business – Brand Strategist | MarComms

Ban Beige! Reflections & Creative Inspirations

October 21, 2025October 21, 2025by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

I love this time of year. There’s a crispness in the air, the trees turn a magical array of mellow yellow, fiery orange, golden brown and rustic red, and I find myself craving a hot chocolate and a good book. (I’m still reading Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, it’s a wonderfully insightful read.)

Like many of you, I can’t quite believe how fast the year is moving; we’re hurtling towards Halloween and cruising into Christmas. But before stepping into those magical moments, I wanted to pause, look in the rear-view mirror, and celebrate a few personal highlights, it’s truly been a time of conscious creativity. Here’s my top three:

Colour as Your Brand’s Emotional Driver

In September, for BIMA, I hosted an interactive masterclass which provided brands and marketers with an immersive journey into the world of colour and behavioural colour psychology. Together, we explored how brands can use colour to stand out, connect, and communicate meaningfully with their ideal customers.

I welcomed a wonderfully diverse mix of attendees to the masterclass, from agency founders and heads of marketing to creative directors, designers, and content leads, representing brands as varied as Pernod Ricard and NHS Trusts.

We reflected on how technology and AI are powerful enablers of efficiency and scale, but they don’t feel, they’re not intuitive. AI can make colour theory digestible, but it can’t imagine. We also talked about how do we use the time gifted back to us by technology to dial up our authentic intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI)? How do we nurture our creative instincts, build empathy, and strengthen human-to-human connections?

The Q&A sparked fascinating conversations, especially around the colour grey, a tone I like to call “the one that hides in plain sight”. Think of grey battleships blending into the sea or field-grey army uniforms designed not to be visible at a distance.

When showcasing the influence of colour, I shone a spotlight on the ‘Fiat – Operation no more Grey campaign’, and the surprising creative and influential use of pink on-set for the ‘Barbie’ movie.

I’ll be hosting future sessions that dig deeper into the language of colour and how it can powerfully connect brands with their audiences. If you’d like to learn more, I’d love to hear from you.

Colour & Creativity Workshops; hosting Designers and Architects

What a joy it was to collaborate with such brilliant minds in the interior design and architectural community to deliver my Colour and Creativity workshop. Thanks to Nordic Design House and Magda for inviting me and Cesca.

At its heart is a shared belief that creativity is more than just making something beautiful, it goes beyond the aesthetic, it could be considered mindfulness in motion. It’s a moment to pause, to ground ourselves, and to reconnect with colour, with others, and with our own imagination.

We explored creativity as wellbeing, and giving yourself permission to slow down, explore, and express, whilst building calm, confidence, and resilience through simple creative acts. Then we talked about our personal connection with colour, and how we can use the language of colour to communicate, connect and tell human stories.

This workshop is for everyone, not just “creatives.” I always invite attendees to come as you are, and leave with a renewed sense of joy and possibility.

Behind the Canvas: Exhibition & Private Commissions

In September, I was honoured to exhibit alongside fellow artists from across the UK at Brighton Art Space, organised by The Paint Club. I created two pieces, one titled ‘Sunny Surrey Hills’ and the second ‘Nefyn Beach, Wales’. If you missed it, don’t worry, more exhibitions are on the way!

I’ve also been commissioned to create a very special piece for a client in Surrey, designed to capture the feeling and emotion of her late father. It’s a process built on trust, beginning with a 90-minute creative conversation to uncover the story behind the intuitive art.

As Pierre-Auguste Renoir said:

“Art is about emotion; if art needs to be explained, it is no longer art.”

Please do get in touch if you’d like me to create a bespoke, unique piece of art for you.

You can follow me on Instagram here.

Podcasts to Ponder

I love reading, but I also adore the feeling of being part of a conversation, which is why I’m a podcast devotee. If you’re feeling curious and are looking to immerse yourself in the language of colour, here are two I highly recommend:

Stories in Colour – The National Gallery

A vibrant series uncovering the hidden stories behind colour, from history to modern day, this podcast features curators, scientists, historians, and artists. You’ll never look at colour the same way again.

Let’s talk colour

Hosted by the wonderfully colourful founder of The Colour Authority, Judith van Vliet, this podcast features global colour specialists exploring design, psychology, trends, and the transformative power of colour across numerous brands and industries. Every episode inspires me to bring more colour into life and work. Discover more here.

Closing thoughts

Colour is more than what we see, it’s how we feel, connect, and create. The hues we choose can shift our mood, spark imagination, and shape the stories we share.

In a world that’s grown a little too beige, maybe it’s time to bring back the bold. Reintroduce colour, intentionally, thoughtfully, and with heart, into your life, your brand, and your work.

“Colour is one of the most important and powerful universal languages we have.”

Source: Alina Schartner, Design, Colour + Trend | Consultant + Strategist

Break free from beige. Let’s bring the colour back.

Header image: Colour and Creativity Workshop, September 2025.

Growth, Imagination

Creativity and Colour in Motion

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

In business, as in life, everything is cyclical. We move within natural rhythms and patterns of energy, time, and opportunity. Just as day turns to night and seasons shift from one to the next, our organisations, teams, and creative endeavours follow cycles of growth, reflection, and renewal.

As August draws to a close and summer begins its transition, I’m reminded of the value of pausing at these inflection points. Seasonal change offers us a chance to take stock, to reflect on what has been achieved, acknowledging progress, and preparing for what’s next.

For me, this is where creativity and business truly intersect. Both demand a balance between looking back and moving forward, celebrating achievements while welcoming new ideas, fresh collaborations, and innovative ways to build meaningful connections.

