About the author
Roy Sharples is the Founder, President and Chief Creative Officer of Unknown Origins on a mission to unlock everyones creative potential.
Manifesto
Manifesto
Inspirational Conversations:
A Journey Through Creativity
“It's all about storytelling. You have to know what makes the beats of a story arc work”
Jon S. Baird
Filmmaking Brilliance from TV to Hollywood
From the bustling sets of BBC Television to the shimmering limelight of Hollywood, Golden Globe nominee and BAFTA award winner Jon S. Baird has crafted an extraordinary path through the film industry. Renowned for collaborating with cinematic legends like Martin Scorsese, Danny Boyle, Jim Carrey, and Mick Jagger, Baird stands as one of Britain’s most electrifying directorial forces. For Baird, storytelling isn’t just an art; it’s a rhythm that resonates through each frame and scene.
“Mediocrity hides behind choice. Because if you have too much choice, everything can be mediocre”
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Steve Lillywhite
Architecting Iconic Soundscapes
For over four decades, Steve Lillywhite CBE has been redefining music production with an unparalleled portfolio spanning over 500 albums. From the raw energy of Siouxsie and the Banshees’ “The Scream” to the legendary “The Joshua Tree” by U2, Lillywhite has left an indelible mark on the soundtracks of generations. As a former Managing Director of Mercury Records and Senior Vice President of A&R at Columbia Records, his influence transcends mere production—it’s the heartbeat of modern music.
“The better you do your job, the more invisible you as a designer become”
Malcolm Garrett
Design Innovation
Professor Malcolm Garrett MBE RDI, with a career spanning over four decades, stands as an icon in graphic design. His revolutionary work for bands like the Buzzcocks, Duran Duran, and Simple Minds set the blueprint for contemporary visual identity. Whether collaborating with giants such as Apple and Virgin or spearheading cultural initiatives like Design Manchester, Garrett’s approach champions creativity as an ever-evolving dialogue.
“It’s never good to try to mimic or manufacture a style, because it needs to be authentic and develop naturally”
Anita Kunz
Illustrative Storytelling
For four decades, Anita Kunz’s powerful illustrations have adorned the covers of revered publications, from The New Yorker and Time Magazine to Rolling Stone. Her work isn’t just seen—it’s felt, sparking conversation and contemplation. Showcased in global galleries, her art transcends mediums and expectations.
“The purpose of the creative arts is to provide the necessary service to humanity to be entertained”
Alana Clapp
Orchestrating Spectacle
From Carnegie Mellon University to the grand stages of Cirque du Soleil, Alana Clapp’s career in stage management is a testament to the magic of live performance. As General Stage Manager for Mystère, she ensures that every cue ignites the imagination. Her work bridges the technical with the creative, crafting experiences that linger long after the curtain falls.
“The harder you work the luckier you get”
Dave Cronen
Shaping Musical Legacies
From Virgin Records to PIAS and Trust Management, Dave Cronen’s influence in artist management has molded careers and transformed the industry. He’s steered icons like The Beastie Boys, Johnny Marr, and Ash, aligning their artistry with powerful, culture-shaping moments.
“Commit and keep going because everyone is going to tell you why you can't do it”
Alan McGee
The Outsider's Edge
Alan McGee, the maverick behind Creation Records, rewrote the rules of the music industry in 1983. His label launched transformative acts—The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine, and Oasis—turning them into the voices of a generation.
“It's the power of being the outsider; looking left when others are looking right”
Clive Grinyer
Redefining Design
Service design leader Clive Grinyer has carved a niche as an innovator and thinker. His journey through IDEO and co-founding Tangerine with Sir Jony Ive set the stage for a career filled with transformative projects and cross-industry impact. Now at the Royal College of Art, Grinyer’s vision bridges technology and empathy.
“Having a moral grounding as an entrepreneur provides you with an unlimited source for motivation”
Jonathan Burns
Sustainable Innovation
Jonathan Burns’s entrepreneurial path began at the Academy of Contemporary Music, where he envisioned a more sustainable future for fashion. Tackling the industry’s biggest challenges head-on, he cultivated a venture rooted in ethics and innovation.
“Be open, determined, and willing to really push yourself and explore who you are as a person”
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Cherry Valentine
Performance Art
Cherry Valentine, born into the Roma Gypsy community of Northern England, channels an adventurous spirit and boundless self-expression into performance art. Blending satire, comedy, and life stories, Cherry captivates and challenges audiences.
“Bring to the table a sensibility of co-design and co-creativity, which understands all the relational issues which climate throws up”
Jeremy Till
Architecting Change
Architect and writer Jeremy Till has reshaped conversations on design and sustainability. His acclaimed works, from “Flexible Housing” to curating the UK Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, showcase a commitment to thoughtful and transformative practice.
“Know your craft, always come prepared, and bring your own unique perspective to the character”
Cathy Murphy
Crafting Character with Depth
From the Sylvia Young Theatre School to pivotal roles in “Doctor Who” and “EastEnders,” Cathy Murphy has built a career defined by range and authenticity embodying a commitment to true-to-life storytelling.
