The upcoming vaxxathon is the tonic that New Zealanders didn’t know they needed. But let’s break down why it makes sense from the perspective of some important psychological and social concepts, too. Collective / Individual action Although the ‘Team of 5 Million’ is a well-worn and accepted phrase, it’s fallen into disrepair in recent months. […]
Impending doom and an overwhelming sense of grief for all that we may have lost, even as the pandemic has played out over the last 20 months in New Zealand. This is the gist of just some conversations and expressions I’ve heard over the past few days. Why are we feeling like this? Why now? […]
While we wait patiently for more information about possible Covid19 transmission in Wellington to be collated, prepared and released, let’s figure out how we can continue to be ready for this scenario as it unfolds, and if it happens again. If your scanning has dropped off – and for the majority, it has – this […]
I am so pleased to have been invited to speak LIVE with Mark Sylvester on the “Making Waves” series of conversation with influencers and disruptors at TEDxSantaBarbara. We spoke about a wide range of topics concerning how we can better manage our expectations and mental health as we progress through this coronavirus pandemic. You can watch our conversation […]
It’s tricky trying to do what you love and also make a living. And although I’m busy doing what I love, the ‘making a living’ thing is proving to be a quite the challenge to crack. I’ve discovered that I love writing. Not academic writing: I can do it, but I wouldn’t describe my relationship […]
This psychologically-informed post offers suggestions for reframing the current narrative for strategic, high level Covid-19 communications. My analysis describes the current successful minority influence approach, but also the risks of continuing along this path. I propose moving from a story of safeguarding to a narrative of the potential benefits that are unlocked through vaccine uptake […]
In conditions of uncertainty, or when we are not entirely sure how to act or what to think, we look to others for cues on what we should be doing. This is where we all need to act as leaders. To practise physical distancing, to wear a mask if we can. To wash our hands. […]
The latest Auckland outbreak and the associated Level 3 restrictions can give us a clue as to just how transmissible the UK variant of the coronavirus can be in a school environment. This concerns me. The big bang approach to schools re-opening in England on March 8 was first going to be supported with mandatory […]
I REMEMBER CLEARLY saying to Sarah, my wife, in March 2020: “This is going to last a long time. My intention is to stick to the pillars of Structure and Empathy to guide the response and communication of it. I’m going to need your help. If I stray too far from that, can I please […]
IT’S HERE! I’m so please to announce that my audiobook of “Steady, Keeping Calm in a World Gone Viral” is now GLOBALLY AVAILABLE. And it’s also amazing to announce that the vocal artist I invited to partner with my on the project – Daniel Henning – has just been announced as a finalist in the […]