006 | #ANEWWITHTHEHUE
A weekly Saturday listicle designed to spark joy and inspire positive change in you.
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS…
In the Science of Success: The Godfather of Influence, Dr Robert Cialdini unveils the truths behind how impressionable humans are and raises the question on free will, illusion or real.
Shoe Dog is a masterpiece of storytelling and an inside look at the resilience and grit required to build one of the most successful brands in the world, Nike.
Keen UNEEK is the unassuming shoe that’s hitting that sweet spot of trendy and convenience.
Joris Graaf’s art leaves an undeniable impression that’s worth savouring.
In a captivating episode, The Science of Success: The Godfather of Influence, Dr. Robert Cialdini, Dr. Cialdini unravels the realities of the subtle and unseen forces nudging our decisions. Skilfully challenging our illusion of free will, Cialdini shines a light on how malleable we truly are. His fascinating research reveals a reality where context is king, nudges rule, and how we are all subject to the sways of unforeseen forces. The evidence reveals that we are much more impressionable than we realise. With surprising insights into the morality of influence and the potency of strategies, listen for ways to guard against the discreet yet sometimes deceitful tactics of corporations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to try and reclaim their autonomy over their decisions.
When it comes to universally recognised brands, Nike surely clinches the top spot. Phil Knight’s memoir, Shoe Dog, is a favourite of mine for its honest portrayal of the honest struggle to build a global brand. Shoe Dog isn’t merely a business book, but a compelling narrative that grips you from beginning to end. Knight’s journey doesn’t just give you an appreciation of the iconic brand, but also leaves you awed by the tenacity and resilience it took to establish Nike as the household name it stands for today.
The ups and downs, and the many glories and trials that made Nike what it is today— are all laid out bare in a story that inspires and goes beyond the typical glorified headlines. This book is not a fantasy of entrepreneurship but a window into what it really takes to build such a business and the gruelling milestones towards profitability The perseverance, the daily grind, the nerves, and the risks which are often overshadowed by shiny success stories, all told in a masterful example of brilliant storytelling. If you’re a fan of Nike or simply crave an inspirational tale of grit, Shoe Dog is an essential addition to your reading list.
Despite initial reservations, I’ve been converted by a trend that at first glance, seemed unusual. When travelling light comfort, style, convenience, and versatility are paramount, and I think I’ve found the shoe for a traveller’s must-have footwear of the moment, the Keen UNEEK (available in multiple colours). Suitable for varied terrains and unpredictable weather, they’re as resilient as they’re stylish, and make for an ideal travel companion.
While having a slight resemblance to Crocs, KEEN’s mission and commitment to sustainability is one to note. While I wouldn’t claim to be the most passionate sustainability advocate, I am always willing to support brands that try, or at least show a genuine attempt to make a positive impact in the world. Building a business is challenging enough, but doing so while staying true to sustainable practices is something I admire and will happily champion.
Art, in its numerous forms, has the capacity to move us in ways that words sometimes aren’t able to emulate. Its beauty often lies in its ambiguity, subjective interpretation, and its ability to provoke a reaction. This inherent ability of art to elicit responses and emotions, whether subtle, intentional, or vivid, is what truly makes art remarkable.
I had the pleasure of discovering the works of Joris Graaf recently, an abstract artist based in the Netherlands. Although the allure of his art is challenging to articulate, each piece evokes a sense of serenity within me. The deceptive simplicity of his strokes, combined with a unique palette of colours and textures, induces a gentle yet profound shift in my perspective.
Despite viewing his work through the impersonal lens of a digital screen, his art manages to resonate at a visceral level, defying the confines of rationale. This transcendent aspect of Graaf’s work is what draws me in and serves as a testament to the enigmatic allure of art; and why art is indeed profound.
We’ve officially made it through to the end of the first quarter of the year and my mind is thinking about vacations. Here’s the Take Me Back to the Beach playlist, with a compilation curated over the years, perfect for beachside or poolside lounges. Think of it as a mixtape of sorts, filled with laid-back jams and soothing tunes that provide the perfect backdrop to sunny moods and beach chic moments.
If beach vibes aren’t what you’re looking for this weekend, head over to my Spotify page where you’ll find a range of playlists to cater to all your moods and genre needs. Whether you’re in the mood for some soulful jazz, uplifting pop, or intense rock, you’ll find a playlist that hits just the right note. Enjoy!
If you’re ‘ego-driven you are driven by the need to prove yourself to others or to yourself in order to gain social validation, praise, and approval. The alternative is to be purpose or mission-driven. But what does that really mean?
Firstly, moving from an ego-driven to a purpose-driven mindset requires dedicated self-awareness and reflection. This alone is a journey that requires patience because in order to define a mission that’s worth pursuing and dedicating your life to, isn’t knowing who you are, your values, your desires, and your ambitions a pre-requisite?
Like most of us, we rarely think of our life in such terms, of having an overall mission, but as I learn from the wise thought leaders who came before us, one common thread to contentment, happiness, and success is to find purpose and meaning in one’s life— and often, that means aligning your ambition to the pursuit of your life’s mission, a cause you deem worthy of your dedication.
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#ANEWWITHTHEHUE is a weekly Saturday listicle that celebrates life, wellness, and everything in between.
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