Be inspired and let TED assist you (Dick Molman)
Posted by lynn on November 6, 2009 at 10:15 am
Interview with Dick Molman (CEO for Sanoma Uitgevers and Sanoma Digital). Taken from the book “Breakthrough”, special edition for TEDxAmsterdam 2009.
“Sanoma aims to be outstanding in its field of media, in order for us to be able to react swiftly to any developments. A lot of momentum in the media industry is technology driven. These volatile movements have a significant influence on the media buy of advertisers. As a media company with the highest reach in print and digital media you have to follow this momentum. I am very much inspired and challenged to be in the midst of this development. It energizes me and it is something I want to give my all to.
Sanoma strives to collaborate with inspiration, even if it is difficult for a production company. Ultimately we are a company who live from outside influences, which means we also have to be inspired from the outside. We simply can not accept the status quo, it is essential that we have inspiration and foresight in our genes. The current economic situation forces one to look at today and tomorrow, but not to the day after tomorrow. This is fatal for the media industry. And that is why my message is “to dare to look ahead a couple of years”. Let TED assist you with that.
TED talks
The talks about technology, which inspires me the most. Like the story of Pattie Maes from MIT about ‘the sixth sense’, as an example. In this talk she shows a wearable device with a projector that paves the way for profound interaction with our environment. Imagine “Minority Report” and then some. I think this is a wonderful technological modernization built from existing elements. It is probably not commercially viable, but it is absolutely innovative. This a prime example of looking beyond today and tomorrow.
Tip: Be inspired and let TED assist you to be inspired!
Pink Ribbon Magazine
Speaking of ideas, Pink Ribbon fully understands the concept. October, ribbon, pink – oh right, breast cancer! Everybody knows it. And everyone knows that great magazine will be published. Pink Ribbon Magazine.
Sanoma Uitgevers publishes this charity glossy magazine in the Netherlands. But why? Because we want to get people going, literally and figuratively. Through our media. With the know-how we have.
But this is not the most important reason. We see it as our duty. Sanoma is big, thanks to women. We know every female audience. We produce the best known women’s magazines. Every Dutch woman reads one of Sanoma’s products. Can we give something back? No, we have to. One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer. That is totally unacceptable. A lot more money is needed for research, treatment and patient support. That is the reason for Pink Ribbon. That is the reason for Pink Ribbon Magazine.
Sanoma publishes Pink for free. All the money goes to charity. In five years we were able to contribute 3.7 million euros to the Pink Ribbon Foundation. That is the one, practical, side. In short, Sanoma is a platform for ideas, body of thought, information that is worth sharing. This platform is made available through our magazines and websites. With pleasure we support other platforms, like TED, as well who feel strongly about ideas worth spreading.”
Credits
Text: Tessa Stolze
Translation: Ferhaan Kajee