Discover Colour & Creativity with Nordic Design House

I’m delighted to share an upcoming immersive evening of colour, craft, and connection, collaborating with fellow artist and colour enthusiast Cesca Molly Thorne, set within the inspiring Nordic Design House showroom in Clerkenwell, London.

At the heart of colour and creativity is a shared passion for helping people to reconnect with themselves, and with each other, through colour and creativity. For myself and Cesca, creativity is more than making something beautiful, it’s a form of mindfulness, a moment of meditation, and a way to ground ourselves in the present moment. As artists, we believe colour and creativity can transform lives in small yet meaningful and impactful ways.

What to expect

The workshop is designed for everyone. No experience is needed, only curiosity and an open mind. You’ll leave with renewed energy, fresh perspective, and a unique creation of your own.

Together, we will explore:

Creativity as Wellbeing – Give yourself permission to slow down, express freely, and build calm, confidence, and resilience through simple creative acts.
Connection with Colour – Experience colour as a language for communication and connection, focusing on the process as well as the outcome.
Self-Expression – Use colour as a medium for storytelling and self-discovery, while learning to create a beautiful crepe paper flower and exploring the principles of colour psychology.

The evening provides a perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded people, expand your network, and share meaningful conversations in a welcoming, inspiring setting.

Delicious refreshments and drinks will be provided, courtesy of our hosts, Nordic Design House, who represent a curated selection of Swedish brands, offering furniture and lighting rooted in Scandinavian design for workplaces and public interiors across the UK.

Event details

📅 Date: Wednesday 24th September
🕕 Time: 6:00 – 9:30pm
📍 Venue: Nordic Design House, 104–110 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DH
🔑 RSVP: Places are limited. Please contact Magdalena Tym, Sales Director, to secure your spot.
We would love for you to join us for this special evening of colour, craft, and connection.

Let’s work together

With over 20 years of experience working with innovative and disruptive businesses across HR-tech, digital, creative agencies, and interior design, I bring a unique blend of commercial acumen and creative vision to everything I do.

I’m a strategic yet hands-on leader with a passion for collaboration, and I believe the most impactful results come when we balance the analytical precision of the left brain with the intuitive creativity of the right brain. Facts and figures matter, but so does imagination and storytelling, for true magic happens when the two meet.

Get in touch – I’d love to continue the conversation.

Images: Colour and Creativity Workshop, June 2025.

Growth, Imagination

Nature as your strategist

June 30, 2025by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

There’s a long-standing belief that nature is our greatest teacher – personally, professionally, in coaching, and in business. Why? Because in nature, everything exists in balance. It understands its interconnectedness, plus the need for resilience and adaptability. There’s no resistance to change: trees don’t cling to their leaves in autumn, they simply let go. Nature flows, following its innate, intuitive path of growth and transformation. It adapts and evolves. Vibrant colours attract pollinators or ward off predators, while underground root systems quietly nourish and support growth. Nature honours its natural rhythms, its seasons, lunar cycles, the literal tides of change. So why, then, do we find it so difficult to care for and cherish Mother Nature and the environment she provides for us?

Climate Cocktail Club – ‘Reimagined Radicals’

On Friday 27th June, I attended the Climate Cocktail Club relaunch event – ‘Reimagined Radicals’ in London, County Hall, a thought-provoking space where art, science, and community intersected to explore how we tackle the climate crisis through hope, creativity and culture.

The keynote speaker was former Irish President and climate justice champion Mary Robinson and she reminded us of a powerful truth: real change starts with hope. She spoke about hope not as a vague ideal, but as a pragmatic first step toward action. It begins with a desire to do things differently, to see a better future and take even the smallest steps to get there. In the face of global climate disruption, she shared how women-led solar initiatives in vulnerable communities are not only reducing carbon emissions but transforming lives.

Mary told the story of salt farmers in the Surendranagar desert in western India who are now using solar energy to power their work, a project that has already impacted 3.2 million women. Some of these women have trained as solar engineers, and through the savings they’ve made, they’re now sending their children to school, buying essentials, climbing out of debt, and most importantly, building a future for themselves and their communities. It’s a model of community empowerment, economic resilience, and climate action, all rooted in the belief that hope is the spark that lights the fire of progress. The determination of these ladies and leadership are inspiring.

If you have 2 minutes, do watch this short clip as it provides real insight into their lives:

Connection, conversation & community

Following Mary Robinson, the stage was set with more superb innovative and inspiring speakers including Lisa Merrick-lawless, Co-founder, Purpose Disruptors; Siobhan Clarke, fellow, Sustainable Ventures and portfolio NED, Julian Valissieres, CEO & co-founder Batchworks; Edward Van Der Wyck, CEO & co-founder Sheep Inc.; John Elkington, CEO & Chief Pollinator, Volans; Matthew Smith, SEO, Hometree; and Louis VI, zoologist, musician, presenter, who all believe in a climate conscious approach to business.

Here’s what resonated with me…

Hope is the catalyst for action

We heard about women-led solar initiatives impacting 3.2 million lives, lifting people out of debt, educating children, and building futures. When community and clean energy meet, transformation follows.

Community is how we evolve

The shift isn’t just technological, it’s cultural. We must create belonging, build trust, and foster collaborative communities. That means making space for conversation and connection.

We are nature – we are all connected

From Octopus intelligence (yes, we talked about Octopus which reminded me of a film I love called My Octopus Teacher) to frogs nicknamed “mountain chickens”, this event was a celebration of listening, learning, and letting nature lead.

“We take all our inspiration from nature to make art”

Louis VI (Rapper, Musician, Zoologist). His album Carbon uses sounds from the natural world to make music, reminding us that sound is a primal communicator. From birdsong to silence, it influences how we feel and connect.

