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Squeezy balls

Philosophical musings.

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Are you a creator or a consumer?

By Robert Woolf

No fate Squeezy balls
Last week, Kathryn and I invited a friend’s son over for a chat about working in the creative industry. His folks aren't familiar with this sector and are unsure how to guide him. His Dad's also read that AI might replace all creative jobs in the future and wanted our take on it. Noah, who’s doing his A-Levels, came over a bit unsure of what to expect. We shared our stories and the winding paths we had taken in the creative space. Kathryn and I started by telling him about our early years in digital…

June 22, 2025

What the system doesn’t see

By Robert Woolf

One angry dwarf Squeezy balls
As a service designer, I often hear stories that don’t align with the brief I’ve been given. It’s not anyone’s fault, it’s often why I’ve been commissioned, but what people say they do (or think they do) often differs greatly from their actual behaviour. For some people, attitudes are more important than facts. If they believe something to be true,…

April 20, 2025

What to do with myself?

By Robert Woolf

No fate Squeezy balls
Since my last post, life has shifted. I’ve stepped down as CEO of Made Open and moved into a part-time strategic role. In some ways, a lot has changed and nothing at all. I’m still waking up at 5am, getting up at 6. I'm still working hard for the company I care about. But, other than that, everything feels different.…

February 20, 2025

Rise of the machine

By Robert Woolf

No fate Squeezy balls
I love writing. More than that, I love the process of writing - putting pen to paper, coffee in hand, often most thoughtful when lounging at home or musing in my van. It’s a bit of a cliché but few things in life bring me as much simple pleasure. That said, I’ve become something of a ChatGPT convert when it…

November 22, 2024

Savour the wins

By Robert Woolf

No fate On the road Squeezy balls
A good friend of mine has a motto he swears by: “Celebrate early, celebrate often”. He believes in taking every little win and making the most of it. Mind you, he also enjoys a drink and doesn't need much of an excuse to open a bottle of red! Celebration doesn't come as naturally to me because my life seems to…

November 2, 2024

A good exhaustion

By Robert Woolf

I am the greatest No fate On the road Squeezy balls
The excitement of visiting again, Seeing how far we've come in 25 years. Strangers lending a hand, with nothing to gain, Sharing chocolate, as way of thanks. Plunging into icy waters, cold and clear, Feeling awake, feeling alive. Reminiscing with laughter and silence, Exceeding already beautiful memories. Reaching the top, aching bodies and empty minds, A sense of connection, once…

April 19, 2024

What did Covid teach us about ourselves?

By Robert Woolf

Made Open Squeezy balls Time4Good
In moments of crisis, we often instinctively turn to those closest to us: friends, family, a trusted mentor perhaps. It’s a natural response, seeking comfort and guidance from those who know us best. In 2015, for example, I hit rock bottom. Made Open was struggling and my knee pain was so bad I could barely walk the boys to school.…