Staying Contemporary by Learning from the Best

Without a doubt, an encounter with one of my favorite mentors will always end with an inspiring call to "stay contemporary" —to always be thinking of ways to stay ahead of the curve. His message always hits the mark, and it's something that's been engrained in me. But as I am in constant pursuit of this, I had to ask myself: what qualities actually make people successful in achieving this repeatedly?

The brands and creatives that consistently stay relevant seem to have a way of evolving without losing themselves. I'm thinking of people and brands like Pharrell Williams, who effortlessly balances timeless style with fresh collaborations, or the Dalai Lama, who remained deeply rooted in wisdom while embracing modernity with openness, or Nike, which has consistently pushed cultural boundaries while staying true to its core. What can we learn from them?

Embrace Curiosity Without Attachment

The most impactful creatives are often relentless observers. Watch, learn, and explore, but avoid latching onto every new trend. Stay genuinely interested, remain open, and let curiosity guide you—without letting it completely define you.

Evolve While Staying True to Your Core

Adapt while staying anchored in your core values. Build on what already defines you and layer in new ideas without losing what makes you unique. Growth should feel like a natural extension of who you are, becoming a more complete version of yourself.

Engage with Fresh Perspectives

Seek out and connect with new voices who see the world differently. Let their insights challenge and expand your vision. Growth often comes from letting others' energy inform your own, helping you stay vibrant while maintaining your direction.

Adapt Selectively

Be discerning about which trends to adopt. Align with what genuinely enhances your journey and let the rest go. Know when to evolve and when to stay still, always staying true to who you are.

Show Up Authentically

Be unapologetically yourself. Instead of copying what’s popular, take inspiration and make it your own. People are drawn to what feels genuine—trust that showing up as yourself is enough to stand out.

Stay Grounded in Your Purpose

Use your purpose as an anchor. Knowing your “why” can make everything else clearer and allow you to evolve without feeling lost. Let your purpose give direction to your creativity, making sure each step is intentional.

Leading with creativity might mean staying observant, embracing new perspectives, and growing in a way that feels true to yourself. Those who seem to master the balance between being timeless and embracing change are the ones who remain impactful, relevant, and authentic.