‘Was that a pivotal, historical moment we just went stumbling past?’ I believe that quote, from the catalytic Kae Tempest, sums up the epic year we’ve endured from an individual, organisational and societal perspective. A huge amount has happened to all of us during the ‘great pause’. We can probably all agree that the reality in which we find ourselves now is markedly different from the one we took to be ‘normal’ only recently. We must acknowledge that these are challenging times for us all. Everyone, in their own way, is doing their best to cope with the enormous challenges of Covid. The most immediately positive manner in which we can respond is with compassion and kindness. I spent most of last year researching the cultural, social and organisational implications of C19 from the perspective of ‘hope, community and resilience’ as I believe they illuminate the way forward. As part of that, I also set up a podcast ‘The New Abnormal’ where I interview a wide variety of guests from around the world including activists, creatives, strategists, philosophers, writers, psychologists and futurists. The analysis of that research (which will also be the subject matter of my next book) indicates that we should think deeply about:

• Hope being a crucial element that helps us plan for a better future
• Focusing on ‘stronger-together’ community action benefits all concerned
• Using resilience tactics enables individuals & businesses to be ‘anti-fragile’