Science matters

Scientists spend years researching and learning, we need to hear their voices more. Perhaps there’s an opportunity to communicate through weekly climate briefings, to showcase truth over trends, embracing inconvenient facts with creativity as all are essential to cultural and business change.

A BIG thank you to strategic communications consultant Nick Nuttall for facilitating an insightful and sometimes challenging conversation, and to everyone involved with organising and supporting the event Aisling McCaffrey, Louise French, Sustainable Ventures, Project Dandelion, Diageo, Be Impactful, Thinkhouse and everyone behind the scenes who I’ve not been able to mention – it was a memorable, fun and engaging night!

Let’s talk

I felt inspired by the idea that hope isn’t naïve, it’s strategic. It leads to action and action changes everything.

There are many insights and pearls of wisdom from nature to be integrated into how we do business. Let’s design business and campaigns that work in harmony with nature and the natural world, not in conflict with it. Innovation can solve big problems if we put people and planet at the heart of it.

If you’re working on purpose-driven innovation, I’d love to connect. I’m actively looking to connect with purpose-driven disruptors to build on the conversation.

Where does nature sit in your business model?

Get in touch – I’d love to talk.

Images: Captured on the night by Emma Potter.

Inspiration

The language of colour

June 1, 2025June 1, 2025by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

It’s been two weeks since Clerkenwell Design Week and what a corker of an event! So many interesting panel discussions, networking events, wellness sessions and brilliant people to meet. With my passion for colour and the influence it has on brands, businesses, our lives, homes and our wellbeing, it was a delight to be surrounded by people who share my desire to understand and talk more on this topic. But before we dive in, from the sessions I joined and participated in, here’s some key stats that landed for me, I hope they resonate and spark curiosity with you too.

Did you know…

77% of CEO’s use creativity to drive productivity
Colour increases brand recognition by 80%
Colour is an integral part of brand recognition
62% to 90% of decision making is based on colour alone
Trends in colour are influenced my multiple factors from science, intuition, inspiration, social trends and customer preferences, to societal, technological, economic, cultural and political narratives
In 2020 there was an acceleration in the trends towards green, nature and biophilia
Indoor plant sales have doubled in the last 4 years
Milan Week 2025 revealed that the colour trend is moving towards copper (particularly in directional pieces) and butter yellow
Colour for workspace aesthetics trends (2026-2030) include dynamic brights, luminous blue, acidic tones, lava red, metallised colours, all-clusivity, heritage hues, refuge wellness rooms, meadowland green, and nourishing greens, transformative teal, sensorial darks, and a priority towards mental wellness

The journey of colour

In the design world, there are many stages for the journey of colour and its timeline to reaching customers in the market. From ideation where multiple factors influence and are considered in identifying a colour trend, to the innovators and early adopters who buy into the colour before it’s reached peak popularity, to the late adopters who typically buy into the colour 1.5 years post peak popularity, then the laggards who consider purchasing this colour three years post peak popularity. It’s not until it reaches this last stage, when the colour or colours have really connected to public consciousness, that a decision is made by the company about whether the colour will be maintained, go into retirement, or potentially become an all-time classic.

It’s a colours journey through all these stages, spanning 5+ years from innovator to laggard, that enables a business to discover real world outcomes, through research, workshops, seminars, commercial development, marketing and delivery – insights from all these areas along the colour’s timeline inform its life and potential end of life treatment.

Moreover, whilst a colour or trend will suit (or not suit), a brand, product, customer demographic or region, and all sectors including fashion, automotive, interiors and more have their own look books, it was fascinating to hear that so many aspects inspire the innovators and ideation of a colour, sparking imagination of the next colour trend years before it hits the market.

What is the future of colour

This is a pretty loaded question when you think about it. With the advancements of colour and AI, the demand for sustainability in colour, and the desire for design and colour beyond aesthetics – three key topics for discussion – the panel session hosted by Mix Interiors really got me thinking.

Colour & AI

AI is an interesting tool for the design industry and it was a hot topic to kick off the discussion between Harry McKinley from Mix Interiors and his panel of guest speakers Karen Haller Laura Perryman and Justine Fox. At this current time, it was felt that AI can create colour palettes, but a human will always need to give a human touch to complete the palette; but will it remain this way – the jury was out. At present, the panel felt we are only just starting to use AI with colour; however, it can make colour theory more digestible. They also went on to suggest that AI doesn’t feel, it’s not intuitive but it’s great for automation. AI can’t create a new aesthetic in or for design; it doesn’t have lived experiences or sensory perception. It doesn’t intuit or lead.

Karen Haller commented, “AI can’t imagine, it can only react”, “Colour influences how we think, feel and behave” and “Constantly changing colour trends pushes people towards short term choices.” We need to align colour with nature, nature doesn’t follow trends. She went on to say, when we “Apply colour with psychological insight to support how people think, feel and behave” we get the results we seek.

Colour & sustainability

The second topic hotly debated by the panel of experts focused on colour and sustainability. We were reminded that the colours we choose in the built environment have a huge impact on heat retention and using energy, therefore the functional aspect of colour is really important. We need natural, non-toxic colour pigments, nature positive dyes. There’s also lots of ways we can integrate waste products, weeds and other materials into dye, building colour palettes from and for local communities.

Laura talked readily about the “Right to repair”, which reminds me of the ‘make do and mend’ mentality. But it’s more than that, there’s a growing need for sustainability, for products to have a longer life span, to be able to fix and repair things, rather than have a throw away and replace mentality. We need to be able to increase longevity of products, to improve long-term investment. Colour can be adaptive and emotive, helping us connect with the climate and our environment.

