Dear Friends and Colleagues,
On the heels of the election, I wish you well during these challenging times and hope you enjoy my perspectives about the role of nature and humanity.
With COVID-19 continuing to race into a global crisis at such scale and speed, companies and organizations have been forced to re-evaluate nature, economic and human value.
With 66% of US employees working remotely due to COVID-19, human attitudes, behaviors, concept of family and community has changed – along with relationships to dogs, children, material possessions and health. Life in ‘our own backyards’ is intervening, shifting our pace and appreciation of daily life.
A global virus that keeps us contained in our homes—certainly through next year—is further influencing our relationship to government, the outside world, even to each other. These changes in the coming months will continue to feel unfamiliar and an unchartered course.
Disasters and crisis moments also represent transformation and opportunity: more sophisticated and flexible use of technology, less polarization, a revived appreciation for the outdoors and life’s other simple pleasures.
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference.” Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.” “If you're going through hell, keep going.” “Everyone has his day, and some days last longer than others.”
Winston Churchill.
The science of behavior change is a subject of study and evolving tool for design over the past ten years. Leading companies have instituted tools and practices to monitor, collect, analyze and act on a range of digital surveys, behavioral patterns, experiential listening and artificial intelligence. These capabilities are becoming the foundation for experience creation – future drivers of influence and growth. The speed at which companies can —and must—respond to them will become sources of competitive advantage aligned with solving social and environmental challenges.
Some major implications to consider in our new holistic approach to the life and business entwinement:
Trust and Transparency: The continual emergence of social and humanitarian justice will influence consumers buying patterns, selection of products/services based on more ethical decisions, alignment with preserving the environment, focus on racial equity and inclusion.
Health Ecosystem: Health will dominate, divide and conquer among all of us including our role in society, how we contribute and maintain our community pods for the future including new approaches to mental health, disease and wellness.
The Role of Storytelling: Amplifying our voices, facing a new audience of multiple ZOOM screen and masked faces, two-minute pitches is fueling connection by a story, image or intuition. Time to re-write a compelling script that underscores being present, empathetic and truthful.
[19th century copywriter] John Powers had given us all we’ve ever really needed to know. “Be interesting. Tell the truth. And if you can’t tell the truth, change what you’re doing so you can. In other words, live the truth.”
Winning the Story Wars by Jonah Sach
Virtual Economy: Virtual working is fueling day-to-day activities, disrupting the routines, creativity, how we market and sell our products, distribution and channels of influence. Prioritizing and nurturing authentic relationships will be crucial for success.
Lead and Follow: Listening and engaging in two-way dialogue are driving the leaders and reinvention of archaic leadership training, education and skills building. No more textbook and old school approaches – just real-world learning.
Science Wins: The growth and importance of STEM education has never been so important, essential for preparing tomorrow’s leaders, tackling real world issues and solutions for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Migration Patterns: For sure, people have fled major cities like New York, Los Angeles to the country and suburbs during the pandemic. However, these decisions are impacted by other factors such as climate, wealth and racial inequality – emerging as the dominant narrative of migration patterns.
Underserved Communities: The spotlight is on to tackle poverty in America, the gaps between the rich and poor. A person deserves a home, education, food on the table and healthcare. There is an opportunity to change the rules for the millions of people or are underserved and vulnerable including people of color.
‘Wake-up Call’
By 2050 there will be 9.7 billion people on the planet, half of them will be in water-stressed regions, requiring 50 percent more energy.
With the growing threats of climate change, disruptive weather patterns, water shortages, nature will dictate our ultimate destiny. This requires a dramatic shift in how we evaluate, appreciate and find solutions for the co-dependent connections between nature, humans, wildlife and resilient communities.
Scientists, conservationists, academia, businesses and civil society must work together on these approaches on a more united front, lifting people out of poverty and improving livelihoods - the critical path for restoring nature and humanity.
By: Samantha Taylor - Founder of Reputation Dynamics and Elephant Art Shop
Photo: On assignment – Shining Hope School, Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya
Since 2005, Reputation Dynamics (RD) has committed to addressing social, environmental and human justice issues. RD mobilizes corporations, NGOs/civil society and academia to devise share-valued approaches and develop inclusive partnerships.
I look forward to connecting with peers who are making the world a better place, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Please contact me at:
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