Hello my friends,
When I started writing CMMN WLTH, it was simply to motivate and inspire myself.
Fast forward, and now over 400 of you spend your precious time and attention reading it.
If you’re new here, here is what to expect. This semi-regular analysis (119 editions strong) is written for designers, marketers, and creatives.
Below are editions that generated the most conversation and engagement:
8 Razors for Creatives - Philosophical razors to help you make better decisions in your creative work.
100 Lessons from 100 Weeks of Writing - The best of over 900 essays, articles, and videos I’ve sent throughout the last 4 years.
5 Ways to Use AI to Make Better Products - How to use AI Chat Bots to improve your product sense.
Thanks for subscribing and to those that reach out with insights and feedback.
You can do the same by simply replying to this e-mail.
More below ↓
– Andy
In this week’s email:
Product - A global brand solving a local problem.
People - The art of managing your manager.
Process - AI in the age of creativity.
Out of Office - Inspiration through adversity.
*Product
Introducing Roobadge
Developed in collaboration with the University of Melbourne and WIRES, an Australian wildlife rescue organization, RooBadge is a significant step forward in wildlife collision prevention technology.
In 2022 there were over 20,000 animal-related collisions in Australia.
RooBadge uses a combination of high frequency audio signal, GPS and machine learning to deter kangaroos from approaching vehicles.
Solving seemingly trivial real world problems for consumers can be used as PR storytelling opportunities for big brands.
*People
Managing Your Manager
“Unfortunately most of us do a shitty job of getting the most out of our manager.”
The biggest challenge with the manager-report relationship is the imbalance of power however, managers are neither “executioners” or “white knights” in your career journey.
The best relationships are built on trust. “Does my manager trust that I will do my job well?” - This is only a question you can ask yourself when you know what doing your job well looks like.
In a performance review the most important part is the discussion about the future. A manager who is committed to helping you reach your aspirations is the best kind of leader.
*Process
Building & Creativity in the Age of AI
“In an age of automation, creativity is the new literacy”
— Kevin Kelly
Fear often stems from the unknown. As a creative it is important to not fear what is coming but embrace the future. Between hope and fear is wisdom.
AI will take away parts of your design job, however, it frees up time to focus on what you enjoy and explore new possibilities within your work.
The most boring and practical applications of AI will be the most useful. At its purest it will provide contextual intelligence to problems and projects.
*Out of Office
Steve Gleason on courage and perseverance.
Weekly Subscribers: 419 (+37) ⬆️
Open Rate: 59% ⬆️