Colour beyond aesthetics

The more we can understand colour, the more we can use it too support us, our wellbeing, and our lives. In addition, as we move towards colour beyond aesthetics, the panel reminded the audience that colours are circular – they come round in cycles, materials are circular – they come round in cycles, and that trends are circular – they come round in cycles.

It seems to me that everything comes in cycles, every day, week, month and year. Like nature and the seasons, our world operates and lives in natural cycles.

As mentioned earlier, the influences on colour trends are many, spanning social, societal, political, technological, cultural, economic and ancestral. Yet with all these insights and drivers, we need to be able to create nuance and personalisation – to find peoples own needs in colour, be that warmth, comfort, excitement or feeling grounded.

There is a growing trend towards personalisation – however, there’s also a need to stop looking externally for what’s right for us. Perhaps this is an invitation to go within and ask the question ‘What’s right for me?’.

It was referenced more than once that at present, due to political and economic influences, as humans we have double fatigue, so it’s more important than ever to look into how colour can support our wellbeing.

To close the panel, Harry McKinley, managing editor, MIX Interiors, asked the panel in three to five words to say ‘What’s next in colour, what’s the trend?’

For behavioural and emotional benefit – Karen Haller
Design and quality – Laura Perryman
Beyond aesthetics – Justine Fox

Conversations at Clerkenwell

It was fascinating being at the session hosted by Alexi Cowan, head of interiors, WSGN, where they focused on colour for workspace aesthetics trends 2026-2030. They also highlighted three key trending topics, ‘Joy in colour’, ‘Power of Nostalgia’ and ‘Holistic wellbeing’.

Joy in colour

This is all about purposeful play, the importance for all ages to integrate play into their day, celebrating micro moments of play to spark joy and creativity, and to make sure that play aligns with your company values. In interiors this means making designs fun and functional, adding layers for depth, thinking about textures to enliven our senses, the agile use of furniture and design, for interiors and design to be a channel for self-expression, and to focus on personalisation. It’s a must to link colour to your collections and to also bring colour to functional pieces.

Power of nostalgia

Here the focus was on nostalgia; for example, to consider using faux products and finishes, to create cocoon like spaces, to use wood as a finish and colours that have an amber haze or cocoa powder feel. The was an invitation to think of brown as the new black, to consider metallic finishes and copper tones, to create luxe high-end finishes, and to embrace shape, silhouettes, colour and style, to combine modern with old, as a means to bring a nostalgic element to design – think cherry lacquer, dark berry tones with high gloss finishes to create a seductive, luxurious experience.

Holistic wellbeing

For me, the continued focus on wellbeing is a must – harmonious palettes, neutrals, tonality and external contrast, with a lean towards pink pigmented hues, less orange terracotta, colours that are warm, earthy, and resilient. Biophilic design will continue to be popular with interior living plants, spaces that have lots of amazing natural light and are relaxing airy spaces that have a high-end, quality finish.

On the wellbeing front, it was wonderful to participate in a ‘self-massage workshop’ hosted by Nordic Design House, plus to have lunch and catch up with Mags.

Until CDW 2026 – Thank you!

I appreciate this has been a bit of a whistle stop tour, but I hope I’ve sparked your curiosity about what’s possible with colour and what’s coming in the world of colour.

A huge thank you to everyone who made my #CDW2025 experience so colourful and expansive – Karen Haller, Justine Fox, Laura Perryman, Harry McKinley, Magdalena Tym, Michaela Reysenn, Catriona Hammett, Mary Sholl, Charlotte Raffo, Emma Freeman, Alexei Cowan, Jason Graham, Seetal Ladva, Domus Group, MIX Interiors, KAI Interiors, Nordic Design House, Hansgrohe, Colourhive, WGSN, Soundbox Store and many more.

Let’s work together

With over 20 years of experience working with innovative and disruptive-tech businesses across a variety of sectors – from HR-tech and digital to creative agencies and interior design, I bring a blend of commercial acumen and creative thinking to everything I do. I’m a strategic yet hands-on leader with a passion for collaboration and an action-oriented mindset that delivers real results.

My approach is human to human, balancing the analytical left brain (facts, figures, and data) with the intuitive creativity of the right brain (emotion, imagination, and storytelling) – because I believe the magic happens when you combine these two key ingredients.

Get in touch – I’d love to talk.

Header image: Snapped at Clerkenwell Design Week

Inspiration

What is colour to you?

April 29, 2025by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting a woman who has inspired me for quite some time, the brilliant Judith Van Vliet. With a global career filled with creativity and colour, Judith is the founder of The Color Authority, and host of the podcast Let’s Talk Color, where she speaks with colour specialists from around the world about their work, passion, and the emotional and psychological power of colour.

The event I attended featured Judith in conversation with Hamish Kilburn, discussing findings from the newly released trend report Shaping Tomorrow – Future Design & Architecture 2025–2026. Since that evening, I’ve been completely immersed in the book, soaking in the five key themes: Origin, Solace, Nature, Urban, and Wonder. Each one resonated deeply, and affirmed the powerful role colour plays in design, emotion, and identity.

Colourful conversations

One question Judith often asks her podcast guests really stayed with me: “What is colour to you?” While we chatted after the panel, we didn’t get to explore that question — so I’ve taken time to reflect:

Colour is life
Colour is energy
Colour influences how I feel and behave
Colour impacts how I connect — with myself and others
Colour is community, creativity, healing
Colour is the language my soul speaks

To me, colour is everything.

