I wrote an article recently on my blog about the Ryder Cup and whether a different marketing/advertising model should be looked at. And whether there are other ways of delivering uniqueness through niche as opposed 'big hitting' one off events? Having recently returned from an interesting discussion regarding the development of sustainable places in Wales, and also learning of the failing education system in Wales. There seems to be two words that have been repeated over and over again.

The words are RISK AVERSE, and a lack of confidence in Wales that seems to be hindering us from really developing new innovative structures, systems and companies for the future.

The concept of not being confident is a new thing for me. When we started Hoffi I was of the opinion that Wales was confident and had some great future prospects, and in fact a growing confidence. In some cases this was the confidence of youth and perhaps even a naivety on my part. Over the years however this has slowly been changed and eroded. The incremental change within Welsh companies seems unbreakable. Innovation and direction changes within companies being few and far between.

Internally we have created a number of self initiated projects that have been hugely successful, but not in the terms people would gauge success. We created a Creative hub called Naked Wales which brought together creatives to chat and get to know each other. We also produced a magazine which we managed to get people to write for and send in illustrations that we could add. So why did we do it? well firstly it wasn't about money. It was about helping people make connections, opening new collaborations. It also allowed us to test ideas and ways of working fundamentally it allowed us to FAIL. So we might SUCCEED earlier the next time.

So back to the risk averse. In the last ten years a certain company has become the richest in the world, and another being part of most peoples daily routine. While it most definitely about the technology making it possible it does seem that it is also the environment these companies came from. Silicone Valley has for years now been the epicentre of technology development.

IDEO - designed apples' first mouse

Apple

Microsoft

Google

Facebook

Sun systems

To name but a few. So are their ways we can bring this thinking and belief into Wales?? Would love to hear what people think.