Seeking Innovation? Hire a JBE

Many worthy British citizens have been knighted, awarded a CBE, OBE or even an MBE by Royal Decree, but few have the esteemed privilege of receiving a JBE.

Those who receive this unique and prestigious recognition that is awarded by the King, and only by the King, know, and appreciate what it truly represents.

The letters JBE stand for ‘Jester of the British Empire’. The small number of recipients of this prized award are in high demand in the corporate and government arena as it signifies that the individual is indeed a most creative person and one that can drive and stimulate a culture of innovation.

So how does one recognise the personal traits of a JBE recipient?

There are numerous clues that indicate that a JBE may be working in your corporate office, even if they may be operating in a most surreptitious manner. Some of these are, but not indeed limited to; the writing of numerous blog posts that may appear quite tongue in cheek, the wearing of many a paisley shirt, complete with copious coloured hats and berets, all done with the intent of making their fellow employees think just that little bit differently and to have some fun.

The learning from all this calculated, and most devious JBE methodology, is that innovation in the corporate office can only exist if there is one key ingredient, that being “fun”. Yes, a JBE knows that the root of all creativity is the ability to have fun, to have an office environment where humour is the welcome catalyst that continually rejuvenates itself, and which unknowingly morphs into the personalities of all willing employees. The result being true innovation.

But fun takes skill and continual practice, and that’s where the strength of the JBE comes into play. These seemingly oddly behaving individuals look at current corporate work practices through a unique analysis lens, one which constantly challenge the boring status quo of the organization, and is done in a way that is rooted on the basic need for humour, and lots of it.  

So, if your organization is lacking in innovation, feel free to contact me. Afterall, I am a Jester of the British Empire, and I’m immensely proud to be so.

Steven Cramer JBE

PS: The JBE award is only fictitious at this stage, but who knows what may occur in the future?

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on May 7, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on May 7, 2026

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2026/05/07/seeking-innovation-hire-a-jbe/

Your Mobile Innovation Vehicle

Many are seekers of corporate innovation, yet very few ever manage to find it.

In most typical corporate offices you will see a plethora of bright, colourful and exotic work environments, numerous bean bags casually arranged on meeting room floors, yellow post-it notes stuck with various degrees of unreadable scribble on walls and windows, nourishing foods and a variety of beverages (some with copious amounts of alcohol and other additives), all with one intent, that being to create and inspire the employee to think differently.  

But does this common array of creative props actually yield that true spark of innovation? The answer as many of a Chief Innovation Officer already knows is no, but it does look as if the organisation is trying!

However, there is a solution, and one that I only discovered following my role at a large corporate company being unexpectantly made redundant.

It is said that a change is as good as holiday where you can free and open your mind, encounter fresh experiences, and prep yourself for a new and exciting creative adventure on a daily occurrence. No, you cannot do this in a corporate abode as your newly found exploratory mind will again be muted and stifled.

Many of us long to wake up each morning with a view that fully recharges your mind and stimulates a want to explore, and seek more. No one really wants to experience the same old boring routine each day, yet many of us in the corporate office do so, either out of necessity, or from not knowing any better.

So how does one achieve this innovative mecca?

The answer is quite simple. Buy a campervan and loosen those corporate shackles that have hindered your creative mind for many years.

The campervan is the perfect solution as it is like having a fully equipped office, complete with kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and an unobstructed view that you select on a basis that is entirely your choice. You can even participate in a video conference (should you have the time, or interest, to do so) where you can mentor and educate those office bound employees on the virtues of personal freedom where creative ideas are effortlessly generated, without the need for a time consuming brainstorming session.

Yes, get a campervan and travel and see sights and places that you used to only dream about when you sat at your corporate desk for seven hours each day. I am, and loving it!

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on May 3, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on May 3, 2026

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2026/05/03/your-mobile-innovation-vehicle/

Golf – I’m That Mischievous Hole

There is always at least one hole on a golf course that appears to have a mind of its own. It is the one that teases the unsuspecting golfer with unfettered hope, but then unmercifully demoralizes them with brutal savagery.