A huge thank you to Judith Van Vliet, Enric Pastor, Cosentino, and all who contributed to this collaborative and insightful vision for the future of design. It was a joy to meet so many inspiring individuals, including Pilar Rubio, Susie Hobbs, Sydney Davidson and others.

Colour, connection & creativity

My passion for colour runs deep, leading me to study applied behavioural colour psychology through two distinct lenses. From a branding perspective, I use my marketing expertise to harness the psychological impact of colour in shaping identity and perception. As an artist, I encourage others to explore their creativity through colour, connecting with their emotions and intuition in deeply personal ways.

Alongside my artistic and branding work, I’m also a certified NLP Practitioner, Creative Orientation Coach, and Intuitive Coach. I weave together these disciplines, along with my colour psychology training, to design unique and transformative coaching programmes and workshops. My superpower is helping others unlock their creative potential and embrace self-expression with confidence and clarity.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to be more creative but weren’t sure where to start, I warmly invite you to join me for one of my Colour & Creativity workshops. These sessions are a gentle, joyful space to reconnect with yourself, explore colour in a meaningful way, and express your creativity.

Now I’d love to hear from you:
What is colour to you and how do you embrace it in your life or business?

Let’s work together

Get in touch – I’d love to talk.

Header image: Authors headshot.

Colour, Creative

The season of inspired play

April 11, 2025by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

As we step into a new season and quarter, April feels like the perfect time to embrace a fresh, creative mindset. Over the past few weeks and months, conversations with a couple of inspiring women have sparked the idea to develop two unique creative workshops. I’ve been intentionally seeking out collaborations with coaches, artists, practitioners, and specialists to co-create something new – blending my love for colour, creativity, and intuitive, conscious decision-making with our shared skills. The goal? To craft magical, memorable experiences that truly resonate on a human level.

Here’s a brief overview of the workshops to whet your appetite…

Conscious Creativity

Are you feeling stuck or creatively blocked?
Do you want to feel more connected to your body and your emotions?
Have you felt a craving for a playful, supportive, soulful experience?

Remembering the art of play and curiosity through creative embodiment, Conscious Creativity is a soul-nourishing workshop that invites you to explore creativity as a healing practice. Through colour, intuitive art, guided meditation, and somatic movement, you’ll reconnect to the wisdom within and find joy in self-expression – without judgment or pressure.

This isn’t your standard workshop and you can expect something a little different as you will experience a blend of grounding breathwork with gentle transformative somatic movement and intention setting, to creative expression through writing, colour and intuitive painting. A space to share, express, be seen and heard.

Hosted in Blossoms Wellness Centre, tucked away in the countryside village of Kilmington, Devon, the event will be hosted by me and Gemma Norris.

Gemma is a healing practitioner and is the founder member of The Infinity Health Hub. She has 16 years’ experience in Reiki, Myofascial Release, body work therapies and brings a grounded yet intuitive presence to her practice. Discover more about Gemma Norris here.

When does the workshop take place?

Sunday 4th May, 10:00 to 13:30, Blossoms Wellness Centre, Devon
Book now – Limited to 20 spaces

Colour & Creativity

Have you always wanted to do something creative but didn’t know where to begin?
Are you curious about playing with colour but afraid of “getting it wrong”?
Maybe you’ve looked into traditional art classes or workshops, but none of them truly struck a chord?

If you’ve nodded along to any of these, then our Colour & Creativity Workshop is made for you.

At the heart of Colour & Creativity is a shared passion for helping people reconnect with themselves. For me and Cesca, creativity is more than making something beautiful – it’s a form of mindfulness, a moment of meditation, and a way to ground yourself in the present moment. We believe colour and creativity can transform lives in small but meaningful ways.

Join us for an afternoon of colour and craft where you’ll be guided through the process of creating a beautiful crepe paper flower and gain an understanding of how to use colour.

Based in Surrey, South London, Cesca is a multidisciplinary artist with a background working as a display artist for Anthropologie, as well as working in TV and Film, her portfolio of work is extremely diverse. Discover more about Cesca Molly Flowers here.

When does the workshop take place?

• Saturday 31st May, 13:00-16:00, St. Mary’s Church, East Molesey, Surrey
• Book now – Limited spaces available

Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into creativity, meet like-minded people, or simply spend a few hours being creative and more mindful, we invite you to join us. To find out more please drop me an email – emma@emmapotter.com

Curious to collaborate?

My passion for colour runs deep and it led me to study applied behavioural colour psychology through two distinct lenses. From a branding perspective, I apply my expertise in marketing to harness the psychological impact of colour in shaping brand identity and perception. As an artist, I inspire others to explore their creative expression through colour, encouraging them to connect with their emotions and intuition in a deeply personal way.

As a certified NLP Practitioner, Creative Orientation Coach, and Intuitive Coach, I blend my diverse skill set with applied behavioural colour psychology to create truly unique coaching experiences. My superpower lies in weaving these disciplines together into transformative coaching programmes and workshops, helping individuals unlock their creative potential and embrace self-expression with confidence.

Let’s work together

With over 20 years of experience working with innovative and disruptive-tech businesses across a variety of sectors—from HR-tech and digital to creative agencies and interior design—I bring a blend of commercial acumen and creative thinking to everything I do. I’m a strategic yet hands-on leader with a passion for collaboration and an action-oriented mindset that delivers real results.

My approach is human to human, balancing the analytical left brain (facts, figures, and data) with the intuitive creativity of the right brain (emotion, imagination, and storytelling)—because I believe the magic happens when you combine these two key ingredients.

Get in touch – I’d love to talk.

Header image – Author and artists own work.

