Thinking
Notes from the work, as it happens: technology, people, leadership and what I'm learning along the way. My LinkedIn posts, articles and every edition of The Friday Takeaway live here, all in one place.
250 pieces
Please help me to thank Richard Branson.
Between us, I'm hoping we can reach someone at Virgin, or Richard directly.
Just the four of us on Portwrinkle beach in Cornwall.
Plus Mabel the dog.
Nobody warns you about the middle of the night: Vivek's story
This week, I'm back with a guest, who I spent time with in Atlanta last week.
You can build something really impressive for your customers and they still might…
You can build something really impressive for your customers and they still might reject it.
When I visited The King Center in Atlanta
When I visited The King Center in Atlanta, I wasn’t expecting to read the words “When machines and computers...” from Martin Luther King.
Where’s the fun gone?
I’m going to be pretty quick this week. I’m recording from a hotel room in Atlanta, Georgia, where I’ve just spent an awesome couple of days running workshops with a client.
I took a step back last week to consider where we're investing effort into AI as a…
I took a step back last week to consider where we're investing effort into AI as a business, broadly categorising them into two areas: efficiency and innovation.
Atlanta bound, where I'll be available for hugs workshops
Atlanta bound, where I'll be available for hugs workshops
I met Tom Noble at Waterloo station last Thursday.
We looked like we were about to do some sort of odd exchange.
It's survival: Mark's story
Last week I wrote about Mark Kennedy, who's been out of work for 18 months.
ChatGPT is citing Reddit 88% less and Wikipedia 80% less than it was six months ago.
When it needs to check a fact, it’s increasingly going to your website instead.
I was at Hampden's market briefing at Fishmongers’ Hall this morning
I was at Hampden's market briefing at Fishmongers’ Hall this morning, and one comment has really stuck with me.
Last week I had a fireside chat with Forbes Low at the Kingston Chamber of Commerce.
Here’s the six questions and short version of what we covered.
If I’m totally honest, I started this week feeling a bit low.
By the end of it, I’m feeling super recharged. The difference was leaning into the things I felt compelled to do, especially helping someone else.
When you feel compelled to do something
I’ve had a couple of guests on recently, but this week I’m back on my own. And a confession, I video recorded this and had the wrong camera selected. So I recorded my screen, rather than…
On Tuesday I sat down in-person to chat with Mark Kennedy
On Tuesday I sat down in-person to chat with Mark Kennedy, after seeing a post about him on LinkedIn. Over two hours later, after tears and a hug, I could have kept talking all evening.
Wow, what a lovely reaction from people on LinkedIn.
A few weeks ago one of Tom Noble's posts about building Chateau Noble, his wine company, caught my eye.
Being in "sales" is hard, whether you're a professional seller or someone who's ended…
Being in "sales" is hard, whether you're a professional seller or someone who's ended up selling without ever meaning to (like me). Its time consuming, and its difficult to know if…
One of the biggest mistakes I see organisations making is becoming over-reliant on…
One of the biggest mistakes I see organisations making is becoming over-reliant on paid search to drive demand.
You might be wondering why Bella Kernan is holding an orange flip-flop
You might be wondering why Bella Kernan is holding an orange flip-flop, shortly after her 10 year anniversary at 7DOTS. There is a story behind it.
Ed Gossage: You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable - 17 years building a business
We recorded this one outside with a pint each, because today is 17 years to the day since Ed and I started 7DOTS.
17 years into running 7DOTS, a lot of people ask me how Ed and I met
17 years into running 7DOTS, a lot of people ask me how Ed and I met, and how we've stuck at it together... so here's the story, and a lot of appreciation.
It's Kate’s last day at 7DOTS today
It's Kate’s last day at 7DOTS today, as she's emigrating to New Zealand, and I just wanted to take a moment to thank her publicly for everything.
My doodle after recently chatting with a CEO about how they can align…
My doodle after recently chatting with a CEO about how they can align digital/technology to enable where the organisation is going. Part of our monthly catch-up to help each other keep…
Bella, thank you so much for everything over the past 10 years.
Not only have you you been invaluable to our clients and the business, but you've made the journey so much more fun along the way for all of us... which of course has included the…
Gemma Page: Building confidence amidst life's juggling act
Two firsts this week. I've video recorded the episode, and I've got a guest.
Would you wear a "Happy to Stand" badge?
I was recently travelling on a mega busy train and noticed how many people ended up standing. Elderly people, a pregnant lady, young children.
Every Friday I share what's been going on in my week.
