During the last 15 years, Conquest Ink has worked with myriad business and community leaders to help define or redefine their organisation’s vision, mission and purpose.
2020 was not the year any of us planned and COVID-19 coaxed many, including our team, to rethink our purpose. There is nothing quite like stillness of the body and mind to stir the spirit and assess what truly matters.
Initially, the 2020 ‘lockdown’ in Melbourne was met with an air of intrigue and restrained enthusiasm as Melbournians enjoyed the slower and simpler life with their loved ones while autumn beckoned. It was challenging but manageable, and we felt lucky to have previously established home offices. Before we knew it, lockdown was over, and we were pleased to enjoy our new ‘COVID normal’ freedoms again.
But as local COVID cases soared, we collectively recoiled and were put in ‘iso’ again as the infamous Melbourne winter set in. The days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. We enjoyed our ‘pandemic memes, family movie nights and making sourdough until we didn’t. Headline news featuring Hotel Quarantine, JobKeeper and border closure fast became part of our everyday language.
About then the Conquest Ink team started asking questions and began to assess our very own purpose and what drives us to do this work. During the last 15 years of building a reputation as a place where strategy, storytelling and creativity converge, we too questioned our big why?
At this crossroad something interesting happened. Our office meetings became walking meetings and authenticity, vulnerability, and creativity flowed in each and every conversation amongst ourselves and our clients.
These walks and talks gravitated to the sea as we all searched for additional calm to the mind, body and spirit as the global COVID numbers soared. Inspired by Julia Baird’s book, Phosphorescence, we became increasingly mesmerised by the sea until she lured us to swim in mid-winter when the water was an icy 13 degrees.
It was shocking to every cell in our bodies and delightfully invigorating. We ventured further with each dip and were fast comparing deals on thermal wetsuits as we ventured to swim a kilometre or more to the boat markers. Word spread and now there are 10 dedicated ‘Phosphorescence’ swimmers. This cold-water immersion fast became our joy and the rich conversations, belly laughter, support and ideas cemented friendships while also creating inspiration for each of us in our personal and professional lives.
Julia Baird’s book is a soothing insight on the power of nature and awe in overcoming despair. The sea was our tonic and she kept us buoyant – literally while we floated on our backs some days, and figuratively when the uncertainty of an unprecedented pandemic overwhelmed us on others.
The sea also kept Conquest Ink buoyant as client curiosity and conversation grew about the intrigue of the benefits of cold water. In between swims, highlights for the Conquest Ink team during this time included:
These achievements and more were made possible thanks to brilliant collaborations and regular adventures to the sea where cold water running, swimming and floating became our newfound addiction and inspiration.
During this time we also learned:
All of the above swirling in the deep blue water helped us redefine our own true north - Big Picture Thinking and Big Hearted Storytelling.
Our purpose: To create and craft stories designed with purpose and meaningful impact that leads to opportunities for profit, people and planet.
Our mission: We help business leaders share their best story and build brands with heart and fresh perspective which ultimately leads to conscious commercial growth.
Our vision: Local and global leaders use the power of story to move people and help make the world a better place.
Stay tuned and stay safe as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times.
