Latest news with #DonDraper
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Irish Independent
Worth the hype? Ember Locke's hip London aparthotel sizzles with character – and gives you the chance of a lie-in
Locke aparthotels have gone from strength to strength since launching in London in 2016. They tap into a burgeoning home-from-home trend that allows visitors the freedom to faff in the privacy of their own fancy self-catering, serviced flat – so you don't have to rush down to a communal breakfast if you're aching for a lie-in. The brand made its Irish debut in 2020 with Zanzibar Locke, followed by Beckett Locke in 2021, both in Dublin. Instagram and millennial- friendly, Locke has received a glowing word of mouth for its communal caffeine and cocktail areas – ideal for digital nomads and brainstorming sessions, as well as for good old-fashioned people-watching. Imposter syndrome? If I'd worried I might be too old, at 48, for such a hip-spot, I was gladly mistaken. On arrival at Ember Locke in Kensington, we met a stylish white-haired Australian lady, probably in her 60s, struggling to lug her luggage up the external stairs. My friend and I gave her a hand into the yellow and pink lobby (bold colours, plush curtains, blonde wood coffee-bar area) of which Dorothy and Don Draper would surely approve. This leads to a brighter, orangery vibe at the back, a maximalist bar and various co-working and leisure seating in between. Weekly activities were listed above the elevator (Boxfit, yoga), and outside, my bird-nerd heart soared at the nesting boxes and bug hotels in a garden of mature trees, and appreciated the tented gazebo for curated outdoor 'happenings' and casual lollings. I'll fit right into this Victorian-era mansion block, I thought. And so I did. Suite dreams – or stuff of nightmares? When I was 21, I stayed in a hostel in New York City – where, in lieu of a knife, my pal and I used a Virgin Atlantic shoehorn (weirdly included in our complimentary inflight kit) to spread peanut butter on to a bagel. No such improvisation required in my top-floor one-bed open-plan suite. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Ember Locke's ergonomic kitchenettes are stocked with crockery, cutlery, glassware, exceedingly tasty/bougie teabags, high-end white goods, and Ecover detergent. There was also an ironing board and iron cunningly tucked into the back of a lozenge-shaped full-size mirror. The stylishly curvaceous clothing rail proved a nuisance though, allowing only a handful of coat-hangered tops before each one fell off. (Can hotels please bring back wardrobes with doors? Utilitarian chic has its place, but sometimes going back into the actual closet is a good thing.) But, oh, what a wonderful colour scheme. The ruddy embrace of terracotta, blush, orange and mustard tones, with forest-green kitchen units and fringed lampshades were a welcome change to the 50 shades of greige of so many 'contemporary' hotels. The cute dual-aspect, steep-roof nook was inset with a very comfortable king-size bed, and a graphic-print bedspread complemented a patterned feature wall. My friend's eight-year-old was equally smitten with her added single bed on to which morning sunshine streamed through the skylight, while the aforementioned teabags were ceremoniously steeping. The room's warm hues were in stark contrast to the nippy air-conditioning and mostly tepid water in the bathroom. I notified front desk who sent a plumber, but there was no improvement. Perhaps I should've just jumped the bathroom queue ahead of my two roomies who had better luck. I hadn't seen my dear friend and her daughter since February 2020 – mere weeks before lockdown, and just before they were moving to Hong Kong, so there was much to catch up on as we sat at the bar for snacks and sips. Sadly, our chinwag was stunted by a young staffer variously piddling about with glassware and boxes of ice cubes while we were clearly itching to order. Twice. Food is served at Ember Locke but we hot-footed it to the Irani-Indian stunner Dishoom one evening, and ordered a Deliveroo (Baba Ghanouj restaurant) to the property on night two, as the little one was desperate to watch A Very Important Football Match while stuffing our faces in the privacy of our own 'home'. Conclusion Despite a few niggles, I'd definitely stay at Ember Locke again. Firstly, you've the whole of London on your doorstep, with Earl's Court Tube station 10 minutes' away on foot. We walked to the National History Museum in 20 minutes and took the Tube to Kew Gardens in Wimbledon, around 30 minutes' west. Secondly, the eclectic decor is a real sight for drab eyes. Also, my suite was quiet, and its eaves aspect both quirky and familiar, rather like a theatre or film set. So, it really wasn't too far off from making my hotlist. Ember Locke, Kensington, London. Rooms from £220.
