Agent for change...

I am always rather amused by people's reactions when they find out what I do. It's akin to discovering that someone is a psychotherapist or psychologist or psycho something... usually involves a lengthly explanation of why they are wearing the brown shoes as the others were a) chewed up by the dog this morning, b) their butler forgot to polish the black ones, c) they left them at their villa in the south of France.

And then I get the challenges... "so how would you brand me?" or "what would you do to give me a new image?" And one either laughs with a playful "did you realise that branding involves heat, iron and the painful sizzling of flesh" or is forced into what you would think would be common sense. "No, I can't work miracles, we have to work with what you've got... I am merely an agent for change." To which a fabulous response last week... "what, like a secret agent", which made me laugh, "yes, a secret weapon." And with my only link to a Lara Croft type figure firmly installed, we are both happy.

And the truth of it is that we cannot reincarnate into something entirely different... well not in this lifetime. It is almost impossible to pretend to be something that we are not without perhaps the rather rigorous training afforded by secret services worldwide. We need to work with what we have. It has to be authentic or not only would it not sit well, it would certainly not be believable.

The Miniature Earth

Eureka!

Two of my clients this week, both in the public eye have had what they termed a 'eureka' moment. Eureka moments are vital, for without them we have at best the status quo. Both have grappled back control of their public persona's, are in the driving seat and as a result, are having more success.

Too often those in the public eye forgo control of their public persona to their publicists and their public relations companies. Mostly because they haven't explored the authenticity of their Personal Brands and are not able to instruct those who they work with with any clarity or direction. If we are not sure, how can we expect others to be?

We need first to explore the nuances of who we are, what we do... what is compelling and unique about us before we get to the 'publish' stage. In this way, we are better able to work in partnership with those who take us to market, publish us, manage where we are published. And a relief for those who do take us to market - all is clear, no trial and error. We give them the ability to be so much more effective on our behalf...

Dar les Cigogne

Thank you Dar les Cigogne for the most fabulous weekend ever! I managed to persuade 30 close friends to escape to Marrakech with me for my birthday party... and what a party! There is something altogether heartwarming about taking over a hotel in its entirety and landing up with a personal house party. And the management and staff certainly made it feel that way.

And Marrakech still holds its magic for me, slowly working its way into my psyche once again to rest easy amidst the hustle and bustle of another world. The seemingly manic medina working to its own logic, with timeless relationships between shopkeepers, guides, drivers... all connected through family history and a common goal. All delivered with the grace and ease of true traders and merchants. One has to delve below the surface, connect with the sweet pace of life, look beyond our expectations and big city fears. Reminds me of my Africa,
South Africa... only spiced and simmering with the occidental, with its French and Middle Eastern ingredients.

And then a step through non-descript doors into the cool, compelling arms of the Dar les Cigogne. With internal courtyards, bubbling fountains, roaring fires in sublime rooms, all uniquely themed. The roof terrace a haven of greenery and loungers, overlooking the palace gates where the storks nest. The magical mysteries of hammam and the 30 foot ceiling in the spa taking one to another level of pure pampering and relaxation. And returning to one's room to find rose petals scattered on plush white linen with a welcoming fire to warm one's soul.

I shall be back...