Don't Forget Your Toothbrush! ??

Hello and welcome to this month’s newsletter for The Curious Mindset community.

I was all set to focus on the cybertech story in the Swiss news of 3 million toothbrushes stealing users' data in a DDoS botnet attack... only to return to the story and find that it seems to have not been real... which in itself is actually far more intriguing.

Not a faked story actually – but a translation issue that led to a blurring of hypothetical and actual scenarios.

An important-seeming man on X was incredulous that it was so easily believed. Um ... guilty. But why was I so quick to accept it? They’re not connected to the internet – only Bluetooth.

I vaguely remember a story about fridges sending spam emails nearly a decade ago... and I think it’s because the things in our homes are connected to other things that are connected to the internet... computer, phone, speakers, printer, lights, doorbell, TV, fridge.

When I’m working from home and everything is awake and connected, if a call comes in – I’m not sure what I’m speaking through... is it the toaster? I’m ruined by Bourne-level tech possibilities. Things have never been the same since we saw Zuckerberg’s computer camera covered by a post-it.

And then Lyle's Golden Syrup enters the chat. Out of nowhere, Lyle's Golden Syrup jumped on the create-a-controversy-where-there-isn’t-one trend by deciding to leave a sticky mess and launch a partial rebrand on some of its packaging. It holds the record for being unchanged for 141 years and now opinions on their logo have caused such divide that it has made the leap from online socials to terrestrial news telly... a reach most brands can only dream of. It has a whiff of the Barbara Streisand effect, and has been an unintentional masterclass in trending/spotlighting of a brand without actually dissing the product.

It seems we love nostalgia (vinyl revival, I see you) while at the same time being unsurprised by fantastical technology possibilities. Golden syrup will remain a staple ingredient at the back of the kitchen cupboard - but my electric toothbrush is getting the side-eye.

To the job in hand – our new season of TCM sessions.

Emma Coller is our guide as we navigate through topics of culture and inclusion. A returning speaker for us, she brings her positive enthusiasm to the community sessions and will be taking us through the 5 Pillars of Culture.

We started with the Mattering At Work Pillar by focussing on Purpose with Mark Gilroy.

Then the season moves on through Belonging, Leadership, Growth and concluding with the final Pillar of Work/Life Balance.

So, join us on a deep-dive with Emma to better understand each other by exploring the topic of neurodivergence as Belonging is discussed with our guests Pete Quinn and Laura Southward, on the next session of TCM on 15th March.

Find the event here, or email me at [email protected]

No sales, just community, but don't bring your toothbrush ??