Telegraph
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
I'm sick of old people clichés on TV – last time I checked we're living rich, fulfilled lives
Are you an older person? Do you feel 'bombarded' by adverts for funeral services, care homes and mobility aids? Ah, bless. I have every sympathy, why when I become… wait, these commercials are aimed at the over-55s? That's me! Seriously. Me! I'm not dependent and defenceless, I'm not about to cark it. And even if I were, it wouldn't give me any peace of mind knowing my casket is all paid for. I need that money for flamenco lessons and overpriced restaurants that only sell small plates. I've still got a teenager at home for pity's sake – and no, she's not my grandchild. But in the eyes of today's proverbial Mad Men, I'm fair game for both funeral plans and weaponised skincare products that promise to 'fight' sign of ageing and banish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – because why on earth would anyone want to look like a (whisper it) midlife woman. According to a poll by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), older people are fed up with being 'reduced to outdated stereotypes' depicting them as lonely and vulnerable. And it's not all in their (our?) minds. More than a third of the UK population believes that older people are 'negatively stereotyped' in ads which depict them as 'lonely, purposeless or powerless'. What an indictment. Maybe our contemporary Don Drapers and Peggy Olsens could remind themselves how times and generations have changed by catching up with current television shows, which have evolved – and are all the better for it. It's chastening to know that in the rebooted Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw was 55, and her friends Miranda Hobbes and Charlotte York were 54, making them around the same age as Rose, Dorothy and Blanche in the early seasons of The Golden Girls. I know, right? In this new research, people of all ages said they wanted to see more 'authentic and realistic' portrayals of older people, avoiding binary depictions of pensioners as 'always being wealthy or grumpy'. Bring back the classic Renault Clio adverts, I say, where Nicole kept finding her Papa getting up to French mischief in Aix en Provence. That's how ageing ought to look – and not a Werther's Original in sight. Given that Ofcom figures show 82 per cent of Baby Boomers watch television compared with 48 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds, the whole industry needs to pivot. We need more series like the fabulous Last Tango in Halifax – would anyone dare tell the magnificent Anne Reid she was in need of a stairlift? Or what about Vera? DCI Stanhope (played by Brenda Blethyn) outwitting criminals and whippersnapper colleagues alike for 14 years. Losing her marbles? Aged 79, she had more bloomin' marbles than the British Museum. Admittedly she was a bit grumpy – but crucially, she wasn't just grumpy. And it's the retrograde one-dimensional tropes that advertising needs to axe. It seems crazy in this day and age but in mainstream commercials, an old person is still regarded as visual shorthand for 'out of touch' and 'in need of care'. That's why I hollered with joy when a friend recently sent me a video from Instagram featuring a catwalk show of stunning elderly models sashaying down the runway in jaw-dropping pleated dresses. It was, quite simply, joyful. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WAM | AI Cats, Ads & Art (@wearemidjourney) Only afterwards did we both realise it had been dreamed up by AI. It was both impressive and alarming. After all, what does it say about the creatives dominating the advertising sector when artificial intelligence has a clearer – and saliently, more creative – vision of the future than they do? Older people are quite rightly cavilling at being lazily written off as hopeless and socially isolated. And that needs to be reflected in commercials as well as in programming schedules. Think of Rip Off Britain, fronted by the redoubtable Gloria Hunniford, now 85, with a roster of other high-profile women of a certain age. And who could resist the humour and charm of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing? Bob Mortimer is 66 and Paul Whitehouse 67. I wonder how they would react if a bloke in a cardigan turned up on the banks of the River Frome trying to flog them a couple of shower chairs? The BBC's new crime caper Death Valley, which debuted last month, has proved to be a ratings winner. Its star? Timothy Spall aged – pass the commode! – 68. I really do hope this new survey will give advertisers pause and mark a real sea change. And not just advertisers; woe betide the next politician who next describes older voters as a 'demographic time bomb' as though their very existence were a threat to the young. The 'othering' of a huge proportion of the electorate won't wash these days. It's insulting and reductive to start offering us funeral plans at 55 – and not just now and then but in every ad break on daytime telly – when many of us are immersed in the most rewarding peak of our careers and the rest are planning the next footloose-and-fancy-free chapter of our lives.
