Amy Williams

Connecting with nature isn't limited to weekends; Chinese youth are embracing it on weekdays as well. The hashtag "20-Minute Park Effect/公园20分钟效应" went viral on Xiaohongshu (RED) in May, gathering 55.94 million views. Over half of the users sharing this hashtag are under 24, with more than 95% under 34. Obviously, this trend signifies a move towards integrating nature into daily work routines, breaking down the barriers between work and the natural world. However, divergent interpretations emerge online: Some argue that young individuals are taking breaks to recharge and enhance productivity between work tasks. Conversely, more and more believe that young people are prioritizing much-needed relaxation over productivity. Finding work life balance is universal, but which one is more relevant to your market now (Recharge vs. Recreation)?

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Two new (highly related) words of the day: ✨ Shitthropocene 🌟 This week, the outdoor apparel brand Patagonia released a quirky new film, “The Shitthropocene." It's a 45-minute mock anthropological view of humanity’s consumption habits from our cave-dwelling ancestors through the trendsetting aristocratic court of Louis XIV, mindless digital advertising and pretty much everything in between. It will be shown in Patagonia stores across the United States in coming months. ✨ Enshittification ✨ The American Dialect Society made it its Word of the Year for 2023. The term describes the slow decay of online platforms such as Facebook. It’s a theory explaining how the internet was colonised by platforms, why all those platforms are degrading so quickly, why it matters and what we can do about it. ⚫ Shitthropocene: https://lnkd.in/gYVwbdY2 ⚫ Enshittification: https://lnkd.in/gaESX22U https://lnkd.in/ggbCx9_A

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At its core, image consulting is all about confidence. As image consultants, we have the privilege of helping our clients look and feel their absolute best, which in turn empowers them to radiate confidence in their personal and professional lives. But here's the thing: the same principles apply to us, too. Our own image serves as a living testament to the effectiveness of our guidance. It's not just about telling our clients what to do; it's about leading by example and showing them that the journey to confidence is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. I recently turned 47 and am proud to say I look and feel younger than ever. This isn't just a personal achievement; it reflects the strategies I advocate for my clients. By sharing this, I inspire them that following my guidance truly works. In image consulting, actions speak louder than words. When we embody confidence in ourselves and our work, it's obvious. Clients can hear it in our voices, see it in our posture, and experience it in our presence. This authenticity is what inspires others to trust and follow our lead. Remember the power of practice over preaching. And for those fellow image consultants looking to scale their businesses, I'm here to provide the support and strategies to grow and thrive. Ready to learn more? Just click on the link in the comments below to get started. 👇 #Entrepreneurship #ImageConsulting #STYiLES #personalbranding #beauty #fashion

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Highly recommend this Ideas podcast episode on Political Tribalism. It clarifies so much about what motivates us as humans to be in group and against other groups. It also offers an interesting view on how we can "innoculate" ourselves and our children from immutable tribal thinking. IDEAS: Political tribalism is an existential threat to humanity: evolutionary anthropologist David R. Samson argues that political tribalism is an existential threat to humanity. But the evolutionary anthropologist also sees ‘tribe drive’ as an essential instinct that can be channeled for good. His book Our Tribal Future won the 2023 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy award. Listen on Apple Podcasts: #Ideas #tribalthinking

