"I was born to perform, it's a calling, I exist to do this" — Jarvis Cocker
At 60, recently redundant, people ask why I don't just "wind down."
Find something less stressful.
But here's the thing about being a strategist — it's not what I do, it's who I am.
Emma Perret recently wrote a brilliant piece about the need for 'life in her work’ full of great quotes, I loved: ”fingerprints on everything I touch as proof I was here."
She talks of strategy living in the gap between what data says and what your gut knows.
And that gut feeling, never switches off.
Even between paying jobs, I find myself studying problems, sketching solutions, seeing patterns others miss.
My brain feeds off finding routes through chaos — whether it's cultural, political, or brand challenges.
In the ‘Self-Determination Theory by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, they talk of ‘..a certain group of people as having spontaneous tendencies to be curious and interested, to seek out challenges and to exercise and develop their skills and knowledge, even in the absence of operationally separable rewards..’
Research shows that strategist identity often builds on earlier professional experiences, becoming an extension rather than abandonment of previous identities.
After decades, it becomes woven into who you are.
How we see our work matters more than the job title. I now see strategy work as essential to my identity.
Tom Fryer, Professor of mental health, wrote about ‘Work, identity and health’ pointing out for most people, their job was their only significant source of personal identity.
He went on to warn: ‘….Without a clear sense of personal identity we are vulnerable to psychological injury, at risk of anxiety and depression, and social disengagement.…’
Clearly a subject of the moment, not just for me, but the nation as a whole facing up to a new world of AI infused work.
So me being a strategist is more than getting paid (although that bit is neat) its essential
as Javis says:
I exist to do this
Some callings don't respect retirement plans.
What drives you to keep doing what you love, even when the world suggests you shouldn't?