From AI Innovation to Community Leadership
Q1 2025: Here's a look at what has happened this last quarter after our pause, and a new cadence from monthly to quarterly.
Welcome to our Q1 2025 newsletter! We're excited to announce a shift in our communication rhythm - we're moving from monthly updates to quarterly digests. This new cadence allows us to share deeper insights, reflect more meaningfully on our journey, and provide you with a richer perspective on our impact-driven work. As we settle into this new format, we're looking forward to delivering more comprehensive stories about our achievements, challenges, and the meaningful change we're creating together. Let's dive into what's been happening at Driftime® during these transformative first three months of 2025.
⏰ Short on time? Here’s the nutshell…
✏️ New project launches including Fab AI and Climate Finance Reform Compass, demonstrating our impact-driven approach.
👥 Managing team restructuring and resource constraints while maintaining integrity and core values.
❇️ Developing accessible foundations and strengthening community leadership through B Corp initiatives.
💫 Preparing for Q2 with a brand refresh, Impact Pathfinder beta, and expanding industry influence.
A spring step and steady stride with new work
We're in our stride with the kind of meaningful work that defines Driftime®. Recent projects showcase our sweet spot: from Fab AI's manufacturing innovations to the Climate Finance Reform Compass launch at COP29 - projects that prioritise real-world impact over industry accolades. We've enhanced digital ecosystems through Roadrunner Venture Studios V2, finalised a new brand for Alucinari and are wrapping up impactful work with the Finnish Institute. As we move into 2025, exciting conversations are brewing with potential partners who share our vision for impact-driven design. Adding to our comfort zone, our CCO Abb-d Taiyo's appointment as B Local co-chair for the south coast reinforces our commitment to positive change in our community.
Riding the waves of change and staying true to our values
The past few months have tested our resilience at Driftime®. At the tail end of last year, we faced the difficult decision of going through our first redundancy, navigated through economic uncertainties, and made the tough but principled choice to part ways with a toxic client. While operating with reduced capacity, we're juggling our commitments to initiatives like Design Declares and our B Local responsibilities. The current landscape presents a particular challenge: as funding sources become scarcer (including the loss of USAID support), we're constantly balancing our desire to support meaningful work against financial sustainability. Even our presence on LinkedIn, our last remaining social platform, feels increasingly disconnected from meaningful engagement. Despite these challenges, we're learning valuable lessons about maintaining our integrity while adapting to changing circumstances.
When life gives you lemons… make strategic growth
As we navigate our path to recovery, we're taking proactive steps to strengthen our impact and sustainability. We're actively seeking passionate representatives to help lead on initiatives like Design Declares, while developing innovative foundations to make our strategic services more accessible in this resource constrained environment. Our leadership continues to push forward, with our CCO back to writing his anticipated book on design and impact. The successful launch of B Corp month on the south coast demonstrated the vibrant community spirit, bringing together local voices on environmental and social issues. These initiatives show we're not just recovering - we're evolving and strengthening our commitment to meaningful change.
Moving forward and charting new heights with purpose and innovation
Exciting developments are unfolding at Driftime® as we move into Q2, with a refreshed brand identity, website, and service offerings set to launch this summer. Our innovative Impact Pathfinder is entering its beta phase after two years of development, offering select organisations the opportunity to pioneer clearer pathways to impact. Our leadership continues to make waves, with Abb-d Taiyo's upcoming speaking engagement at the Better Business Network South Summit on impactful storytelling and recognition as a Top 10 Mentor in creative business development on ADP List. These milestones reflect our growing influence and commitment to driving meaningful change in the industry.
📍 Monthly picks from the Drifteam…
🏡 Olivia found FairBnB, a cooperative platform that puts people over profit by reinvesting in the communities.
🚋 Jess shared the Atlas Obscura, and the 15 places that feel like a Wes Anderson movie.
🧼 Ed took a deep cleanse, and share the 21-day Cyber-Cleanse designed to remove toxic tech from your life.
⌨️ Kenny shared Klack for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, opting for a satisfying sound with every keystroke.
🎶 Abb-d explored AI sound with Suno, playing with high-quality music creation made accessible to all.
👋 Interested in working together? We’re currently booking select partnerships. Get in touch and let’s keep the conversation going… Contact Us →