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Why is it the Nature section is far away from the Science, Environment, Ecology and Medical sections in bookstores? It is not helping the cause… Years ago I wrote a big special report for BusinessWeek on emerging zoonotic diseases. The medical definition of “zoonotic”—an animal disease that “jumps” into humans”—seemed wrong then and it’s still wrong. I can’t believe this needs stating, but humans ARE animals.. Still, several #zoonotic outbreaks later (West Nile, Zika, Mad Cow, Mad Deer, SARS, Covid), the MD’s are still stuck in a species-centric universe. Case in point, The Washington Post op-ed by Leana Wen M.D. M.Sc. with the notably myopic title “Why we shouldn’t panic if bird flu becomes the next pandemic.” https://lnkd.in/gAHH4N8z Wen cheers on advances in vaccines, the availabity of masks and therapeutics such as Tamiflu. Those are great. But she is oblivous to the devastation bird flu has already caused in agriculture and also among wildlife. In the The New York Times, Zeynep Tufekci points out the gaps in public health surveillance: “This May Be Our Last Chance to Halt Bird Flu in Humans, and We Are Blowing It.” https://lnkd.in/gQ79_wRY She also points to some pretty suspect, or as she puts it, “fairly revolting,” if legal, ag practices: “…According to many public health officials, the virus load in the infected cows’ milk is especially high, raising the possibility that the disease is being spread through milking machines or from aerosolized spray when the milking room floors are power washed. Another possible route is the cows’ feed, owing to the fairly revolting fact that the U.S. allows farmers to feed leftover poultry bedding material — feathers, excrement, spilled seeds — to dairy and beef cattle as a cheap source of additional protein... You think we would have learned from Mad Cow that maybe what is fed to what we eat matters… But that’s another story. Still, beyond the economic challenges to farmers, especially poultry farmers forces to “depopulate” vulnerable flocks (raising consumer prices for chicken and eggs), there is the cost to Nature. Penguins in Antarctica are dying. Birds of just about every species, but especially waterfowl, have sufferered / are suffering huge population losses. At least 24,000 sea lions died in South America last year. https://lnkd.in/gEqQeiDV. And this leads to what ecologists call “trophic cascades,” ripples through ecosystems when there are massive shifts in populations of predators or prey. Entire ecosystems, already under stress from climate change, land use impacts and biodiversity loss, are altered by bird flu. It could by the one thing too many. And, yes, it’s worth a panic… #wildlifehealth #environment #ecology #H5N1

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David Bowie was a rare artist who was just as fascinating human both on and off stage. A trailblazer in music, fashion, film & sexuality, he reshaped our notion of what an icon can be. People who know me, know that Bowie is one of my favorite artists - so no surprise that the 10 lessons below include examples on how to live life creatively. 1. Embrace Your Uniqueness - Bowie was unapologetically himself, from his androgynous looks to his avant-garde style. His success underscores the importance of embracing your individuality in your craft. 2. Be Persistent - He started his first band at 15, but didn’t achieve major success until 7 years later with “Space Oddity.” It took another 3 years for him to become an international star as Ziggy Stardust. Building a legacy takes time; so don’t give up when success doesn’t come quickly. 3. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment - Bowie reinvented his image countless times, from Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke. Even when experiments failed they were never boring. Constant experimentation is vital for creative and personal growth. 4. Lead, Don’t Follow - Bowie said, “All my big mistakes are when I try to second-guess or please an audience”. His strongest work came when he focused on his own vision - innovating versus following trends. 5. Always Embrace Change - He was a master of change, evolving from glam rock to electronic music & pop. Constant evolution, rather than duplicating past successes is key to staying ahead. 6. Choose Collaborators Wisely - He worked with legends like Lou Reed, John Lennon & Queen. His choice of collaborators cemented his status as a great artist. Always surround yourself with talented people who inspire you. 7. Be Your Biggest Fan & Your Worst Critic - Bowie acknowledged both his hits & misses. He understood that failure is part of the artist’s journey to success and knew his work had a lasting impact. Self-awareness & humility are crucial. 8. Use Your Platform Wisely - He was open about his sexuality but worried how it boxed him in artistically. He learned to use his fame selectively, advocating for issues like MTV’s reluctance to play black artists & performing at charity events like LiveAid. 9. Take Your Work Seriously, Not Yourself - His charisma & humor made him relatable. He famously said, “Talking about art is like dancing about architecture.” and his self-deprecating humor made him more human. 10. Never Stop Creating - Over 4 decades, he released 27 studio albums, numerous singles & videos and acted in many films. Even in his final days, he was creating his album "Blackstar." Continuous creation is the hallmark of a true artist. David Bowie's legacy reminds us that true artistry is about embracing individuality, persistence, experimentation & continuous evolution. His life is a testament to the power of creative living - So live out loud. #creativity #design #experience #innovation #transformation #designlife #product #technology #ziggystardust #sociopunk

