growth-mindset – Brand Strategist | MarComms

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Coach, Growth

Gratitude and joy

December 19, 2024December 20, 2024by Emma PotterLeave a Comment

It’s been a roller coaster year of pitches and prep, ups and downs, swings and round abouts, highs and lows, wins and losses, but ultimately, I have a massive sense of gratitude for all the amazing people and companies I’ve had the pleasure to work with in the past 12 months.

From managing the rebrand, brand playbook, website relaunch and marketing strategy for award-winning, female-led, interior design company KAI Interiors; running messaging and discovery workshops and creating marcomms programmes for award-winning tech consultancies; and developing marketing and communications programmes, content strategy, events and more for disruptive-tech PR agency C8 Consulting; 2024 has been packed with interesting and insightful work, and wonderful people.

On the personal front, it’s been a challenging year as I’ve also been juggling the renovation of my home – it had not been touched for the best part of 40+ years (think avocado bathroom suite, complete rewire, partially new roof and you get the picture). So, 2024 really has been a year of transformation and change, from the inside out.

I’m extremely grateful for the relationships built, the projects and contracts won, plus the people and teams I’ve had the privilege to work and partner with.

Reflections and learnings

At the end each year I go through a completion process. Essentially this is asking myself four critical questions and responding to them with authenticity and truth. It’s a great way to reflect on what I’ve created, good and bad; what I’ve learnt, good and bad; to help identify what I’m ready to let go of; and imagine what I’m ready to create next.

Completion questions are as follows:

What did I create good and bad?
What did I learn good and bad?
What am I over?
What will I create next?

My invitation to you is to set yourself some time, 30-60 minutes, to reflect and when going through the questions, I would encourage you to trust your intuition and to go with what you get first, don’t over think it. Capture everything in a notebook. I suggest you write, not type, as we connect differently to ourselves, our hearts and our imagination when we let the words flow from our body and out through our hand.

It’s an adaptable and flexible framework and process you can do on your own for personal and professional development, or with your team, to gather feedback and reflect collectively.

The end of a year and the start of a new one is a great opportunity to do a completion – to pause, reflect, get quiet and listen to connect with what you want to create next.

Adopt a growth mindset – you’re speaking my language

At a recent QBR hosted with a client in Central London we booked author, mind coach, speaker and trainer, David Rahman – to talk about ‘Preparing for 2025 and mental wellbeing’. As David says ‘Nothing changes, if nothing changes’, which reminds me of the quote from Charles Darwin…

It’s not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change.

The talk David delivered sparked lots of enquiring, thoughtful and heartfelt discussion amongst the team, encouraging us to be open and share different experiences – a real opportunity to bond over something new.

To kick-start the year ahead with a joined-up approach, he posed many questions, two of which I’ve noted below to get you thinking…

What’s one thing I’m going to change about myself going into 2025?
1% improvement over the year equates to 14.4 minutes a day – how am I going to choose to invest that time?

Christmas stocking filler

Borrowing the analogy, when one door closes (2024), another one opens (2025), there’s aways an opportunity to reframe a situation and see things differently. Therefore, if you are looking to make some changes in your personal and professional life, I would highly recommend reading Mindset, a book to drop into yours, and potentially a friend or family members stocking this Christmas. I’m about half-way through Mindset, it’s a great read, is easily digestible, I find the content relatable, plus it’s easy to spot where I have a fixed mindset in some areas of my life, where I have a growth mindset in others, and where I’d like to make changes to how I think, approach, and respond to situations.

Mindset – Change the way you think to fulfil your potential

This book focuses on discovering the mindset for achieving success, in business, parenting, school and relationships. Author Dr. Carol S. Dweck.

The second book I’ve gifted myself is Atomic Habits. I’ll crack on with reading this next and share some insights in the new year.

Atomic Habits – Tiny changes, remarkable results

An easy and proven way to build good habits and break bad ones. A revolutionary way to get 1 per cent better every day. Author James Clear.

Both books are available at all good book stores.

Five simple suggestions to take into 2025

• Be a team player – Be responsible and play your part in making 2025 a success
• Create success – Ask yourself, what can I personally do to make me and our team more successful
• Time is precious – Keep meetings short (30 mins where possible) and always be prepared
• Be on time – Or as Steven Bartlett says from Diary of a CEO, “Being on time is arriving 10 minutes early”
• Growth – Awareness and curiosity are key, all growth starts here

Without curiosity there is no desire to know more, to expand our thinking, to see things from a different perspective. Without awareness we shut ourselves off to opportunities that might enable us to flourish and discover our superpower.

What’s your super power?

On the tail end of busy year, in the last quarter I’ve continued to meet and speak with my community and network, talking with them to understand more about their business, the challenges they face, the potential economic headwinds as we move into 2025, and what they’d like to start doing, stop doing and continue doing.

We’ve discussed new opportunities to collaborate, what that might look and feel like, and where they want to evolve, elevate and pivot. I’d love to understand more about you and your business challenges and the potential to work together in the new year.

As individuals we all have a super power, and collectively that superpower gets super charged when we come together and work collaboratively. Collectively in my network, we open doors, make introduction, brainstorm, share ideas, ask pointy questions that encourage creative, fresh, innovative thinking and I cherish that sense of community and support.

For me? My super power is combining my three loves – marketing, brand and communications, applied behavioural colour psychology, and coaching – it’s a unique combination and it’s my magic sauce. I’ll be sharing more about how my clients benefit from this unique blend of experience in the year.

Happy Christmas!

Have a wonderful Christmas spending time with loved ones, friends and family. Wishing you all a colourful and prosperous 2025!

Stay curious 🧡

With joy and colour,
Emma

Photos taken at client QBR, Dec 2024.