Colour, Creative

Be creative in the attention economy

March 21, 2025March 21, 2025by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

Today is a colourful day – 21st March marks International Colour Day, an annual celebration that shines a spotlight on the important role colour plays in our lives, including art and design, science, psychology, to our everyday experiences. Founded by the International Colour Association (AIC) in 2009, the purpose of the day is to highlight the role colour plays in our emotions, culture, and human experience.

Colour captures our imagination, evokes emotions, inspires action and can drive behaviour change. When understood and used well, it is also a powerful tool for connection and engaging conversations. There’s no doubt about it, colour impacts our mood, can make us feel happy or sad, and it heavily influences decision making. From branding and marketing, to interior design and psychology – colour is a key driver of influence.

We live in the attention economy where everything is fighting for our attention. Are you being grey and hiding in plain sight like a battle ship on the ocean, or are you using colour to stand out and garner the attention you and your brand deserve?

Hidden in plain sight

From a business perspective, colour psychology is a powerful branding tool; it helps to communicate a brands identity, attract the right customer, build customer trust, and colour will help make a brand memorable and emotionally engaging for all the right reasons. With the wrong colours, the brand communication, cue and signal can send mixed messages. It is essential to know your brand personality, to understand your target audience, and to have knowledge of colours that are considered to reflect an industry or specific industry standard.

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” – William Plomer

Brand weaponry – the colourful kind

In celebration of International Colour Day 2025, I’d like to share some insights on the power of colour and the impact it has on our business, brand, and everyday lives. Let’s dive in…

Let’s change the rules

My love for colour—especially orange—has influenced many aspects of my life, from treasured gifts to personal purchases. From a brand perspective, FIAT’s bold decision to ban grey cars in favour of vibrant hues, as showcased in their Operation No Grey campaign, where a grey FIAT was dramatically dipped in orange paint, demonstrates and celebrates colour’s emotional power. In contrast, grey, the UK’s most popular car colour, is often associated with blending in, neutrality, and even emotional dullness. Historically linked to invisibility—whether in military uniforms or industrial aesthetics—grey has long dominated design, fashion, and interior design. However, perhaps the global shift towards embracing colour signals a collective desire for optimism and self-expression in the years ahead. As colour trends evolve, I hope this celebration of vibrant hues is here to stay.

“The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love colour the most.” – John Ruskin

Don’t want to hide in plain sight. Read on and let’s talk.

Colour is emotion

As someone who has been fascinated by colour for over 30 years, I’m always eager to deepen my understanding—both for myself and my clients. Neuroaesthetics, the study of how art and design influence the brain, is more than just creating beautiful spaces; it’s about shaping emotions, behaviours, and experiences. Her I talk about the profound role colour plays in our lives—from influencing mood and metabolism to driving brand connections. Whether in branding, business, or interior design, understanding colour’s impact helps create meaningful, measurable results.

Thank you to Modulyss for shedding light on the power of colour in design during their Modulyss Talks session on ‘The Impact of Neuroaesthetics’, in discussion with Karen Haller.

“Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotion.” – Pablo Picasso

Read on to explore some key takeaways from this insightful discussion.

Art and Neuroaesthetics: The science of creativity

A few months ago, I discovered the Art2Life podcast, where artist Nicholas Wilton interviewed Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen about their book Your Brain on Art. Their discussion on neuroaesthetics—the science of how art impacts our brains, bodies, and behaviours—was truly fascinating. As sensory beings, we experience the world through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, and art has a profound ability to influence our emotions, thoughts, and connections. Creativity isn’t just an outlet; it rewires our brains, enhances well-being, and strengthens communities. From healing and mindfulness to problem-solving and innovation, the power of art extends far beyond aesthetics. This conversation reinforced how creativity can transform lives, workplaces, and even the way we engage with the world—something I explore in my own work.

“I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keeffe

Let’s dive into the key takeaways and explore how art and creativity shape our experiences.

Brand and marketing

Growing a business comes with challenges—defining your brand, standing out in a crowded market, building lasting trust with your audience to name a few. Whether you’re struggling with inconsistent messaging, market differentiation, or outdated branding, I provide practical, actionable solutions that align your business with your audience and goals. Through a collaborative and strategic approach, we’ll refine your brand identity and unlock new opportunities for growth.

“Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business.” – Steve Jobs

Read on to discover how we can transform your brand’s potential.

The power of colour summit

Today marks the start of a three-day virtual event titled – The Power of Colour Summit – which invites people to explore the profound impact of colour on human consciousness, health, and well-being for a joyful life. It also showcases using colour in evolutionary ways to transform our health, relationships and the way we do business.

Speakers, thought leaders, innovators and experts include Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design at Lick; Melissie Jolly, founder of Colour Mirrors; Reverend Dr. Bhante Saranapala, the Urban Buddhist Monk; Karen Haller, Applied Colour & Design Psychology Practitioner, Teacher and Mentor, and many more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with experts during interactive Q&A sessions.

At the summit you can expect to explore how understanding colour can transform your life and your business, it really does have a profound impact on every area of our lives.

To register for the event and find out more visit their website.

Let’s work together

My approach is human to human, balancing the analytical left brain (facts, figures, and data) with the intuitive creativity of the right brain (emotion, imagination, and storytelling)—because I believe the magic happens when you combine these two key ingredients.

Let’s continue to use the power of colour to build environments that encourage positive change and build brands and businesses that are a force for good.

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Wayne Dyer

Get in touch – I’d love to talk. Email me at emma@emmapotter.com.

Header image – Me snapped in the sunshine.

