[Miscellany] Musings from being at the receiving end of bad advertising messages

Programmatic advertising Do you remember when people were stockpiling toilet paper, at the start of the Covid-19 crisis? It was so hard to find (and, in some places, so expensive) that some people even joked that they would make great gifts. Fast forward to February 2021, and I ordered bamboo toilet paper, online. A few … Continue reading [Miscellany] Musings from being at the receiving end of bad advertising messages

Clubhouse’s invitation-only strategy is a stroke of genius

Did you hear about the new social network, Clubhouse? It’s an audio-based social network, where the content can only be consumed live. It is generating a lot of excitement, and recently even hosted a talk by Elon Musk. Clubhouse is using an unorthodox way of recruiting users, though: you can only join if you receive … Continue reading Clubhouse’s invitation-only strategy is a stroke of genius

Join me this Wed, Feb 10, 3 pm (UK): “How to improve the world, on a small budget” webinar

This week, I am joining a webinar discussion about Navjot Sawhney’s experience of running the social enterprise “The Washing Machine Project”. We reflect on what other businesses seeking to put people and the planet before profit may learn from Sawhney’s experience, as well as broader lessons for entrepreneurs working with a very small budget. This is … Continue reading Join me this Wed, Feb 10, 3 pm (UK): “How to improve the world, on a small budget” webinar

What I have been reading

I have been sharing short reviews of the books that I am reading on Instagram, generating interesting comments, great suggestions for additional readings (and a video), and even a lovely (socially distanced) catch-up with a friend I hadn't seen in 6 or so years! I thought that I would share the reviews, here, too. Who … Continue reading What I have been reading

January 2021 Round-up

New month, new year… and new lockdown. It looks like it will be a long one, given the terrible numbers of infections and deaths. Image source So, it’s back to home schooling and online teaching. In a nutshell, a lot of screen time for all of us! This month, we tried something new: online cooking … Continue reading January 2021 Round-up

Offering rebates as a form of service recovery can actually backfire

It happened, again. You know the script: the internet is down; you try all the tricks in the book; they don’t work; you call the provider; they tell you that “we are experiencing some technical problems in the area”; they apologise; eventually, they offer you a rebate on your monthly fee which hardly makes up … Continue reading Offering rebates as a form of service recovery can actually backfire

[Miscellany] Covid-19 vaccines – intentions, celebrities, and marketing strategy insights

The Covid-19 vaccine effort is truly exceptional. First, how scientists have developed the vaccines at incredible speed. Then, the logistics of manufacturing, distributing and delivering the vaccines around the world. And, now, the effort of convincing citizens to get vaccinated. According to the Omni Calculator, given the UK government’s priority list, and assuming a vaccination … Continue reading [Miscellany] Covid-19 vaccines – intentions, celebrities, and marketing strategy insights

Artificial Intelligence Committee report – Roadmap for the UK

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee has just published its report, providing a roadmap for the UK government, when developing the country’s national AI strategy. The Committee delivered 16 recommendations, across four areas of intervention. They are: Image source The full report – which is very readable – is available here. I particularly like priorities 5, 6, … Continue reading Artificial Intelligence Committee report – Roadmap for the UK