Welcome back. I'm Mark, and today I'm bringing you a special bonus episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity" direct from Oslo, Norway, where I'm diving into the fascinating world of conscious brands during Oslo Innovation Week.

In this illuminating session titled "Conscientious Innovation," hosted by the Medinge Group and organized by the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), we explored how innovation, sustainability, and creativity intertwine to make the world a better place.

The first 3 distinguished panelists of the morning led us on an eye-opening journey:

Christian Lodgaard: As the Chief Design Officer of Flock, one of Scandinavia's largest furniture manufacturers, Christian delved into the concept of designing products to last. He emphasized the significance of considering materials, structure, and repairability right from the start. The goal? To create furniture with lasting value and minimal environmental impact.

Brigitte Stepputtis: The Global Head of Couture at the fashion brand Vivienne Westwood, revealed how this fashion icon leads the way in conscious design. Vivienne Westwood's reduced impact strategy includes fewer collection changes, fewer fashion shows, and streamlining product lines -- while even exploring the repurposing of bridal gowns.

Joana Sá Lima: Joana, a partner and architect at Comte Bureau, introduced us to the idea that sometimes the best decision is not to build anything new at all. She highlighted innovative ways to rethink construction materials, design, and waste reduction. Asking the right questions, she argued, can lead to surprising and sustainable solutions.

Taken together, hese panelists illuminated some key takeaways:

1. The Art of the Possible: Concrete examples showed us what's achievable in the realm of conscientious innovation, dispelling the notion of mere theoretical ideas.

2. Defining Circularity: They provided a clear picture of how individual brands and products can embrace circularity, pinpointing where improvements can be made.

3. Empowering the Consumer: Educating customers about their choices can steer them toward more sustainable options, fostering informed decisions.

Stay tuned for more updates from Oslo Innovation Week as I continue my exploration of global creative and innovative endeavors. I'm Mark, inviting you to join me on this inspiring journey of unlocking creativity.