“Resilience, grit, and stubbornness are the secret sauce to keep going”
David Hieatt
Grit and Renewal
Entrepreneur David Hieatt’s story is one of grit, resilience, and community-driven ambition. After co-founding sustainable clothing brand Howies and creating The Do Lectures, he founded The Hiut Denim Co to revive jobs in Cardigan, Wales.
“Communication is the most critical skill for a product designer - listening to what people say and what they dont”
Ghulam Rasool
Designing for the Future
At Ford, Ghulam Rasool heads a team designing electric and autonomous vehicles with an eye on a more connected, sustainable future, highlighting empathy as the bridge between innovation and human need.
“Fight for the art against the tensions that counter it”
Mat Bancroft
The Art of Provocation
As Johnny Marr’s Art Director and the curator behind the acclaimed “True Faith” exhibition, Mat Bancroft knows that art is a dialogue with society. His work archiving the legacies of Factory Records and Derek Jarman has shaped the narrative of British pop culture, championing fearless creative expression.
“A positive mind makes better decisions”
Doviak
Musical Alchemy
Doviak, producer and co-writer with Johnny Marr, brings a deep understanding of soundscapes that inspire and resonate with a progressive mindset that underscores every project, whether mixing for rising bands or composing his own evocative music.
“The purpose of a photography assignment is to capture the essence of the subject and make it memorable”
Brian Smale
The Eye of Truth
Brian Smale’s photography reveals the essence of global leaders and visionaries. His work graces the pages of Fortune, GQ, and Rolling Stone, capturing not just faces but the stories behind them, a guiding principle in every click.
“Reboot your mind to being in an uninterrupted starting place with a fresh perspective”
Leticia Pettená
Transformative Brand Architecture
With a career bridging Brazil and the USA, Leticia Pettená stands as a trailblazer in brand transformation. Infusing her work with strategic insight and cutting-edge technology, she partners with industry leaders such as IBM and Nestlé to spark innovation and inspire meaningful change. Her dynamic approach intertwines creativity with strategy, driving brands to new heights and redefining their impact.
“Everything begins with real research to frame the problem and understand the context”
Thais Fonseca
Strategic Design
Thais Fonseca, a leader in brand strategy, spearheads the practice at Marcus com SAL, a distinguished creative agency in Brazil. With her unparalleled ability to translate strategic insights into impactful brand stories, Fonseca has significantly shaped the identity and success of clients such as Grupo Boticário, Beleaf, Beautybox, and Itaú
“You have to keep your ego in check because you've got to be able to throw things away that you may think are great”
Simon Leake
Mastering the Written Word
Simon Leake’s journey began with a deep dive into Shakespearean literature during graduate school in Stratford-upon-Avon, setting the stage for a multifaceted career in copywriting. From contributing to Amazon.com’s early development to creating editorial content for its books and DVD divisions, Leake’s voice became a key element. His freelance career flourished, producing scripts for top clients like Microsoft, Nordstrom, the World Bank, and the Gates Foundation, reflecting his belief in adaptability and constant refinement.
“Make the emotional and human connection first and foremost”
Gary Burt
Championing Human-Centric Innovation
Gary Burt, a seasoned product innovator, has been instrumental in propelling technologies to success at Microsoft, O2, Siemens, Atos, and Blue Prism. His strategic mindset and expertise in defining product roadmaps have ensured substantial business impact, encapsulating his human-centered approach to creating products that truly resonate with users.
“The key is to find the creative trigger and just start!”
Iwan Gronow
The Musicians Muse
Iwan Gronow, celebrated bassist for Johnny Marr, commands attention on stages worldwide. Having performed at iconic festivals like Glastonbury, Coachella, and Fuji Rock, his work has been featured on platforms such as Later with Jools Holland and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, shares the encapsulating spark that fuels his music.
“You learn more from your mistakes than successes”
Ben Thornley
Global Storytelling
Ben Thornley’s career took off with a serendipitous encounter in America, leading him to Hollywood where his creative prowess flourished. His work, spanning from Madagascar’s lush rainforests to Mumbai’s vibrant streets, has captivated over a billion viewers globally, shares his philosophy of growth through resilience.
“Inspiration is very personal and there's really no cookie-cutter process that can be replicated or applied to other people”
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Clara Blume
Bridging Art, Culture, and Technology
Clara Blume, Ph.D., is a multi-talented artist, cultural diplomat, and researcher whose work seamlessly merges art, culture, and technology. As the head of the Open Austria Art + Tech Lab, Blume curates groundbreaking projects that explore the synthesis of human creativity and artificial intelligence. A skilled musician, singer, and songwriter, she has graced stages across Europe and the U.S., enchanting audiences with her artistry. Recognized by Apollo - The International Art Magazine as one of the 40 UNDER 40 most promising talents in Art + Tech, Blume exemplifies how inspiration can be deeply personal, with no singular path to follow.
