Here is a statement of fact: Social Media has changed our lives. Yet, since 2015, around 62 countries worldwide have blocked or at least restricted access to social networks. Skip down to our 'Shaping Tomorrow' section to see a map view of social media usage around the world.

Ahead of that, we've got some updates on the 'Abolish The Trade' campaign we're working on with JTACC – on how we are working towards not just stopping poaching and the buy/sell networks but also decreasing the desire and demand for illegal wildlife and wildlife parts.

We also recently became the authorized distributors of the latest health-tech innovation - Sonovia masks - which kill 99.35% of Covid and other viruses on contact.  In 'The Mind Lab' we talk about the amazing technology, efficacy and sustainability of the masks and why everyone needs to get one – yesterday! Fighting fire with fire, the masks simply stop the virus in its tracks... we sense a theme here. Go big or go home, as they say.

And not forgetting too, Valentine's Day is coming up so we have sourced some great gifts to give (and get – in the name of self care!) while getting you excited for the top films to look forward to in 2021 via BuzzFeed in our 'Diversions' section.

And as far as a parting note, Noosa Head in Australia will definitely have a lasting impact. Enjoy the drama.

Peace, love and fight the good fight.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE (ESG)

'ESG' (Environmental, Social and Governance) is the new buzz acronym in the business and investment world these days. It seems to be cropping up everywhere - but what is it? According to Investopedia, it's, "... a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments. Environmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature. Social criteria examine how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities where it operates. Governance deals with a company’s leadership, executive pay, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights."

But ESG is far more nuanced than that - it's the strategic plan and code of conduct that impacts every single aspect of a business, it's growth, reputation, investment potential and most importantly its people, customers and culture. In essence it's an ingrained mindset that has to be grounded in feasibility, efficiency and consciousness - no easy feat. We've been helping companies with this long before it became a 'thing' - looking at where companies want to be, implementing their vision, building their legacies, developing their sustainability story, improving consumer engagement and helping them find the right investors to help them grow through mutual mindsets and benefits.

THE MINDLAB

This is a space where we get into the feels of things. We share our thoughts, experience and industry insights on what has struck a chord or made us tick. And it's a chance for us to flex our digital penmanship.

SHAPING TOMORROW

We’re always on the look out for dynamic change makers, disruptors and new information to fuel our own dexterity and creativity. So, this section sees a few of our recent picks on how the world’s outlook is changing. We hope these little nuggets will help you land on that 'aha!' moment you were looking for!

OUR DIVERSIONS

We know everyone says it's not all work, it's about play, too – and as much as we don't want to sound like a broken record, there is truth in the truism. Like we said earlier, we are all about ingesting the complex and the trivial in equal measure. In fact, we love nothing more than thinking deeply about the more 'playful' things in life. Read ' em and ponder away.

NOW PLAYING

We love when a song becomes an 'on-repeat' obsession. This is one of those songs.

TODAY'S QUOTE

Imposter Syndrome, be gone. You're no good here.

THE OUTLOOK

We're in the mood for some drama. Where to?