The Design & Digital Studio

MEA Markets has selected The Design & Digital Studio to participate in the respected ! Through this programme MEA Markets celebrate the outstanding achievements, contributions, and company values of committed businesses across Africa.
Deidré Wolmarans "I thank you, MEA Markets for the way and the work you do to inspire and connect the wider African business community in celebration, fostering our network of excellence and innovation! I celebrate this with all the nominees as a testament to dedication to excellence, innovation, and positive impact!" - Owner and Founder

To this amazing team! 💫 MEA Markets You did more than that, you are also a celebration of Excellence! You did make this a tremendous honor, and proud experience. Thank you, you did ensure that inclusion in any of AI Global Media’s award programmes is a beneficial and enjoyable experience for all involved. You are amazing! From The Design & Digital Studio you are appreciated! - Deidré Wolmarans

It's not an art, it's a structure.

I've been asked how I have managed to surpass just staying relevant. But I'd like to rather talk about the irrelevance of just being relevant.

Being relevant at the very least to deliver on your promise. But expect to stay in the status quo if this is your safe option and how you operate. Keep that up and you should at some point become part of the pack, of relevents.

To be up there with the great achievers and climbers, before you start a conversation with your clients, start one with yourself. She always says it best; and as Oprah again gets it right "Every time you state what you want or believe, you’re the first to hear it. It’s a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don’t put a ceiling on yourself."

Don't put a ceiling on your delivery.
The moment you exceed the expectation you've already delivered on your initial promise, and more. Good start.
It's a great start to building that reputation, but be honest with yourself because you'll have to keep it up.

Buffet is a smart man, but I want to top him on this; "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently." It takes that one project, one client, that one contract that can set you up, can put you in a higher category, set you apart, and build your reputation.

There's the psychology of "association". Clients like to be that addition to your reputable list of clients, they like having their logo feature amongst other successful brands you showcase on your website. Moreso they want that offering they trust is going to put them there.

Don't put a ceiling in the relationships you build.
Dealing with a brand, an organisation or a start-up, you are dealing with humans. Treasure the relationships you build.
That start-up may become the next big organisation, and that manager may become a CXO.
In my career clients have become business partners, co-founders and funders. I've never limited a relationship. I never underestimate a person and the relationship I have with them.

To keep standing without a ceiling;
A simple example is when building a structure; you first need a foundation, then put up some walls and lastly, you can put up the ceiling. It's up to you to build a skyscraper, a multi-story, hectare by hectare wide building. And for the imaginative sake of it, forget about the ceiling. Let it rain in cause it will eventually pour. But for all of it not to crumble your foundation needs to be solid, and your structure will need to withstand the winds and the rain.
Matthew 7:24-27 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

These are some steps, and my advice. Don't limit your thinking, exceed on your delivery, treasure who you build with and make sure of the foundation you build on.

The rest is your own recipe. There is no script for being better, doing better and getting better at it.

The reward, you get to choose your clients, and you are not dependent on only the ones who chose you. You get to choose that contract or project you are not limited to the ones that chose you.

https://thedesignanddigitalstudio.com/

◼ I cast a spotlight on an interesting paradox – the idea that a fresh, innovative title can magically overhaul ingrained corporate behavior. ◼ ◼ Let your actions define your title, rather than the other way around. ◼ Deidré Wolmarans

In this ever-shifting landscape of professional life, the allure of startups has beckoned many, especially those emerging from the conventional corridors of corporate giants. The transition from structured hierarchies to the casual, creative spirit of startups can be likened to stepping into a "new world". However, in the, I call it; 'Title Recycle' phenomenon I cast a spotlight on an interesting paradox – the idea that a fresh, innovative title can magically overhaul ingrained corporate behavior.

This notion that a quirky new title can magically transform deeply ingrained corporate behavior into something suited for the innovative startup landscape.

So the erstwhile the Director of Operations, now christened "Chief Disruption Officer" at a fledgling tech startup. Their LinkedIn profile dazzles with this trendy title, but is it just a mere cosmetic alteration? The truth is, more often than not, their corporate upbringing continues to dictate his work approach, despite the charismatic new title shift.

