Complexity Theory, Divergent Ants, and Leading Hopefully in Uncertain Times.
The 2024 presidential election results have added a new layer of uncertainty to the impact space in terms of potential funding, federal policy shifts, cultural changes, and more. The NuWave team remains as committed as ever to supporting the organizations and individuals who are working to build a better world now and for the future. We hope the following resources offer a small bit of encouragement as you navigate onward.
Leading in Liminal Times
From the rise of AI to climate change to political shifts , uncertainty impacts our working lives. The “liminal” state of transitioning from one state of normal to another state, can be stressful. It can also be a chance to lead with calm and compassion. Here are a few tips on how to lead with empathy, consistency, and clarity during change.
Resources for Clean Creatives
In case you missed it, NuWave recently joined the Clean Creatives movement and is offering new benefits to our fellow members. Clean Creatives (CC) is a growing coalition of advertising and creative professionals and organizations who have boldly pledged to refuse work from fossil fuel clients.
Over 1,200 organizations have signed the CC pledge so far and NuWave is proud to be the first and only recruiting agency in the U.S. to do so. In solidarity with this movement, we are offering exclusive perks to U.S.- based pledge signers:
For Pledging Agencies:
For Pledging Individuals:
If you're an individual pledge-signer who wants to learn about these job opportunities, connect with Tasheyia Thomas-Gardon on LinkedIn.
The Cosmetics Industry, Divergent Ant Theory, & Where We Go From Here
Now more than ever, we need innovators to help develop a more livable world. In every career field. In every industry. Today we take some surprising lessons from ant colonies and the cosmetics industry that can apply to changemaking.
We recently heard from some amazing panelists at the Sustainable Brands conference. Among them were Neil Theise, scientist and author of “Notes on Complexity,” and Victor Casale, Co-Founder at MOB Betty and Pact Collective and former Chief Chemist at MAC. The worlds of science writing and beauty brands may seem far apart, but both Theise and Casale shared some interesting insights on the role trailblazers can play in facilitating change.
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In his talk on Complexity Theory, Theise introduced how ant colonies and other self-organizing systems require a balance between stability and randomness. In a successful colony, most ants follow existing food lines to keep the status quo. However, it’s also essential to have a small group of ants that leave established food lines. These “divergent ants” are more likely to find new food sources and establish new routes for their workmates. Without these innovative individuals, colonies risk running out of food.
Similarly, in the world of sustainability, and social change at large, we need a balance between linear and disruptive actions for progress. There’s a dance between incremental, stabilizing progress and taking bold risks. During Sustainable Brands 2024, Victor Casale shared about how he has been able to witness the progress trailblazers have made on sustainability challenges in his industry. In particular, MAC Cosmetics stands out as an organization that has a long history of trying inventive programs.
The family-run company started on a journey to make their packaging more sustainable long before most companies. They’ve had their pioneering packaging take-back program since 1991. In fact, the program existed before many municipal recycling programs even did. Today, MAC Cosmetics users can return many of their empty makeup containers in-store or online for recycling. The containers are cleaned, turned into plastic pellets, and then used to make other products, including more MAC containers. Casale notes that this program is a great example of companies leading from their values rather than as a response to outside pressure.
By going their own way, MAC practiced being a “divergent ant” for more sustainable packaging. Likewise, all of us, individually and collectively– as brands, nonprofits, agencies and more–can practice hope and build a better future by finding new paths and forging new systems in our respective spheres of influence.
Events and Networking Opportunities
November 8, San Francisco: Consultants for Good (C4G) Co-Working Day at Trellis
Whether you're a seasoned consultant or just starting out, this event is perfect for networking and getting work done in a vibrant atmosphere.
November 12, Online: Cultivating Impact and Improving Sustainability in the Food & Drink Sector
Bringing together sustainability leaders in the food and drink industry, this Breakfast Briefing will help you to unblock the barriers holding your organization back from improving sustainability performance.
November 14, New York: 4WARD Global Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetups NYC
Connect & network with fellow NYC climate 4WARDers, founders, investors & corporates focused on sustainability, climate change and cleantech.
November 21, Washington DC: Green Drinks DC November Meet Up
Join the Green Drinks community for drinks, connections, laughs, and great times for their September meetup at Public Bar live.