Who doth reside in the realm of Nerdom?

You all do. Take your seat.

Throughout recent history, society has clung to a narrow vision of the typical nerd.

Conjured images of individuals buried in books, super-glued to computer screens, or meticulously crafting World of Warcraft figurines still linger. With an unequivocal declaration of honesty, I would have mocked the nerd in my less enlightened days.

These stereotypes, marked by bespectacled introversion and relentless obsession, persist as outdated caricatures.

But let me tell you something—I am a nerd. Yes, that photo you see, that's me—a proud nerd.

Nerds, you see, come in all forms and dimensions. And I have much form and dimension, not necessarily in the places I'd like.

Our passions, as varied as the countless hashtags that dominate our digital lives, form a diverse mosaic of interests that make each of us beautifully unique. #NerdsUnite

It's time to shed the constraints of a world fixated on celebrating only the most conspicuous passions. Embrace the truth: Deep down, we're all nerds. We're all wonderfully weird.

Whether you're not quite fluent in Klingon, have never ventured into the world of tabletop RPGs, or couldn't code your way out of a paper bag, understand this—the nerd spirit resides within every one of us.

As the helmsman of the Content Studio function at LSEG and Refinitiv, we held regular 'learn about me' sessions during our team meetings. In those valuable moments, we pulled back the curtain on our colleagues, revealing awe-inspiring wonders that captivated our attention.

They made us sit up. Drew intrigue and applause, smiles and laughs.

Those were indeed precious moments. They unveiled the essence of our colleagues, showcasing the passions that illuminated their lives and the unique facets of their personalities.

It helped that the team was a talent-laden popcorn kettle, constantly overheating and erupting with Vesuvius kernels of brilliance. They illuminated the sky with an incandescent glow of passion and energy. I miss those times, those people.

Among us were bakers and artisans, ballerinas and poets, sports stars and film fans, wine lovers and dance enthusiasts, knitters and kickers, tinkers and teachers—even the occasional opera fan.

And herein lies the true beauty of the everyday nerd. These passions, obsessions, and peculiar interests united us into a cohesive unit and defined who we were. They were the colours that filled our canvas, the flavours that added spice to our lives.

It didn't matter if someone had an encyclopaedic knowledge of 18th-century poetry or an unshakeable fascination with the world of mushroom foraging—these passions rendered us fascinating and unique.

They made us complete.

But why are these passions so essential? Because they are the fuel that ignites our souls. They serve as the catalysts for our creativity, propelling us to explore the boundaries of our knowledge.

They remind us that life extends beyond mundane tasks of ticking off to-do lists and meeting deadlines. An antidote to monotony. Instead, life is about discovering the joy in pursuing knowledge, the thrill of exploration, and the satisfaction of mastering a craft.

They shout that we are more than just our job titles and responsibilities—we are the sum of our interests, curiosities, and obsessions.

Whether honing your skills in latte art or delving into the enigmatic world of deep-sea creatures, your curiosity knows no bounds. And guess what? Those you share your passions with become equally engrossed in the wonders you unearth.

In a world inundated with information, your inner nerd grants you a unique superpower—niche knowledge.

You become a repository of all things peculiar and fascinating.

The world needs more nerds, not fewer. It craves individuals who can passionately debate the merits of various tomato varieties (I adore a good Pomodorino), recite the Jabberwocky with unmatched zeal (perhaps a few years ago), or boldly accept the challenge of recounting the entire Star Wars saga from memory (I'll take that challenge).

These passions bring colour to our world, ignite conversations, and foster connections. The threads bind us together, creating a shared sense of wonder and experience.

So, the next time you hesitate to unveil your inner nerd, remember this—there's nothing to be ashamed of. Who knows what delightful concoctions might emerge from the depths of your quirks?

Embrace your passions, flaunt your idiosyncrasies, and proudly celebrate the nerd within you. With each stroke of passion, you paint the canvas of purpose in vivid hues.

The world is infinitely more captivating when we let our nerds out for some air.