Unfiltered and behind the scenes, as a CEO, founder, advisor, charity chair, husband and dad.
Lean in and give something a go
I'm trying out a new format for the Friday Takeaway this week. The idea is to give it a bit of structure, so people know what they're getting when they come back.
Personal AI assistants have been on the horizon for a while.
They're now close enough to change how your customers buy from you.
When I'm travelling for work, I try to make the most of the time.
And I don't mean working. So this Sunday I made some notes as I headed to Ireland.
Making your own luck
It has been an incredibly busy week. A combination of my children going back to school, and what that means in family life. And then the world of business kicking back into gear after…
There are few things more exciting than launching a new brand and website...
not to mention the new signage, merch and cakes that come along with it.
Visibility wins
I'm back at work this week after two beautiful weeks away, recharging and catching up with the family. So it's no surprise that the first thing on my mind is going back to work with a bump.
Meta spent the first half of this year planning to hand a large chunk of its…
Meta spent the first half of this year planning to hand a large chunk of its employees' work over to AI agents. Reuters shared an interesting investigation into it last week!
One week doesn't cut it
Another quick Friday Takeaway this week… mainly because (if I'm being totally honest) I'm still on holiday and completely forgot to sit down early this morning and write it. But then…
Ideas, enthusiasm and joy
I'm on holiday this week and next, down in Cornwall, so this week's Friday Takeaway is going to be a little bit different. In particular, because I've not done very much 7DOTS work this…
Finding the balance
I have to admit I'm surprised how many people have subscribed to this (gulp), thank you. I really hope I can write something interesting in each edition.
For me, community comes from people deciding to support each other.
And the one that matters most is the community you live in.
Start with the problem
I've been posting The Friday Takeaway as a standard post on LinkedIn for a while now... but from today I'm going to try switching this Newsletter format.
I tried the new Ray-Ban Metas a few weeks ago and couldn't think of anything I'd want…
I tried the new Ray-Ban Metas a few weeks ago and couldn't think of anything I'd want to own less.
My son starts high school after the holidays
My son starts high school after the holidays, and Gemma and I have been working through whether he should get a smartphone, a flip phone, or have no phone at all.
Back from Umbria, and not as rested as I expected
The Friday Takeaway
Thinking differently is not a weakness.
For a long time, I didn't fully see it that way. School was hard. It wasn't built for me. And when you don't fit the mould, it's easy to think you're the problem.
Think big, start small, act now - a simple framework for getting the right things done.
Everyone feels busier than ever. More demands, more messages, more output expected faster just to keep up.
The Friday Takeaway is served, even if it's a bit hot for a takeaway
The Friday Takeaway is served... even if it's a bit hot for a takeaway. In summary:
This photo is me and Ed, my co-founder at 7DOTS, on a recent trip to Poland.
I'm in the gym. Ed's in the pool, swimming against a jet flow.
According to Mark Zuckerberg, AI agents are progressing slower than expected.
That matches what I have been seeing with LLM model progression levelling off compared to early developments, and businesses struggling to deploy and scale AI effectively.
If you had an employee and could clearly see an area where they had room to grow
If you had an employee and could clearly see an area where they had room to grow, you'd want to share that with them, gently and honestly, because that's how you help someone become…
How do you become more strategic?
Something I've asked myself many times over the years. Here are three simple principles you can follow.
Most businesses treat marketing, sales and customer experience as a linear funnel.
Awareness Consideration Purchase Onboarding Loyalty Advocacy.
What should organisations actually be doing with AI?
Whenever I get asked this question, here's how I break it down into 3 areas that matter.
OpenAI's biggest backer just warned the world about companies like OpenAI.
Awkward. Or is something else going on?
A new study reflects exactly what I'm seeing
A new study reflects exactly what I'm seeing: AI massively boosts productivity for low-level tasks (290%), but much less for high-level tasks (30%).
When the technology makes the existing service model in a business more efficient
When the technology makes the existing service model in a business more efficient, employment grows. When technology lets people do the work themselves at home, demand for the service…
This is a good example of a report about AI
This is a good example of a report about AI, which was partly written by AI, and inflated what AI could do... That's a lot of AIs for a Monday morning.
I've Built The Ultimate Guide To Never Seeing Another "Ultimate Guide" Post Again!!
7 steps. Completely free. Genuinely life-changing.
Anthropic has released Fable 5 and Mythos 5
Anthropic has released Fable 5 and Mythos 5, available until June 22nd at no extra cost for paid plans. If you're using Claude Code, now is the time to try it out.
