Your business might not work. Would you rather know now, or later?
This article is about seeking the truth of what your business is, or will be, not what you hope and pray it might be. The truth: it’s tough, and it hurts, and not everyone can handle it – just ask Jack Nicholson. Knowing the reality of the situation saves everyone an awful lot of time, […]
Why Social Proof is No Longer Optional for Growing Businesses
Social proof is when other people say nice things about your business. That’s the simple English version of it. And much like when I go for a run without my Fitbit, if my effort is not recorded by someone else, did it ever really happen? You can have the best strategy. The best service. The […]
Failure is an Option When Starting A Business: Embrace it.
Failure is an option. Your business might not work. Would you rather know now, or later? This question is about seeking the truth of what your business is, or will be, not what you hope and pray it might be. The truth: it’s tough, and it hurts, and not everyone can handle it – just […]
Empathy: Why Getting Angry About AI Dolls Might Say More About You And Your Leadership Style Than You Think
This week I wanted to talk about empathy, and specifically all those AI-generated doll templates you’ve been seeing over the last week or so. Why empathy isn’t just about feeling sad for others? When people think of empathy, they usually picture a person caring for other people. Someone who is relating to someone in need […]
People 2 People (P2P): A Community-Driven Oral History Approach
Oral history is as old as us. It’s a powerful tool for capturing real experiences, preserving personal and national heritage, and fostering community dialogue. The majority of current heritage and community projects involve outsiders coming into communities to document lives, People 2 People (P2P) changes that. P2P is built on the back of work such […]
How FlexiAD Technology is Revitalising Oral History and Heritage Engagement
In a village hall in rural England, an elderly man stands before a microphone. His voice trembles as he recounts stories of his childhood, of ration books, blackout curtains, and tightly knit communities that found resilience amid hardship. In a neighbouring city, people born in different ages and faraway countries share family recipes and taste […]
The Double Diamond Method: A Better Way to Evaluate
The Double Diamond framework isn’t just for designers. It’s an essential tool for evaluating complex programmes and projects, combining clear thinking, practical actions, and continuous improvement. If you’re looking for an evaluation method that cuts through complexity and delivers results, this guide is for you. Why Use the Double Diamond for Evaluation? Think of the […]
Underpin Consultants Join the Institute of Social Value
Underpin Consultants has joined the Institute of Social Value. This step reinforces our commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable change for organisations and communities. Underpin Consultants has always promoted strategies that deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits and joining the Institute of Social Value allows us to further our mission of “enabling world-changers to do what […]
How SCARF Builds Better Teams and Better Businesses
Being a leader is tough. And having some good practices to fall back on is key if you don’t want to lose your mind. A method I like to use is SCARF, a system that changes how we think about teams, leadership, and workplace culture. This approach, developed by David Rock in 2008, isn’t just […]
Stoicism in Business: How Ancient Philosophy Can Transform Modern Practices
When it comes to running a business, the unexpected challenges, emotional highs, and inevitable setbacks can often feel overwhelming. But what if an ancient philosophy could help you navigate these moments with clarity and purpose? That’s where Stoicism steps in—not as an outdated relic of ancient Greece, but as a timeless toolkit for personal and […]