We invited Andrew Dobbie, Founder of Made Brave and Peter Czapp, Founder of The Wow Company to discuss how their coping with the present.
2020 has thrown a lot at us so far. It’s safe to say that we’ve never seen a time like the one we’re in at present. From schools being closed, to people being forced to work from home and the introduction of a word – furlough – that many of us had to Google, we are now challenged in new ways.
Following the results of our survey in Australia with Design Business Council and Never Not Creative, we jumped to take the temperature at the other side of the world. What better combination for a discussion than a creative founder and his accountant?!
Support for the industry
Andrew and Made Brave have been very active in sharing their journey through the response to COVID-19. They also launched a Linkedin support group. The Wow Company (accountants for the creative industry) were quick to produce an online support hub to help their customers and community.
Peter shared that two thirds of agencies had already suffered revenue declines. Only 8% reported that they were fairing better than expected. Andrew shared his team are tasked to keep forecasting, but with a much larger dose of conservatism around pipeline estimates.
Similar to our findings in the southern hemisphere stories emerged throughout the discussion of new ideas and initiatives breaking through. New ideas and initiatives have been brought to the fore – things previously left on the backburner.
Coping as leaders
Andrew and Peter also share how they’re coping as leaders and what they do to look after themselves and their teams. There are some great tips and tools, so be ready to take notes.
There’s lots more in the discussion. The importance of values are discussed in depth. Finding yourself and new levels of authenticity are elevated as an essential tool for coping.
Enjoy. And if you have thoughts or comments, please feel free to add them into the discussion and comments below.
