Ever since I became aware of Carl Jung’s theories about the human psyche, I’ve been fascinated by archetypes. The warrior, the priestess, the king, the hero – they are all motifs we instinctively understand and carry within us. An archetype is a universal symbol of a collection of traits – the warrior is brave, strong and honourable; the priestess wise and intuitive. But there are light and … [Read more...] about How to tell a brand story through the eyes of your Trailblazer Archetypes
Trailblazing Creatives
How a photograph can hold the key to compelling content
'You go down, down past the Talk of the Town....' My heart is pumping. I'm excited but nervous. I'm going to watch the hottest band in London film their new video... in front of an invited audience – including me! You know that feeling you get when you know you're in THE place to be? That's how I'm feeling right now... 'You go down Greek Street then it's underground...' I know there are … [Read more...] about How a photograph can hold the key to compelling content
How to be as irresistible as Boy George
For the past couple of months, my Trailblazing Creatives partner Nicky Moran and I have been writing about clarity in all aspects of self-promotion (see links at the end of this blog). But now we’re moving on to the second of our ‘Six Cs’, which builds on that clarity – compelling content. Over the next couple of months Nicky and I will be exploring different aspects of this topic. I’ve been … [Read more...] about How to be as irresistible as Boy George
If you really want to stand out you’ll have to mind your language
As part of my work as a public speaking coach and trainer, I facilitate a workshop called Speak Like a TED Talker, which teaches participants how to express themselves authentically, from the heart, and with diamond-sharp clarity. In the morning we play a game called ‘TED or Dead’. I read out the titles of various speeches and ask the group to decide whether or not they are TED talks or dead … [Read more...] about If you really want to stand out you’ll have to mind your language
How can you fall in love with your audience if you can’t see them clearly?
Ten years ago, when I was a footloose and fancy-free 50-year-old, I started dating younger men. One day I received a flattering message from a man who looked like a male model. He was gorgeous. I couldn’t believe he was interested in me. We started messaging each other and eventually the conversation turned to meeting up. I was beyond excited. But every time I tried to pin him down, he would come … [Read more...] about How can you fall in love with your audience if you can’t see them clearly?
Why do you need clarity of purpose? Because people buy why…
Simon Sinek’s TED talk has been viewed more than 36 million times. It doesn’t have a particularly memorable title but what I'll always remember about it is a key phrase he uses all the way through – ‘People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.’ This has always made sense to me. When you are introduced to someone at a social or business event, they inevitably ask ‘What do you do?’ And … [Read more...] about Why do you need clarity of purpose? Because people buy why…