The Advertiser
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
'It started as a lark': Motorcyclists in suits inspired by Mad Men
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride began with a publicity photo of Mad Men's Don Draper wearing a suit while perched on a classic motorcycle. Mark Hawwa started the themed ride 13 years ago, after being inspired by the photo. This year's event, which raises money for men's mental health support and prostate cancer research, involved about 127,000 riders in 1038 cities. The event features classic and vintage motorcycles, with riders dressed in suits. It aims to foster a different perception of riders to that of outlaw bikie gangs. The Newcastle event, delayed by a month due to heavy rain, was held at The Station on Sunday. Organiser Stephen Meek said it was "perfect weather, thank god". "The ride went well. It's a bit of camaraderie and looking silly in our suits," Mr Meek said. "Motorcyclists are always good for supporting a cause." The ride went through town, alongside beaches, up to Fort Scratchley and through Darby Street, Parkway Avenue and Tudor Street. About 120 people did the ride, which returned to The Station for lunch. The Newcastle event raised $21,000. Maitland's Glenn Behnke, an event co-organiser, was among the riders. His dad overcame prostate cancer after surgery. "My grandfather had prostate cancer as well. He died with it, not from it. It's one of those things where I need to be aware. "I'm 50 now but started getting checked early. "I was sent for an ultrasound that was inconclusive, so I had a biopsy. That came back clear. It wasn't a pleasant process to go through." As for the mental health side of the ride, he said "it's one of those age-old stigmas that guys tend to keep their feelings to themselves". "I think now the younger generation is more open and vocal about it. Any light shone on that is a good thing." The inaugural gentleman's ride was held in 2012. Mr Meek - host of the Newcastle event - has been involved from the beginning. "It's phenomenal how it's grown. It's raised a massive amount of money for Movember," Mr Meek said. "It started out as a bit of a lark - dressing up in a suit inspired by the TV show Mad Men. "The first year we went to Vinnies to buy a suit and pinned the receipts to our lapels. That was the charity side at that point. It took off from there. "Sponsors who thought it was a nice idea came on board and away it went." Worldwide, the event raised $12 million for Movember this year and almost $70 million since it began. "Each year, we're blown away by the scale, generosity and heart behind this ride," said Mr Hawwa, the founder. "We are building a movement that saves lives and reminds folks around the world that men's health matters everywhere." Mr Hawwa, of Sydney, said men die on average six years earlier than women from "largely preventable reasons". "The number of men who are suffering is growing. We need to do something about that." The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride began with a publicity photo of Mad Men's Don Draper wearing a suit while perched on a classic motorcycle. Mark Hawwa started the themed ride 13 years ago, after being inspired by the photo. This year's event, which raises money for men's mental health support and prostate cancer research, involved about 127,000 riders in 1038 cities. The event features classic and vintage motorcycles, with riders dressed in suits. It aims to foster a different perception of riders to that of outlaw bikie gangs. The Newcastle event, delayed by a month due to heavy rain, was held at The Station on Sunday. Organiser Stephen Meek said it was "perfect weather, thank god". "The ride went well. It's a bit of camaraderie and looking silly in our suits," Mr Meek said. "Motorcyclists are always good for supporting a cause." The ride went through town, alongside beaches, up to Fort Scratchley and through Darby Street, Parkway Avenue and Tudor Street. About 120 people did the ride, which returned to The Station for lunch. The Newcastle event raised $21,000. Maitland's Glenn Behnke, an event co-organiser, was among the riders. His dad overcame prostate cancer after surgery. "My grandfather had prostate cancer as well. He died with it, not from it. It's one of those things where I need to be aware. "I'm 50 now but started getting checked early. "I was sent for an ultrasound that was inconclusive, so I had a biopsy. That came back clear. It wasn't a pleasant process to go through." As for the mental health side of the ride, he said "it's one of those age-old stigmas that guys tend to keep their feelings to themselves". "I think now the younger generation is more open and vocal about it. Any light shone on that is a good thing." The inaugural gentleman's ride was held in 2012. Mr Meek - host of the Newcastle event - has been