I am that hole.

You may think that a golf course is a placid, inanimate, terrain of grass, sand and water, with a variety of pleasant vegetation, some small, some large. You are very wrong.

We, the eighteen individual holes that when geographically aligned together become a ‘serpentual’ living organism that has one purpose in life, that being to mislead and surreptitiously annoy you, the golfer.

Our craft of subterfuge requires cunning, creativity and innovation where we continually change our layout on a daily basis to ensure ongoing golfer bamboozlement.

Of all the eighteen holes, I am the acknowledged master scoundrel of misery and frustration that relishes the opportunity to strike fear and trepidation into any golfer that treads upon my turf. I just despise the words ‘Par’, ‘Birdie’, but take personal reward on hearing ‘Bogey’, ‘Double or Triple Bogey’, and the greatest of all being ‘Lost Ball’.

The key to my success is my aptitude in being deviously canny and shrewd. Most golfers may experience the ‘occasional’ bad luck on my hole, but the following examples provide testament to my proven methodology.

Lost Ball: Every golfer hates to lose their ball, but in reality, this is not the case. Rather, I provide them with a temporary malady of blindness precisely at the location when they are nearing their ball. The ball is there, but they just don’t see it. Wonderful, isn’t it!

Wind Gusts: Should a golf ball appear to have that perfect trajectory, I have the ability to instantaneously whip up a superb, yet mysteriously powerful micro-wind gust that is excellent in providing the requisite negative ball deviation.

Trees: Once a golf ball enters the canopy domain of my trees, I ensure that the ball ricochets in the exact opposite direction of the green.

Sand Bunkers: I just love watching golfers digging holes. It gives me no end of entertainment!

Putting: This is the masterpiece of my creative ingenuity and one that brings me the greatest pleasure. Many a golfer has been distraught when their strategically planned putt circles the circumference of the cup, never to drop, but to come to rest a frustrating and miserable millimeter from the hole. How do I do this you may ask? Well, that’s my secret and I’m keeping it that way!

In summing up, or should I say when tallying all the above strokes together, some final words of discouragement for the golfing reader. I am a sneaky and mischievous entity that randomly moves from hole to hole based on how I’m feeling on any particular day. So, a word of caution, never assume that a tricky hole will be the same on each day that you play. I am out to cause you golfing mayhem, and I thoroughly enjoy it.

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on January 31, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on January 31, 2026

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2026/01/31/golf-im-that-mischievous-hole/

The Rockpool

As the mercury column in your thermometer quickly approaches 40 Celsius and beyond, for those of you fortunate enough to reside in an alpine region, and should you be adventurous, an innovative and most practical solution readily awaits.  

The solution is typically a well-guarded secret location only privy to a select few local residents who are in the know. Should any outsiders be invited to participate in and enjoy its delights, the signing of a confidentiality agreement prior to being granted access is typically the requisite norm. Afterall, no individuals of the riff-raff class are allowed, nor should they be.

The secret location is colloquially known as a ‘rockpool’.  It is a hidden gem that meanders majestically along the route of a mountain river where the water is cool, clean and refreshing to those that fully appreciate its invigorating benefits, particularly when the heat of the day is at its maximum.

Now there are some rules that any seeker of the rockpool needs to follow as there are positives and negatives to the cooling experience.

Clothing: This all depends on the isolation proximity of the rockpool and your, and any potential observers, acceptance of nudity. Some form of bathing attire is the most common sight; however, this criterion is best decided by the individual concerned, and their perceived level of risk.

Footwear: For those of you lucky enough to have neanderthal shaped feet, relax as you have nothing to worry about. But, if you don’t, then a pair of river shoes is recommended as the large array of smooth rocks at the bottom of the river are most slippery and will result in many a tumble.

Fauna: Yes, you are not the only individual that enjoys your chosen place of cooling. Many an animal also partakes in the rockpool’s virtues when you are not there to disturb them. As such, you should be prepared to see the random lump of animal dropping nonchalantly float past your face, or the occasional snake gliding on or below the water’s surface. If you do see it, relax, because nature is a beautiful thing to behold, regardless of how you may behold it.