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This article strikes me as what is wrong with a lot of classically trained qualitative researchers. They've been trained to "grey rock" it as the article states. Hold emotions in check and gather information. Remain dispassionate and never show your cards. The problem is that "grey rocking" underestimates the consumer and it encourages artificial and surface level responses that in aggregate are taken as some form of "truth", but in reality are just people trying to escape a conversation. BUT, if researchers create a safe and respectful environment moderators can and should push back on things that don't make sense. You can and should take the client's point of view and try to understand why and how that works/doesn't work in the real-world. You can and should push and probe until you find something that elicits a visceral and emotional response...because those are the ideas that stick. Stop Grey Rocking Research! #qualitative #research #brandstrategy https://lnkd.in/eijRFReB

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Perspectives: Moral Composition https://conta.cc/3VPRPbn

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Cultural Change Alert! Attention #research professionals and brands to the changes in the U.S. modern families. Here are the highlights of the Modern Families study by Chartr 1. Changes in Family Structure: The traditional family structure has evolved significantly. Fewer Americans now live with a spouse and children, with an increase in other forms of family arrangements, such as unmarried adults raising children and same-sex marriages. This reflects broader social shifts, including later marriages and changes in attitudes towards marriage and cohabitation . 2. Impact of Technology on Family Time: The prevalence of screens in everyday life has led to changes in how families interact, often diminishing face-to-face interactions. Initiatives that encourage families to engage in activities away from screens are being highlighted as ways to improve family bonding and communication . 3. Views on the Future of Family Life: There’s a mixed outlook on the future of family life in the U.S. While some view trends like fewer children being raised in two-parent households negatively, others are more neutral or optimistic about changes such as increased acceptance of diverse family structures. These views vary significantly across different demographic groups, reflecting broader societal trends and attitudes . Thanks Chartr #culturalchanges #nuance #marketresearch

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Why would resource constrained households favor "unhealthy" foods? Interesting piece from Supermarket News and Dinesh Gauri examining the causation behind SNAP spending on so-called "hedonic" foods, often higher in things like sugar and salt. WHY? Decision science 101 tells us that food and beverage are core enablers of emotional self-regulation. In other words, humans can create huge impact on how we feel - emotionally - based on what we eat or drink. Our longitudinal database shows that resource-constrained households feel forces like inflationary pricing with the most potent impact. When you're struggling, negative things like economic pressure have a hugely emotional impact, and you react in similarly-emotional ways. And feel-good foods are a sure-fire way to feel better, fast. So, the insights here are correct that "cravings" are behind many of these purchase decisions, but it goes much deeper. We've seen shopper desire to "feel good now" continually grow since 2019, and this is at the center of many purchase decisions at all levels of the socio-economic scale. #consumerinsights #foodandbeverage #shoppermarketing https://lnkd.in/gPNNTRSJ

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Yes, consumers appreciate having choices, much like I enjoy the option to eat a Big Mac, though I generally prefer a vegetarian diet. Drawing a parallel between choice and preference when it comes to mailed communicaitons is misleading the industry. One only needs to consider what lands in their mailbox—or what used to anyway—to see the truth of this. Regarding environmental factors, I also agree. The remaining 30-35% of consumers who haven't yet switched to digital communications won't be swayed by sustainability considerations alone; usability, security, and convenience are what they value more. #TellBothSides #DigitalFacts #CustomerCommunications #TransactionalMail

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Science is finally catching up with what a lot of us have known all along but for those of you who need proof, here’s some of that evidence for you Research found that "art therapy was considered by adolescents in hospital-based mental health care to be the most helpful group therapy intervention compared to other talk-based therapy groups and creative activities" Read more about why art therapy works, and why we should advocate for it in clinical spaces here: ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gesGyk97

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The first in a three-part series that will be released over the next 3 weeks. Tom DiNardo shares his journey and the experiences that brought him to where he is today. In this episode, Tom touches on the Heyoka Calling and what that means. He also shares more about why he sees himself as 'Two Men Fighting in One'. The Wounded Healer is an interesting concept from myth and astrology, personified through Chiron. In this series, we look at a different perspective as we look at the role of Near Death Experiences and the openness to a connection to the other side(s). #WisdomSeekersSociety #WisdomSeekers