Anthropic says we might need a global pause in AI development.
We don't. It wouldn't work. This is what I think is really going on.
What are we building?
Four words from Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, have stayed with me since I read it.
What are we building?
Four words that have stuck with me all week.
Uber spent it's entire 2026 AI budget in 4 months.
$500 to $2,000 per engineer / month on AI tools!
What a wonderful experience with the 7DOTS team
What a wonderful experience with the 7DOTS team, clients and friends at Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show.
Five things the businesses growing right now have in common.
Notes from a talk I gave to a room of business leaders this week.
A typical B2B decision now involves 100+ touchpoints.
A Google study clocked 900 in a single purchase journey. McKinsey says buyers use 10+ channels along the way.
$1.8 billion in projected sales.
One person (ish). 20k in startup capital. Two months from idea to launch.
A new LLM has been released called SubQ
A new LLM has been released called SubQ - here's why it might be special and the next leap to AI agents being truly effective. In plain English...
Back in November, Shopify reported AI-referred traffic was 7x higher than January 2025.
AI-attributed orders were 11x higher. That was before April's update.
Dario Amodei spends up to 40% of his time on culture.
He runs Anthropic. The fastest-growing LLM company in the world by revenue.
Wow, I'm incredibly proud that 7DOTS won the "Outstanding Rising Reputation" award at…
Wow, I'm incredibly proud that 7DOTS won the "Outstanding Rising Reputation" award at the KBBAs last night! These awards are particularly special to us.
We've been using Claude Opus 4.7 since it launched last week.
The practical experience is matching the benchmark data Anthropic published.
AI is giving you the same strategic advice it's giving your competitors.
Regardless of your situation or context.
Figma's stock dropped 7% on Thursday.
The reason: Anthropic launched Claude Design.
Anthropic Glasswing has been everywhere this week.
After reading the coverage, the scepticism, and the counter-arguments, five things stand out to me....
HELP. I'm stuck in the "messy middle" of buying a backpack.
Please can someone save me?!
Usefulness is often more valuable than intelligence.
ChatGPT 5.4 tops Opus 4.6 in most benchmarks. But the AI I use to get work done is Claude.
OpenAI just scaled back Instant Checkout
OpenAI just scaled back Instant Checkout, its plan to let people buy products directly inside ChatGPT.
The internet has been optimised to death.
Jonah Peretti's line at SXSW this year.
Half the traffic on your website might not be human...
Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Every month, my business partner Ed Gossage and I get out of the office.
No agenda. No laptops. Just a walk, talk, and think.
OpenAI just shut down Sora, its AI video generation tool.
And Disney walked away from a $1 billion investment.
Harmonic tension
"Harmonic tension"
It's time to move beyond vanity metrics
It's time to move beyond vanity metrics, because in 2026, you need impact data to get board-level investment.
Will AI take my job?
This chart provides some interesting answers to that question.
Congratulations and thank you to Craig Wilmann for inviting us along to his debut…
Congratulations and thank you to Craig Wilmann for inviting us along to his debut stageplay "While We Wait" at the Arches Lane Theatre.
Perplexity just launched "Computer".
19 AI models, 400+ integrations, $200/month. They're betting the future is orchestration rather than one tool doing it all. Here's my take and the shortcomings...
I'm held at a red signal on the train...
so I've decided to use Claude Cowork to work out the odds and produce a few charts. Here you go ... (not expecting many thanks for this one).
Sometimes you just need to chill out...
Sorry, I couldn't resist. But seriously, you do.
ChatGPT now has Ads.
$60 CPM. $200k min buy. A researcher quit. Anthropic's Super Bowl response = 32% download boost. Here's what it means for brands.
Not all LinkedIn engagement is equal.
Some posts grow your audience. Others deepen your connection with people already paying attention.
Team energy, AI reality checks and a challenge for your weekend
The Friday Takeaway is served . On the menu today: team energy, AI reality checks, and a challenge for your weekend.
60% of Google searches end without a click.
AI Overviews appear on 57% of results pages, up from 25% just six months ago.
Probably (definitely) the closest I'll get to a Winter Olympics gold medal
Probably (definitely) the closest I'll get to a Winter Olympics gold medal
Wonderful day spent at David Austin Roses last week
Wonderful day spent at David Austin Roses last week, taking part in a pruning workshop with Leigh Scholefield.
The most interesting things said about AI at REMIX weren't the success stories.
They were the confessions!
US broker share prices tumbling after Insurify launched the first insurance comparison…
US broker share prices tumbling after Insurify launched the first insurance comparison app inside ChatGPT. WTW down 13%, Gallagher 10%, Aon 9%. Here's why...
