317. Amy Kean. Weirdos, Jargon & Genius. (Copy)
Amy Kean
May 30, 2024
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Amy Kean, the CEO and Creative Director of Good Shout, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to a discussion of the quirks and complexities of the advertising industry, the pervasive use of jargon, and the broader implications of corporate culture.
Her insights highlight the complexities and importance of genuine communication, creativity, and embracing diverse perspectives. Her humorous and critical take on industry practices encourages a reevaluation of how businesses operate and how we all interact with each other.
Topics discussed include:
Psychological Insights into Jargon Usage: Studies have shown that jargon is often a sign of insecurity. Authors from lower-status academic institutions, for example, tend to use more jargon.
Fear and Innovation: Fear is prevalent in the advertising industry, leading to high stress levels. A study found that advertising and media are among the most stressful industries. Fear can make individuals 25% less creative, although it can increase productivity in the short term.
Corporate Culture and Communication: It is important to improve communication skills, such as listening, giving feedback, and demonstrating empathy, to foster a healthier work environment. Leadership teams often struggle with chemistry and camaraderie, which are crucial for effective collaboration and support within an organization.
Embracing "Weirdos" in the Workplace: Amy advocates for the acceptance of people who think differently or have unconventional ideas. She believes that embracing these "weirdos" can lead to greater creativity and a more inclusive culture. The growth of the neurodiversity conversation has helped more people feel comfortable being themselves at work, which can enhance overall happiness and innovation.
Click here to purchase Amy’s Best Selling book, The Little Girl Who Gave Zero Fucks
Amy Charlotte Kean is CEO and creative director of Good Shout: a social learning company that helps people experiment with their voice, their talent, and their thinking. She's also a bestselling author, sociologist, poet, columnist, and university lecturer who worked in advertising for 17 years all over the world as head of innovation and creativity for huge agencies like Havas, Mindshare and Publicis. Amy's used her voice a shit ton over the years, whether that's in Grazia, the Guardian or on Woman's Hour, and running workshops for organizations on how to be weirder. She constantly has a creative project on the go and most recently wrote, produced, and starred in a sold-out London play, Group, about the dark side of life coaching.
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