involved from the beginning. "It's phenomenal how it's grown. It's raised a massive amount of money for Movember," Mr Meek said. "It started out as a bit of a lark - dressing up in a suit inspired by the TV show Mad Men. "The first year we went to Vinnies to buy a suit and pinned the receipts to our lapels. That was the charity side at that point. It took off from there. "Sponsors who thought it was a nice idea came on board and away it went." Worldwide, the event raised $12 million for Movember this year and almost $70 million since it began. "Each year, we're blown away by the scale, generosity and heart behind this ride," said Mr Hawwa, the founder. "We are building a movement that saves lives and reminds folks around the world that men's health matters everywhere." Mr Hawwa, of Sydney, said men die on average six years earlier than women from "largely preventable reasons". "The number of men who are suffering is growing. We need to do something about that." The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride began with a publicity photo of Mad Men's Don Draper wearing a suit while perched on a classic motorcycle. Mark Hawwa started the themed ride 13 years ago, after being inspired by the photo. This year's event, which raises money for men's mental health support and prostate cancer research, involved about 127,000 riders in 1038 cities. The event features classic and vintage motorcycles, with riders dressed in suits. It aims to foster a different perception of riders to that of outlaw bikie gangs. The Newcastle event, delayed by a month due to heavy rain, was held at The Station on Sunday. Organiser Stephen Meek said it was "perfect weather, thank god". "The ride went well. It's a bit of camaraderie and looking silly in our suits," Mr Meek said. "Motorcyclists are always good for supporting a cause." The ride went through town, alongside beaches, up to Fort Scratchley and through Darby Street, Parkway Avenue and Tudor Street. About 120 people did the ride, which returned to The Station for lunch. The Newcastle event raised $21,000. Maitland's Glenn Behnke, an event co-organiser, was among the riders. His dad overcame prostate cancer after surgery. "My grandfather had prostate cancer as well. He died with it, not from it. It's one of those things where I need to be aware. "I'm 50 now but started getting checked early. "I was sent for an ultrasound that was inconclusive, so I had a biopsy. That came back clear. It wasn't a pleasant process to go through." As for the mental health side of the ride, he said "it's one of those age-old stigmas that guys tend to keep their feelings to themselves". "I think now the younger generation is more open and vocal about it. Any light shone on that is a good thing." The inaugural gentleman's ride was held in 2012. Mr Meek - host of the Newcastle event - has been involved from the beginning. "It's phenomenal how it's grown. It's raised a massive amount of money for Movember," Mr Meek said. "It started out as a bit of a lark - dressing up in a suit inspired by the TV show Mad Men. "The first year we went to Vinnies to buy a suit and pinned the receipts to our lapels. That was the charity side at that point. It took off from there. "Sponsors who thought it was a nice idea came on board and away it went." Worldwide, the event raised $12 million for Movember this year and almost $70 million since it began. "Each year, we're blown away by the scale, generosity and heart behind this ride," said Mr Hawwa, the founder. "We are building a movement that saves lives and reminds folks around the world that men's health matters everywhere." Mr Hawwa, of Sydney, said men die on average six years earlier than women from "largely preventable reasons". "The number of men who are suffering is growing. We need to do something about that." The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride began with a publicity photo of Mad Men's Don Draper wearing a suit while perched on a classic motorcycle. Mark Hawwa started the themed ride 13 years ago, after being inspired by the photo. This year's event, which raises money for men's mental health support and prostate cancer research, involved about 127,000 riders in 1038 cities. The event features classic and vintage motorcycles, with riders dressed in suits. It aims to foster a different perception of riders to that of outlaw bikie gangs. The Newcastle event, delayed by a month due to heavy rain, was held at The Station on Sunday. Organiser Stephen Meek said it was "perfect weather, thank god". "The ride went well. It's a bit of camaraderie and looking silly in our suits," Mr Meek said. "Motorcyclists are always good for supporting a cause." The ride went through town, alongside beaches, up to Fort Scratchley and through Darby Street, Parkway Avenue and Tudor Street. About 120 people did the ride, which returned