Honest question for my network:
Honest question for my network: What's your biggest frustration or fear with AI in your *personal* life right now?
Turning a photo into a video using AI in less than 2 mins!
It's this simple... but don't turn on sound or watch to the end
Round of applause to Anthropic's marketing team for this Superbowl ad which takes a…
Round of applause to Anthropic's marketing team for this Superbowl ad which takes a massive dig at ChatGPT ads... https://lnkd.in/eUyDp9FW
Treating food insecurity as a PR playground is a failure of leadership.
Genuine impact quietly provides support for those that need it. Here's why we must do better.
Every business and team leader should pay attention to what McKinsey’s Global Managing Partner just said to HBR. Here are the five key takeaways...
TLDR: Pure advisory is dead. Outcomes are essential.
“AI may simply not advance anywhere near as fast as I imagine.”
A telling line in this 20k word essay by Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic.
Inspired by my time at REMIX last week
Inspired by my time at REMIX last week, I decided to paint some redacted notes (with a bit of help from the kids), to surface my most important takeaways from the summit. Here's what…
Five books I've got lined up to read in February and why I've picked each one.
1. Notes on Being a Man, Scott Galloway -- Trying to be a good "man", and dad by helping my son navigate the world https://amzn.to/4rlTPXf
Cultural organisations that get it right blend creativity
Cultural organisations that get it right blend creativity, technology, AND think entrepreneurially. Here are the 7 things they’re doing differently.
Ever wondered exactly why an algorithm targets you? Instagram just launched a button to tell you... Here is how to find it (and why it matters)
If you go to your Reels on Instagram, you’ll see an icon top right corner.
Most strategies don’t fail on ambition. They fail in execution.
I was recently reading a great book called “No Bullsh\t Strategy” by Alex Smith. It contained a brilliant framework on this topic, but it was missing a technology layer.
The US is using AI to create jobs. The UK? It feels like we are using it as a convenient excuse to remove them.
This Guardian report cites that UK businesses are seeing a 11.5% productivity gain from AI, but an 8% loss in jobs.
Week 2209: The Sunday Takeaway is served
Better late that never?!
Agentic commerce is here... and it comes at a price. 4% to be precise.
OpenAI has announced a 4% transaction fee for Shopify merchants using ChatGPT Checkout.
My business partner and I had to go for a walk last week.
My business partner (Ed) and I had to go for a walk last week.
Less than 2% of companies have operationalised AI
This chart from the World Economic Forum Davos 2026 reveals that less than 2% of companies have actually operationalised AI.
A really insightful article for anyone in the agency world.
It certainly aligns with what I believe in:
Interesting insight into the world through the lens of risk from John Doyle, CEO of Marsh.
In summary:
Looking forward to the 7DOTS AI Confidential panel at REMIX Summits
Looking forward to the 7DOTS AI Confidential panel at REMIX Summits - Culture, Tech & Entrepreneurship next week!
Now your computer can complete tasks for you! Anthropic launches Claude Cowork and it’s impressive.
For the past couple of years, having Gen AI has been an incredible tool to aid research and writing.
We have more data than ever, but less clarity than ever
The problem isn’t actually the data; it’s the narrative that’s missing.
The free ride is over... ChatGPT has announced Ads
The ability to target buyer intent is a huge opportunity for brands.
It’s been a real pleasure to be a part of this journey for almost 20 years.
Originally supporting JLT’s global growth, who Marsh acquired for ($5.6b). Going on to support companies across the MMC group. And more recently, as per the news below, the businesses…
Week 2208: The Friday Takeaway is served
From pitching, through AI tools, to stumbling across a Japanese BBQ with one of our first clients. The Friday Takeaway 🥡 is served…
Keeping the wheels of industry turning...
Making the most of our post-pitch journey home.
Generic marketing is dead.
Transparency is becoming the only way to win.... 7 trends redefining 2026
From search to checkout.
Googles announces new retail tools designed for agentic commerce and AI advertising. Here is what it means for retail leaders.
First week back: predictions for the year and AI tools
First week back. The Friday Takeaway is served On the menu today: First week blur, predictions for the year, and AI tools.
Website cookie fines (£17.5 million in the UK) can feel restrictive.
But there are five exemptions that allow you to keep working.
2026 here we go!
I took a LinkedIn break over Christmas and it felt great. Now I'm back, here's a few of the things I'm aiming for this year.
The difficulty of buying sensory products online is fading.
