1. The Other New Normal 
In terms of addressing racial inequity, this is a revolution, not a trend, and it has been over 400 years in the making. Many thoughtful sessions orbited around how companies and society must “go beyond the donation”. To be silent is seen to be complicit. Discussions landed with action plans for organizations: Make a pact to advance social justice. Set tangible goals and hold yourself accountable to those goals. P&G created a formal, company-wide plan to tackle racism at every level of business from hiring practices to producing creative. The corporate momentum is in place for many large organizations. They are creating a path for others to follow.

2. Collective Time-out for Humanity
It is fascinating to me that business has stepped into the breach created by the errant politicians of the world. I could write an entire essay on this alone. Throughout our enforced global pause, I have watched brands accelerate becoming a force for good. The burgeoning list includes big companies like Unilever, Diageo, P&G, Anheuser Busch and Nike. They’re joining the Patagonias, and Warby Parkers of the brand world in social course-correcting. Brands are increasingly a tremendous propellant for social good. Their causes are many: sustainability, climate change, Covid-19, racism, sexism, ageism, poverty, inclusivity. They have finally learned that a sole focus on shareholder value alone is not going to cut it anymore. It does more collective social harm than good. Can someone tell the policymakers?

3. I’m Six Closer
Tourism is a tough category. Even tougher this year, because there is none. Six Degrees to Tennessee is such a smart campaign. It promotes Tennessee tourism to those who are not fans of country and western music by cleverly connecting the roots of all other music back to Tennessee. When the world re-opens you will see an uptick in this destination. Oh, and by the way, it was just glorious to be talking about the work. It felt almost normal.

4. No Mercy, No Malice
Loved this. Professor, author and provocateur Scott Galloway delivered a rapid-fire session that ponders business, the world of digital and Covid-19.

He is widely known as “the guy who wants to break up Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook” (Facebook has its own problems right now, but I digress).

His “big unlocks” included his view of society and business in the Covid-reality. He shares his views on the “dumpster fire that is America”, how we can expect war, famine and a recession thanks to Trumpian incompetence. How businesses like travel, sports and restaurants will be gutted, shadowed by the rise of big pharma. He urges us to learn to live below our means. To put the bullshit aside and really connect with those we care about. It was a crash course on business, society and life with a little rosé thrown in for good measure. He too laments the dearth of Cannes this year. Next year. Next year.  

5. Cannes without Creativity
As bears repeating, attending virtual Cannes from home saves your liver but tamps inspiration. It’s like Christmas morning without the presents, a sundae without sauce, wine without a corkscrew. You get the gist.

It’s a curiously empty experience.

Around the world, we are united in lockdown, each in our own untethered, unruly, unkempt, shaggy-locked way. I love that it has fueled some remarkable lockdown creativity, in how we connect, how we show we care, how we reach out to support each other. It has also spawned some remarkable creative.

I hope we will be back together next year at Cannes Lions celebrating it and talking creativity.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I think it’s true. Just ask Publicis.

Till next June.

Reach out to book a Decoding Cannes session and I'll bring these insights and more to your team, virtually of course.