A last note of 2024 covering my final 4 workdays and start of the hols. 🎅
Work work work
I ended my BFI year with a 6-hour one to one with (my boss and CEO) Ben. Spent some of the preceding days prepping for that, thinking by typing, and revisiting various previous typed thoughts diagnosing the dysfunctions we need to address and possible ways to do so.
I’ve amassed several such docs with titles like: ‘BFI systemic issues’, ‘Problems I think we need to be solving’ and – in homage to Jerry Maguire’s mission statement – ‘The Things We Think And Do Not Say’. I needed to remind myself of them because December has been a relative breeze with few frustrations coming to the fore, and my SDAM brain forgets quickly.
I also sent Ben a pre-read of my newly-written draft words for the intranet, unpacking what it means to become a digital-first organisation. Glad I did: he totally got it, got behind it, and it formed the basis of most of our chat.
Cutting to the chase, we had an excellent day covering all the big ticket things about digital mindset and methods, aligned direction-setting, prioritisation and portfolio delivery, plus mutual feedback on each other. I’m so grateful to have him as a boss (and friend, but we’re good at not crossing those streams) and the BFI is lucky to have him as CEO.
Oh – and we did it in Soho House in Shoreditch which was a treat for me. Real log fire, classy Christmas decorations, incredible views, and I ate a divine grain bowl and pecan pie.
Feeling optimistic for 2025 and intending to hit it with some “not messing around” energy.
Other than that, my week entailed 1-1s with some of my crew, who I am similarly lucky and grateful to have. And an Exec Board meeting where we discussed submissions we intend to make through DCMS to HMT for the coming Spending Review.
Not all work, work, work
Joel has landed a part in a play for National Theatre Connections youth scheme, joining Longfield Hall’s production after they came round local schools auditioning. He’s well chuffed. It’s quite a logistical commitment, lots of rehearsals in Jan and Feb.
Dylan’s nearly finished making a brilliant video game he intends to submit for BATFA YGD. It’s an impressive and fun puzzle platformer.
I (finally!) got Joel’s bedroom redecorated, repairing nasty cracks that appeared since the ground floor extension settled, and new curtains. Will source new furniture over the break.
Christmas hols off to a strong start. Built a gingerbread house with Joel (pictured above). Started a big jigsaw, which has become tradition and is such a good way to switch off.
It’ll just be the 4 of us through to Boxing Day. Then extended family stuff for 3 days. Then just us again for New Year. Planning to do a lot of unchristmassy film viewing (Silence of the Lambs tonight, Apocalypse Now on Xmas day, among others).
Neilly with the good links
I was looking for a piece on Conway’s Law that would feel relevant for BFI folks – found this doozy.
My mate Atika’s blog continues to be properly inspiring, as she hits the ground running in Luton.
Why fixing government tech is a nightmare is a good read by LizL (which I missed when it was published in June).
Martha Lane-Fox blogged again, in a more official capacity this time, about the advisory panel for DSIT’s new digital centre. I’ve heard a thing or two about what’s emerging – exciting times ahead.
I like this John Cutler post (on LinkedIn) about expressing delivery forecasts as a range of possibility between conservative and optimistic, both with current funding and extra funding. Looks like a smart hybrid between a roadmap and business case.
Russell is making himself available for random coffees and is one of the most interesting people you could hope to meet.
Media consumption
📺TV
Black Doves. Such a great time, I adored it.
James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome. Bit meh.
Undercover: Exposing the Far Right. Brave.
Veep. We are up to S6 on this rewatch now.
Finding Mr Christmas. Fun search for the next Hallmark lead.
The Hope Not Hate doc mentioned this interesting thing called the Overton window. It refers to the range of political ideas the public is willing to consider and accept. Repetition of extreme ideas (especially if left unchallenged) shifts the range of acceptability towards them – by making stuff that previously fell outside the bounds of acceptability seem normal by comparison. One of those things that’s kind of obvious but helpful to describe with a model.
(Image credit: Model Thinkers)
Tunes
🎧 EMA Icons Mix on R6. Throbbing bass loveliness.
🎧 Dizzee Rascal – I Invented Grime. Fair play!
🎧 Lamb – Lamb cos we did a BFI Player partnership with Sofas and Stuff which involved Lamb’s Lou Rhodes, reminding me of this awesome album’s existence. IT’S SO GOOD, been enjoying rediscovering it, on repeat.
Games
🕹️ Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Books
📓 Run. Gone off this, it became samey. 60% read so I will speed to the end.
Eyeing up this Mae West book next, after the best possible recommendation from Jem:
Films
🎬 Twisters. Ohmigod. It prompted me to write this BlueSky thread:
Distractions
- Richard E Grant’s house (cosy but freaky and a fire risk!)
- Everything’s a drum
- Susie Dent’s word of the day: “Apanthropy” means a dislike of company and the desire to be left alone. “‘Bellycheer” means feasting, gluttony, and ‘the gratification of the belly’.
Merry Christmas!
I’ll be back soon with some end of year lists, obviously.
