June 2025  | Edition 174

PERSONAL NOTE

Take a Brilliant Journey. 

Summer is here, and the spirit of exploration is calling me. In the coming weeks, I’m planning some brilliant adventures—sailing to Catalina Island, the wild beauty of Costa Rica, and my first trip to Burning Man for a burst of creativity and inspiration. Each journey offers a new perspective, a chance to discover something unexpected, and a reminder that transformation comes from venturing beyond the familiar.

I’m also setting out on another significant adventure: the book project I’ve envisioned for years is now officially underway. “Brilliant: The Art and Science of Radiant Brands” is no longer just an idea—it’s in development, with a release planned for early 2026. The manuscript is taking shape, and my goal is ambitious: to create a guide that helps brands and creative leaders navigate—and shine—in a world that’s always changing.

Like any great journey, this one is best shared. I’ll be inviting your feedback, sharing milestones, and looking forward to the discoveries we’ll make together along the way.

Here’s to summer, fresh chapters, and the adventures that await—on the water, on the playa, across continents, and on the page.

//jamie

JUNE ESSAY

NEW ESSAY: Wired for Wonder: Why Our Brains Seek and Remember What’s Brilliant

Why do some brands, products, or experiences stand out and linger in our minds, while others vanish in the noise? The answer isn’t just great marketing—it’s rooted in how our brains are designed.

This month’s new essay, “Wired for Wonder: Why Our Brains Seek and Remember What’s Brilliant,” dives into the fascinating neuroscience behind why we’re irresistibly drawn to things that shine, surprise, and move us—whether it’s a sparkling product, a vivid memory, or a brand that just feels unforgettable. You’ll discover:

• The evolutionary reasons we’re innately wired to notice what’s remarkable and stands out
• How multi-sensory experiences—sight, sound, touch, scent—create richer, more lasting memories
• Why clarity, novelty, and emotional resonance make brands “sticky” in our minds and hearts
• The “gemstone approach” (facets, angles, radiance) that brands can use to reveal their true brilliance and inspire lasting loyalty

This essay kicks off a special 5-part series, where Jamie is developing the foundational concepts for his upcoming book, Brilliant: The Art and Science of Radiant Brands. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience with hundreds of organizations, the book will be a practical handbook that blends design, strategy, and science to help brands shine from the inside out. Your feedback and reflections aren’t just welcome—they’re essential as these ideas take shape.

Curious to dig deeper or want to help shape the book? Click below to read the full essay and share what resonates most.

Read the essay >

Just like anything we want to see grow, our goals need care and nourishment. They thrive when we give them our attention, intention, and sometimes a little course correction. What small, meaningful changes could you make now that might have a big impact by year’s end?