From C-student to CEO

It’s an improbable spin on the old rags-to-riches tale: an Auckland Grammar C-student from Timaru turned co-founder and CEO of one of the most innovative firms in New York. But rather than peddling bottled water or designer sneakers, Geoff Vuleta is in the business of selling something much less tangible—inspiration. And while it might sound like something completely out of left field, it turns out brands like Starbucks, Samsung and Gucci are willing to pay big bucks for bright ideas. He tells Mitchell Hall just what an ideas company does and explains why it’s an industry that’s only set to grow.

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A place of their own

Next week marks another exciting milestone for Idealog: the launch of Design Daily, our new blog and weekly newsletter dedicated to Kiwi design and architecture. We thought it was about time the industry got the attention it deserved, and no doubt plenty of our creative readers will agree. Design Daily’s first newsletter goes out on Thursday—and we’ll be emailing you the first edition, just as a taster. If you like what you see, by all means opt-in to receive future issues. Of course, you can also go right ahead and sign up now (and you should; short of winning the lottery, it’ll be the best thing that’s happened all year—we’re talking spectacular on a scale of one to vuvuzela).

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Coding for charity

With all the current World Cup frenzy, one national team has fallen under the radar, and that’s our very own Code Blacks. Representing us at FullCodePress this weekend—a  fundraiser that pits teams from NZ, Australia and, this time around, a star-studded lineup from the USA—will be an elite group of designers, writers and programmers, racing to build a working website for charity in just 24 hours. Not only is Code Black defending last year’s crown, they have yet to be beaten in the competition. Code Black member Hadyn Green will be blogging the action for us; the keen-eyed will also see his name in the next issue of Idealog on a story about the search for the Great New Zealand Sneaker. Speaking of which, we’ll have more on the new issue in next week’s newsletter. Stay tuned…

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The art of growth

The Deloitte Fast 50 is canvassing the landscape for businesses that have mastered the art of growth. Now in its 10th year, the index is an opportunity for businesses—large or small, public or private—to benchmark and celebrate their success. It honours innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit of those that make business growth look more like an art form than science. So if you’ve mastered the art of growth or know of a business that has, check out the 2010 Deloitte Fast 50.

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Face time

We all know people say things online they wouldn’t necessarily say in real life. But if everyone talked and acted like they do on Facebook, the workplace would be very different. Here’s what a day in status updates, friend requests and pokes might look like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRsRLZiyH20

Time spent with cats is never wasted

Setting up and maintaining a server for your business can be a costly and time consuming affair—not so with Apple’s Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server. From email to shared calendars and contacts, or file-sharing to online collaboration, Apple’s Snow Leopard Server can deliver immediate tangible benefits with no fuss. Come and see why it’s purr-fect for the job (and you could take home an iPod touch just for coming along)!

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The authentic touch

Even the most die-hard fans have to admit that the Kindle and iPad just don’t have that warm book feel. But never fear, Moleskine has seen a gap in the market and is moving to fill the void with the Kindle Cover skinned in oilcloth with a microsuede interior, topped off by their signature elastic band.

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Plainly speaking

For better or worse, jargon seems to be infiltrating every aspect of modern life. Fortunately, the annual WriteMark New Zealand Plain English Awards are fighting back and rewarding businesses that communicate clearly. According to Write Group chief executive Lynda Harris (pictured), winners often say using plain English has completely transformed their business by increasing efficiency and reducing misunderstandings and complaints. People also associate integrity and quality with clarity, so a commitment to plain English can give companies a competitive edge. The contest is open to all Kiwi businesses, which can nominate themselves or be nominated by customers. But to be in to win a shiny trophy and a host of other prizes, you’ll have to enter online by June 28.

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Man's best friend

The Lonely Dog Road Show, a creation of renowned New Zealand artist Ivan Clarke,  is about to hit the road, opening today at  236 Victoria Street, Hamilton. Inspired by his own pet daschund, Clarke’s paintings and sculptures are famous throughout New Zealand and the world for their intrinsic appeal; Warner Bros recently acquired the screen rights for a Lonely Dog movie. Meanwhile, a Lonely Dog Gallery has been established in Auckland, displaying (among other things) hand-sculpted bronze casts co-created with Richard Taylor and the team at Weta Workshop.

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DIY docker

Who would’ve guessed an iPad would fit perfectly into a classic Apple computer? In this video, one Japanese modder takes an old Macintosh and turns it into the ultimate iPad docking station. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6jkDikBSmg

Incubating talent

On the first Wednesday of every month, the Icehouse opens up to entrepreneurs who are hungry to understand the steps to business success. You’ll get the chance to meet Icehouse executives, experts and angel investors (chairman Greg Cross just won the TechNZ Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual of the Year), and talk to previous incubator residents over a beer. It’s not just about networking, either; start-ups director Ken Erskine will present a seminar on five rules for successful entrepreneurship based on his 10 years of experience. And did we mention that it’s all completely free? Register to attend the next session here.

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Quote of the week

“In the end, I did what I had to do: doubled down and bet it all.”

— Geoff Vuleta on risking everything in the face of the global financial crisis.