Nowadays AI assistants can help to bridge the gap. I actually enjoyed using this tool. Here's why...
I stumbled across this guide from Perplexity about using AI at work.
It's actually a pretty good guide for how to approach AI more generally, even if it is Perplexity product focussed, for example:
Most digital projects fail because they overlook the human element.
However, success comes when you connect digital to people and culture. Which is why I love trips like this.
A week of contrasts: drinks, AI tools and Toy Story
It's been a week of contrasts! From drinks with friends, advising on which AI tools to use, and using Toy Story to explore purpose. The Friday Takeaway is served
Pure digital connection doesn't deliver what people need.
The result is rising loneliness :( We have to fix it! But how?
Rant incoming.
HMRC treats staff events like a taxable luxury.
Thinking you need to be just "one thing" can be a trap.
The superpower you’re ignoring is likely a blend. I'm so happy Gemma has found this!
Slightly random, but on Thursday (18th Dec)
Slightly random, but on Thursday (18th Dec), I’ll be at Brewdog Waterloo from 6pm to celebrate the end of the year.... If you're in the area and fancy a drink, please pop by, it would be…
It is easy to feel powerless when you look at the problems in the world.
Yet this incredible act of kindness proves we can do more than we think.
Traditional industries are being constrained by old operating systems.
Newfront proved rewriting the model is a $1.3 billion opportunity.
An extremely busy December risks draining the energy in the room.
Zero risk of that at the 7DOTS Christmas Party yesterday!!!
Four insight dishes from the past week
Looking for some light-hearted insights on a Friday afternoon?
Digital noise usually demands your attention and gives little back.
This experience quietly captivates you, rewarding every pixel you scroll.
When the Magic Becomes Incremental: Why OpenAI’s Pivot Won’t Solve the Real Strategic Drift
OpenAI’s pivot back to the core won’t fix what’s really going on.
OpenAI have announced they’re pausing all side-initiatives to refocus on their core…
OpenAI have announced they’re pausing all side-initiatives to refocus on their core product. But I’m not convinced it’s going to make much difference....
Friday Takeaway: Create, don't react
I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the difference between noise and signal. Whether it’s in a strategy workshop, a moment of personal feedback, using AI, or the hype cycle of new…
The best leadership book I have read in years.
All about Bill Campbell, who coached Jobs, Bezos, Zuckerberg and many more. Yet almost no one has heard of him!!!
AI and LLMs love patterns.
Change comes from people who can break them.
Four takeaways from the past week
Four takeaways from the past week...
Testing the BRAND NEW Gemini 3 against Chat GPT 5.1 on the most CRITICAL task we all…
Testing the BRAND NEW Gemini 3 against Chat GPT 5.1 on the most CRITICAL task we all need support with... buying a Christmas gift for our loved ones.
Many business leaders I speak to say the same thing about “AI”.
They are annoyed, frustrated and unsure on how to use it effectively.
On Jubilee Bridge the other day
On Jubilee Bridge the other day, the blue sky, grey clouds and tension cables caught my eye. It felt remarkably close to the mood in most business conversations right now.
A couple of years ago I told a train conductor, Andrew, what a brilliant job he did.
He truly went above and beyond to help passengers.
I've been using OpenAI's new agentic browser, Atlas, for the past 24 hours.
Below is a video of it looking for British Airways flights for me. Partially successfully. My top outtakes so far:
Last week I joined The Wine Society
Last week I joined The Wine Society, despite the fact I've decided to significantly cut back on drinking.
Fascinating research and chart.
Although AI generated content has surpassed human generated, that's not the full story...
Optimise content for LLMs or control content through a brand experience?
The best approach isn't to think about it as an either/or.
Smiles all round after an all-day workshop with a client
Smiles all round after an all-day workshop with a client
Where AI is really at: Q4 2025 Reality Check
Over the past 3 months I’ve spent lots time speaking to people across many companies, including global brands (FTSE+NASDAQ100), scale ups, finance and tech firms and purpose-led smaller…
I wanted to share what I’m hearing about AI in practice.
From FTSE100 brands to purpose-led start-ups, similar challenges are coming up.
OpenAI saying it will allow erotica for verified adults seems practical on the surface
OpenAI saying it will allow erotica for verified adults seems practical on the surface, but it rekindles the delicate balance: freedom versus harm.
Marketing says brand.
Finance says profit. Funny how they’re both chasing the same thing.
What a great trip to see one of our Telco clients this week.
Spending time together in person is always worth it - both for the partnership, and for all of us as individuals.