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Call me "Woo Woo," but Orchid Holistic Search is natural products industry's intuitive matchmaker. 🌺 During Expo, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Orchid's clients. Each executive had distinctively unique experiences but there was one theme that tied them all together: Culture. So what are they all looking for and how has Orchid been an asset to successful client/talent marriage? "Ruthlessly effective. An amazing curator, not just of talent but culture for our company." - Paul Voge, Aura Bora "Not diversity as in color, but diversity of thinking, diversity of experience, diversity of culture. It was important they were able to see that." - Jagatjoti Singh K. | Starwest Botanicals, Inc. "A culture fit was so important to me. Not just finding someone who can do the tactical of what needed to be done but someone that was really going to fit into our family." -Jessica Mulligan, Winged Wellness This next level awareness and knowing is what Orchid brought to the table with lasting, life-changing results: "I'm so grateful because it's actually changed my life." -Ayla Barmmer, MS, RD, LDN, FullWell "Having someone like Angela who has the network she has and that deep sense of knowing when something is right, what a gift it is to your company." - Angela McElwee "Better than I could have ever hoped for." -Kerry Song, Abbot's No on, not even you can speak about your company with the perceptiveness that your clients can! Is it time to talk about building your testimonial collection? Sweetstory Media 🎥 Angela Marturano, Matt Marturano, Julia Gonser #testimonials #clienttestimonials #evergreencontent

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A fantastic article that articulates what a lot of qualitative researchers just know intuitively; 🗣 There are six different categories of questions; Introductory, Follow-up, Full switch, Partial switch, Mirror and Rhetorical. Follow-up questions are much more appealing than “switch” questions that change topic, or “mirror” questions that simply copy what someone has already asked. Avoid boomerasking—that’s the habit of posing a question as an excuse to talk about yourself. We do this without thinking when writing a discussion guide 🗣 Many of us rely on the wrong cues to signal our interest in others. Nonverbal and paralinguistic cues are often genuine signs of attention, they can also be faked so we need to verbally acknowledge what someone has said e.g. paraphrasing. Something we do as interviewers 🗣 The novelty penalty is a general preference to hear about familiar experiences. It’s why people would rather hear about the issues you had a baggage claim than your exotic holiday at a resort they haven’t been to. There are strategies to overcome this e.g. vivid storytelling that helps to put the other person in your shoes. We can all identify this when planning what stimulus to test in research  https://lnkd.in/eKp_2gHc

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Uses of generative #AI include providing a natural language interface for editors and content curators or creating content descriptions of different lengths for different platforms/applications," said Sarah Lee, Research Analyst, Parks Associates. "The automation afforded by #generativeAI can easily shave off many hours of work for individual contributors – and save expenses for companies." Generative AI opens new paths for monetization. For example, as streaming providers deploy more ad-based services, they are actively seeking ways to make advertising more interactive and actionable for a viable shoppable experience. Generative AI can expedite the creation and editing of custom ads so ad agencies can easily generate several versions of advertisements to experiment and determine their efficacy among different audiences. "Leveraging AI in media and entertainment presents exciting opportunities across the media supply chain, with the promise of significantly reducing both content provider and service provider costs while also improving the end user experience," said Ira Dworkin, Managing Director - Communications, Media, & Entertainment, FPT Software. "FPT Software is investing heavily in AI – both Generative AI and Machine Learning – and partnering with our customers to drive innovation throughout the ecosystem." attending #streamtvshow? read more: Maximizing Returns: Generative AI’s Impact on Entertainment, developed with FPT Software https://lnkd.in/gjSFK7Ca #alwayslearning #streaming #video #ai #research #innovation #content #business #video

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🌎 Gen Z: The first truly global generation, yet shaped by local nuances. While 58% of Americans recognize the term "Gen Z," awareness drops to 24% in China and only 8% in India. Understanding these cultural and historical differences is vital, as is recognizing the diverse values and expectations within this generation. And "baby boomer" concepts may not resonate everywhere!  For effective communication and product development, embrace generational diversity. Dive deeper into our Generations report 2024: https://lnkd.in/gNNqWMQ4 #GenZ #GlobalGeneration #Diversity #IpsosGeneration

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A video from Ipsos about #EarthDay2024 as we need to: 🌎 address misconceptions and close the believe-true gap 🌍 fight apathy and climate fatigue 🌏 persist to drive action and change behaviours Discover the ‘State of the Earth’ as it is in our heads and hands #ipsos #globaltrends

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