Strands of Genius: Reframe Like an Activist, Listen Like a Therapist, Write Like a Biologist

Guest Curated by Marco Del Valle

Mar 19, 2020

:: A BIT MORE ABOUT GUEST CURATOR, Marco Del Valle ::

LOCATION: Bristol, UK
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: Epoch

Hey y'all — My name’s Marco. I’m a strategist at Epoch in Bristol, but I grew up in Manila and lived in Paris for a bit — none of which explains my quasi-American accent!

I’m a serial hobbyist, dipping my toe into theatre, stand-up, drag, and other fields — there’s something about discovering the communities behind hobbies that really excites me! That’s why I started a project called Undercover Strategy — where I interview experts from a different field each month to see what they can teach me about strategy and marketing.

Today, in the same spirit, I’m showcasing three links to people from the fields of political activism, therapy, and science journalism - all of whom have loads to teach us about how to do our jobs better.

Editor’s Note: We’re SO excited about Marco’s project, Undercover Strategy. Right now, he’s looking for additional folks to interview, so if you know someone who has an interesting role, or an interesting way of working — outside of advertising/marketing — hit reply and let us know, so that we can help Marco expand the initiative. Thanks so much, Marco, for taking the time to curate Strands!

:: THE LINKS ::

REFRAME LIKE AN ACTIVIST

Strategists use the term reframing and storytelling a lot - but it’s interesting to see how the terms are used by a field who uses them in a very similar way - politics and activism. The Bluffer’s Guide to Framing provides a really powerful look at how words can shape the way our minds see different issues, and how to use them responsibly. (Bluffer’s Guide to Framing 2020)

LISTEN LIKE A THERAPIST

In this industry, we get a lot of advice on better communication, but very little on better listening - even though listening is potentially far more important. This article looks at the psychology behind listening, as well as the techniques used by professionals in fields where listening can be the difference between life and death. (The Guardian)

WRITE LIKE A BIOLOGIST

Any writer who can get you to get emotional over a snail is a gifted one. Ed Yong’s pieces all bring humor and insight to some of the strangest parts of natural history - from hagfish to maggots - but this particular piece stands out for its sheer emotional heft. Something to take note of anytime we worry about making soap and insurance interesting. (The Atlantic)

:: AND NOW… SOME FAST FAVORITES ::

:: Game :: Dungeons & Dragons

:: City :: Paris & Bristol

:: Book :: When Brooklyn Was Queer by Hugh Ryan

:: Podcast :: Sweathead by Mark Pollard (mostly because I've been featured on it!)

:: Album :: E•MO•TION by Carly Rae Jepsen

:: A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA ::

Really brazen link to my current project, Undercover Strategy! So far we've covered Dungeons and Dragons and Competitive Debate - but hit reply or shoot me a note with any suggestions on people to interview!

Your Workshop Needs More Dragons

Your Strategy Needs More Debate

I'm always open for a chat on advertising, strategy, houseplants and RuPaul's Drag Race! Stay curious, stay open, and stay in touch, y'all!

Marco Del Valle
email: Marcodelvalle1@gmail.com
linkedin | twitter

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It's called Genius Steals because we believe ideas are new combinations and that nothing can come from nothing. But copying is lazy. We believe the best way to innovate is to look at the best of that which came before and combine those elements into new solutions.

Co-Founders Faris & Rosie are award-winning strategists and creative directors, writers, consultants and public speakers who have been living on the road/runway since March 2013, working with companies all over the world. Our Director of Operations is nomadic like us, our accounting team is based out of Washington, our company is registered in Tennessee, and our collaborators are all over the world. Being nomadic allows us to go wherever clients need us to be, and to be inspired by the world in between.

Hit reply and let’s talk about how we might be able to work together :)

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Strands of Genius