Not Your Typical Post-Cannes Lions Post

The annual pilgrimage to the Cannes Lions Creativity Festival did not disappoint. It was a whirlwind of inspiration, motivation, and dynamic conversations about the future of creativity in the face of AI and automation. Witnessing the early stages of what AI can help us achieve as communicators was fascinating, but it’s clear that we’re only scratching the surface.

This year, however, what I was truly looking forward to was my post-Cannes trip to Greece with my family. It was a big group—my husband, our kids and their significant others, my in-laws, and my brother. Although we’ve been to Greece before, this trip was special. For the first time, my brother and I visited Naxos, the island where our maternal grandparents lived after they got married.

Little did I know how profoundly this simple visit would affect us. The island's beauty and diversity were captivating. We learned about olive oil production, got to see the enormous marble quarries, relaxed on stunning beaches, and indulged in the mouthwatering cuisine. But what left the most significant mark was our early morning visit to a fishing village called Apollonas, where our grandparents had lived. Walking the same paths and stairs they did, speaking with locals who remembered them (which was a surprise), and hearing stories about the little café they ran was a deeply moving experience.

This side trip offered a perspective on life, work, and even Cannes. Here are a few takeaways:

1. Become Better Students of Our History: Understanding our roots and how we got here can provide invaluable insights into unlocking today’s opportunities and solving the challenges we face. Our grandparents' stories highlighted the resilience and determination it took for them to build a life, and it reminded us of the importance of preserving and learning from our heritage. In a world currently in flux, knowing the past can inform our strategies and innovations for the future. It may seem simple, but when was the last time you took the time to study your family’s history?

2. The Exponential Power of Taking Risks: Our grandparents' journey from the comfort of their village to the unknowns of Athens profoundly impacted our family’s trajectory. Taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones can have far-reaching effects, not just for us but for future generations. Their courage to venture into the unknown set a foundation for our family's success. In our professional lives, embracing uncertainty and pursuing bold ideas can lead to groundbreaking achievements and new opportunities that can even help change lives.

3. Embrace Authentic Experiences: AI and technology will transform our world, including travel. Cherish authentic, unspoiled experiences while you can. These moments are irreplaceable and precious. As technology changes how we interact with the world, the genuine human connections and untouched beauty of places like Apollonas become even more valuable. In our industry, creating authentic and memorable experiences for our audiences can set us apart in the AI age.

Integrating these insights into our work might just elevate it to the LIONS stage next year!