2023 Cannes Lions
As the 2023 Cannes Lions has come to an end this week, the closest I’ve gotten to the silverware is that I had a fantastic family vacation in Paris. I haven't won a single Cannes Lion in my 20-year creative career.
Does that make me worried? Perhaps a little. This heck of a Lion would have made my portfolio look golden. But does it really matter at all? In any case, I was a huge fan of the event and spent numerous hours watching some of the most genius creatives who won this prestigious award in my late 20s and 30s.
I recall my Creative Director Avinash Singh at Ogilvy once saying to me, "Don't ever work to win an award. Just do a great job, and the rest follows." Well, you read it right—I never won. Lol :)
Oh! That doesn't mean I didn't win anything this year.
I won my lovely family.
Tania and Ilan (and our cat 'Osho'). They have kept me extremely busy and loved. Most importantly, I'm a happier, busier, and grounded man. Despite having to endure the unpleasant hardships caused by the conflict in Ukraine. Yes, my son is a Ukrainian citizen and was born in Ukraine on November 30, 2019. Tania and Ilan were forced to cross into Romania and then travel by rail to Germany on February 24, 2022, facing several hours of border security checks. They were woken up by the thunderous sound of explosions in Kyiv. After a lengthy two-month wait, we were thrilled to finally receive their visas to relocate to the United Kingdom.
I won my health.
In life, we meet people for a reason. I met this fantastic personal trainer, Alimamy Kabba, who also lives in the same apartment building as me. He guided me when I began exercising one beautiful fall morning, and he literally assisted me in my transformation. I started running once more, clocking up 255km in 2022 and 600km in 2023. I still manage to cover an average of 100km every month.
I won my career.
After spending eight wonderful years at Amazon working with some of the top tech talent, I made the decision to find a completely different workstream at William Hill with the desire to bring change to their design world. It was a risky choice that grew more difficult following 888's significant acquisition. When two very different worlds—in terms of technology, culture, and everything in between—have to merge, it is never a simple task. With the help of supportive leaders and colleagues, we've grown to become a 40-member product design team based in five different countries. So it's not just me, WE won as a team.
What keeps us going?
While recognition and praise can inspire us to work harder, there are certain life milestones that are in and of themselves awards. Call it a Lion or a Lioness.
I'm not in the least bit claiming to have had a perfect year or years. Both professionally and personally, I made a number of mistakes. I hurt a few, and I was hurt myself—typical roller coasters of life. That said, the realization of it and the learning mentality have kept me pushing the envelope. Above all, my interest in emerging technologies, research into human interactions and behaviours, and observation and study of leaders are what motivate me.
I'm now engaged in a personal project that involves writing, creativity, AI research, product design, and discovering the history and future of one of the most innovative brands in the world. Once the project is over, perhaps I can write an outcome article soon. :) Fingers crossed.
And as I conclude, I still remain an 'Awardless' human, yet winning many accolades in life.
How important are awards or the Cannes Lions to you?
Have you given any thought to how many pebbles of life-altering experience you have gathered thus far this year or throughout the years?
Love your attitude towards work and life Shabeeb Kutteery! Industry events are a fun junket to meet and network with your peers. It shouldn’t be taken too seriously. I honestly find the whole idea of ranking any form of art quite silly. Some of the creative industries do it, some don’t. Can you imagine awards for the fashion industry? Gucci wins gold and LV silver and this year Sabyasachi won Bronze! Hahaha. Harrison Ford has never won an Oscar. Does that mean he’s not respected or good? It takes a self confident person to have an attitude like yours. You’re one of the best creatives I’ve worked with and you’re such an inspiration to all of us. You’ve carved a niche in one of the most competitive creative markets in the world. You have a wonderful family and you’re the Indian Idris Elba in terms of studliness 😀 Hope you’re still playing football! Love your posts and Insta. Keep on inspiring us all!
Nirmal Pulickal |Sr. Director Creative at Target Corp
Shabeeb Kutteery great post, wise reminder. “Far greater than the treasures of the warehouse are treasures of the heart.”- Japanese Buddhist saying.You’re a blessed ‘rich’ man 🧿
Shivanee Shanker Dutt | Founder, Aanist | Fractional Chief Brand Officer
WOW. Superb! Am very proud of you Shabeeb Kutteery!!!
Avinash Singh | Curated Intimate Events. From Raga to Rock and everything in between.
Life is worth of living, indeed! It is an award itself. Thank you for sharing and inspiring others)
Iryna Oksiuk | PwC Canada I PwC Private
