The Woodshed

On Thursday 1 March I spoke at the DisruptHR Conference held in Cape Town at the cool Travelstart offices in Kloof Street Studios. The opportunity allowed me to do 2 things:   1. Reflect on my personal journey from the advertising industry to product design, and   2. Practice public speaking (once more, after a hiatus of, say, a few years).   If you’re unfamiliar, the DisruptHR format reminds me of PechaKucha in that it’s focused, timed and self running. Each presenter has 20 slides (no more, no less), slides rotate every 15 seconds automatically. You don’t control them. This makes things very interesting. It’s also fun. But terribly difficult to master. I felt that I had a particularly interesting story to share as a creative practitioner whom found himself in a world he did not recognize or understand. During that experience, I sometimes felt that I did not know who I was. I had lost my 'sense of self', as it were. In order to survive, I...

It’s been over 30 days since I wished my friends and colleagues at 22seven farewell. I remember saying to some of them that I was sorry I didn’t keep a regular diary documenting the extraordinary experience I had. This is my attempt to capture (at the very least) some of this experience, and to fulfill, in part, that promise. Preface It’s not possible to describe, with the written word, the special and unusual place that is 22seven. As chief creative officer (for almost 3 years) I soon realized that both my title and my past (advertising) experience proved meaningless at face value. What mattered much, much more, was how I needed to re-apply my brains and experience in a culture that valued a growth mindset, constant experimentation and lifelong learning. The culture at 22seven is agile, self-organized and has little respect for traditional structures, bureaucracy and the status quo. These are the lessons I’ve leant from this extraordinary experience. First, find y...

The Black Monday movement  is encouraging all South Africans who disapprove of President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle to wear black on Monday. The movement was started after Zuma fired finance minister Pravin Gordhan and deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas. Zuma endured criticism for his decision, which included Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe voicing their concern. Gordhan has also called for mass mobilisation against Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle, while the DA has called on all South Africans to join it on a “peaceful march to Luthuli House in an attempt to convince the ANC to support our Motion of No Confidence in President Zuma”. The #BlackMonday initiative, with the slogan “Our souls are not for sale”, in turn has invited all South Africans to stand together behind the movement. “This coming Monday, we will all wear black in solidarity and use the tag to further the cause,” it said. “We, as fellow particip...

Last week I was laid off. On Wednesday last week, I was told that my job was no longer necessary. I guess the truth of the matter is that my position was made redundant. That’s different from being fired. Just to be clear: I wasn’t fired. Here’s an interesting statistic: over the last 27 years, I’ve been told that my job was no longer needed no less that 5 times. Let that sink in for a moment. I’ve been retrenched 5 times in my working career. Reminds me of that quote from Robin Chase, the co-founder of Zipcar (the largest car sharing company in the world), "My father had one job in his life, I've had six in mine, my kids will have six at the same time." In situations like this, I like to remember that ‘if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.’ This is something that Dr Wayne Dyer enjoyed saying. And I often reflect on it. For example; instead of thinking I’m no longer relevant, I can take this opportunity and find the ne...

In honour of him, let’s remember one of his most famous quotes, as he quoted Marianne Williamson in his inaugural speech : “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

ROY MALCOLM BRYCE   aged 55 passed away peacefully in East London on 9 September 1998. Roy was born in East London on 2 December 1943. He attended the Union High School in Graaff-Reinet and Matriculated in 1962. From there he went on to the Graaff-Reinet Teachers Training College where he received his Teachers Diploma in 1966. He relocated to East London in 1967 when he landed a post with Cambridge Junior School. Being ambitious,   a few years later he gained the position of Vice Principal at College Street Primary School also in East London. Roy was loved by and extremely popular with his students and colleagues alike. His extra-mural activities included rugby to the U11’s   and to this day his ex-pupils contact us with fond memories. He was a wonderful, caring and devoted father to his two children, Thurla-Dene and Clint. Teaching them from an early age to reach for the stars and to believe in themselves. Tragedy struck in 1970 when a diving acc...

Digital won’t last. It’s already on its last legs as an advertising industry specialisation and about time too. Coming from an agency professional with a 15-year grounding in digital communication this sounds like a betrayal. It’s not. International trends indicate that digital is becoming part of the mainstream communication mix. Separation of digital formats as a distinct campaign element still happens, but this increasingly identifies the digital component as an afterthought rather than an integral part of a wider concept. Agencies that ‘get it’ realise that digital is an infrastructure, not a medium. A growing number of agencies appreciate that it’s just not best practice to hive off digital. Leading brands have reached the same conclusion. It’s therefore a safe bet that within a few years the digital label will become irrelevant. Major campaigns will all contain digital components. There will be no need to set the specialisation apart. It will be as ludicrous...