OpenAI has launched “Buy in ChatGPT”.
Checkout inside chat!
This statistic really hit me: 7,700 children in Kingston are living in poverty.
At this time of year, when so much of our energy goes into caring for our own families, I think one of the most meaningful things we can do is help lift the pressure for another.
Back in 2011, Paul Laroy joined 7DOTS as our first official employee as an intern…
Back in 2011, Paul Laroy joined 7DOTS as our first official employee as an intern developer. At the time he was still studying at Kingston University....
A new study (Harvard, Duke, OpenAI) reveals how ChatGPT use is shifting.
The findings are important - people aren’t just asking questions anymore.
Interesting and practical article in the FT about Goldman Sachs' AI tool.
Key outtakes if you don't have the time to read it in full...
Here's a screen recording of me using Comet agentic browser
Here's a screen recording of me using Comet agentic browser, by Perplexity, to search and compare broadband providers for my home address...
This is a letter I received from Richard Branson
This is a letter I received from Richard Branson, in 2003, after I wrote to ask for advice on setting up a business. His advice couldn’t have been better...
Lots of companies are sidelining CMOs, at a time when they need them most.
The result? A lack of focus on customer-centric growth.
Feeling the AI pressure?
According to Google, in marketing, the gap isn’t the tools. It’s mindset.
This tiny little button makes all the difference to Copilot in Microsoft 365!
If your business has Microsoft 365 Copilot, try giving it another go and clicking this button. It enables GPT-5 within the chat.
This is one of those projects that reminds me why I love this work!
It's not just about building a new website, it’s about taking an ambitious business with a clear purpose and helping them show that to the world in a compelling and clear way... in turn…
What if giving your old clothes a new lease of life was as simple as a few clicks?
I really love this initiative by Marks and Spencer...
What happens when a 22-year-old turns down big tech job offers to build his own AI?
Something pretty impressive it seems!
Having spent some time running previous ChatGPT 4x queries through 5.0
Having spent some time running previous ChatGPT 4x queries through 5.0, I have to admit I'm a little underwhelmed...
Browsing isn’t just a human activity anymore.
AI agents are co-pilots that are starting to explore, filter and act on your behalf.
Meta just rebranded personal AI agents as ‘personal superintelligence’.
But the data play behind it matters more than the name.
Microsoft has just released a new study into how we're using AI at work.
Here's what it tells us (without the hype)...
Magnus Carlsen just beat ChatGPT at chess without losing a single piece.
His feedback to ChatGPT afterwards was spot on:
If you live locally and are struggling mentally or with your wellbeing
If you live locally and are struggling mentally or with your wellbeing, I can't recommend these leaflets highly enough - they are full of organisations and groups you can turn to, from…
OMG. This AI agent saved my marriage, scaled my business 100x ...and walked my dog.
Comment "WALKIES" below and I'll give you free access.
Yesterday, Missy Clements, stood up and spoke in a debate at the Houses of Parliament…
Yesterday, Missy Clements, stood up and spoke in a debate at the Houses of Parliament on the question: “Does including print make a campaign more effective?”
Is it just me, or is UK business getting it's spark back?
Last night at the Business Leader Growth 500 event it definitely felt like it.
Great digital experience isn't just about seamlessness.
It's about meaningful interactions.
If every post and comment on LinkedIn is written by AI
If every post and comment on LinkedIn is written by AI, is there any point in us being on this platform?
After an incredibly busy and positive start to the week
After an incredibly busy and positive start to the week, I could have kept working all night... instead this was the outcome.
3 c-suite execs have said this to me in the last 3 weeks:
3 c-suite execs have said this to me in the last 3 weeks: “We can’t attribute leads or sales through our website to marketing”
Businesses are facing an innovation problem
Businesses are facing an innovation problem, and embracing neurodiverse teams holds the key to overcoming it.
They’re the nicest, smartest, most normal people...
” A new client sent me this comment about our team.
Customer-centricity isn’t a principle.
It’s a practice. Which is why I'm really proud to share this one.
We call it Artificial Intelligence.
But “intelligence” is misleading.
What if you could talk to a tree?
(And more surprisingly... what if it talked back?)
We’ve been watching Google’s AI-powered search closely.
It’s already changing more than people realise.
AI was a prominent agenda at SXSW London yesterday.
But the talks that hit hardest? The ones that put people first.
AI is replacing jobs" may be the headline we keep seeing.
But it's refreshing to see it's not the whole story.
Not everything changes with AI.
But how your customers find you is shifting.
