The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE)

NCIE is built on the courage, creativity and determination of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. By providing a platform for the creation and delivery of world-leading programs in arts and culture, learning and innovation, health and wellness, sport and recreation NCIE is inspiring and empowering young Indigenous Australians to reach their potential. They are also advocating for positive change and shared prosperity, not just for their own community but for all Australians. As one of our clients, we are humbled by the brave work NCIE is doing in promoting Indigenous excellence, bridging the gaps to reconciliation and building a future generation of leaders who believe that anything is possible and respect their elders – all with very little government funding or support.

www.ncie.org.au

Searching for Sugarman

A documentary about a musician known as Rodriguez, who in the late 1960s, was discovered in a Detroit bar by two celebrated producers who were struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics. They recorded an album that they believed was going to secure his reputation as one of the greatest recording artists of his generation. But the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. Somehow a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, it became a phenomenon. Two South African fans then set out to find out what really happened to their hero. It’s a film about hope, inspiration and the resonating power of music. It’s also an intriguing insight into how products can find their market in the least likely of places and how sometimes, marketing science doesn’t necessarily always take into account the unpredictability of human behavior and the bizarreness of inexplicable events.

Bhutan to Bangladesh

Everyone at Gen.a is a traveller and we all have our favourite spots, but with our work hats on two that stand out for different reasons are Bhutan (pictured) and Bangladesh. The national sport of Bhutan is archery, but where the ‘land of the thunder dragon’ has really hit the bull’s-eye is the unique approach the country has taken to creating a vision for future growth whilst at the same time preserving its Buddhist culture and heritage. Underpinned by its Gross National Happiness index it also feels light years ahead of most developed economies in terms of its approach to sustainable economic development.

Just a hop, skip and jump over the Himalayas is another country with an enormous sense of hope and human potential. Bangladesh has survived war, political turmoil and natural disasters, and although it still has challenges ahead the future looks bright. As a Next 11 economy, Bangladesh has the potential to become one of the world’s largest economies of the 21st century. From our experience of working in Bangladesh, it is the grit and determination of its people that will get it there. After all, this is where BRAC began and subsequently revolutionised income-generating opportunities for rural communities in developing countries.

NPR: All Songs Considered

At Gen.a we love our music. All Songs Considered is the acclaimed weekly music program of America’s National Public Radio (NPR). Hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton spin new tunes from emerging bands and musical icons alike with their contagious-verging-on-nerdy passion for music with integrity (regardless of the genre) and witty banter. Thanks to Jill Colvin from the Australian Chamber Orchestra for the introduction!

Download the weekly podcast from: www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs

Leap Frog Investments

Through the work we do in places like Bangladesh, Zanzibar (see photo essay, page 35) and the Pacific Islands we’ve seen the enormous impact that microfinance can have on the livelihoods of small business owners and individuals in developing countries. At TedXSydney 2010, we saw the President and Founder of LeapFrog Investments, Andrew Kuper, speak about how he created the world’s first and largest microinsurance fund that invests in businesses that provide affordable insurance to low-income and vulnerable people in Africa and Asia. Through its portfolio companies, the fund aims to reach 25 million low-income and vulnerable people with essential financial services, alleviating poverty while generating robust returns for its investors.

The Design Files

What started as humble posts by Melbourne-based Lucy Feagins, was recently voted by The Times in Britain as one of the top 50 design blogs in the world. We’re designers, so naturally we love The Design Files for just that – good design and a great aesthetic along with interesting stories about people, places and food. Lucy is down-to-earth, curious, positive and embracing of young designers. Her open invitation to discover the world of design with the right blend of aspirational and tangible is also very accessible (even for the least design-savvy members of the Gen.a team).

Information is Beautiful

London-based author, writer and designer David McCandless says he’s “into anything strange and interesting” and his pet hate is pie charts. Through ‘Information is Beautiful’ (initially a book, now an enterprise) he has distilled the world’s data, information and knowledge into beautiful, interesting and, above all, useful visualizations, infographics and diagrams. Like the Information is Beautiful team, Gen.a loves how designed information can help us understand the world and reveal the hidden connections, patterns and stories underneath. And it looks cool too.

The Midday Interview with Margaret Throsby, ABC Classic FM Radio

We love people’s stories and so does one of Australia’s most admired broadcasters, Margaret Throsby. Every weekday at midday, Margaret invites a special guest to chat to her about their life and work, along with their own selection of music. Her guest list reads like a Who’s Who of Australians and visitors from abroad. She also has a talent for finding amazing people doing extraordinary things we may never have heard of.