GLOSS Issue 22 JUNE 2015 | Page 9

At the same time, for the Baby Boomers, they are now facing a loss of relevance. It actually has a name; Relevance Deprivation Syndrome. Having been in management positions for over fifteen years, and now being confronted by letting go, handing over the reins... the biggest challenge and fear is in stepping back. It takes a great deal of courage’. He also feels that the way in which we are working now has meant a need for greater bravery in business generally. ‘The age we are living in - the age of information and a constant availability of products, ideas, and concepts - has completely changed the way we work. The power balance has shifted to the consumer; any, and all, products and ideas have THE AGE WE ARE LIVING IN - THE AGE OF INFORMATION AND A CONSTANT AVAILABILITY OF PRODUCTS, IDEAS, AND CONCEPTS - HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED THE WAY WE WORK. THE POWER BALANCE HAS SHIFTED TO THE CONSUMER; ANY, AND ALL, PRODUCTS AND IDEAS HAVE TO REMAIN RELEVANT [FOR SUCCESS TO CONTINUE]. to remain relevant [for success to continue]. This has engendered a need for bravery in speaking out [on an internal and external level], in being yourself in business, and being willing to make commentary. Authenticity is essential, as is visibility.’ I wanted to know what he thought about bravery in Australian culture and politics - which is of course reflected in our choice of leaders and iconic figures. The groundswell of support behind Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren is showing a cultural shift in America that was unimaginable in the 80s and 90s GLOSS JUNE 2015 9