This is certainly a story I can relate too.
Due to my dyslexia, I couldn't bring my ideas to life through words (which makes our education system incredibly difficult), however, technology was my saviour... which is why I'm so…
We talk a lot about “impact” in our industry.
Last night, we saw it recognised in the best possible way.
Google just rolled out AI Overview in the US.
It’s not a feature - it’s a turning point.
Most people prompt ChatGPT the way they would search on Google.
It works, but the answers can be underwhelming.
Gen AI is making things faster, smarter and smoother.
But is it quietly cutting us off from one another? Is it impacting you?
This study into how people use Gen AI in 2025 compared to 2024 is fascinating and…
This study into how people use Gen AI in 2025 compared to 2024 is fascinating and leaves me with a number of thoughts and questions...
I’m finding life is a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment.
I can swing from high to low, and back again, without much warning or an obvious reason.
What are we aiming towards, as a country?
It feels tough in the UK at the moment. That’s what I hear time and time again when chatting to people, whether it’s in a professional or personal context.
What are we building towards, as a country?
I've found myself thinking about this question more and more often. Especially after all the conversations I've been having with people, both professionally and personally, over the past…
Imagine if buying wasn’t a separate step anymore.
It could just happen...
Not all uses of AI are about speed and efficiency.
Sometimes it’s about impact. Emotion. Storytelling.
Great to be at the Kingston Business Awards last night
Great to be at the Kingston Business Awards last night, representing 7DOTS as a Patron of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce .
We took things off-site recently.
It's something we try and do as often as possible. Not just for a change of scenery, but to create the kind of space where different thinking could happen.
Is your digital experience better than your competitors?
If not, you're missing out on a big opportunity.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a vision come to life!
We’ve recently completed an exciting project with our long-term client, Miller Insurance Services LLP, revitalising their brand and digital presence to align with their ambitious plans.
So what are you going to do about it?
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a WACL (Women in Advertising & Communications Leadership ) dinner, thanks to a kind invitation from Claire Sadler. Along with Missy Clements,…
Five key outtakes for senior leaders from the Business Leader event today in London.
With over 500 CEOs in attendance it was a great day to network and hear people’s challenges and advice.
According to an event I attended this morning
According to an event I attended this morning, the best way to improve performance on LinkedIn is through video... and it doesn’t need to be high budget. Walking around recording to…
Is your digital experience supporting your growth – or holding it back?
Is it negatively impacting your ability to attract, retain and grow customers?
Whatever you do Sam, don't buy me personalised ketchup for Mother's Day!!!
Sorry Gemma, I couldn't resist.
I feel at my best when I feel connected to someone.
When I really understand the other person, and they understand me.
5 AI LLMs I use on a daily basis and why (plus some tips to get the most from them)!
ChatGPT Yup, I still use ChatGPT on an almost an hourly basis to brainstorm ideas, research topics, and to find answers to simple questions and general problems.
70% of B2B buyers are now Millennials and they expect a digitally rich purchasing…
70% of B2B buyers are now Millennials and they expect a digitally rich purchasing experience. How ready are you?
Incredibly proud to see the new Kingston Giving branding go live and to support the…
Incredibly proud to see the new Kingston Giving branding go live and to support the next chapter of the incredible work the charity does - from giving grants to local groups and…
It was humbling, moving and inspiring to attend the Kingston Charitable Foundation's…
It was humbling, moving and inspiring to attend the Kingston Charitable Foundation's "What Kingston Thinks" launch event with Richard Carter and 150 other people this morning.
Opera have just launched a new browser with built-in mindfulness features.
When I first heard about it, and read their beautiful landing page, I loved the principle behind it - technology that helps us slow down.
The Trust Equation and it's role in digital marketing and experiences...
I recently attended an event where Dr Tharaka Gunarathne spoke about The Trust Equation by Charles Green - a simple yet powerful model for understanding trust. It goes like this:
7 Big Themes: The Future of Creativity, Culture & Tech
7 Big Themes: The Future of Creativity, Culture & Tech
Inspiring evening getting a sneak preview of the "Tech Flix
Inspiring evening getting a sneak preview of the "Tech Flix: Founders in the Age of AI" documentary by David Savage which streams live today (6th Feb) at 3pm.
Here's a simple prompt to use with ChatGPT / DeepSeek to help lift and inspire you at…
Here's a simple prompt to use with ChatGPT / DeepSeek to help lift and inspire you at work and create a daily routine that will be a game changer...
