What is your favourite thing about what you do?
Coming up with creative solutions to clients’ ideas. Normally it’s perhaps a speaker they hadn’t thought of, or a different take on a brief….since the lockdown it’s turned into creative ways of using talent when there’s no live audience from which they can get an immediate response (looking at dozens of video square on Zoom isn’t the same!), so building in more interactivity, and working around the inevitable lags.
What is one thing you’ve learnt from the current crisis?
Strangely, the importance of live events. It will be months before we’re back to ‘proper’ physical events without social distancing rules, but I’m convinced they will be more important than ever, especially if a chunk of people work from home forever more…when they do meet up, they will want to make the most of it!
What does creativity mean to you?
More than just a zany haircut…or Zoom call backdrop! Seriously though, it’s about engaging with people, and challenging every touch point to ensure it is the right one. And creativity doesn’t have to be complex, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.
What TV show has been getting you through?
Whispers it…Midsomer Murders repeats! There’s sport to be had in spotting actors that have appeared in multiple episodes but as different characters…I spotted Neil Dudgen (the newish Barnaby) in an early one recently where he was the red herring suspect (not that they are the least bit formulaic you understand….).
What’s the first thing you’re going to go when lockdown is lifted?
Hug someone!
JJ Jackson is a director of Performing Artistes, a London Based speaker bureau/agency supplying speakers and hosts for conferences and awards, be they online or in person.
One Minute With… is a new article series we are running to help people get to know our members, and our community get to know each other! If you’d like to be interviewed as part of the One Minute With… series please get in contact with Amelia at coordinator@evcom.org.uk.