Wunderman Thompson’s City Guide to Inspiration in Nature Kicks Off with Cannes
As the world’s leading researcher on inspiration, Wunderman Thompson knows a thing or two about the psychological link between people’s value systems and their sources of inspiration to predict how humanity will be inspired. In Wunderman Thompson’s Inspire InFocus report, being outdoors in nature ranked number one as the top source of inspiration globally. Even though life is starting to ‘get back to normal’, many of our new habits formed during the pandemic, such as taking walks during work breaks or exploring nature in our own backyard, have endured.
As we yearn to move, connect, and get off a plane and stretch our legs, out of a conference hall into fresh air, leave the confines of a hotel room, or even take a walking meeting or lunch in a park versus a restaurant, here are some ideas for the next time you find yourself in some of the most inspirational cities around the world, for business or pleasure.
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Name: Jared Kozel
Title: EVP, Executive Creative Director
City: Cannes, France
I’m an ECD at Wunderman Thompson and lead creative out of the Atlanta office. Inspiration is everything in our industry and it more often comes your way when you’re calm or in the zone versus when you’re stressed or anxious. Having the ability to find that calm state of yours, even while you’re deep in the pressure-cooker situations that our industry knows all too well, will keep that inspiration coming. Here are some thoughts to share on ways to get those mini-escapes of inspiration while in Cannes.
Q> When do you find you crave inspiration in nature and where do you find it?
Jared> Constantly. In our industry, it becomes so easy to get caught up in the stresses of our daily decisions and directions. Nature grounds us and helps remind us that too often, we’re over-inflating the importance of certain things. Nature helps me wipe my brain clean and get a fresh perspective of the challenges we’re trying to solve. It’s an amazing reset.
Q> What’s your favourite beach in Cannes and why?
Jared> Many beaches in Cannes are private and/or packed. Plage de la Bocca is a beautiful public beach that’s a little more out of the way and laid back, it feels almost like a local beach. It’s a little further west around the bay from La Croisette, close to the airport, but that’s the good thing and what keeps it less of a scene.
Q> What’s your favourite hike or walk in Cannes?
Jared> Sommet des Grosses Grues is on my list this year.
Q> Best place for a run/swim or other form of exercise outside in Cannes?
Jared> Morning jogs are pretty amazing in Cannes. I recommend making time for a run along the Promenade de la Croisette and Promenade du Midi. It’s an easy run with a central location and brings amazing water views the whole way
Q> What are some interesting natural attractions near Cannes that are worth checking out?
Jared> For some quiet reflection, there’s Iles de Lerins: two islands, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, that are a boat ride from Cannes, covered by eucalyptus and pine forests and home to Fort Royal.
Q> Where is the best place to people watch in Cannes?
Jared> Fantastic people watching is all over but the Boulevard de la Croisette is a go-to.
