Through the course of this past year, as South Africa celebrated 30 years of democracy, observers have reflected on the country’s achievements and weighed in on its unsolved problems. But while a lot was written and said about the well-known political leaders who have helped shape the nation’s path over the past three decades, not much was heard about the creatives who influenced this important period in our country’s history.
Among them is Nathan Reddy, the founder of award-winning advertising agency Grid Worldwide. In this issue of Fast Company, where he features as our cover star, we examine the creative role Reddy has played in shaping several of South Africa’s most iconic brands. Spending time with him has left me thinking deeply about the role creativity could play in addressing the more complex problems facing our society.
We also look at other creative people and the organisations they have established. Overall, what struck me is that creativity and its application has allowed them to build something out of little or nothing. In this regard, think Dubai and Singapore, where the application of intense creative thinking has built world-beating economic hubs.
When people apply creativity — in a country, business, or organisation — productivity and economic development usually follows. Which prompts the question: If this is what creativity can do, what is stopping nations, businesses and organisations appointing “leaders of creativity” at the top of their hierarchies? If you need proof of this concept, look at the organisations on our list of Best Workplaces for innovators.
What stands out is the way they foster creativity and encourage big ideas at every level of their organisations.
In line with this thinking and as part of our plans for 2025, we plan to run a series of creativity workshops. We are of the view that infusing creativity into an organisation is an essential part of creating products not imagined before. The 2025 Most Creative People will feature the outcomes of these creativity workshops. I am eager to see the results and the products that will emerge from these sessions.
As you reflect on your achievements over this past year and make your plans for 2025, we hope the plans and ideas you find in this issue will form part of your arsenal when it comes to tackling challenges and winning your business battles.
All the best in your future endeavours…
