I have captured some highlights from 2024's typically ECLECTIC portfolio of projects. Many thanks to everyone who approached me for help, contributed insights or bravely participated in my workshops. TECH-ENABLED CARE. The challenge was how to deploy 'tech-enabled care' solutions to sustain independence for adults seeking social care support. Recommended service model embraced the potential... Continue Reading →
Facilitation is core to my consultancy role and workshops range from problem-solving, to idea generation, strategy development or capability build. Agendas vary widely but they all share an expectation of a great collaborative experience that delivers excellent results. Here's 10 tips for wonderful workshop results 'facilitated' by my experience: 1. Start with a stretching (but... Continue Reading →
New research has got me thinking about the relative importance of images and words in persuasive communication. We know there is power in the right image. People process pictures instantly, are hard wired to recognize emotions, find images easier to remember and don't read beyond headlines. Studies also show adding photos increases the believability of... Continue Reading →
I am missing the energy and interaction of a workshop in a real room. That said, I can concede that virtually delivered projects in these Covid-constrained times can prove more effective. A good example is a recent project for Unilever. Our project objective was to determine the key business model and capability developments that would... Continue Reading →
Keeping a safe social distance means changes for workshops. With technology such as TEAMS, Zoom or WhatsApp ready to help, the challenge is creating a remote experience that maximises engagement and productivity. Your participants are likely to be spending plenty of time on conference calls and may not relish more. So when planning think about... Continue Reading →
Informed by recent projects with Tesco and Unilever I discussed the benefits and implications of crowd sourcing in a joint presentation with Eyeka in London last week. I concluded that there is a compelling case for inviting the crowd into most ideation projects (which enables faster and more ambitious idea development internally). In addition to... Continue Reading →
To grow your brand or business you need to get someone to change their behaviour. That could be choosing your brand in preference to others, consuming more or, perhaps, trying a new product or category for the first time. The problem is that consumers and customers can be very attached to the status quo. The... Continue Reading →
I’m lucky enough to be able to work with some of the biggest global brands on their innovation challenges. Facing competitors becoming leaner and faster these brands need bigger, more disruptive ideas delivered at speed. Below are three observations on how some brand teams are pushing us to fulfil their greater ambition. 1. They start... Continue Reading →
Many of my recent projects have been focused on product or service innovation. My involvement often starts with preparation for idea generation activity. Part of this preparation almost always involves gathering and reviewing available insight into our target consumer and/or customer. I embrace this insight as a core ingredient (alongside other material) for both successful... Continue Reading →
One of my most exciting 'behaviour change' briefs has been the development and delivery of an Innovation Academy for managers in a leading global FMCG business. Following the success of 8 academies, involving more than 200 participants I have captured 5 learning points I will retain for future projects: The project background The brief was... Continue Reading →
Facilitate Success 