Zuckerberg's Hoodie

I’ve watched with interest the controversy in recent weeks regarding Mark Zuckerberg’s continued wearing of ‘hoodies’ during the lead up to the IPO of Facebook. The question was raised – is what he chose to wear disrespectful to financial institutions?

I choose to wear red in my capacity as Founding Director of RedBalloon – some would say that it has become my ‘trade mark’. (Quite frankly it makes it really easy to shop for work clothes – it is simply a uniform.) Is the offending hoodie merely a uniform, as was Steve Jobs – black polo necks and jeans?

I think a more interesting trend that this ‘simple dress sense’ by entrepreneurs may well be part of the ‘dematerialization’ and ‘demonetization’ trend as discussed in the book Abundance- Diamandis and Kotler’ s book, (I simply could not put this book down – and it is the sort of book I want to read with my teenagers. I can highly recommend it.)

The authors argue that the poorest people in the USA – have more services than were available to the richest person 100 years ago – and that we all have access instantly to more information than the US president did only a decade ago – hence we live in a time of abundance. What this means is there is a massive shift in what the ‘trappings of success’ look like. And many possessions are becoming increasingly less important. The most precious resource of all is time – and no matter how rich you are you get given the same 24 hours as everybody else.

Recently an article appeared in CBS news describing ‘The 10 behaviors of the hyper successful.’ To para phrase if you are ‘successful’ you:…..

• Carry less things. Perhaps just a phone or two…
• Return phone calls less often. Someone else does that for them.
• They are difficult to reach. Someone else does that for them.
• They spend little time at a computer. Someone else does that for them.
• If they do write an email it is short. Or someone else does that for them.
• Social media is not their thing (except for celebrities – which their publicists use).
• They are not interested in pop culture or gossip (again, except for celebrities).
• They watch less TV
• The more non-leisure stuff they do that’s not directly related to their business (charities, boards, outside investments).
• They read the papers or someone else does that for them – and they get the summary.

Much of these traits are all about ‘saving time’.

This further supports the notion of dematerialization. Zuckerberg has signed up to the Gates-Buffet plea to have all American billionaires give away at least half of their wealth for the greater good of the planet before they die. (Apparently 69 of the 1000 billionaires in the US have so far agreed to participate) – for the first time in history we have people with the resources to tackle solvable problems that governments (need to be re-elected) corporates (shareholder returns) or NGOs (fundraising) cannot achieve. (read more about this)

I see the ‘hoodie’ as a representation that there is a new way of looking at success… it is not about what we have – but what we give (our time being the most important of all) – and that material possessions will continue to become less important – as the ‘average’ person screams out ‘I’ve got too much stuff’.

Peter Diamandis co-author of Abundance speaks at TED.

My Hamilton Island - Mini Break

I was just taking a moment to reflect on how amazing my week was last week. I feel pretty lucky to be invited to Hamilton Island as a speaker. Literally a few hours from Sydney and I am on a tropical island – sipping a cocktail.

I bumped into some friends whilst I was there and they mentioned that they fly to Hamilton Island every 3 weekends or so for a four day weekend. They said while it sounds ‘luxurious’ the reality is with direct flights – and discount airfares – it simply just is not that much more than driving to south coast NSW from Sydney.

Whilst I was on the island of course I took the opportunity to familiarize myself with the range of experiences that RedBalloon has listed (there will be more coming soon too) – I’m glad to see that RedBalloon do have short stays listed at the Beach Club which is where I stayed with the Corporate RedBalloon team last visit – So I can attest to the fact that when you stay here – you instantly feel relaxed and in holiday mode.

One of my other favorite, completely indulgent (but life is short) experiences is the Helicopter Picnic on Whitehaven.

I left after my few days on Hamilton Island thinking – how lucky Australians are to have paradise so close, we can take a mini break at a tropical Island.

Sometimes just reflecting for a few moments and being grateful for our experiences and the things we have around us is enough to give us a sense of peace and harmony. Of course that is a bit easier on a mini-break.

Simson Family Holiday

I have had a few weeks off with the family.  A complete break it is important to recharge. I’m back and ready for another big year at RedBalloon… I have had  a quick look at the diary and I see that I will be quite busy….

