If you think that only a few people are creative, you are wrong. If you also think that some people are born to be leaders and the rest are followers, you are wrong again. If you still think that some people can have an impact but the majority cannot, keep reading. In “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World,” you will find out how to boost your creativity and you will also learn how to identify original ideas and predict which ones will be successful.
Adam Grant, who is recognized as one of the world’s 25 most influential management thinkers, admits that when he declined to invest in the Warby Parker company, it was the worst decision he ever made.
But what the founders of Warby Parker were trying to do seemed impossible. Back in 2008, four students wanted to make eyeglasses more affordable. They had noticed that items purchased online were much cheaper, so why not sell eyeglasses on the Internet?
People have always paid a hefty price for eyeglasses as they are considered a medical purchase. Dave Gilboa, one of Warby Parker’s co-founders, wanted to know why eyeglasses were so expensive. He soon discovered that 80 percent of the eyewear industry was dominated by a European company called Luxottica, according to the book. Luxottica, taking advantage of its monopoly status, was charging up to 20 times the standard cost of a pair of eyeglasses, according to the book. Gilboa realized that things could be done differently.
Despite being told that their idea was impossible to realize, the founders quit their jobs to start a company. They wanted to offer eyeglasses that cost $500 in a shop for $95 online and for every purchase, a pair would be donated in the developing world. After GQ Magazine called them “the Netflix of eyewear,” they reached their target for a year within a month. They were selling so many eyeglasses that at one point, they had 20,000 customers on a waiting list. Over a period of five years, the company made $100 million in annual revenues and donated more than a million pairs of eyeglasses. Warby Parker is now worth more than $1 billion.
“Originality itself starts with creativity, generating a concept that is both novel and useful. But it doesn’t stop there. Originals are people who take the initiative to make their visions a reality. The Warby Parker founders had the originality to dream up an unconventional way to sell glasses online, but became originals by taking action to make them easily accessible and affordable,” Grant wrote in the book.
Another characteristic of being original is rejecting the accepted norm and looking for a better option. Economist Michael Housman was working on a project to figure out why certain customer service agents stayed longer in their jobs than others. He discovered that employees who used Firefox or Chrome Internet browsers stayed longer than those who used Internet Explorer and Safari. He conducted a survey that showed that two thirds of the customer service agents interviewed used the default browser on their computer and never thought of trying a better one. The customer agents who accepted the built-in browsers — in this case Internet Explorer or Safari — followed standard operating procedures for dealing with customer complaints, saw their jobs as fixed, became unhappy, missed days of work and eventually quit.
The employees who decided to change their Internet browsers to Firefox or Chrome took a different approach to their jobs. They, for the most part, looked for new ways of dealing with customers, took the initiative, enjoyed working and stayed in their jobs.
The author also debunks the myth that originality requires you to take big risks. The movers and shakers of this world are also gripped by fear and doubt and would rather avoid taking big risks.
The book tells readers that of the entrepreneurs who established highly successful companies in the US, many did not quit their jobs or education. Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin figured out how to improve Internet searches in 1996 but they continued their graduate studies.
“We almost didn’t start Google because we were too worried about dropping out of our PhD program,” Page said.
Pierre Omidyar built eBay as a hobby and kept on working until his online job brought him more money than his job as a programmer.
For his part, Bill Gates also did not take major risks. After selling a software program in his sophomore year, he waited a whole year before leaving his studies. Even then, he did not drop out but took a leave of absence approved by the university.
“Having a sense of security in one realm gives us the freedom to be original in another. By covering our bases financially, we escape the pressure to publish half-baked books, sell shoddy art or launch untested businesses,” Grant wrote.
“Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World” explains how you can stand up for a new idea without risking your reputation and your career. This captivating book is full of surprising advice that will not only change the way you see the world but will also change the way you live your life.
Book Review: How to be a bold entrepreneur without risking your career
Book Review: How to be a bold entrepreneur without risking your career
Shashai Studio group exhibition shines light on Saudi creativity
- Art Week Riyadh positions the Kingdom’s capital as a global cultural destination
- Princess Al-Johara Saud Al-Saud: This piece reflects on how women have nurtured families and communities while holding societal roles that are often overlooked
RIYADH: Art Week Riyadh’s group exhibition in JAX District brings together a range of artists to celebrate heritage, spark conversations, and showcase the wealth of Saudi creativity, on view through April 13.
The Annual Salon at Shashai Studio is presenting a stunning tapestry of perspectives and artworks to celebrate individual artists and the art community under one roof.
The visual feast encapsulates the spirit of experimentation, encouraging conversations around identity, culture, and the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.
Visitors can get a look at the narratives woven through each piece of artwork.
Among the standout pieces on display, Princess Al-Johara Saud Al-Saud’s artwork entitled “The Moon” symbolises the enduring strength and presence of women throughout history.
“This piece reflects on how women have nurtured families and communities while holding societal roles that are often overlooked,” she told Arab News.
