The100: Saying no, staying human and Hollywood

Well, that went quickly. First week back, so forgive the dustiness. 

I thought I’d start the year with 9 reminders to take you into 2025…

1. Watching works

I must admit to a touch of bias here, but if you don’t believe me, read what the CEO of KFC in China had to say.

2. Be aware of your bubble

Old, but gold. h/t to Tom Goodwin for sharing this 8 year old clip from SNL. Funny, observant and coming true. 

3. Stay human in the age of data

If you do want to ‘restore the soul of business’ then you could do worse than read Rishad Tobaccowala’s book, which explores ‘why data is often not the way forward and we may have too much of it’.

4. Always be learning

Tom Whitwell’s ‘52 things I learned in…’ is always a great read. Take time to read, observe, listen. 

5. Strength in weaknesses

Love it or hate it, 30 years later and Marmite shows that admitting a weakness can be a strength. If you admit a flaw, you take away the power it has to cause damage. I’ve never drunk a cup of tea – there I said it. 

6. Yes to saying no

Lots of people are going to be asking you for lots of things this year. Here are some useful templates to help you say no.

7. Communication has changed. Change with it

New rules of communicating? What the what? You need to start sitting down (excellent), be spontaneous, informal and conversational. Allegedly. 

8. Goodbye demographics. Hello subcultures. 

Not sure where to start here, but group by common interest, not age. Age is so last year. 

9. No-one can predict the future…

…So it’s worth looking at what predictions from 25 years ago tell us about the next 25 years. if anything. 

Related: The BBC were pretty good at it in 1987, near enough calling smart watches and VR headsets. 

And finally….

If you’re a listener to Desert Island Discs (a BBC radio show where celebrities choose what they’d like to be stranded with on a desert island), here’s a massive geek out for you:  the full list of all music, luxuries, and books people have named. 

Some amazing behind the scenes photos from the golden age of Hollywood. 

And h/t to @SteveStuWill for this: