3 Hot Takes.

Random stuff popping around my brain this Thursday afternoon.

There’s a time and a place for organized thoughts. This ain’t it. Tune in next week for those.

For now, I’m just gonna unload some inklings.

1). People care too much about Zoom backgrounds. The real focus should be on foregrounds.

Why did we become so obsessed with our Zoom backgrounds? Seriously, it comes down to millimeters on people’s screens and no one is scrutinizing much with their milliseconds of attention.

Better to put that effort into your own foreground. What are you looking at over the top of your laptop? Make sure your field of vision lights you up since you’ll be staring at it, in REAL LIFE SIZE, for hours every day.

Literally, go to a park and set up on a picnic table. Gaze at ancient redwoods while listening to this quarter’s numbers. Here’s the view from my latest Zoom call.

2). Company Pickleball Leagues.

I’m serious!

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. More people play pickleball than basketball, golf, tennis, baseball, soccer or football. It’s astonishing.

Its popularity is due to its accessibility. It’s not just the over 55 set loving this sport — the fastest growing segment of players is under 24. The wiffle-style ball and smaller court are easier to master quickly and it’s really, really fun.

I see company courts, leagues, branded paddles. I see HR departments getting on board because it supports employee health and bonding.

3). Creative Interval Training.

No focused creative meetings should happen for more than an hour or 90 minutes tops. Quote me on this.

That’s not to say that the group can’t reconvene after a break. But a break is crucial. I’m reminded daily about this truth when I play the NY Times Spelling Bee. I stare at the 7 letters and am certain I’ve exhausted all their potential combinations. Positive! But if I step away and go make breakfast or walk the dog, I literally see 3 new words the minute the puzzle loads again. Effortlessly.

That’s the end of my brain’s spillage today. Until next time, remember that culture is the new creativity.