“Storytelling has been integral to survival. To know where you've come from, help you see where you're going, and understand the world you live in”
Tanya Denning-Orman
Championing Indigenous Storytelling
Tanya Denning-Orman, a trailblazer in media broadcasting, leads National Indigenous Television (NITV), where she amplifies Indigenous voices through dynamic, innovative storytelling. In her role, she directs a range of content across multiple platforms, reinforcing the importance of cultural narratives within the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) network. Denning-Orman is a powerful advocate for Indigenous media, contributing to influential boards such as Media Diversity Australia and the World Indigenous Television Broadcast Network (WITBN).
“Don’t take yourself too seriously and surround yourself with people way smarter than you”
Chris Kay
Creative Leadership
Chris Kay, at the helm of Saatchi & Saatchi as CEO, brings a wealth of experience and creative vision to the global advertising industry. His career includes impactful roles such as Head of Marketing for Manchester City Football Club, where he expanded its global reach, and overseeing Adidas’s worldwide business. He also played an instrumental part in crafting Cadbury’s branding for the 2012 London Olympics and developing Los Angeles' bid for the 2028 Olympic Games. Chris discusses his philosophy of collaborative creativity.
“You've got to have the determination that what you're doing is the best thing in the world and simultaneously know that there are competitors out there who want to kill you”
Ian Ritchie
Serial Technology Entrepreneurship
Ian Ritchie, CBE FREng FRSE FBCS CEng, is a pioneering serial entrepreneur whose influence has been transformative in the tech industry. As the founder of Office Workstations Limited (OWL), Ritchie paved the way for software innovations that shape modern work and life. He has nurtured over 50 startups, fostering an environment of growth and ingenuity that cemented Edinburgh and Scotland as epicenters of technological advancement. His leadership extends to prominent roles on boards like Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Science Advisory Board, where he champions innovation, encapsulating the dual nature of entrepreneurial drive.
“Always be distinctive and well crafted”
Paul Buckley
Redefining Book Design
Paul Buckley, as Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director at Penguin Random House, shapes the visual identity of literature through his leadership of The Penguin Art Group. Overseeing a team of exceptional designers and art directors across ten imprints, Buckley has personally influenced thousands of book covers, leaving a mark that resonates globally. His work not only enhances the reader’s experience but also reinforces author branding, a principle evident in the numerous accolades and speaking invitations he has garnered throughout his career.
“Finding my own voice made me strong enough to push myself into places that I ordinarily wouldn't have felt comfortable being in or doing”
Tolu Stedford
Voice of Representation
Tolu Stedford is a writer, producer, and actor whose vibrant career spans over two decades in the entertainment industry. With an extensive portfolio of multi-award-winning short films, stage plays, concept teasers, and music videos, Stedford has showcased her ability to craft compelling stories. Beyond her creative work, she is a passionate advocate for better representation, championing the voices of women and marginalized groups, emphasizing the power of authenticity and self-discovery.
“If people believe in you, the creative environment is far more fertile”
Paul Mellor
Creative Bravery
Paul Mellor, the dynamic founder of Mellor&Smith, rose to prominence after establishing the agency during the tumultuous 2009 banking crisis. Dubbed the Master of Decibels (MD), Mellor has a reputation for making noise in the best way possible—creating bold, risk-taking advertising campaigns that push brands into the spotlight. Mellor’s leadership philosophy celebrates calculated risk, epitomized by founding London's most daring creative event series, #takefuckingrisks, and co-authoring 'The Bland Book.' His work has earned accolades, including four BAFTA nominations for the critically acclaimed film "Boiling Point."
“Truly understand what type of an entrepreneur you are. And with that, you know, excel at key points that differentiate you from others and augment your skill sets”
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Hossein Rahnama Academic Pioneering
Dr. Hossein Rahnama, a visionary computer scientist and academic entrepreneur, has made substantial contributions to both academia and industry. As a visiting professor at the MIT Media Lab and Toronto Metropolitan University, he has influenced the next generation of innovators. Co-founding the Ryerson Digital Media Zone (DMZ), now the world's leading university-based tech incubator, Rahnama has driven groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence, data governance, and transparent data-driven design. He is also the founder and CEO of Flybits Inc., a pioneering data intelligence company recognized globally. With over 30 publications and numerous patents, Rahnama embodies the spirit of continuous innovation.
“Being on the bleeding edge is very scary in many ways, because almost by definition, the world is not yet bought into that”
Vicki Dobbs Beck
Immersive Storytelling
Vicki Dobbs Beck, hailed as a “Digital Innovator to Watch in 2020” by Variety and honored with a Distinguished Leadership Award by the Advanced Imaging Society in 2019, leads ILMxLAB as its Executive in Charge. Founded by Lucasfilm in 2015, ILMxLAB is at the forefront of immersive storytelling, merging virtual and augmented reality to create interactive worlds where audiences can ‘Step Inside Our Stories.’ Beck’s pioneering work bridges traditional narratives with next-generation experiences, redefining how stories are told and lived, embodying the boldness required to push storytelling into uncharted territories.