Humans: This is the most threatening aspect of the rockpool as they can, and frequently do, spoil your quiet refreshing water solitude. This tends to be amplified should there be a tree swing where a bullish, loud and acrobatic individual may land next to you with a loud popping splash. The solution, cut it down when nobody is looking!

Sunburn: Even though the water may be cool as it expertly massages every part of your submerged body, those upper regions, typically your head and shoulders are perfect heat receptors. The result being a painful sunburn that will stay with you long after your rockpool dip.

Once you have mastered all of the above, you and those lucky friends of yours will be in an oasis heaven that only a few people get to enjoy. May you savor the moment, but don’t forget that “mum’s the word” regarding the location!

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on January 27, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on January 27, 2026

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2026/01/27/the-rockpool/

Those Pesky Weeds of Innovation

As CEO of a large, conservative company that has been in operation for over a century with little or no business growth, how do you know if you have those pesky weeds of innovation in your business? The following are some clues to help you quickly identify them before they can take root and grow.

Ideas: Should you hear an employee uttering the blasphemous words “I have an idea”, then they need to be dismissed immediately before that frightening innovation virus can contaminate your workforce.

Fashion: Luckily these recalcitrant employees are easily identifiable by their annoying clothes, colourful shirts, bow-ties and the occasional hat. Just ask HR to quietly usher them to the exit with minimal fuss.

Laughter: Fun in the office should definitely not be tolerated and should result in the employee being speedily placed on disciplinary action with the threat of instantaneous termination for a repeat offence.

Unauthorised Fonts: Yes, there are strict corporate guidelines that must be followed. Any employee daring to use any other font rather than the long standing and approved black Times New Roman needs to be quickly educated on the 100 year old corporate values that have served the company well, and are based on tradition.

Customers: Any customer having the nerve to complain about our products not meeting their requirements do not deserve the privilege of being supplied by us, after all, we know what’s best for their business. How dare they tell us otherwise!

Career: Any employee seeking clarification on their future within our business obviously does not appreciate the honour of working for us (or should I say for me).

My fellow CEOs, hopefully the above insights have provided you with sufficient information to nippily identify any annoying employees that might be creative, or have mad ambitions of creating a culture of innovation in your company. The key is to act swiftly before their offensive ideas can take hold and spread. God forbid!

Quod Erat Demonstrandum

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on January 20, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on January 20, 2026

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2026/01/20/those-pesky-weeds-of-innovation/

The Presidential Nose

This nose just keeps getting longer!

It’s now so large, that I need to stand at least 6 feet away from those that I’m talking to, otherwise my nose pierces them straight in the eye. But that’s OK, as most of my friends are one-eyed anyway.

Why it keeps growing, I have no idea, but after every media conference, Presidential directive and tweet that I post, an additional inch immediately appears? Funny, those colleagues in my political party, and those who work for me, all seem to have the similar malady? It’s not an issue, as I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me, me.

But a massive nose does have some advantages, particularly when playing golf. It’s like a second club that allows me to surreptitiously spike my ball and discreetly move it to a more favourable position on the fairway, or even on to the middle of the green. No one would notice, nor have the courage to say anything anyway, now would they?

Although the nickname President Pinocchio does have a certain pointedness to it, but after various unsuccessful impeachment trials, a criminal conviction, I am now back in my rightful position on top of The Hill. Thanks again to my political compatriots, great to know that our values are fully aligned, and yes, with time, you do get used to the nose growth, albeit a tad visually annoying at first.

Sleeping has always been an issue, particularly as I could never sleep straight in bed, regardless of how much I tried. But, with this whopper of a nose, sleeping is superb as I can’t roll off my back without shish kebabbing the mattress, or those in a dangerous close proximity, so it’s the perfect sleep aid for a man with my nasal stature.  

And of course, there is the complex issue of blowing my nose, but this I have resolved masterly with creative innovation. Most people when they sneeze, say “pardon me”. Not me, I just Pardon those that supported my dubious Presidential endeavours. The result seems to please them, and therefore me, and as the saying goes, its always good to have a subservient ‘handkerchief’ in your pocket when you are a President.

