Issue 117: A Bulletin for Big Ideas and Better Business
Every company was founded on creativity: when did we forget?
ISSUE 117/
A BULLETIN FOR
BIG IDEAS AND
BETTER BUSINESS.
OPINION / Creativity
Every company was founded on creativity: when did we forget?
💬 Neil Waller, Co-Founder of Whalar Group, on Meta’s warning to keep creating - no matter how big you get…
The sign that greets people entering Meta’s campus at Menlo Park carries a quiet warning. While the front might feature the brand’s M-shaped infinity symbol, the back shows a corroded sign that reads Sun Microsystems. The meaning is apparently this: just because we’re big doesn’t mean we’re invincible. And this is what happens to companies that forget to innovate. |  |
Just because we’re big doesn’t mean we’re invincible. And this is what happens to companies that forget to innovate.
Most great companies were founded at the point where someone discovered a creative solution to a problem. For that reason, creativity within a business drives everything forward. It stirs morale, it pushes product development, and if you can instil a creative culture, then that alone can solve many of the problems that occur in the life cycle of an organisation.
But when companies get to a certain size, they start pursuing something else other than creativity: order. Leaders insist on process and systems, and rely on assumptions that are based on what went before. Too much order discourages innovation, and sets companies on a path to decline – while those that are able to ask questions that begin with the word ‘why’, and propose creative ways of making things happen, are rewarded handsomely.
Those that are able to ask questions that begin with the word ‘why’, and propose creative ways of making things happen, are rewarded handsomely.
We asked Neil a couple of questions on how he personally relates to creativity, here’s what he had to say…
TBOC: What is your Creative Philosophy?
NW: It’s cliché to say, but dream bigger. Everything for me starts not from the viewpoint of what’s achievable, but rather what’s the boldest, biggest and most impactful version of an idea, with a naivety in believing that’s what we should swing for and can achieve.
TBOC: What has inspired you lately?
NW: At Whalar Group, we’ve built two incredible campuses in NYC and LA called The Lighthouse, which serve as a playground for creatives. I get to spend a lot of time at The Lighthouses, and it’s a constant source of inspiration to be surrounded by a community of individuals and teams who are incubating the future of entertainment. Candidly, post-COVID I had forgotten just how much inspiration can come from being surrounded by people, and by the completely random and unplanned conversations and intersections of people and ideas that come from an environment like that. It’s a true scenius (IYKYN, and if not, Google “Scenius” by Brian Eno).
Neil Waller is the co-founder and co-CEO of Whalar Group, a global creator company. |  |
Last week in Creativity:
Burger King meets runners at the finish line - As marathon season takes over the streets, Burger King showed up with a simple idea: after 26.2 miles, you probably want a burger. Obvious, human, and perfectly timed.
Nike steps over the invisible line - Known for its slightly provocative marathon billboards, this time Nike may have pushed it a bit too far. “Runners welcome. Walkers tolerated.” felt on-brand, but the reaction was quick… and so was the takedown.
ASICS jumps in fast - “Runners. Walkers. All welcome.” A very quick response, and a very safe one. Inclusive, warm, and hard to disagree with… (except maybe Nike).
Head to Instagram for more detail - and what this means for creativity…
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