Manchester International Festival
Be Braver, Bigger & Bolder!
Last night I was watching people discuss Rufus Wainwright and his decision to deliver an opera to the world for the first time. It is always fascinating to watch people analyse those who are brave enough to put themselves out there, right on a ledge, being bigger and bolder than those analysing would ever dare.
Commentary from the sidelines – we can all do that… being bold enough to follow through on the big idea, we need to see more of that!Being in Manchester right now is full of people being braver, bigger, bolder as part of the Manchester International Festival. A festival dedicated to original work – the first time for everything, how brave of all those taking part.
Out on a Ledge
If you think about the things you did for the first time, how many of them were amazing on the debut? Driving, drinking, sex? All got better with practice for me! Despite the risk of failure and opening themselves up to the analysis of the world at large, all the brave people taking part in the festival are out there on the ledge and its fab!
PZ Cussons 125 years
At the end of last year as the dark nights were drawing in and the dark clouds of the recession were forming, a group of visionary executives at PZ Cussons were discussing how they should celebrate the companies forthcoming 125 year anniversary.
PZ Cussons are seen as a quiet, understated company famous for its heritage brand Imperial Leather. For us at Cheeky Monkey they are a visionary group who have understood the need for change and have been willing to embrace it in a brave and bold way that should provide inspiration for many others to follow.
For almost 5 years now we have been leading dramatic change projects for the PZC Group and it was an honour when they asked us for ideas on how they should celebrate this milestone event.
They wanted something that introduced the new face of PZC Group to the wider population. That engaged diverse audiences, created a bit of drama and fun, had a sense of the family that is still so key to the PZC business.
The Soapbox
It was Steve and Jon at Ear to the Ground who delivered the big and the bold. They presented the idea of having a huge bubbly soapbox in Cathedral Gardens that let people discover the world of PZC. If you have not visited the Soapbox yet, take a trip – it is like getting a hug from a friend you know but have not seen for some time – comforting and familiar but new and exciting at the same time.
Follow your Heart
As we have said, being braver, bigger and bolder does not always signal immediate success. Elbow perform with the Halle tonight, in the words of Guy
For 17 years they have followed their hearts becoming the fastest selling ticket at the festival because of the enormous success they have had over the last 12 months – many people at that concert will not even realise they have a back catalogue.“his love letter to Manchester”
It doesn’t matter if the idea is a success or failure, brings immediate recognition or takes years for people to realise what an amazing idea it was, FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE.
TAKE SOME INSPIRATION FROM MANCHESTER RIGHT NOW; BE BRAVER, BIGGER & BOLDER.
Dani
said on July 8, 2009
Fab blog, the Soapbox is a great idea and not something i would ever have associated with a traditional company like PZ Cussons – good on them for bringing some life into the current gloomy corporate world – while other companies are claiming poverty they are screaming about their success and heritage – they have already survived several recessionis and this clearly shows they will still be leading the market when the good times return.
On an individual basis i’ve always wondered whether being braver, bigger and bolder is something you are born with, something you learn or is down to circumstance – being in the right place at the right time. I don’t think it was something I was born with or something i was brought up with – i always believed it was important to put your head down and work hard for someone else and not to make big statements but life experience has shown me life is about more than following its about striving out for what you believe in when the time is right and towing the line when needed. The Manchester festival is great for the City – Manchester is an example of a City that used to be in the background and a follower and itself has become much braver, bigger and bolder and its people seem to be following suit..
steve smith
said on July 9, 2009
The Soapbox was a BIG IDEA. Something for everyone; Civic leaders to Nigerian dignataries, Global CEO’s, to Polly from Timperly. If had to reflect a multitude of brands through a world of bubbles. A new environment was designed with experiences that touched each guest in a way that was right for them.
Inventing and then actually building ‘the new’ is always an exciting (and sometimes scary) prospect. You start with a vision of where you want to get to. The true challenge is navigating your way there and having a team that relishes every challenge that they will inevitably face.
When Mr Zuchonis met Mr Patterson in Sierre Leone 125 years ago they took a risk and embarked on a journey. Hopefully they are looking down at the Soap Box and all the incredible acheivents of PZ Cussons. I think they might be quite proud…