What is a human brand? Why would we need human brands? What difference do they make and how are they different from ‘the old world’ brands? Here are five key characteristics of the human brand to help us find answers to all the what’s and why’s. 1. Actionable values Values and norms are like the invisible glue binding societies. While values are more like the general principles or guidelines, norms are the specific codes or behaviours that make values actionable. Together, they are the nods and flows carrying ideas, feelings, and convictions. …

Behind every billion-dollar corporation, every fast company, every unicorn start-up and Silicon miracle, there is a creative mercenary. The agency. Good old creative agency. Representing the great designers, the iconic leaders, the magnificent offices, the unforgettable pitches. The buzz, the hard work, the glitter. The Mad Men, the accounts, the money and the fun. A dealership that sells visions, feelings and dreams — branding it, answering the brief…

Willa Stoutenbeek: on attitude for the greater good and on the act of manning up. [AD] The owner of the W. Green agency, over 20 years in branding, communications & PR, regular appearances in Dutch press & TV, remarkable public speaking credentials. To us, women, being in the centre of the stage does not seem to come naturally. …

Sione Raaijmakers: on work that is not working for women and on choices that aren’t real. — [AD] For over 20 years you have been a Creative Director for the champions league: leading projects and teams for the renowned global agencies, working for the hottest brands, both in the EU and the UK. One might say: you were sitting at the top of the creative world. Yet…

My first year as the founder of A.D. new world? The first year when I no longer serve harmful brands. The first year when I resigned from charging mark-ups and fugazi fees. The first year I help mighty zebras and social brands. Time for a balance sheet. Ever since I was 22, my life was about serving the agency. I dedicated my entire adulthood to climbing the ladders of the creative industry. For almost half of my life, I have been delivering, exceeding and excelling for the A-brands in the corporate champions league. …

Gender bias is not malicious, or even deliberate. Quite the opposite. It is simply the product of a way of thinking that has been around for millennia and is therefore a kind of not thinking.[1] Well, damn: it does bring comfort to know it is a side effect of stupidity. 8th of March: a.m. Twitter is on fire: Meghan Markle and Oprah interview. Quote: “Were you silent, or were you silenced?” …

The only myth worth thinking about in the immediate future is one that talks about the planet. …

Why do we think in terms of opposites? Because we can’t think otherwise. Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth The opposites. A blessing in disguise — for both — the brand makers and their brands. Why? It makes it easier to create anything if it is either this or that…

The passing of the winter solstice and the becoming of the New Year carries out a comforting, cross-cultural symbolism. Conquering the darkness (be it monsters, villains, or long cold nights). The fire and the light symbolizing purification, rejuvenation, and rebirth. The tokens of gratitude and the charms of hope. Last…