Hey Reader!

I was thinking about the monarchy the other day. The British one, that is.

Here in the US we have a lot of feelings about a throne. We seem to have a lot of feelings about every damn thing, come to think of it. But our feelings about kings and queens and the whole institution are so typically American.

We’re envious. We’re outraged. We feel superior. We secretly worry that we’re missing out.

I mean, there’s a lot to dislike about a patrilineal line of extreme privilege that doesn’t seem to benefit its supposed subjects.

On the other hand, it’s kind of like history is still happening, right here in front of us. Did you see what Charles wore to his coronation? And the pomp, the pageantry, the seriousness with which we were told about the Stone of Destiny? It’s bonkers!

It's the kind of controversy that makes for good discussion, but isn't really important. We're not out here to change it, most of us, and if you live outside of the UK it's not really germane to your life.

I've been told many times to talk about what I disagree with in my industry, whatever industry that happened to be. And trust me, I have opinions.

But I think if you're going to take that advice you should do so with a little forethought and tact.

Because while it's cool to take a stand, I don't think it's particularly helpful to put your entire industry on blast in the hope that you'll somehow stand out.

Is there a monarchy problem in your field? A dispute you can discuss that helps your customers understand you better? And also helps them see why you'd be a perfect fit for them?

You don't have to be a disruptor. In fact, maybe we've experienced enough disruption for a while? 😰

But every industry has its sacred cows and shady secrets. Pull one up and see if you can describe it to your audience to let them see a little more of YOU.

Yours in friendly disagreement,

Julia

​Counting Crows has feelings about kings and queens, and so does this email. Forward it to your favorite monarchist.