Issue 44: A Bulletin for Big Ideas and Better Business

OPINION/ CREATIVITY

Philosophy now: your beliefs are a code to success

💬 Sir John Hegarty

Feeling baffled by the current state of the world? This week offers a chance to wrap your mind around things. The third Thursday of every November is reserved for thinking. World Philosophy Day is a ruminative date in the calendar, led by Unesco. It encourages people to gather so they might consider trifling issues such as our conception of reality, the perception of existence, and – of course – the fundamental nature of knowledge.

This might seem woolly, but there’s a more practical intent, according to Audrey Azoulay, Unesco’s Director-General: “In order to build a better world, to move towards an ideal of peace, we know that we must adopt a philosophical approach…” she says. “Philosophy is therefore essential when it comes to defining the ethical principles that should guide humanity.”

If your career involves having ideas, then it pays to have a creative philosophy

Indeed. While we might often overlook the discipline’s potential in unravelling the mysteries of our society, we underplay its importance in business too. Specifically, when it comes to developing one for our creativity. “Now, what is your creative philosophy?” is a question that would result in a blank look in most job interview settings. But if your career involves having ideas and turning them into products, communications, or services, then it pays to have one.

Your philosophy is the substance that makes your work unique. It’s a meaning system that guides your biggest decisions. Look closely at any world-beating company, and you’ll discover that their output is governed by a belief. So, this Thursday, I have a proposal. Book out some time in your schedule to revisit, refine, or draw up your creative philosophy (I wrote a quick guide on how to find it back in Issue 16). If it doesn’t help you unravel the secrets of the human condition, it will help you get more from your talents.

THE AGENDA

✏️ Pencil it in: your agenda for the coming week

1.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, will address the European Parliament in Brussels via video link. The speech will mark 1000 days since Russia’s invasion.
19th November

2.
The motto for the 34th annual Frankfurt European Banking Congress is: “‘Out of the Comfort Zone: Europe and the New World Order’. It’s fitting: the Euro has just slid to its lowest value in a year.
22nd November

3.
The US marks National Entrepreneurs’ Day. It aims to celebrate “the doers, dreamers, and job creators whose vision and grit fuel our economy and capture the essence of America,” according to a White House statement.
19th November

4.
Abu Dhabi Art 2024 comes to the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It will involve over one hundred galleries, and five-hundred artists.
20th – 24th November

5.
It’s a good week for fans of light-bodied red wine. Beaujolais Nouveau Day is the third Thursday of this month. It’s when winemakers release the stuff for sale.
21st November

BRAZIL / GEOPOLITICS

Emboldened: President of Argentina Javier Gerardo Milei
Contributor: John Angelillo / UPI / Alamy Live News

Diplomacy vs delinquency

Leaders of the twenty wealthiest countries continue their powwow today at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. There is – as ever – no shortage of concerns to table at the meeting, but the one causing the greatest consternation is how to deal with Donald Trump’s second time in charge at The White House. The president-elect has an unorthodox approach to diplomacy, and spurns convention when it comes to global get-togethers. Leaders present will be discussing means of approaching issues such as climate change, ongoing wars and trade in a world where liberal democracies’ most vital partner is among the least predictable. Delinquency spreads in groups. Seemingly emboldened by the result of the US election, Argentina’s president Javier Gerardo Milei (pictured) has already promised to block the summit’s joint declaration. Leaders should remember that the greatest teams are those most capable of putting competing interests aside.

ON CREATIVITY /

Contributor: Clo’e Floirat

OXFORD / EDUCATION

Riding on his coat-tails? The former Chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Patten
Contributor: Harry Harrison / Alamy Stock Photo

Oxford announces new chancellor

The Chancellor of the University of Oxford is – mostly – a ceremonial position. Since the role was created some 800 years ago, not a single woman has been elected, while thirty-five men named ‘William’, have, observes The Economist. In the running for next week’s appointment to replace Lord Pattern (pictured) are former politicians, activists, entrepreneurs, and members of the clergy. Imran Khan, a former cricketer, and prime minister of Pakistan was excluded from the race. Oxford is steeped in history and arcane rituals, but it has a more crucial purpose than educating the elite – almost one-third of British students admitted this year came from private schools. For instance, Oxford University Innovation is a subsidiary of the institution, and turns scientific research into breakthrough technologies. The incoming candidate ought to focus away from some of the university’s fustier practices, and build on its potential to innovate.

US / MUSIC

More black than pink
Contributor: Jeremy Smith / imageSPACE / Alamy Live News

K-wave: still popping off?

K-pop might be South Korea’s biggest cultural export. The genre generated a record-breaking £570 million in overseas sales last year, according to official figures. Recognising the best in the business this week is the MAMA Awards, a ceremony that will take place in Los Angeles. This year’s theme is: “Big Blur: What is Real?”, an idea inspired by art, technology, and surrealism. K-pop might be riding high, but the management agencies that run its biggest acts, are not. The largest four companies – Hybe Corporation, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment – have all seen shares drop this year due to an array of issues ranging from leadership to plain bad luck. For instance, Hybe Corporation has been hobbled by boy band BTS taking a leave of absence to perform compulsory military service. And members of YG Entertainment’s group Blackpink appear set on pursuing solo careers. For executives, the current headwinds will be painfully real.

Ideas won’t keep. Something must be done about them.

/Alfred North Whitehead