Organisational re-engineering has become top priority for an industry with little experience of corporate restructuring – advertising and marketing. To get the job done, ad agencies will be borrowing the blueprint from their clients. So says Clint Bryce, executive creative director (digital) at TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris. He says corporate clients ‘broke down the silos’ to secure new millennium growth. And agencies seeking a bigger share of the future have to do something similar. Bryce believes flatter, smarter, faster and more collaborative ad agency structures have become an urgent necessity and are in the first stages of implementation at some advertising businesses. “Big corporates got it right 10, even 15 years ago,” says Bryce. “Silo thinking has to go. Flatter structures and multi-disciplinary processes are more appropriate when integrated campaigns usually deliver the best results for clients and potentially the best earnings for agencies." "Agencies had a...

I had the pleasure (and privilege) to watch John Hunt in full force this week. He had prepared a presentation called "In Search of the Iconic" for all TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris clients and the agency. John supported his observations through a carefully selected body of work from around the TBWA global network. He has an amazing ability to deliver insightful knowledge in a quiet, almost understated fashion. He practices restraint. Every phrase uttered could easily be a headline. Here are his observations. Paraphrased, of course. You should have been there. Traditional still equals opportunity. Everyone is looking to 'become digital'. The industry buzz word is 'integration'. Technology has disrupted the entire landscape. Here John warned us to pay equal attention to the traditional medium as it still holds great importance when the idea is strong and the craft is evident. He shared some very interesting print work and the impressive Heineken Star Serve co...

This is priceless. Dune (11) sent this email to mom and dad whilst on a 2 day journey from JoBurg to Cape Town with our friend Mary. I can only imagine how valuable this message-from-the-heart will be in time to come. It's too precious for words. I love you my son. ++ Begin forwarded message: From: Dune Bryce Date: 29 March 2013 8:14:46 AM SAST To: Mandy Bryce , Clint Bryce Subject: To mom and dad To mom and dad I love you so much and can't wait to be back again love you with all my heart and I'm going to take a photo what ever we do I'm loving this and took some photos now and on the n1 now and very dark clouds. So sad to leave but it's fun and holding your tedy you gave me and ely cant wait to get back.:-) went past a sign that said cape town 1.219km but we take to 2 days still on the road playing music.past animals and Jagger took some photos. Now at a shop and then going on. We on our way about 20min away. Going to have a braai and going to br...

Alistair Duff, our new Strategic Director, and I have founded Camp Awesome: a camp for awesome people. And Yoda. Camp Awesome Founders: C Bryce, A Duff, Yoda circa 2013

One thing is for sure, pure-play digital marketing agencies are rallying to attract advertising heavyweights, whilst the big advertising agencies and networks are looking to acquire skills in the creative application of technology. The water is flowing both ways and 2013 is going to be a year of shifting talent. In both directions. The race is on to build the team that has competencies in all areas of branding, marketing and communications. Go!

After nearly 2 decades I have returned to my TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris family. It is an honour to sit alongside John Hunt and Reg Lascaris, undoubtedly Ad legends in their own right.  Reg had this say:  

The long-standing Bryce United tradition of chocolate cake for breakfast didn't disappoint this morning when I awoke at 5:30am. Thanks to my beautiful family I could enjoy a sugar rush before tea. It's been a particular challenge for everyone as we have only recently re-settled in Mordor and routines have not been entirely formed. I must admit, I have a resourceful, creative and imaginative family. Thank you all for your artistic cards, thoughtful gifts and abundant love. I love you dearly.

Then being great is the worst that can happen.

Today marks the 14th birthday celebration of Tyler Liam Bryce (seen here on the left looking ridiculously cool). I hope you have a fantastic day filled with every wish you may have. XXX

Here's a snapshot of my bedside table reading material. You make your own mind up. ;-P

Dad, i miss you.

Perhaps the first in a series where I share some of the fine art I created whilst in my younger years. I am always aware of balance or lack of it. The yin and the yang. Good and evil. Light and dark. Male and female. I wanted to create a piece that left the viewer feeling moved - perhaps even uncomfortable – and chose to portray an image of the horned god (who, in common Wiccan belief, is associated with nature, wilderness, sexuality, hunting and the life cycle) in a tender embrace with the goddess. So those less informed may feel uneasy but cannot ignore the sense of devotion, love and tenderness. Im happy with the way it turned out. Hands and feet are a real challenge and I think I could have done better with the detail (her feet are off camera for this very reason ... hehe). It's pastel on card. 1987. Rhodes University, free study. I've dedicated it to @mandybryce on our 10 Anniversary 12 May 2011.

It's been over four years since I started blogging. Can you believe it. I chose to call my blog 'The Woodshed' for a very simple reason: everyone deserves one. The reason I gave over four years ago still stands today. And that's what I love about intuition. If you listen to it you wont have to change your mind down the line. + Wednesday, January 18, 2006 Why "The Woodshed"? Because everybody deserves one. Let me explain. The notion of The Woodshed was first introduced to me in John Kao's 1997 book Jamming where he discusses the art and discipline of business creativity. Something that's very close to my heart. In Chapter 5 he discusses the need for clearing a space for creativity and introduces the reader to Charlie Parker's woodshed. Or, more specifically, whenever the great sax player needed to work out new musical concepts, he would withdraw from the usual people, places and things and "go to the woodshed". This may seem an odd phrase,...