This is precisely what the CREATE.2022 summit, a 3-day event, is centred on. This summit was full of insight and inspiration for Nedbankers who are invested in creating memorable and impactful experiences. It was a melting pot of ideas, expertise and innovation, providing attendees with valuable takeaways on how to enhance client experiences, amplify product and service quality, and create shared value for all.

Day 1: Setting the stage for inspiration

The opening day of the CREATE.2022 Summit set the tone for what was to come. Attendees were treated to a series of engaging presentations and enlightening discussions led by both Nedbank's leadership and distinguished South African and international industry experts. Brand specialist Janet Kinghorn underscored the significance of a clear brand promise and the imperative of consistently delivering on that promise.

The main speaker of the day was none other than Stephen Gates, the Founder of CRZY and an influential podcaster. Gates delved into the heart of creativity and innovation, particularly in the banking sector. His insights were a revelation, unveiling the following key principles:

• Beyond competition: Shift perspective on competition. The race is not just against industry peers, but against any experience that can capture consumers' attention. Such as rather than seeing other banks as rivals, recognise that true competition lies in the last app that consumers opened.
• Embracing possibilities: Don’t run to solutions. Stay open to possibilities. Explore a spectrum of possibilities before settling on a path.
• Problem-centric approach: Find problems to be solved, not solutions to be vetted. Gates emphasised the importance of identifying problems in need of solutions, as opposed to only presenting solutions to be scrutinised.
• Find comfort in discomfort: Creativity often blooms in uncharted territory. Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for innovation. Stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to the birth of groundbreaking ideas and approaches.

Day 2 and 3: The journey of collaboration and application

Day 2 saw a transition from the main auditorium to a series of intimate masterclasses and workshops, with the understanding that crafting exceptional experiences demands intentionality and collaboration. The summit attendees immersed themselves in these hands-on sessions, a practical step toward harnessing the insights shared on day 1.

The concluding day was a crescendo of interactive and collaborative sessions. Attendees were provided with the invaluable opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills garnered over the 2 days. As attendees were creators of products, services and platforms to meet genuine human needs, the significant influence of combined expertise became evident.

CREATE.2022 was an embodiment of innovation, learning and collaboration. It epitomised the quest for delivering exceptional brand experiences, underscoring the significance of clear promises, relentless innovation and unwavering commitment. The insights from Janet Kinghorn, Stephen Gates and Nedbank leadership resonated as a guide for all attendees, encouraging them to embrace discomfort and stay open to new possibilities.

As we look forward to CREATE.2023, scheduled for 30 October to 3 November, the anticipation of another immersive journey towards innovative brand experiences is palpable. To be part of this transformative movement, keep an eye out for communication on Nedbank's internal platforms for further details on how and where to sign up.

The next chapter of creativity, innovation and collaboration awaits!