The Friday Thing #679
Well, that was an interesting week….and if you missed the James Dyson Challenge cards last week, you really missed a treat.
The Friday Thing #679. It is #679 I think….and it is Friday, I think. Anyhow, this week started five years ago for me. On July 29th, 2015 Microsoft launched Windows 10 and we did all the things we do as a company – we had ads, videos, press releases and lots of excitement. And we did one more thing. We used that day to illuminate the mission of Microsoft – To Empower Every Person and Every Organization on the Planet to Achieve More. We illuminated it from Nanyuki, Kenya with a group of remarkable people from the local community and an amazing group of writers, photographers and videographers. It’s without question the best story I’ve had the chance to tell at this company – and a moment of pride to have our CEO, Satya Nadella, there to help tell it. The story stands the test of time and is well worth a read - Empowering Kenya and the world with high-speed, low-cost Internet – is a mix of beautiful words, photography and videos. Storytelling at it’s best in my humble opinion.
When I think of the high watermark for storytelling, one brand is always near the top of my list - Nike. And this week they delivered. Again.
Nike released a new ad featuring Megan Rapinoe, Serena Williams, Lebron James, Naomi Osaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Baker and others. The video is a breathtaking piece of storytelling – as well as video editing – and I love the message about sport uniting us.
“You can't stop. Just as you can't stop. Because as athletes, we are never alone. Sport unites us. Strengthens us. Keeps us pushing ahead. No matter what, we will always come back stronger, together. You can't stop sport. Because you can't stop us.” I love that….and I love Nike’s persistence that “If you have a body, you are an athlete”. Enjoy You Can’t Stop Us.
Speaking of uniting, I can’t let this week go by without mentioning the passing of John Lewis. In an op ed written shortly before his death titled Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation John Lewis continued the journey he began in Selma – and continued to move people, and a country forward. It was published on the day of his funeral. On that same day Barack Obama delivered this Eulogy for John Lewis. Both are more than web pages or words. They are history. Rest in Power, John Lewis.
That’s it for this week. I actually had three more stories I had originally included here but decided to remove them. I love the symmetry of the 3 (well, 4) pieces above. I hope you get the chance to read/watch them all. I promise you will not regret it.
Take care and have a great weekend.
-Steve
Creative Director | Creator of Kick-Ass Videos | Gen-AI Entrepreneur | Professional Podcaster
4 年That Nike commercial sends shivers down my spine...amazing stuff.
I help you tell your story, influence your audience and build your career. I founded Amplify in 2011
4 年Thank you Steve Clayton for taking the time to bring together the wealth of what you see in life, in business. Really grateful
Whitney Cubbison :)
The Nike piece really is both masterful and mesmerizing, but I'm glad your revisited the Kenya story. I remember when that first came out and *so many* of us were astounded and moved and excited by the simplicity and reach of the story. It really was one of those "we can change the world for the better" moments.