Strange Brew
When Rosie Lee came into being, I envisioned it as a multidisciplinary platform long before such terms became mainstream. It became a haven for misfits and 'latchkey kids' - a diverse collective united not by uniformity but by their unique perspectives, skills and experiences. This eclectic mix has defined us as a narrative-led company, steering clear of fleeting aesthetics in favour of stories with lasting impact.
One of our core mantras, an unorthodox blend of disciplines, perfectly captures our essence. Thus, when we started sharing our musings, ‘Unorthodox Blend’ was a fitting title for these exchanges. Opening up these conversations to our circle over the years blossomed into Unorthodox Blend Conversations.
Russell’s idea to elevate this into a live three-day series for Rosie Lee’s 24th anniversary seemed a little crazy, but we agreed it would set the stage for our 25th-year milestone.
The discussions were intense yet invigorating, weaving through a myriad of topics and anecdotes with seemingly random detours that somehow always energised us. Flowing with the universe, a phrase we often reference, embodies one of our core values. The nonlinear paths of our guests, their unique journeys and their achievements underscore the theme of openness to change and the power of curiosity and passion.
UBC007 Richard Hoare
Really enjoyed the chat with Rich regarding music, longevity of bands and how sometimes they resonate or fade into obscurity. From the co-ownership of the music they make to how it's a soundtrack to our lives and experiences, how songs become deeply connected to you, and we even touched on sobriety and the essence of certain settings beyond their superficial elements. We barely even covered the topic of negotiation and definitely need a follow-up conversation.
UBC008 Mick McConnell
With Mick, like in many conversations we've had, there's a beautiful synergy in how our ideas intertwine—each of us chasing after new insights with “Squirrel!” level of tangents. Yet, beneath the surface whirlwind of thoughts, there's a coherent, evolving story that unfolds. His open-reflections navigated the quest for happiness in one's career. And mulling on the wisdom that if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. Conversation flowed into how historical business models, focused on scaling up, might not be the most beneficial in today's landscape, suggesting perhaps less is more. This underscored the value of collaboration with like-minded people and the critical pursuit of equilibrium, to prevent burnout - a sentiment likely to resonate with many, regardless of where they find themselves on their career path.
UBC009 Dean Evans
As expected, the person who introduced me and Russell didn’t hold back! Dean covered topics from being titled the Director of Violence to the notion of the verb 'kill!' in gaming, whether it's Mario killing the Koopas in FPS, We went from discussing being a character in GTA San Andreas, to the philosophical reflections inspired by Phil Tippett's adaptability;the nuanced exploration of AI and robotics through the eyes of Western and Japanese cultures. Dean gave some insight into management styles in the gaming industry, and we discussed burying your feelings - In Dean’s words The “Jedi are the poster boys for toxic bullshit.’
UBC010 Mina Kitsos
Mina's got amazing determination, and is an advocate for following your passion as you never know where it could take you. If you look back at her career, the collaborations, brands and partnerships she supported, she would obviously be where she is today. This goes back to how non-linear life can be and only with hindsight do seemingly unrelated things become relevant in your journey and the relationships you build. From working with iconic brands, designers and cultural icons to creating killer collaborations, launches and partnerships that have encapsulated a narrative, a moment, or an insight into the collaborators' processes.
UBC011 Mark Gurney
Mark covered everything from personal evolution and changing careers to his work in hospitality. He revealed how a shift in a restaurant could be more gruelling than running a marathon, highlighting the physical and emotional endurance required in the hospitality industry. Yet, for Mark, the essence of working in hospitality transcends mere food—it's about crafting curated experiences that can transform a dining occasion into something unforgettable, and how it can make or break a sitting.
This mantra wasn’t solely confined to his professional ethos but extended to his personal passions as well. His love for the Dubstep scene, reminiscing about the iconic gatherings at FWD and Plastic People, underscored the importance of community. It was in these spaces, surrounded by like-minded individuals, where he felt most alive, sharing experiences and creating a platform for collective expression. “You had to be on the floor!” emphasising the raw, unfiltered connection with the music and the people around him.Finishing with “It's nice to be nice,” and Mark is!
UBC013 James Nelson
James, Rosie Lee’s Creative Director, came with an unexpectedly in-depth conversation about E-bikes in Amsterdam. This segued into a broader dialogue about the transformation designers undergo when stepping into Creative Director roles—a transition we agreed represents not just an evolution but a fundamental change. James underscored the significance of “Experimentation is the joy of the unknown,” highlighting our sometimes unconventional approaches to projects and the use of storytelling to engage and inspire audiences within brand spaces and displays.
UBC014 Derek Morrison
Derek then steered the conversation towards the essence of storytelling, advocating that “Innovation is the rendering of Truth.” Together with Russell, he delved into what defines a ‘creative’ and the invaluable role of diverse perspectives in sparking innovation and revealing deeper truths.The dialogue evolved with Derek's introduction of 1+1=3 thinking, a personal mantra exemplified by his III tattoo. This concept celebrates the synergy of diverse thoughts and styles within a team, producing outcomes far surpassing individual efforts. This philosophy underlines the crucial role of varied perspectives in achieving innovative breakthroughs.
UBC015 Lauren Lotka
We laughed with Lauren at AI’s expanding role in meetings, humorously predicting a time where our AI bots share a coffee. She shared her passionate journey towards leadership development, emphasising the need for a balance between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ skills in effective leadership. Lauren’s reflections reminded us of the human core in professional pursuits, envisioning a future where technological advancements and human insights merge under empathetic and skilled leadership. She highlighted the importance of maintaining human connections within teams.
UBC016 Tom Sebright-King
Finally, with Tom, Reflection on UBC012 Humanity in HR, his insights ventured into the often-overlooked areas of vulnerability within the workplace, specifically addressing how some feel they have imposter syndrome—a phenomenon that many individuals face but few openly discuss. Tom and Russell emphasised the critical importance of acknowledging and regulating emotions at work, advocating for a culture where feelings aren’t buried but are communicated openly. Also being open about different ways of working and embracing the 'differences' that each individual brings to the workplace. This approach not only acknowledges but also values the unique contributions of each team member, paving the way for a more cohesive and supportive work culture.
These Unorthodox Blend Conversations not only celebrated our 24th anniversary but also reinforced our belief in the strength of diverse viewpoints and the richness they bring to our collective story. As we anticipate the future, these dialogues stand as a tribute to the enduring power of openness, curiosity, and the unexpected connections that direct our paths.
Written by Mark