The Diary of a (co-)MD: w/e Jan 31

A week of travel, big conversations, and creative sparks. It’s been full-on - in the best way. Here’s what I’ve been up to, what’s inspired me, and what’s keeping me (just about) on track for the Tokyo Marathon, even if my running shoes are gathering dust...

This week I’ve been:

• In London, presenting to prospects and existing clients alike, as well as attending a brand launch party (where AI profile pictures were created – see above). I love travelling. The tiredness it can often generate is offset by the buzz of workshopping with clients (even if it is six hours long!), and meeting and pitching to new people
• Organising the onboarding of a new member of staff who will join Rationale in March. It’s exciting to see the agency grow, and equally exciting to see how excited they are about joining!
• Chatting to Rowan Morrison about whether the world needs a book on how to found, launch and grow a successful agency – all while staying sane (the crucial differentiator). We talked through some ideas and think we’ve stumbled on a potential winning formula of actionable insight, case studies, ‘at-the-coalface’ stories and fun illustrations. Watch this space
• Chatting some more to Rowan about the re-launch of ‘Have You Ever?”, our seminal podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/1jklJcZUpuf7XKujRASo5f?si=4556745b4bd44cc1) where we challenge each other to experience new things. Watch this space II
• Avoiding running and feeling very guilty about it. I’ve got the Tokyo Marathon (https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/) in five weeks and the one downside of travelling is not being able to keep to my exquisitely formatted training plan

I’ve been inspired by:

• Desert Island Discs (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr). Yes, you read that right - Radio 4’s flagship interview series. It’s a superb archive of inspirational, funny and moving interviews. My favourites so far have been:

i) Nick Cave (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0027cgl)

ii) Rob Delaney (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0020xl4)

iii) Rick Rubin (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001dd83)

Give them a listen. I’ve become subsequently obsessed with creating my own list of eight tracks I’d take away with me on a secluded island. So far I have:

1) Know Your Enemy – Rage Against the Machine

2) Soukora - Ali Farka Toure

3) Diamonds on the Soles of Your Shoes - Paul Simon

4) Freedom/The Execution Bannockburn - James Horner

5) Love and Affection - Joan Armatrading

6) Les Bourgeois - Jacques Brel

7) The Next Movement - The Roots

8) Nullo in Mundo Pax Sincera – Antonio Vivaldi

Svein's Desert Island Discs - Spotify Playlist here (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eCRF3OzHj8aa83C2C70C3?si=7dd6e8d864704f6a)

The list is ever evolving, and I haven’t yet decided on a book.

Lauren Laverne, I’m available if you have a space in your schedule…

• A discussion Rowan and I had on AI and Bob Dylan. Read her excellent post, and my argument back, here (https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/let-me-forget-today-until-tomorrow-rowan-morrison-h6ioe/?trackingId=BODhf%2FRqRLKS0a6h8scs4g%3D%3D).