to The Station for lunch. The Newcastle event raised $21,000. Maitland's Glenn Behnke, an event co-organiser, was among the riders. His dad overcame prostate cancer after surgery. "My grandfather had prostate cancer as well. He died with it, not from it. It's one of those things where I need to be aware. "I'm 50 now but started getting checked early. "I was sent for an ultrasound that was inconclusive, so I had a biopsy. That came back clear. It wasn't a pleasant process to go through." As for the mental health side of the ride, he said "it's one of those age-old stigmas that guys tend to keep their feelings to themselves". "I think now the younger generation is more open and vocal about it. Any light shone on that is a good thing." The inaugural gentleman's ride was held in 2012. Mr Meek - host of the Newcastle event - has been involved from the beginning. "It's phenomenal how it's grown. It's raised a massive amount of money for Movember," Mr Meek said. "It started out as a bit of a lark - dressing up in a suit inspired by the TV show Mad Men. "The first year we went to Vinnies to buy a suit and pinned the receipts to our lapels. That was the charity side at that point. It took off from there. "Sponsors who thought it was a nice idea came on board and away it went." Worldwide, the event raised $12 million for Movember this year and almost $70 million since it began. "Each year, we're blown away by the scale, generosity and heart behind this ride," said Mr Hawwa, the founder. "We are building a movement that saves lives and reminds folks around the world that men's health matters everywhere." Mr Hawwa, of Sydney, said men die on average six years earlier than women from "largely preventable reasons". "The number of men who are suffering is growing. We need to do something about that."
Wall Street Journal
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Wall Street Journal
Today's Sharpest Swim Trunks Look a Lot Like Paul Newman's 1960s Summer Style
Today's suavest swim trunks appear to have backstroked into stores from the 1960s. With a narrow, mid-thigh, midcentury cut, these throwbacks are as neat as the whiskey sipped by Don Draper. Most boast discreet snap buttons and adjustable side tabs (much tidier than drawstrings). Lean stripes often race down sides.
Entrepreneur
03-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How I Discovered the Incredible Power of Employee Engagement
When leaders move from control to culture, engagement stops being a perk and starts becoming the engine for growth. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. In 2024, Gallup reported that low employee engagement is costing U.S. companies an estimated $1.9 trillion in lost productivity. The message is clear: How you engage your team isn't just about morale — it's about performance, retention and long-term growth. Early in my career, I didn't think much about employee engagement. To be honest, I didn't expect much from my employers either. My mindset was simple: Work hard, deliver results, get paid, get promoted. That was the implicit contract. Time and effort in exchange for money and power. It was the 1990s, and that was considered normal, especially in the world of enterprise software sales. There's a famous line from Mad Men where Don Draper responds to a subordinate's request for appreciation with: "That's what the money is for." It captures a certain mindset of leadership — results over relationships, control over connection. I lived that mindset for years. But over time, as I rose through the ranks and led larger teams, I started to notice something: I was no longer motivated just by money. During my years at Citrix, the motto, per our CEO Mark Templeton, became: "Work hard, play hard, get results and have fun doing it." I wanted to enjoy the work, learn something new, feel valued and laugh with my teammates. And even though I always gave 100% — even when those things were missing — I began to realize that not everyone is wired the same. Nor should they be. Related: Top 10 Employee Engagement Strategies That Matter The turning point My first CEO role at getAbstract was a game changer. Suddenly, I was responsible not just for outcomes, but for culture. We sold a product that gave companies access to over 14,000 curated business book summaries, including the best thinking on leadership and organizational effectiveness. People like Simon Sinek, Lisa McLeod, Ken Blanchard, Mark Miller, Stephen M.R. Covey and many more have become regular voices in our work and conversations. In addition, our clients, mostly (offices of the) CHROs at large corporations, put our solution to work inside their incredible organizations. Being surrounded by amazing content, customers, cultures and colleagues becomes my version of an advanced study in human behavior at work. Through this, something clicked: The