Well, that’s enough from me, for the time being until at least tomorrow.

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on January 19, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on January 19, 2026

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2026/01/19/the-presidential-nose/

Interview – Corporate Harlequin

Interviewer (I):
You have worked in the corporate environment for many years and were recently made redundant following an organizational restructure. As one of the best-known global Corporate Harlequins, what advice can you give to those that want to follow in your successful theatrical footsteps?

Corporate Harlequin (CH):
My corporate mentor, William Shakespeare, best summed up life in the corporate office with the following accurate words;
“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts”.
The corporate office is indeed one big stage with many actors playing in different scenes that cover a lifetime of theatrical employment.

Interviewer (I):
So where does being a Harlequin fit into the corporate office?

Corporate Harlequin (CH):
I have mastered my trade over many years. I have worked with many impressive managers and colleagues, and unfortunately some less so. The key is to select the various traits of these individuals that you can craft and utilize as your own. You then consolidate these skills into a vibrant costume of many colours, each colour signifying your abilities, wit and business prowess for all the corporate world to see.

However, you must have a fundamental set of values that you abide and live by in your corporate acting career. This is where many Corporate Harlequins fail, are shamed and are eventually expelled from the stage with their career in tatters never to work again. An actor should never tolerate unethical performance. If you see it in a coworker, or a manager, call it out and push them off the stage, regardless of how important they may pretend to be.

Interviewer (I):
What’s the next Corporate Harlequin acting role for you?

Corporate Harlequin (CH):
I am proud of the many colours in my flamboyant Corporate Harlequin costume which eagerly hangs in my business wardrobe ready for the next scene in my working career.

As you know, I’m in a unique position compared to most Corporate Harlequins as I have the luxury to pick and choose the next corporate plays I want to be involved in. I do have a few auditions lined up and am confident that the right Corporate Harlequin role will match my experiences and skills.

Life is for acting, that’s why I’m a Corporate Harlequin, and very proud to be one.

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on January 13, 2026  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on January 13, 2026

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2026/01/13/interview-corporate-harlequin/

The Office Snoutster

The Office Snoutster is an annoying individual that can unfortunately be seen in many organizations. They are commonly found in senior government or corporate roles following many years of successful snoutsting.

So, how do you recognize a Snoutster?
These individuals, be they men or women, are quite cunning and have an ability to hide their snoutster skills from most of their friends and work colleagues. However, there are some common behavioural clues that usually gives them away.

Manipulative: They are extremely manipulative, lazy and prefer to rely on others to do their work for them rather than seeing the need to get their own hands dirty.
Hunter Leeches: They can quickly target a strategic person that will assist them in progressing their own personal career objectives. Once identified, they hang around them like a leech, put their hungry teeth into them, and then suck like hell for their own wellbeing until their usefulness is no longer required. They then seek out a new sucking target and repeat the process.
Clothing: They will dress to deliberately seek praise and approval from any person that may provide potential leech nourishment.

Why the term Snoutster?
Consider the traits of an overweight pig that joyfully uses their nose to smell out an opportunity, then sticks it in with gusto leaving a monumental mess for others to clean up.

How does one become a Snoutster?
Most Snoutsters typically have had a favoured upbringing where they are repeatedly spoilt and receive ongoing praise from their parents, relatives and friends without them having to make an effort, thereby feeding their ‘leecherous’ cravings for personal fulfilment and ongoing sustenance. Once accustomed to a decadent no-work lifestyle, they quickly realize that the shrewd use of their snout is the only way for them to survive in the office, and in their other life endeavours.

Can the Snoutster be removed from your office?
Yes, but only when their manager finally recognizes that the Office Snoutster adds no recognizable financial value, and that they are also a massive toxic emotional drain on their direct reports and other employees. The required solution is a quick termination and speedy exit from the office.

So should you know of there being a Snoutster in your office, quickly root them out and blunt their oinking snout cravings before they create immeasurable damage to your organisation and your colleagues.