This Week

Monday: Interview with The Age  – and reconnecting with everyone in our one on ones

Tuesday: Speaking engagements for Dell and another for Deloitte… then a photo shoot with Pete for Latte Magazine

(I notice that my episode of Secret Millionaire will replay at 7.30pm Tuesday on Gem free to air channel – I blogged about the filming in late 2009)

Wednesday: Celebrating Australia day on the Harbor with friends

Thursday: Judging session for Qantas eXcel peoples choice awards

Friday: Meetings in Melbourne (and the Australian Open men’s final on Sunday)

The Simson Family Christmas Tree

I always get a little melancholy to say good-bye to such a fabulous year. 2010 was a year that made so many dreams come true. In our wildest dreams I did not imagine that we would achieve the growth that RedBalloon had this year – and more importantly the number of people we have served. If we think about the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Grand Final day – that is the number of people I need to THANK for choosing RedBalloon as gifts this Christmas.

We have had many new people join RedBalloon and each of them has grasped our values and sense of purpose with vigor – how lucky I am to work with such an amazing team of people. As I look to next year I think of the things that I want to achieve personally as well as professionally. I’m taking some time with the family to enjoy a white Christmas and some extreme skiing for a few weeks. I’ll also take the time to jot some thoughts about the bigger games I want to play.

You can be assured that you will see lots more innovation from RedBalloon. As we come to our 10-year celebration we will look to the next decade with continued commitment to changing gifting in Australia and New Zealand forever.

Most importantly: I very much want to involve the people who read my blog in some of the ideas and inspirations so – given that I know people who read and comment on this blog are likely to enjoy experiences – I’ll be selecting someone who comments or subscribes each month to go and try a RedBalloon experience.

I’m excited by 2011, by the new challenges, the new people I will meet, the new innovations we will deliver – and most important the number of people we will touch with great experiences.

See you in a few weeks….wishing you the merriest of festive seasons.

Kristina Karlsson - Kikki-K at RedBalloon

What a fabulous week last week. We are clearly in the festive season… I was asked on Kochies Business Builders to speak on employee engagement – clearly a passion and so little time… we will have to work out a way to share more with that audience… iStrategy 2010 was very productive and insightful. So enjoyed Sailing on the Harbor with some of the RedBalloon for Corporate clients and friends. Kristina Karlsson from Kikki-K kept the whole team enthralled with her humbling story of persistence and vision.

Friday Best Buddies amazing race day was perfect… and also glad that Fiona came and volunteered after reading this blog (thank – you).  RedBallooners had a playtime theme at Luna Park to launch the festive season…

Then on Saturday I had lunch with our Retails Super Stars in Melbourne – Who look after our concession in Myer Melbourne (ground floor Latrobe Str)

This week:

Monday: Adelaide client meetings and research

Tuesday: Adelaide client meetings (and visiting RM Williams leaders)

Wednesday: Sydney Dynamic Business Lunch

Thursday: Voiceless Grants event at Sydney Town Hall

Friday: Hosting an HR leader round table

Reading: What French Women Know Debra Ollivier

Best Buddies Pair of the Year

Photo's of Best Buddies by Marcus Gibbs Design Strategy

Dexter with his cushion

Sometimes my weeks astound me with the sheer variety of what I get up to. I did a presentation on employee engagement entitled ‘you can’t do it on your own’ to the Independent Funeral Directors – I think we found each other equally fascinating.

I was in Melbourne – and surprised my daughter with a fabulous gift. Kissed goodbye by his lordship himself – there was lots of cooing, not just from my daughter but her school friends as well. Now Dexter is with her every day at school – as per my previous post.

I’m glad I took my daughter to Channel Nine for the National IQ test, that was a highlight really – and catching up with many other entrepreneurs who I know. (Quite frankly it was a very long day and if I had of known the format I don’t think they really needed me).

Myself, Janine Allis - Boost Juice & Carly Crutchfield at National IQ

What a wonderful treat to have RedBalloon shoes… I am known for my red wardrobe and this really completes all my outfits – another fabulous RedBalloon experience.

Finished the book Drive by Dan Pink, which inspired me to blog about Google and tweet rigorously.

Coming Up this week –

Monday: Launch of this Trimesters theme – very exciting and very on brand

Tuesday: Speaking for Jurlique on recognition – and also a client visit at the same time – not sure how that will work?

Wednesday: Speaking for the Women in the Shire of Yarra Ranges, about women in leadership

Thursday: Speaking for the Australian Health Services Financial Managers Association – a Growth Story. And attending a business round table and a family event at Melbourne Zoo.

Friday: The fabulous Tim Harcourt – Airport Economist is our guest at the RedBalloon lunch and learn.

Reading: The Power of Nice – by Kaplan Thaler & Koval

I have never before been to a Health Retreat… in fact I was a little unsure of what to expect. I knew that to maximize the results of the retreat part of it would be to unplug for the weekend. No phones, TVs or laptop.  I liked the fact that I knew that I was truly away from the world.