Colour, Creative

Art & Neuroaesthetics: The Science of Creativity

February 10, 2025by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

A few months ago, I stumbled upon a fascinating podcast—Art2Life—where host Nicholas Wilton interviewed Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen about their book Your Brain on Art. As someone passionate about creativity, intuition, and neuroscience, I was captivated by their discussion on neuro aesthetics—the scientific study of how art impacts our brains, bodies, and behaviours.

“Neuro aesthetics emerged in the late 1990s, and nobody is clear on who coined the term, but a simple definition is that neuro aesthetics is the study of how art measurably changes the body, brain, and behaviour and how this knowledge is translated into practice” – Susan Magsamen

The power of sensory experiences

As humans we are deeply sensory beings – through a relay of signals sent via our nerves to our brain, we have a nose to smell, eyes to see, ears to hear, skin to touch, and a mouth (tongue) to taste – all of which are essential for creating memorable, emotional experiences that influence and shape our lives. Our senses uniquely activate different parts of our brains. Art uniquely activates different brain regions, influencing how we think, feel, and connect.

Why creativity matters

Now, I’m absolutely not a neuroscientist, but I am extremely interested in how our brains work; what makes us tick; why creativity and art has the power to transport us to a completely different place, heal us, and find solutions to challenges in our lives; where we can go to join a global community of budding artists to share our love of all things creative; who we can connect with to fuel our passion, and ask when is the right time to start practicing the joy of art and being creative – which is of course, now.

Creativity is more than just an outlet—it’s a tool for problem-solving, self-expression, and emotional well-being.

“We are feeling creatures that think, not thinking creatures that feel.” – Ivy Ross

In ‘Your Brain on Art’, Ivy Ross (Chief Design Officer, Google Consumer Devices) and Susan Magsamen (Executive Director, International Arts + Mind Lab, Johns Hopkins University) explore how neuroaesthetics can revolutionise healing, strengthen communities, and restore our planet. Their discussion on Art2Life brought many of these ideas to life.

Key takeaways from the conversation:

Creativity rewires the brain – Our brains are constantly evolving, forming new neural pathways that influence all areas of life.
Daydreaming is productive – It’s where solutions emerge. Pay attention to your sensory experiences and how they shape your thoughts.
Art is healing – Just 20 minutes of daily creative activity can reduce stress, enhance well-being, and improve cognitive function.
Art connects us – Whether as creators or observers, art has the power to speak directly to our emotions, often beyond words.
Colour is energy – Each colour emits a different wavelength and frequency, impacting our emotions and perceptions in profound ways.
Art as meditation – Creativity requires presence, making it one of the highest forms of mindfulness.
Art extends life – Studies suggest people who engage in creative activities regularly live, on average, 10 years longer.

“The arts are some of the most salient experiences we have in our lives”. Ivy Ross

Building creativity & connection

Just as colour has the power to influence our emotions, art and being creative certainly has the power to enrich our lives, to build community and connection, bring us joy, encourages us to be more interested in the world around us, and I believe ultimately makes us more interesting and culturally aware people. Art makes us more aware, connected, and engaged with the world.

Creativity in the workplace

In the corporate world, there’s a growing demand for blending data-driven and intuitive thinking. More organisations are using creativity to unlock new ideas and fresh solutions. In my workshops, I coach leadership teams through experiential creative processes, helping them expand their perspectives and connect in new ways.

How has art influenced your life or business? How do you use creativity to inspire, connect, or problem-solve? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop me a comment or send me an email emma@emmapotter.com

Let’s work together

With over 20 years of experience working with innovative and disruptive-tech businesses across a variety of sectors—from HRtech and digital to customer experience and interior design—I bring a blend of commercial acumen and creative thinking to everything I do. I’m a strategic yet hands-on leader with a passion for collaboration and an action-oriented mindset that delivers real results.

My approach is human to human, balancing the analytical left brain (facts, figures, and data) with the intuitive creativity of the right brain (emotion, imagination, and storytelling)—because I believe the magic happens when you combine these two key ingredients.

I’m especially passionate about growth, coaching, and the power of applied behavioural colour psychology. Get in touch to create something exceptional together!

Listen to the podcast here: Art2Life – Your Brain on Art (Ep 164)
Your Brain on Art is officially on my 2025 reading list!

Header image – a piece of bespoke abstract art I created for a private client, based on their colour personality following a 121-colour consultation.

Brand, Marketing

Reignite your brand’s potential

January 2, 2025January 8, 2025by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

Growing a business is no small feat, and I understand the challenges that come with it—whether it’s defining your brand, standing out in a crowded market, or building trust with your audience. I work with MDs, CEOs and founders of scale-ups, and SMEs to create brand strategies that truly connect. Together, we’ll align your brand with your market and audience, strengthen relationships within your team and with key partners, and develop practical solutions that drive real results. It’s all about creating authentic connections that boost productivity, profitability, and your business’s future potential.

As a seasoned brand strategist, I specialise in empowering businesses to unlock their full potential by crafting a compelling and distinct brand. By addressing common challenges like unclear messaging, inconsistent communication, and market saturation, I help brands achieve clarity, consistency, and differentiation. Whether you’re seeking to redefine your value proposition, create a cohesive strategy across all platforms, or refresh an outdated identity, I provide actionable solutions tailored to your goals.

