Latest Unthinking - August

As usual, we’ve also got a dirt track thinking story for you, a recap of what’s been happening at Unthink, and what is coming up that you might want to get involved with…

Are you ready?

We’ve taken the dirt track instead of the highway, pushed for tens instead of settling for sixes, and solved problems we didn’t even see coming. Now, five years in, we’re hitting pause for a moment to look back. Here are some of the memories, risks, and turning points our Founders still talk about today…

Ross, what is a moment from the early days that makes you cringe when you think about it?

This was actually really funny and made perfect sense in our head. Working with an embryonic start-up’s, Executive Team in NYC, their company was going through immense growth and change. The CEO was an incredible person- super bright. Really impressive but somewhat reluctant to let go of control - a classic founder led business. They wanted to control everything and just could not. They were the perfect example of a very senior leader in transition and having to let go of a lot. We had this idea of physically putting on them a trapeze to make them experience and feel the idea of letting go. Thankfully, a lack of time meant we could not fit it into the 2 days and having met them, saved ourselves and them from doing something I think they really would not wanted to have done.

Janne, has there ever been a time when you really struggled to work the problem and feared the worst?

When we had spent hours mapping our rickshaw route in NY from London via Google Maps, but also by running the route after landing in NY. It meant we would have to sneak through the pillars at the Hudson pier (not allowed, but no risk no fun), but we knew it would create a special moment for our group of leaders. It all went to plan, the rickshaws fit through the pillars with 1cm spare.. until we heard a siren and the NYPD showed up on their bikes next to us… Luckily, we didn’t have to go to prison and we still found and amazing spot, so the group was happy – if anything, the NYPD appearance made it an extra memorable moment.

Sarah, what’s the biggest dirt track decision you took in year one that shaped what Unthink is today? 

Personally, I think it was the fact that we just tried it. It sounds so simple. But so many people have an idea and don’t act on it. Having been in jobs that were corporate and traditional being able to break out and experiment with something new and innovative immediately pushed us out of our comfort zones. After the first virtual experience we run, our heads were spinning, we were exhausted, we hadn’t felt like that for ages, in a good way, which reinforced the need for us to step onto the dirt-track more.

Ross, what is a risk that you took and paid off in an unexpected way?

We are changing an industry. The whole Unthink mindset and ideology is a huge change from the normal, in an industry sector that really has not changed at all. The idea of not doing workshops and creating learning experiences was, and still to some companies, a massive risk. However, the remarkable impact Unthink has had on leaders and organisational culture speaks for itself and the risk now to those who have done is not there.

Sarah, if you could bottle up one memory from the journey so far, what would that be?

Wow, one memory. Winning the first ever big project with a tech start-up or indeed Apple a couple of months later. The feeling of winning something over providers like Hyper Island etc, was like wow people think we have something here. That people were prepared to take a risk and wanted us to push them and their people on the dirt-track to be even better. I can remember where I was when we found out we had won each one of those and calling with Janne and Ross, the excitement and disbelief in our voices, it was special. The feeling of shit, we have to actually do this now and make it amazing, is something we have and will always continue to thrive on. Even as I type this now, continues to make me smile.

It’s tucked away on Staten Island, NYC.

Small. Unassuming. A restaurant known as a culinary sensation. Not because of celebrity chefs or cutting-edge cuisine, but because of its heartwarming twist: every dish is made by a grandma – nonna – from somewhere around the world.

It is called Enoteca Maria.

The idea is simple. The idea is brilliant. Owner Jody Scaravella, grieving the loss of his mother and grandmother, wanted to create a space that honoured the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal. He didn’t just want Italian food; he wanted the spirit of a grandma’s kitchen, where recipes are passed down through generations and meals are made with stories and love.

The heart of Enoteca Maria is its rotating lineup of grandmothers, each representing her own culture.

On any given night, the menu might feature Italian lasagna alla Bolognese, Filipino adobo, Argentinian empanadas, or Senegalese made.

Each grandma brings her own personality to the kitchen. Lucia, an Italian nonna, rolls gnocchi by hand while humming old folk songs. Mariam, from Lebanon, spices her tabbouleh with a dash of storytelling, regaling diners with tales from her childhood.

Guests don’t just come for the food; they also come for the connection, nostalgia, and warmth only a grandma can provide. Enoteca Maria has become more than just a restaurant; it is a movement.

Grandmas worldwide now apply to join the lineup, eager to share their traditions. Food-lovers travel from across the globe to experience the magic, and the restaurant’s message of community and connection continues to resonate.

At Enoteca Maria, the food isn’t just served; it’s gifted and wrapped in the memories, love, and traditions of grandmas everywhere.

Connection is built on authenticity. In a world overflowing with noise, authenticity cuts through the clutter. Real connection is forged through honesty, vulnerability, and shared experiences.

What else is coming up?

Well, a few things actually….

18th September. IRL: In Real Life - Deep connection builds belonging, confidence and courage — only in real life experiences make it happen. We’ll be exploring the science and impact of IRL experiences with the help of world-renowned neuroscience psychologist Dr Helena Boschi, and you can sign up here.

Friday 26th September. Unthinking Data - Measuring Performance and Compensation: Salaries, Bonuses, Rewards. Hit this link here to get the invite for this webinar.

RUNTHINK is actually happening today, if you’re normally in London on a Wednesday and interested in hearing about the next one, reply to this email to let me know.

Book club more your thing? On 24th October, we’ll be discussing Joe Navarro’s What EverBODY is saying… Hit reply to this email if that’s something you’re keen for and we’ll get a book and invite to you.

If you're not signed up for this newsletter and it was forwarded from a friend, you can correct this here 👇️

p.s Unthink. Normal Wasn’t Working is still available to buy on Amazon UK or Amazon EU.

See you again in September!

Team Unthink 🫶

Graphic of the month chosen by Owen.