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Messages from the archive of Rutherford Hall, critical communications strategist
WhatsApp to Stephen: Hi, just clearing a few things before I head back to Saudi. There might be a new deal in the works. I think they’ve heard Thames Water has a football team. Anyway, on a separate issue, you’ve got to tell your Abrdn CEO to stop using words like futurist to describe himself or his strategy for the company.
WhatsApp to Stephen: I know he wants to show the company is forward thinking but it wasn’t forward thinking enough to stave off net outflows from their funds and a fall in profits. Anyway it sounds like David Brent telling staff he’s less a boss than a chilled out entertainer. And since they rebranded the business as Abrdn, shouldn’t it be a Ftrst anyway? Or does the future still have vowels after all? God save us from bosses who want to be visionaries.
WhatsApp to Stephen: Look I’m sure he’s a great guy but the point is that once you’ve established yourself as a corporate visionary, then you can start whanging on about futurism. Mind you, once you’ve established yourself as a visionary you don’t need to.
WhatsApp to Stephen: He says he’s a reset guy, so reset him to dull until things pick up. Investment needs to look stable. Interesting is overrated when it comes to life savings. Would you let Elon run your portfolio? And talking about investing in the future we’ve got to do more to get in with the incoming government. Everyone grab any excuse to work with a Labour frontbencher or aide. I’ve got another meeting with Wes Streeting and Peter Kyle about AI in the health service tomorrow. Feel like I am making headway.
WhatsApp to Susan: Susan, great work on getting that AI health summit and report together. It really helped open the door to Labour’s top people. But we still need to step inside. What more can we do on this to meet that important strategic goal? Also can you walk me through radiomics again. And maybe neural networks, synthetic biology and large language models.
WhatsApp to Susan: I’m asking for your help here, don’t send me a “Let me Google that” link.
WhatsApp to WesPete: Really good to talk last week Wes. I’m obsessed with the AI implementation in the first years. We’ve now convened a monthly working group of interested clients and experts to thrash through early opportunities. Obviously some of them have interests but they are also leaders in the field. I’d be happy to share our output if it would be helpful.
WhatsApp to WesPete: Of course, we’d be thrilled to have you any time. You both have a standing invitation to every meeting, I’ll send you the dates. Just let me know when you want to come.
WhatsApp to Susan: OK look there’s a chance Labour’s shadow health or science secretaries may drop into these meetings so we can’t just ask the usual types. We need expertise. Also those two know their stuff so can you get me a few books to have read, so I sound like I’m on it? Oh and remind me, APIs?
WhatsApp to WesPete: Thanks for coming. I’m glad you liked the title of new report, The coming wAIve. I prefer to see it as an homage than a direct lift from Suleyman’s book! It is terrific though. I totally agree about keeping the focus near term. Where can we go in five years with radiomics, robotic process automation, Crispr gene editing, technology in primary care? This is the last mile of healthcare. Some big regulatory issues too of course.
WhatsApp to WesPete: Ha, no I wouldn’t call myself a futurist. Just a comms guy with an eye on the horizon. Maybe a near term realist. This is going to change everything and people like me need to stay on top of it. But my focus is on what’s possible now. Btw if you’ll excuse a moment of political advice, don’t let any of your people call you a “futurist” — it’s only for those hustling for speaking gigs.
WhatsApp to Susan: Great job. I won’t forget this when we get to bonus season. And keep those primers coming.
WhatsApp to WesPete: Yes I’d be delighted to join your informal advisory group. I don’t claim to be an expert but if you can use a near term realist, I’m happy to help.
WhatsApp to Stephen: We’re in.
WhatsApp to Stephen: No, let’s not leak it yet. The in is more important for now. That’s one for the future. Or maybe the near-term future.
Messages recovered by Robert Shrimsley
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