Clear brand identity

Challenge: Difficulty in defining a brand’s value proposition and communicating it effectively
Solution: Develop a comprehensive brand playbook, focusing on core values, purpose, messaging, and creative assets to resonate with the target audience and establish market differentiation

Consistent Messaging and Brand Experience

Challenge: Inconsistent communications across online and offline channels, causing customer distrust and disengagement
Solution: Implement a cohesive brand strategy that ensures uniformity across all marketing and communication touchpoints, on and offline

Create Market Differentiation

Challenge: Struggling to stand out in a crowded and competitive market
Solution: Identify unique selling points (USPs) and develop a brand narrative that highlights differentiation while appealing to the target customer

Reignite your brand’s potential

Challenge: An outdated brand that no longer aligns with current goals or market demands
Solution: Guide your business through a rebranding and repositioning process to align your identity, messaging, and services with company values and target audience expectations

What does a Discovery Session look like?

To give you some insight into what it would look like to work together, following initial conversations and an agreed brief, our journey would begin with an immersive, hands-on one-day workshop designed to set the foundation for your brand’s future. This session brings together you and your senior stakeholders—and any key decision-makers you’d like involved—to ensure alignment from the start.

During this collaborative session, we’ll dive deep into your vision for the business, uncovering what makes your brand truly unique. Using a carefully crafted framework, we’ll extract your “brand DNA,” the essence that defines who you are and what you stand for.

I’ll guide you through a proven methodology to define your brand in detail. Together, we’ll explore:

Your brand purpose, values, and mission
Your tone of voice and overall brand essence
Gain clear understanding of your products and services
Uncover a detailed profile of your ideal customer—who they are, what they need, and how your brand connects with them

The discovery session is designed to be insightful, actionable, and empowering. By the end of the day, we’ll have laid the groundwork for a strategy that aligns your brand with your business goals and resonates with your audience.

Tackle challenges head-on

By addressing your challenges head-on, we will empower your business to craft a brand strategy that is deeply aligned with your market and resonates with your target audience. This strategic approach enhances market positioning, fosters stronger relationships both internally—with senior stakeholders and teams—and externally with suppliers, partners, and sponsors. The result? Actionable solutions that inspire authentic connections, fuel productivity, and drive sustainable profitability.

Together, we can reignite your brand’s potential and position it for continued growth in a competitive marketplace.

Let’s work together

My approach is human to human, balancing the analytical left brain (facts, figures, and data) with the intuitive creativity of the right brain (emotion, imagination, and storytelling)—because I believe the magic happens when you combine these two key ingredients.

I’m especially passionate about growth, coaching, and the power of applied behavioural colour psychology. Get in touch to create something exceptional together!

Header photo by Eva Bronzini – Pexels.

Marketing

Cyber Exchange 360 – Insights and takeaways

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

Last week I had the opportunity to join an afternoon packed with interesting conversations at the Cyber CMO 360 Meet-Up and Cyber Exchange 360 – ‘Talk to the board’ session, hosted at the Science Museum, London. The event provided a new invaluable chance to connect with peers, share strategies for maximising event success, and engage in meaningful discussions.

CyberCMO 360

Gathering heads of marketing, the CMO roundtable, hosted over a delicious lunch, presented the perfect opportunity to talk with other seasoned marketers and engage in a lively debate about the challenges facing sales and marketing teams, and aligning KPIs – specifically around events. The hotly contested topic of attribution continues, as does the desire for marketing not to be consider as a cost centre, but for sales and marketing to potentially report into a CRO. This approach would ensure teams are aligned, and trusted communications and good relations are at play – after all, marketing is a revenue generating part of a business.

Talk to the board

Following the roundtable, I was able to attend and hear Board Directors from Enterprise and Technology companies at ‘Talk to the Board’ session, part two, in which many questions were asked by moderator, Steve Hill, former global CISO, Credit Suisse, to the panel of experts. Forming a formidable line-up, the panel included Lorraine Heggessey, former controller of BBC1, Roger Flynn, Chairman, Cooke Optics, former CEO and Leader in Transformation Change, Virgin, British Airways, Prudential, Haydn Brooks, CEO and co-founder, Risk Ledger and Rupert Lee-Browne, Chairman and group Chief Executive Officer, Caxton.

There were so many insights to capture but here’s some sound bites from the ‘Talk to the board’ session, where they touched on the subject of mental fitness and the rise in the importance to talk more openly.

Key takeaways

Learn how to deal with stress in your own way, and in a positive way – there’s no such thing as a stress-free job
Be there for your team, they also need to be there for you – foster a culture that’s transparent, compassionate, empathetic and supportive
If you enjoy what you’re doing, stress can be viewed in a different way, we can thrive on it
Make sure you enjoy your job – we all have a choice where and how we work, empower yourself – take license over your own destiny
Leaders have a responsibility to empower their people and teams – install a culture that’s supportive. As a leader, you have to be able to lean on your team for insights, guidance and advice
The importance of executive coaching – from being a leader in your field to executive level, it’s imperative to work on your weaknesses. Learn how to lead and be a great leader, understand the bigger picture. If your organisation offers it, say yes to executive coaching
Transparency – where do we draw the line, to keep staff motivated and on board. How far do you go with it?
Company culture – If I was forced to choose one key takeaway, it is this. When growing or running a successful business, focus on your company culture, everything flows from here – it’s a foundational and core piece to your brand strategy – a subject I’m passionate about

Build your network

Thank you to Pulse Events for organising, and to Amanda Coles and Sarah Moss, founders of the Sphere network – a platform designed to bring together a community of great people to build meaningful connections in cybersecurity and data security marketing, for the invite to join and for hosting an insightful CMO round table discussion. Also, it was great to spend the afternoon with one of my clients, MD and founder, Paula Elliott from disruptive-tech PR agency C8 Consulting.

For those who don’t know me, I help forward-thinking, innovative MDs and founders build brand value by unlocking potential and creating change. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and say “Hello”.

Photo by Anna Tarazevich, Pexels.