Utilizing natural sheep wool as a medium, the artwork underscores the ancestral skills of women in weaving and home-building.
“Women have always been the backbone of our society, supporting families, cultures, and traditions,” Princess Al-Johara explained. This tribute to women serves as a reminder of their multifaceted roles — from caretakers to creators, their contributions are invaluable.
Mona Bashatah, whose works explore ancient crafts of the Arabian Peninsula, discussed her recent project that depicts a fisherman — a character symbolizing the deep-rooted traditions of coastal life.
“My art stems from the rich history of our region, focusing on the stories that need to be shared with the new generations,” she explained. Her pieces were not only visually stunning but also served as a medium for storytelling, connecting the past with the present.
“I chose to draw inspiration from mulberry bark paper from East Asia, bridging historical trade routes that linked our ancestors to lands far and wide,” she added.
Her sketches present a narrative intertwined with themes of environmental pollution and cultural identity. The illustrations recount tales of shepherds and sailors who served as vital connections between Eastern and Western worlds.
They represent memories that modern generations may overlook, making her work both a celebration of heritage and a call for awareness.
The artist also incorporated texts from poet Khalil Gibran, merging literature with art to deepen the emotional impact of her pieces. “My intention is to evoke a sense of belonging and pride in our history,” Bashatah noted.
Studio founder and curator Rashed Al-Shashai spoke to Arab News on the significance of the exhibition and the importance of showcasing both emerging and established artists within the Saudi art community.
“We have cultivated an environment of cultural and artistic dialogue at Shashai Studio. This exhibition featured various artists, each with distinct techniques and narratives,” he said.
“This exhibition marks the culmination of a year’s worth of experimentation and collaboration.”
Visitors encountered pieces from notable artists such as Mazin Andijani an Arabic calligrapher, and Fatima Al-Attas, an innovative contemporary artist.
The inaugural Art Week Riyadh is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s vibrant art scene, bringing together leading local and international galleries, cultural institutions, and arts entities under the overarching theme, “At The Edge.”
The week-long event is fostering exchange, dialogue, and collaboration, inviting art enthusiasts to explore themes of thresholds, liminality, and transitions in art and culture.
The program includes curated gallery exhibitions, rare displays of private collections, as well as talks, workshops, and performances.
Organized by the Visual Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture, Art Week Riyadh is a non-commercial platform designed to nurture, celebrate, and position Riyadh as a global cultural destination.
Drawing on the past and present as points of departure, it reimagines an interconnected global arts ecosystem that contributes to the Kingdom’s creative economy while inspiring the preservation of art collecting and patronage.
Saudi Architecture Map decodes Asir’s art of adaptation
- In Asir, ancient homes, forts, and castles have withstood the test of time, adapting to harsh climatic conditions such as heavy rainfall through innovative architectural practices
- Structures are distinguished by their high-quality construction, and aesthetic execution that aligns with the surrounding environment’s requirements
RIYADH: The recent launch of the Saudi Architecture Map by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a milestone in promoting the distinct architectural styles of the Kingdom, including those of Asir region.
In this region, ancient homes, forts, and castles have withstood the test of time, adapting to harsh climatic conditions such as heavy rainfall through innovative architectural practices, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The structures are distinguished by their high-quality construction, and aesthetic execution that aligns with the surrounding environment’s requirements. They demonstrate how early architects ingeniously designed elements that combined beauty and protection.
Saudi Architecture Map features 19 architectural styles inspired by various regions’ geographical and cultural characteristics.
It provides detailed insights into the architectural patterns, including for Asir, accompanied by design guidelines to enhance the overall quality of urban design within the built environment, particularly to express the site’s regional character.
The design guidelines help elevate architectural form and the design of public spaces. One of their primary objectives is to trace architectural roots applicable to contemporary buildings, ensuring they resonate with their historical context while drawing from local culture and highlighting the spirit of the place.
This approach seeks to balance sustainability and renovation and to connect architectural structures to the land’s natural features and topography.
Over the decades, hundreds of buildings in Asir have been restored and rehabilitated, some following scientific guidelines, while others have been carried out haphazardly.
The maps are therefore essential to establish correct frameworks that bridge the past and present while preserving architectural identity.
The significance of the maps lies in the spatial documentation of architecture throughout the Kingdom.
It shows the distinct architecture of each region based on its geographic, cultural, and climatic characteristics.
In essence, the map reflects traditional building methods and illustrates how these can be integrated into modern architectural designs, contributing to the sustainability of these styles within the contemporary urban landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Red Sea Fund opens applications for production grants
- Foundation provides financial grants that enable promising cinematic voices to complete their projects and share their narratives with the world
- Second cycle of the fund supports projects ready to move into production, offering grants for feature-length films
RIYADH: The Red Sea Fund, a program of the Red Sea Film Foundation, is now accepting submissions for production support as part of its second cycle for 2025.