Gwinganna Weekend Health Retreat – Is a perfect introduction to a healthy lifestyle… habits of which could form and stay with you. (like always having a water bottle with you)

Things that surprised me:

• I had never done boxing before… very rewarding.
• How much you can do before an 8.00am breakfast (a 10k hike) and feel fabulous all day
• What a luxury it is to not have to declare to the waitress ‘no wheat no dairy’
• To discover that there are 33 treatment rooms in the Gwinganna spa
• To meet other guests who are equally committed to a life style change.
• How fabulously one sleeps with the sounds of the bush – after fabulous food (99.8% organic)…
• The colour and taste of truly healthy food (and lot’s of it)

Whilst this is a Health Retreat the facilities appear like a resort. And it really is very indulgent to have such amazing facilities at your beck and call all day.

This was a perfect weekend recharge. And I came back feeling fabulous and ready for this week.

I completely recommend this – and challenge people to be surprised by a new way of life

Tuesday I had breakfast with past Melbourne Cup champions, Rogan Josh and Brew in the mounting yard at Flemington and I held the 18 carrot gold Melbourne cup (with white gloves on).

Later in the afternoon I met and held a bunch of reptiles, quite the experience.

Wednesday I’d lost my voice – so for our fabulous lunch and learn with Michael Ebied Executive Director, Corporate Strategy & Marketing for the ABC – Kristie sat in for me and asked the questions.  By Friday I met with the RedBalloon Customer Experience team, then I spoke at PwC about gifting strategies – there was not much left of me really, no voice. Then my colleague and I Georgia flew to the Gold Coast for the most perfect weekend retreat at Gwinganna – what a delight. More on that in the next post.

This week

Monday: Filming a Recognition Every Day Toolkit launch video with St George – And hosting a Women’s CEO dinner at est restaurant

Tuesday: Melbourne for Channel Nine’s National IQ Test (on at 7.30) with Eddie McGuire

Wednesday: Business Network Lunch with Bernard Salt in Melbourne – then Sydney for a business dinner at Ivy.

Thursday: Do compliance stuff for my role on the Best Buddies board

Friday: Speaking engagement in Canberra for the Independent Funeral Homes Conference

Reading: Daniel Pink – Drive, the surprising truth about what motivates us.

Add your story.

This past week was such a rush – crammed so much in, but I would hate to be bored. Coming up this week we will kick off Trimester 2 at RedBalloon. We are into our people reviews, the plan has been signed off, personal promises are being finalised – and the theme is set to be launched. We will wrap up the Dream Employers report and publish the video of the press conference. I’ll be sad to miss the company lunch on Tuesday, but will be back in time for the company lunch and learn on Wednesday.

This Week

Monday: Meetings in Melbourne and a networking lunch with 30 business people

Tuesday: Attending the 150th Melbourne Cup at Flemington Race Course

Wednesday: Lunch and Learn with the team – all about online at the ABC with Michael Ebeid

Thursday: Several Meetings with clients & review the stories people are writing

Friday: Attend the Customer Experience team meeting and then head to Guinganna in Queensland with Georgia from the RedBalloon Product team

Visiting a health retreat will definitely be ‘mixing business with pleasure’.

RedBalloon for Corporate - goes trapezing

I often marvel that the experiences that I love the most are the one’s that are most unexpected. And on Sunday morning, I got to delight in the feeling of flying.

On Hamilton Island with the RedBalloon Corporate team we delighted in doing things that we had not done before. I have been sailing – but never on a catamaran that is rigged just for speed. Keith our host was completely thorough in his briefing – we learned how to quickly attach our harnesses so we could trapeze out over the sides of the catamaran.

The water is always deliciously warm in the Whitsundays and we were so fortunate to have a really good wind. It was only minutes before we were out of the harbor, harnessed in and travelling with the wind.

I loved looking towards the water as I hung over the side to really experience the rush of the speed we were travelling. According to Keith only 10% of Australian sailors will ever travel as fast as we were going.

We laughed and screamed with delight with every new gust of wind we reached – and we took turns in holding onto the net to skim literally inches from the water. It was like your own personal spa travelling at 19knots.

We had such a laugh – doing this with friends made it all the funnier – watching each person’s reaction.

We were out for about 1.5 hours… the time disappeared. We came back with our bellies aching from laughing too much.

If you are ever on Hamilton Island this is a must do… in fact it is even worth a trip to Hamo – because apparently it is the only place in Australia set up specifically for the speed of trapezing on a catamaran.

Oprah would love to do this - add it to the petition

Sailing Trapeze from Hamilton Island