Digging In: A Novel(44)
CHAPTER 18
“An In-Depth Conversation with Petra Polly,” from Adweek (as read to the employees of Guh by Lukas Giacomo)
Where do you get your ideas?
I spend a great deal of time thinking about how creativity develops. Some might say I live in my head, but I disagree—I live in a cavernous creative space that happens to be inside me! Ideas come from everywhere, but mostly my sub-subconscious.
Sub-subconscious?
I’ve decided there’s a part of the brain devoted to truly subversive thought. It lies two levels below the problem-solving and logic sectors, and one level below creativity and inspiration.
“It’s a good thing Petra Polly isn’t a brain surgeon,” Jackie whispered, and I stifled a laugh. Still, Lukas caught the spirit of our misbehavior and glared our way before reading on.
How did you learn to apply your ideas to the business world?
The entire world is run by corporations. They’ve become our sustenance. The idea of treating a creative workplace as a living thing seemed logical—we’ve become the embodiment of the corporations that dictate every part of our lives.
“If I’m a corporation,” Byron interrupted, “I’m Apple.”
“And I’m Google,” added Rhiannon.
Lukas clenched his jaw. “Please stay focused, people.” He read on.
Do you think noncreative workplaces could benefit from your ideology?
I don’t believe a “noncreative” workplace exists. When people come together, there is a certain dynamism that results in the energy to spark ideas. Creativity takes many forms. Every company has the potential to be a creative powerhouse. Every single one.
“She obviously never worked at Stanley’s Auto Parts,” Glynnis whispered.
Lukas paused dramatically before diving in again.
Do you have any future projects in the works?
Another Lukas pause. Irritated, I glanced up only to see him looking so shiny and proud, like a clever little boy who thought he had figured out the meaning of life. “Wait until you hear this,” he announced. “What you’re about to hear . . . is the future of Guh.”
Well, then. We all leaned forward, waiting.
Lukas continued reading from his iPad:
The future is a very exciting place, and I can’t wait to visit. The second book in my creative workplace series, The Petra Polly Workbook for the New, New Creative Workplace, will release next month. I’m going out on a limb and publishing it myself. I’ve also created some products to enhance the workplace environment—mugs, inspirational posters, and even laptop sleeves that say “Passwork, Not Password.” That’s copyrighted, by the way. The goal is a whole line of books and helpful materials to guarantee success. And I mean what I say. I GUARANTEE success.
“She guarantees success,” Lukas repeated with a sigh. “That takes guts. And true belief in oneself.” Lukas was positively beaming, as if Petra herself had deemed him her personal press secretary.
Byron said what we were all likely thinking. “Is it a good idea to guarantee success for everyone?”
“That’s the beauty of her philosophy,” Lukas insisted. “It suits every worker, in every situation.”
“That might be true,” Rhiannon said, obviously struggling to keep her tone benign. “But is there a reason for reading that interview aloud? I understand studying Petra’s book, but that article doesn’t exactly help us gain insight, you know?”
Rhiannon is the one with guts, I thought. She wasn’t afraid to be confrontational. Lukas, smiling indulgently at her, didn’t seem to mind. Was it her relative youth that gave her such confidence, or was it her security in her position? She brazenly challenged Lukas. If Jackie or I had done it, would the effect have been the same? I didn’t think so, and I stayed quiet, though I, too, questioned the need to listen to Petra’s substance-free interview.
“Petra is touring to promote her new book,” Lukas began excitedly, brimming with the need to explain. “When I learned she was expanding her brand, I sent a message to her Facebook page—” Here he paused to generate a little drama. When none came, he went on, though he seemed slightly irritated. “I asked if she needed help with advertising her new products.”
I nearly choked on my extrastrong coffee. “You what?”
“I sent her a lengthy message detailing our company’s talent and success,” Lukas said, unable to keep the smugness from his voice. “Including catching the eye of our most recent client, Landon Cosmetics.”
Our recent success with Landon Cosmetics was impressive, and I was proud of my company, but scoring Petra Polly seemed slightly unreal, like being allowed to join Oz behind the curtain. Lukas had written to her like a lovesick fanboy? The other employees of Guh obviously felt the same—everyone shifted in their seats and appeared mildly uncomfortable. Had our leader embarrassed himself?
Lukas’s face lit up. “Fate has given us a chance. Petra is making a stop in Willow Falls during her book tour, giving us the perfect opportunity to present our ideas in person.”
Byron dropped his pen. “Seriously? Why would she come here?”
“Tomson’s Bookshop is one of the top independent bookstores in the nation,” Lukas said, grinning.
We all loved Tomson’s, but that was pushing it a little.