The once a meticulous Project Manager in a corporate setting, now dubbed the "Chief Chaos Whisperer" in a trendy startup. Their LinkedIn profile showcases this eye-catching title, but does it truly alter their modus operandi?

And let's say it; more often than not, the answer is no. The fascinating "Title Recycle" movement underscores the inclination of ex-corporate players to transplant their structured methods into the free-flowing world of startups.
My "Title Recycle" is term that speaks to the tendency of former corporate individuals to carry their structured methods into the startup world.
With job titles ranging from "Chief Happiness Evangelist" to "Innovation Guru," there's a sense that adopting a funky title instantly morphs them into a startup superhero. Yet, the truth is far more nuanced.

As the curtains fall, revealing the startup stage, there's an anticipation that a hip title metamorphoses them into startup visionaries. But, the transition isn't as easy as typing in into your bio.

I'll be candid about the shift. Exiting the corporate arena, whether by choice, retrenchment, or restructuring, is often marked by a desire for a fresh start. Embracing an offbeat title might seem like a quirky way to kickstart change, but it's essential to recognize that transformation runs deeper than nomenclature.

Own it, and see this rahter as an exploration of the transition. It's a reminder that even as corporate exiles embrace unconventional titles, the heart of a startup is about shedding rigid structures and embracing a culture of collaboration, learning, and agility.
The "Title Recycle" saga serves as a reminder that true success in a startup isn't about the novelty of a title, but about adapting to a new mindset.

A title can't be a substitute for agility, innovation, and the willingness to unlearn conventional norms.
So, to all the "Growth Hack Wizards" and "Innovation Champions" out there – embrace the spirit of your new environment.

Let your actions define your title, rather than the other way around.
After all, a startup's success isn't rooted in nomenclature, but in the creativity, passion, and collaborative effort of its team.
Chat soon, D

It's not such a big secret, it's called authenticity.

Storytelling is like your aunt's secret sauce that adds flavour and depth to campaigns. It's the best sauce ever because it's authentic, comes straight from her heart and no one can make it the way your aunty makes it. Storytelling: It's the magic ingredient that captivates audiences, sparks emotions, and creates memorable experiences.
Brands are vying for attention and seeking ways to stand out, storytelling becomes a powerful tool that cuts through the noise and connects with consumers on a deeper level. And only a very few, are really good at it.

Think about it—when was the last time you saw something that truly resonated with you? Chances are, it had a compelling story at its core.

That's cause storytelling taps into our innate human nature. We are wired to respond to narratives, to be drawn in by characters, their conflicts, and resolutions.

It's what keeps us engaged.

By incorporating storytelling into their identity, brands can create a narrative around their products or services. The story of how their offerings fit into the lives of their target audience and evoke emotions and helps brands create a genuine connection with consumers.

The key benefit of storytelling is its ability to humanise brands. Instead of merely pushing out content for the sake of it, storytelling allows brands to showcase their values, their purpose, and their personality. It helps build that emotional connection and foster association with their audience. Humans resonate with a brand's story, humans are more likely to become loyal customers and brand advocates.

Storytelling also provides a way for brands to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace, also because it is hard to do, if it was easy everyone would capitulate it. With countless options available to consumers, brands need to find a way to stand out and leave an impression. There is a creative narrative that reflects their brand identity, values, and mission, giving consumers a reason to choose them over others.

In a world where attention spans are dwindling and short, storytelling is a way to capture and hold attention. It engages both the rational and emotional sides of our brains, making the message more memorable.

Tell a story and differentiate yourself. It helps brands create authentic connections, again, humanise their identity, differentiate themselves, and inspire action. So, the next time you're crafting a campaign, do it for real, instead of just pushing out content for the sake of it. Spend time to make up that sauce, with all the secret ingredients. But its not such a big secret, its called (and doesn't come in a bottle) - authenticity.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-design-digital-studio

the design and digital studio for Nicola Le Roux
Concept proposal

CORPORATE IDENTITY .

.wolmarans www.thedesignanddigitalstudio.com

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