The foundation provides financial grants that enable promising cinematic voices to complete their projects and share their narratives with the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The second cycle of the fund supports projects ready to move into production, offering grants for feature-length films (60 minutes or more), whether fiction or animation, from directors in Saudi Arabia, the Arab region, Africa and Asia.
The grants will also support TV series (25–59 minutes per episode) from the same eligible regions, and short films (under 60 minutes), including fiction, documentary, or animation, exclusively from Saudi directors.
Filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Africa and Asia can apply through the website redseafilmfest.com before the April 21 deadline.
Established in 2021, the fund has supported more than 280 film projects. Several former recipients have gone on to earn global recognition and accolades.
Art Week Riyadh: Al-Mousa Center brings together pioneering and emerging artists
RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital city, the Al-Mousa Center has transformed into a vibrant hub for creativity, with over 15 galleries presenting a mix of solo and group exhibitions as part of Art Week Riyadh. The event brings together trailblazing artists and rising stars from the region and beyond, offering a dynamic platform for contemporary artistic expression.
Once a bustling commercial complex in the 1980s, the Al-Mousa Center originally served as a premier destination for wedding attire — where some of the city’s best tailors still practice their craft today. The building’s dated architectural style adds a nostalgic vibe to the space, evoking memories of the past while providing a fitting backdrop for contemporary art.
When a framing shop opened and quickly flourished, art began to gradually replace garments in the complex. While a few stores continue to sell suits and dresses, the mall has since transformed into a lively cultural center, now housing approximately 20 art galleries.
“When I heard about Art Week Riyadh, I was excited to be part of it. I’m a third-generation Saudi artist with 28 years of experience as an aircraft maintenance engineer, pilot and instructor pilot. Now, I’m an artist. I’m from Riyadh, and this is a chance for us to celebrate art and showcase our local talent,” said Nasser Al-Kharji, who founded Art Connection, one of the participating galleries.
Al-Kharji’s father launched a pioneering cartoon column in a local Saudi newspaper in 1965 — a legacy that Al-Kharji honors by framing the columns prominently in his gallery, alongside his own work and that of other regional artists.
Perched upstairs, galleries such as Ahlam Gallery relocated to their current expansive 360-square-meter space in 2022, offering a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists. Founded by Dr. Ahlam Al-Shedoukhy, a retired medical doctor who turned to art as a source of healing, the gallery now stands as one of the largest spaces in the complex.
Other participating galleries include Abdullah Hammas Studio, Errm Art Gallery, Marsami Gallery, and Alestudio, each contributing to the rich diversity of Riyadh’s growing art scene.
While most of the curated talks during Art Week Riyadh are taking place at JAX District in Diriyah, a special panel titled “The Value of the Past is a Measure of the Future” was held at the Al-Mousa Center on Monday. The discussion focused on how Saudi Arabia’s visual arts heritage is not only a part of the nation’s history but also continues to serve as a wellspring of inspiration, shaping the future of art in the Kingdom.
The inaugural Art Week Riyadh, organized by the Visual Arts Commission, runs from Apr. 6 to 13, activating galleries and creative spaces across the city. Anchored in JAX District in Diriyah, the weeklong program features a range of exhibitions, talks, and curated events that underscore the diversity and dynamism of the Kingdom’s evolving visual arts scene.
Katy Perry joins Yasalam After-Race Concert lineup at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
DUBAI: US pop icon Katy Perry will bring her chart-topping energy to the UAE for the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December.
The music star will headline the grand finale on Dec 7 at Etihad Park, with more names still to be announced. The 2024 lineup featured Teddy Swims, Peggy Gou, Maroon 5, Eminem and Muse.
This will not be Perry’s first performance in the UAE. She appeared at Abu Dhabi’s Du Arena for a New Year’s Eve concert in 2017, a private event during the Dubai Airshow in 2015, and the closing ceremony of the World Parachuting Championships in 2012.
Perry achieved global fame with her 2008 breakout hit “I Kissed a Girl,” kicking off a string of chart-toppers including “Firework,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar” and “Dark Horse.”
Known for vibrant visuals, catchy pop anthems and theatrical performances, she has earned accolades including five Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards and a Guinness World Record.
Her 2010 album “Teenage Dream” made history as the first by a female artist to produce five No.1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Perry is also a devoted mother after giving birth to Daisy Love Bloom in August 2020, the daughter she shares with her fiance, British actor Orlando Bloom.
The couple, who got engaged on Valentine’s Day 2019, have been open about their journey as parents.
Perry has spoken openly about how motherhood has shifted her perspective, helping her stay grounded amid the whirlwind of fame. She has also given fans glimpses of Daisy’s personality.
“She is a combination of both me and her father … we are fearless with lots of chutzpah and just big characters. So the combination of us both is definitely coming out,” she told People Magazine.
“It’s amazing to see everything new again through a toddler’s eyes.”
In an interview with Access Hollywood, she said: “She’s not shy and she loves to sing. I literally was checking my phone five minutes ago and she has a ukulele in her hands. So she loves music and she loves what mommy does and daddy does and she loves seeing us happy.”
