THE MARKETING MANIFESTO

POST #16: DIRECTION FORWARD

To Whom It May Inspire,

The future? What an interesting concept in this unprecedented time. From Covid-19 to a 400 year stain on America that we can’t seem to solve, the future seems anything but bright. However, I see the future differently. The future isn’t a destination, a forgone conclusion — it’s a direction. A direction we can collectively change if we’re willing to do the hard work to turn at the fork in the road.

Ed Catmull, President of Disney & Pixar, in the book, Creativity, Inc., when thinking about the future, said: “It is our jobs, then, to work each day to chart the right course and make corrections when, inevitably, we stray. I already can sense the next crisis coming around the corner. To keep a creative culture vibrant, we must not be afraid of constant uncertainty. We must accept it, just as we accept the weather. Uncertainty and change are life’s constants … and when we come across a problem, we must marshal all of our energies to solve it.”

Solving problems also comes at a risk. What are we willing to sacrifice to see change - both in our creative universe and within the greater community we all live and work? Taking a risk begins with trust in self and trust in others. And trust, while challenging at times, is what will enable us to grow as professionals and human beings. Once we trust, regardless of the challenges ahead, we'll be unified in our goal for better, for forward. 

My colleague and friend, Mike Hansen, wrote this article the other day, and I thought it appropriate for the moment, no matter where you stand. 

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/america-finding-our-path-unity-michael-hansen/?published=t

Moving forward, I encourage all of you to take more risks, both creatively and personally, stand up for what you believe in, and continue to make a difference in the lives of our Power community, your business, and the larger world around you. 

With love and appreciation,

--- Bennett