As the lead trainer and keynote speaker for Great Marketing Works, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how collaborations can spark innovation and drive meaningful change. Today, I want to share a personal story that intertwines marketing, fashion, and the future of work – a journey that's as much about personal growth as it is about professional development.

Andy Boothman. Dress Code Shirts.

10 years ago, when Great Marketing Works as a marketing agency was just finding its feet, I met Andy Boothman, who was running a design agency at the time. Little did I know that this encounter would lead to a partnership that would challenge my thinking about the intersection of technology, fashion, and sustainability.

Fast forward to today, and Andy's latest venture, Dress Code Shirts, has not only revolutionised the concept of 'smart casual' but also made a bold statement about one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. As a Future of Work Speaker and AI expert, I've had the opportunity to showcase their #ShowYourStripes shirt during my keynotes, sparking conversations that go far beyond the usual scope of technology and work trends.

The #ShowYourStripes shirt is more than just a wardrobe choice for my presentations on the Fifth Industrial Revolution. It's a visual representation of our planet's warming trends, serving as a silent yet powerful reminder of the climate crisis we face. Each stripe represents a year, with blue stripes indicating cooler years and red stripes showing warmer ones. The overall effect is a stark visual of our planet's warming trend over time.

Show Your Stripes.

As an AI thought leader and Technology expert, I often discuss how artificial intelligence and automation might reshape our work landscape. However, my collaboration with Dress Code Shirts has challenged me to think differently. I now pose the question:

From optimising energy grids to predicting extreme weather events, the possibilities are both exciting and crucial for our future.

This perspective aligns perfectly with the message behind the #ShowYourStripes campaign. As a Tech Futurist Speaker, I understand that the future of work is intrinsically linked to the future of our planet. If we don't address climate change, our discussions about AI and the Fifth Industrial Revolution may become moot.

In my role as a Fifth Industrial Revolution corporate speaker, I've come to realise that effective communication isn't just about delivering information – it's about sparking conversations and driving change. The #ShowYourStripes shirt has become an integral part of my presentations, serving as a conversation starter that extends the dialogue about sustainability far beyond the conference room.

As a Future of work expert for hire, I believe that the path forward will be shaped by unexpected collaborations like this – where fashion meets technology, where marketing meets sustainability, and where experts from different fields come together to address global challenges.

To my fellow entrepreneurs, marketers, and tech enthusiasts: I challenge you to think about how your work can contribute to a sustainable future. Whether it's through innovative partnerships, sustainable practices, or simply spreading awareness, we all have a role to play. 

Feel Inspired?

If you're inspired to join the movement, visit here to get your own #ShowYourStripes shirt. And for those of you looking to share your own ideas on stage, I've distilled my experience as a keynote speaker into a book called "OVERCOME," available on Gumroad. 

It's my guide to conquering public speaking fears and making your voice heard on issues that matter.Remember, in the world of marketing and beyond, it's not just about what we say – it's about the changes we inspire.

Let's work together to create a future that's not only innovative but sustainable. After all, the future of work depends on the future of our planet.

About The Author.

Keynote speaker, professional speaker, Ted X talker, serial tech startup founder, ex marketing agency owner, digital trainer, and now author and media spokesperson Dan Sodergren’s main area of interest is the future of work, technology, data and AI 

In his spare time, as well as being a dad, which comes first, Dan is a digital marketing and technology (and now AI) expert for TV shows and the BBC and countless radio shows.

Occasionally donning the cape of consumer champion on shows like BBC WatchDog, the One Show and RipOffBritain and being a marketing tech specialist for SuperShoppers and RealFakeAndUnknown and BBC Breakfast.

He is also a host and guest on podcasts and webinars speaking as a tech futurist. And a remote reporter / content creator for tech companies at tech events and shows. His main interest is in the future. Be that the future of marketing, or the future or work or how AI and technology will change the world for the better as part of the #FifthIndustrialRevolution 

Find out more about him over on bit.ly/DanSodergren

And his books on https://futureofwork.gumroad.com

And his course on www.aimarketingcourse.co.uk 

And his new idea: The AI Teacher Course. 

And The Fifth Industrial Revolution. 

References for the blog:

The Fifth Industrial Revolution Book - The NEW INTELLIGENCE 

Dan Sodergren - www.dansodergren.com 

Overcome - Overcome. The Fear Of Public Speaking. (gumroad.com)

DressCode Shirts and How to overcome the fear of public speaking – DressCode Shirts

The Climate Code / #ShowYourStripes Shirt - Mens Climate Code – DressCode Shirts