“The Medici Effect comes from a remarkable burst of creativity in fifteenth-century Italy. The Medicis were a banking family in Florence who funded creators from a wide range of disciplines. Thanks to this family and a few others like it, sculptors, scientists, poets, philosophers, financiers, painters, and architects converged upon the city of Florence. There they found each other, learned from one another, and broke down barriers between disciplines and cultures. Together they forged a new world based on new ideas—what became known as the Renaissance. As a result, the city became the epicenter of a creative explosion, one of the most innovative eras in history. The effects of the Medici family can be felt even to this day.”
(The Medici Effect, Frans Johansson, pgs. 18-19)
Cool, right?
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. Why do you know these names?
Well … yes, they are the names of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But Master Splinter only named them as such because of his love for their artistry during the Renaissance.
They are names we still recognize today because of the Renaissance's major shift and leap forward in art, architecture, philosophy, literature, music, science, and technology.
How did this happen?
Proximity.
And a rich banking family that were benefactors to allow these men and women to focus on their craft – the Medicis.
When the Medicis started backing the movement, they created the Silicon Valley of Europe. Talented and open-minded thinkers were hanging out and discussing life, engaging in dialogue, challenging norms, questioning traditions, and being bold (with a little bit of mischief).
For jobs that were attached to strong cultures and norms, listening and debating across skills and disciplines allowed for a quick exchange of ideas that quickly evolved when brought back into their own practice.
Stepping outside your domain into unrelated fields can help you have idea babies (taking two ideas and creating a new one that works for you), break down barriers around "the way it’s always been done," embrace experimentation and innovation, and take calculated risks.
Proximity also creates community. There’s nothing like a fellow artist to cheer you on, come along side you in a hard decision, or collaborate to create something new and amazing.
Wouldn’t it be cool if we could do that today?
YOU CAN!
Acumen creates the Medici Effect for CEOs, Owners, Key Executives, and Entrepreneurs (benefactor not included).
When you're on an island, navigating growth and scale, needing accountability and focus, managing your financial performance, and wrestling to harmonize life and work, you need others in your life that can be a part of your Renaissance.
Acumen puts you in proximity with high performers who are like you and yet have different experiences. Together, we sharpen, challenge, and inspire each other to grow, optimize, and enrich our companies, families, marriages, and life.
Time to start your Renaissance?
Get in proximity with us. Join a Team.