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on December 9, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on December 9, 2025

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2025/12/09/the-office-snoutster/

Trends – Fact or Fiction?

Let’s start by considering two well-known quotations; “Knowledge is Power” (Sir Francis Bacon), and “Thinking maketh it so” (William Shakespeare).

Many of us in our private and business lives like to keep up to date with the latest trends, be they social, economic or just for fun. We, as curious individuals, like to know the key drivers that are influencing the now, and what may happen in the future.

We typically use this knowledge to make strategic decisions, to feel part of the crowd, or perhaps to simply equip ourselves with riveting dinner table conversation content to impress and stimulate our guests and friends. So yes, our awareness of trends does indeed potentially give us command over many things and people.

But what if this knowledge, derived from our understanding and belief of a trend is based on fiction? To put it bluntly, the author fabricated the trend, and then communicated it widely through various specifically selected channels, such as social media where their unassuming followers accepted it as fact without any reason for concern or doubt? Would their belief make this trend real, particularly if many believed it so?

Just look at how various individuals or organizations (private or political) disseminate information to a target audience for their own personal gains. Many a politician, in the past and today, have done so with great success. Unfortunately, it was only with hindsight that the trend was identified as fictional folly.

Many information seekers now look to artificial intelligent (A.I.) search engines (ChatGPT, Copilot, Grok, etc) for their insights and recommendations to various trends instead of using human intellect and analysis. The A.I. output being readily accepted as fact with minimal interrogation or suspicion.  

So how do we filter the fact from the fiction before we make them so?

The answer being a combination of independent quantitative and qualitative analysis based on the collective experience of many people who collaborate, discuss, interrogate and challenge what they observe, read and understand. Yes, it takes time, but it will hopefully uncover the fiction from the fact.

However, some people happily accept the fiction and will gleefully follow the false trend like a ‘lemming that is about to fall off a cliff’. Unfortunately, it is these gullible individuals that are commonly the target of the unscrupulous.

There are many trends emerging and currently in operation today. May I suggest that we relook at the two quotations mentioned at the beginning? Maybe they should read as ‘Knowledge could be Power and We decide whether to make it so”?

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on December 4, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on December 4, 2025

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2025/12/04/trends-fact-or-fiction/

Is it time for an ‘Age Coup?’

Age. It’s a complex thing, the importance of which seems to change frequently depending on where you are in your life.

It is said that age is just a number; so why in the Western world do we commonly characterise everyone according to their year of birth? Sure, there are many sound, well researched legal and practical aspects that both should and need to be adhered to, but why is age such an important factor in the workforce?

When you are at Primary School, those who you knew in High School seemed very worldly and sophisticated. You saw your parents as old and out of touch with the worldly and social needs of your own generation, not to mention your grandparents, who fell into the absolutely ancient classification.

But consider how your age perspectives changed when you yourself entered the workforce for the first time. All of a sudden you saw your parents and others with an increased number of years under their belts as wise and possessing a valued experience, and some you even gave esteemed oracle status.

In the business world, people in their early twenties are typically deemed to be naïve and lack the requisite knowledge, whereas people in their sixties or seventies are seen as being ready for retirement and quickly put out to the vast unemployment pasture.

I believe it’s high time for a long overdue ’age coup‘ where an individual’s mindset and willingness to learn and/or mentor those around them should be the main criteria, instead of how old they are on their employment contract.

To accomplish this, we need to redefine the term ‘age’ and replace it with a combination of a willingness to learn and to share experiences, regardless of whether obtained in the workplace, or via life’s complex journey.

However, to do this there needs to be a mindset change within the corporate world, particularly with in HR where age is commonly seen as just a start or finish date of employment, not a potential indication of longer-term value.

Yes, it’s time for an ‘age coup’ as there are many willing participants keen, able and wanting to join the revolution.

Leave a comment
by Steven Cramer on December 2, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Steven Cramer on December 2, 2025

https://thinkingfuturethoughts.com/2025/12/02/its-time-for-an-age-coup/

« Older Posts