When organizations are focused on what already exists they have a hard time seeing what lies just beyond. And yet, the most valuable opportunities are often found in the white space.
The Purple Crayon is a consulting practice that helps leaders and their teams establish new perspectives in order to see pathways to value more clearly.
At the core of The Purple Crayon is "practical imagination" — a novel method of inquiry and ideation that helps explore value-creation within organizations. Practical imagination emerges from three groups of attributes traditionally considered opposing forces, that become mutually supportive when employed simultaneously.
1. Open-Mindedness +
Focus
Most challenges have a number of possible solutions. An open mind identifies a host of potential options, then a careful focus considers the tradeoffs so that the right choice can be pursued with confidence.
2. Logic + Creativity
Organizations chase defined outcomes according to specific success metrics. But novel solutions require a creative spark. Structure plus spark means the difference between standing still and moving forward
3. Precise Language +
Universal Themes
You can only answer the questions you ask. But what if you’re asking the wrong questions? Describing opportunities in detail creates the power to do something about them. And realizing that most situations are actually variations on universal themes relieves pressure that stifles action.
When productive thinking has stalled and solutions seem out of reach. When strategic initiatives seem nebulous and taking the next step requires developing a plan with clarity. When you need to draw new lines in order to find your way forward. These are some common scenarios where having a crayon can be helpful:
Servicing clients globally out of Princeton, New Jersey, Nick Perold is an executive leader, marketer, and brand builder with experience that spans a diverse portfolio from direct-to-consumer startups to heritage luxury brands, and from commercial real estate to international airlines.
Nick was formerly the head of marketing for Bedrock, Detroit's largest commercial real estate company and the development firm at the heart of downtown Detroit's resurgence. While at Bedrock Nick rebranded the company, launched and ran an award-winning magazine about Detroit, and built an in-house creative agency. Prior to joining Bedrock, Nick was Vice President of Strategic Development at VICE Media's digital agency, Carrot Creative, where he led media platform partnerships and strategy for major accounts such as Rolex, Shinola, and All Nippon Airways.
Over the years Nick's work has received top accolades from industry associations such as the Shorty Awards, Telly Awards, Davey Awards, and Content Marketing Awards.
Ready to pick up a crayon and find some?
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