The New Abnormal
The New Abnormal podcast (which has over 250,000 downloads) focuses on 'Now / Next / Why'. Discussing the viewpoints of my guests, who've including activists, creatives, writers, philosophers, strategists, psychologists, lecturers, futurists etc, has led to some fascinating conversations. Re: my bio, I'm a public speaker and futurist. I've written two books - my first went to No1 in the business charts, whilst my second was shortlisted for the 'Business Book of the Year' Awards. (I'll be writing a third as soon as time allows.) So, I hope you enjoy listening to the series - which was set up during the early days of Covid, and is divided into Series One [2020-21] Two [2022] Three [2023] Four [2024] and Five [2025]. All rights reserved. #TheNewAbnormal podcast series © Sean Pillot de Chenecey 2020.
The New Abnormal
Kate Shepherd 'Why the future client/agency model = expert freelance collaboration'
Series One
In this episode of The New Abnormal, I interview Kate Shepherd, Director and Co-founder of The Future Collective.
She specialises in strategic design direction and cultural intelligence, based on 25+ years experience in the design industry where her clients ranged from Rolls-Royce to adidas to P&G.
After working for leading agencies inc Imagination, Checkland Kindleysides, and Fitch, she then co-founded The Future Collective - an alternative consultancy specialising in brand identity and experience design.
Crucially, their collective approach offers clients a means of commissioning world-class freelance talent, instead of simply using the standard and more expensive agency model.
That collaborative ethos is replicated in different guises in markets and sectors around the world, but it's one in which there is still much to learn from, and of course give back to, in a spirit of 'pass it on' open-source generosity.
Therefore, Kate explains why the Future Collective's approach to collaboration seems to have worked so well, and what the practical lessons are for both client-side marketers and freelance creatives & strategists who may be interested in utilising this dynamic approach.