I have genuinely been blown away and inspired by the Remixld Summit and the talented…
I have genuinely been blown away and inspired by the #Remixld Summit and the talented people who have presented. Day 1 was incredible and yesterday more than matched it. Here’s my 7…
7 quick insights relating to creativity and technology from remixldn day 1...
7 quick insights relating to creativity and technology from #remixldn day 1...
6 Lessons You Can Learn About Digital Experience from...
Taylor Swift
With 'PHD-level' super AI agents potentially just around the corner (OpenAI Sam Altman…
With 'PHD-level' super AI agents potentially just around the corner (OpenAI Sam Altman is briefing the US government this month) this is more important than ever before... in this…
It’s remixldn next week and I’m excited to be attending to join the conversation…
It’s #remixldn next week and I’m excited to be attending to join the conversation around culture, creative arts, technology and entrepreneurship. As well as representing 7DOTS who are…
I needed this run this morning!
Sticking to my usual routine while travelling, especially on a Monday morning, makes all the difference!
A message exchange with a friend last night reminded me of a quote about change that I…
A message exchange with a friend last night reminded me of a quote about change that I absolutely love...
Ever wished there was a keyboard that could boost your productivity and support…
Ever wished there was a keyboard that could boost your productivity and support accessibility? I’ve just discovered one that does both...
Channel 4’s Un-Algorithmy Algorithm is putting a real smile on my face...
It might be ironic for a technology enthusiast like me to champion a recommendation system that sidelines complex algorithms. But that’s precisely why I love Channel 4's new…
The government’s announcement today about 'unleashing' Ai raises several questions for me.
I'm desperately trying to embrace and see the positive in it – for example: the Government is at least talking about Ai openly, they are thinking about how it might help public servants,…
It’s really just knowing how to be where your feet are.
Phew. It's the end of the first week back, and it's been a whirlwind of new goals, deadlines, and to-do lists. I know I've felt the pressure to 'jump right in' and get it all done at…
Merry Christmas from me and everyone at 7DOTS
Merry Christmas from me and everyone at 7DOTS
One last meeting before finishing up for Christmas...
a trip to see the incredible Kingston Charitable Foundation stall at Kingston market.
Ai hype has peaked.
Gen Ai has hit a ceiling.... I’m excited. The real work can now begin.
If you are looking for guidance on how to keep children safe online
If you are looking for guidance on how to keep children safe online, I'd recommend taking a look at InternetMatters.org.
Here are six consumer trends that I think are going to shape 2025 and how your digital…
Here are six consumer trends that I think are going to shape 2025 and how your digital experiences can help you tap into them.
Five ways to get more out of Gen AI by mixing up your prompts
Five ways to get more out of Gen AI by mixing up your prompts
Working with Fram Farmers Ltd has been about more than creating a digital platform
Working with Fram Farmers Ltd has been about more than creating a digital platform—it’s been about understanding how to make a real difference for the agricultural community.
These stats really highlight to me the challenge and opportunity that so many brands face:
These stats really highlight to me the challenge and opportunity that so many brands face:
I recently used this stat during a BIMA (British Interactive Media Association)…
I recently used this stat during a BIMA (British Interactive Media Association) Masterclass with Gabriela about Ai and I’ve been thinking about it ever since:
It’s no secret that this has been a tough year for most businesses
It’s no secret that this has been a tough year for most businesses — navigating a challenging economy and shifting markets has required resilience, focus, and adaptability from every…
This weekend, my daughter Bonnie shared her dream job with me
This weekend, my daughter Bonnie shared her dream job with me: “I want to be a princess with a unicorn that flies around the sky, collecting clouds, with a rainbow and glitter in the…
Ahead of COP29 Azerbaijan, I wanted to share the moment that made me sit up and pay…
Ahead of COP29 Azerbaijan, I wanted to share the moment that made me sit up and pay closer attention to sustainability and the future of our planet.
As people and a planet, we are going to make it
If reading that line gave you the slightest sense of relief, then you probably have eco-anxiety. I know I do. And it's becoming more and more common. Especially the direction the world is…
7 ways to live the 'The Good Life' and how to apply them at work
'The Good Life' by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Here are my 7 key takeaways, with my perspective on applying them in a work context.
Have the efficiencies that video calls deliver brought new risks of burnout?
I’ve been giving some thought lately as to why a lot of the people I interact with have seemed increasingly frantic and stressed over the last year. Speaking for myself, up until last…
Nothing matches that yet. Try another word or category.
One email, every Friday.
What happened this week, what I'm thinking about, and one takeaway for yours.