There are plenty of words and phrases that many of us would be happy never to hear again. Quantitative easing. Congestion charging. And for England football fans ‘penalty shoot-out’ almost always invokes fear beyond measure.

Philip Davies

July 2020

As a brand, navigating re-opening and re-closing—and potentially doing this repeatedly—can be a lot. Smart and thoughtful communication will ensure your customers understand what to expect, your employees know how to deliver and your brand is ready for the next step at the right time.

Siegel+Gale

July 2020

The true value of purpose has become more apparent than ever in this COVID-19 crisis: It is a tool that makes the impossible simple. Purpose inspires strategies that benefit people and business simultaneously. Purpose helps deliver both utility and delight. Purpose offers clear direction, regardless of where the seas may toss the ship.

David Srere

June 2020

Normally, in difficult times, our instinct is to reach out, literally. Human touch and physical expression—a hug, a hand on a shoulder, a quiet look of concern, sitting next to someone and not saying anything—are powerful ways to show people we’re here for them. But what do we do when all that’s left is our voice?

Siegel+Gale

June 2020

People’s behaviors and expectations have changed drastically over this period of isolation. Now more than ever, people are scrutinizing and questioning whether the brands they know and love are relevant or truthful. Many brands will now find themselves out of alignment with these new needs and will need to reconsider their direction. Thankfully it seems to be a perfect time to take on the challenge in this renewed era of creativity.

James Snook

May 2020

Our new normal is unavoidable: every day brings new questions and uncertainty given the COVID-19 epidemic. Between dealing with personal implications of social separation and approaching the immediate crisis communication needs appropriately, it can be hard to find time to focus on other priorities. These pressing requirements can mean that the core asset, key to not only survival, but ultimately long-term growth post-crisis, is not forgotten: the brand.

Brian Rafferty

May 2020

Voice is important in times of crisis, not least because there’s an unprecedented volume of communication happening right now. Not all of these messages are coming from brands, but still, it’s important to keep in perspective just how dense the forest of communications is right now. It’s also instructive to examine how different brands are putting voice to good use in order to transcend the transactionality of the typical day-to-day and rise to the current occasion—or not doing so. Saying “we care, and we’re doing something” might seem cut-and-dry, but plenty of brands have been criticized for coming across as boastful or sales-focused in communicating their Covid-related efforts or responses.  

Siegel+Gale

May 2020

In SMPL Q+A, we interview practitioners on all things relevant to branding, design and simplicity. Here, we speak with our colleagues about our partnership with Tugende, a for-profit social enterprise in Uganda that helps motorcycle taxi drivers buy their own motorcycles, giving them the means to control their own tools of employment and kick starting a path to financial independence.

Siegel+Gale

April 2020

We can learn from recent crises to inform how brands should react and adapt to the current environment. Using past recessions and the 9/11 terrorist attacks as historical guides, here are six strategic behaviors to help your brand navigate a yet-to-be-defined future.

Kaitlin Smith

April 2020

In these extraordinary times of physical separation, I am reminded of the beautiful feelings of togetherness and purpose we experienced in March 2020 when I hosted the Siegel+Gale International Women’s Day celebration with 300-plus CMOs and guests across five cities: London, Zurich, New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Margaret Molloy

April 2020