best leaders don't just lead for results; they lead with purpose, meaning and service. I became intellectually curious. I began testing what I was learning — leading with gratitude, aligning around purpose, creating space for constructive feedback and growth. And the results? Employees showed up with more passion. Customers noticed the energy. Sales grew. Profit followed. What started as theory turned into practice. Practice turned into belief. Belief turned into who I am as a leader. Related: The Key to Employee Engagement Is Purpose. Here's Why — and How to Foster It in Your Workplace. Engagement is a business strategy Too many leaders still think of engagement as a "nice-to-have" — a soft skill or HR metric that doesn't directly connect to the bottom line. I know because I used to be one of them. But here's what I've learned: Engagement is not fluff. It's a strategic lever for business growth. When employees feel seen, heard, challenged and appreciated, they bring what I call discretionary effort — that extra energy and initiative that can't be bought, only inspired. And when you create value beyond salary — through recognition, purpose, learning and belonging — people aren't constantly looking elsewhere for more. Another way to think about it: Engagement is what makes people actually look forward to Monday. As MD Rafi, founder and CEO of Bison Life, told me in an interview: "We started treating culture like a product — something to design, build and iterate. It was no longer about keeping people happy. It was about helping them grow, take ownership and feel essential to the mission." Engaged teams innovate more. They sell more. They stay longer. They attract great talent. They treat the company like an owner would. It's not just the right thing to do; it's the smart thing to do. Investing in career development isn't just good for morale — it's a measurable business advantage. A 2025 report from LinkedIn Learning found that companies with strong internal mobility and growth programs experience higher engagement, more internal promotions and stronger leadership pipelines. With 88% of organizations now citing retention as a critical concern, supporting employee development has become a top priority for leaders who want to keep their best people. The flywheel of authentic leadership Today, my team and I coach leaders through this same evolution. At first, we help them see that engagement is a driver of performance. Then I encourage them to try it — lead with more purpose, invest in their people and build a culture of meaning. They often see an immediate lift. People respond. And then something wonderful happens: They start to like the way it makes them feel; good! Not just the business results, but the energy, connection and personal fulfillment that come from leading well. What began as an experiment becomes a habit. A new leadership style emerges — one that's not just effective but authentic. And that authenticity creates a flywheel of trust, passion and performance. We see this all the time at great companies we work with. Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs, prioritizes a culture that cares for its team members so it can translate into great customer experiences and business performance. Jeff Housman, RBI's Chief People & Services Officer, emphasizes this connection: "Our culture is built around hard-working, good people who care deeply about each other and the guests we serve. When our team members feel supported and valued, they bring that same care to every customer interaction, creating a cycle of positivity that drives our success." Freeman, one of the world's leading live event and brand experience companies, exemplifies this approach. Recognized twice as a Top Workplaces USA winner in 2024 and 2025 among large employers, Freeman's commitment to embedding purpose and innovation into its culture has earned it multiple awards, including honors for Leadership, Work-Life Flexibility and Purpose & Values. Chair of the Board Carrie Freeman Parsons captures this ethos, stating, "It has been my lifelong experience that events connect people in ways that leave them more inspired, better informed and better prepared for what lies ahead." This values-driven model has been widely recognized as a catalyst for employee engagement and long-term retention — demonstrating how purpose, when embedded into daily operations, can shape a resilient and motivated workforce. Related: 6 Employee Engagement Tips for Strong Retention If you're a leader who's still stuck in the old mindset — if you're thinking, "That's what the money is for" — I encourage you to try something new. Lead with purpose. Start with why. See how people respond. Watch what happens to your culture, your customers and your company. You might be surprised by how great it feels. And even more surprised by the results.
