So this weeks see’s the launch of Dave Stewart’s latest book, a collaboration with Mark Simmons, the branding expert and innovator. Here’s the trailer video for the book, and you can visit bothof these websites to find out more. The Business Playground and Idea Spaghetti. You must check out the window that turns into a balcony! The forward to the book has been written by serial entrepreneur, Richard Branson. This is what Dave and Mark say :
In today’s flat world, business as usual no longer cuts it. Anyone can compete on quality, price and timing. So what’s the secret weapon that will boost a business over and above its competition? Creativity!
But far too often creativity is sidelined and the energy and excitement that go along side it are subdued.
We are trying to change all that. We want to help business people everywhere unleash their creativity by celebrating great ideas and giving people some of the tools they might need. Our blog is about celebrating ideas and we will be regularly updating it with ideas fro around the world that we find inspiring.
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up . Pablo Picasso In today’s flat world, business as usual no longer cuts it. Anyone can compete on quality, price and timing. So what’s the secret weapon that will boost your business over and above the competition? Creativity! But far too often creativity is sidelined and the energy and excitement that go along side it are subdued.
The Business Playground will change all that! Prodigious musician, producer and entrepreneur Dave Stewart, and advertising and branding guru Mark Simmons show you how to rediscover your creativity. Through a quirky selection of idea-inducing games and stimulating stories you’ll be able to bring your workplace back to life. Be inspired by creative conversations with legendary Mick Jagger, Tony Award winning director Matthew Warchus, and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. And learn from innovative companies like Google, NASA and Nokia. Unleash your amazing creative potential and get ready to play!
What they say about Dave Stewart: If you are an entrepreneur and you spend time with Dave, you will know exactly what your next business idea should be, if you are a philosopher and you get talking to Dave, your mind will suddenly have clarity like never before. If you are a student and you listen to Dave, immediately you will believe in yourself and know exactly what you need to do next. Dave is a creative genius. Simon Fuller, Founder and CEO of 19 Entertainment and creator of American Idol Captain
Dave is a dreamer and a fearless innovator, a visionary of high order, very delicately tractable on the surface but beneath that, he’s a slamming, thumping, battering ram, very mystical but rational. Bob Dylan
Dave is who we all want to be living his dream and actually changing the world every day with his gentle inspirational genius. Janice Vandenbrink, Senior Vice President of Global Systems at Visa International
Dave is a truly extraordinary blend of creative genius and business person with flair. Rita Clifton, Chairman of Interbrand Real creativity has me in awe
Dave Stewart is one of the most thrilling creative minds I have ever met. Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop
When I met Dave he talked for 12 hours about the impact of digitalizationon the production and distribution of media. As a banker, I didn’t know what the hell he was talking about – nor did anyone else. Over the next five years, we all found out Michael Philipp, Chairman and Executive Board Member of Credit Suisse Europe, Middle East And Africa
For over 30 years I have been working with creative people the world over; but none compare with Dave. His creative cup overflows with originality, profusion and, most importantly, generosity. He is undoubtedly a genius. Andy Law, Worldwide Chairman, The Law Firm.
What they say about Mark Simmons and Punk Marketing “Blunt, fair, fearless and outrageous just like the marketing style they espouse.” Publishers Weekly “‘Punk’ reads like the insider wisdom your tattooed brother gave during your first nose-piercing session: ‘Don’t show Mom, but the girls at school will dig it.’
Advertising Age Taken together, their anecdotes show that truly original, engaging, and – most important – surprising ads will always prevail, whether they’re labeled punk or not. Business Week
The Business Playground: Where Creativity and Commerce Collide is being published by Pearson in the UK May 2010 and by Peachpit in the US and Canada in July 2010. You can buy a copy online in the UK from Amazon by clicking here The book