co.uk/2017-showreel/
Thanks to my host UMG, I was able to spend time in another creative space this week – the Abbey Road Studio. It felt right to end my pilgrimage into the music realm where it all began in 1931 — in the world’s original recording studio. Most famous for being home to where The Beatles created the magical and innovative music that we have known and loved for decades, but sacred ground for musicians everywhere – from composers to hip hop stars.
Max DePree said “In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining who we are.”
I attended a workshop this week where we spoke about the alternative ways to do new business — allowing me the opportunity to assess my strengths, weaknesses, approach and processes. And I realize how much self-reflection and personal and professional growth I’ve underwent over the last 4 weeks.
If you have the opportunity, the Lofts program is a life-changing experience. All it requires is being open to learning and ideating, getting outside your comfort zone (a lot), and ultimately becoming better at what you do even if what you’re doing is completely different.
The opportunity to meet truly amazing people with different points-of-view, different skill-sets, different ways of working, different business and brand challenges, different global viewpoints… it’s an irreplaceable experience.
I cannot thank UMG enough for opening their doors and giving me the Lofts experience of my dreams.
It was truly chicken soup for my advertising soul.
A special shout out to Marcia, Ross, Nadir, Ali, Alex M, Andy, Lindsay, Richard, Adam, Robin, Gemma, Goli, James, Kate, Zac, Rob, James, Nick, Manny, Chris, Alex G, Aaron, Sam, Sarah, Honor, Caryn, Selena, Orla, and so many more who shared their time. It meant the world to me.
Thank you for a peek behind the curtain — I can’t wait to see what we do together in the future.
Until next time London. Until next time.
“You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” — Samuel Johnson
