The movie "Manifesto" features the formidable actress Cate Blanchett giving 12 famous speeches from different periods. The final speech is a conversation with kindergarten students about the power of authenticity. In In a humorous way, she makes it clear that originality doesn't matter, we are crossed by references all the time and we can "steal" and combine inspiration from anywhere, as long as it is aligned with our particular vision, after all these references shape our way of thinking. And the speech ended with Jean-Luc Godard's phrase: "it doesn't matter where we take things from (thoughts, ideas), but where we take them to".
How many times have I been in meetings and pushed myself to come up with an original idea, to solve a problem in a way that has never been thought of or implemented before? Silly, really. My way of thinking is the result of experiences with my family and friends, Brazilian society and culture, professional experiences and, of course, I will always use past examples to think about the future. In fact, this is my greatest value and what sets me apart from everyone else!
I always discuss, and find incredibly high, the value of works of art with an artist friend, but her answer is very much in line with the thought in the previous paragraph. The value of a painting is not in the cost of the canvas and paints, or in the effort invested in a particular work, but rather, each brushstroke carries the baggage of years of that artist, the time invested in perfecting himself, the hours of study in finding his style and mixing the references of other artists who influenced him. The same goes for us in the business world. Our authenticity is our value and we need to understand what makes us authentic.
Anitta has understood very well the value of authenticity and that is the word that defines the Brazilian phenomenon. The formula she follows is not original. Madonna already walked the path of an emancipated woman who expressed her feelings and sexuality and intimidated any interviewer. The difference is that Anitta emerged in a world connected to networks and knows very well how to propagate and mix her voice with the voice of the people in conversations. And she brings authenticity to this path, taking a political stance and reaching out to society. This is what gives her strength and sets her apart. In a recent interview with Jimmy Fallon to promote her new music video and performance at the Coachella festival, the artist talked about her origins in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, her various boyfriends, how she makes men cry for her and the versatility of her work, which ranges from funk to rock, from the role of singer to that of director of her videos. A very well planned interview to win everyone over.
In fact, the fashion world is also starting to discuss this same value. At the last edition of Milan Fashion Week, Prada was heavily judged for presenting coats that were re-readings of past Balenciaga collections, two major companies in the segment. Has the brand lost its authenticity by not being original? Or did it incorporate ideas and make its own authentic version, true to its values? Several texts on the subject have dominated this universe, but in the end, I tend to agree with those who say that authenticity has nothing to do with who did it before, it has to do with the soul. You don't need to map out all the references and explain them, you need to focus on the result, on the feeling that the final product gives you.
In the business world, it's very common to hear the phrase 'don't reinvent the wheel', but we're still asked to come up with original ideas. Relax! As Cate Blanchett said in the movie "Manisfesto", forget originality, copy at will and find your own way of making your ideas and attitudes authentic. Value your story.
