I want to share a story about Duke Harten, a dynamo in shaking up workplace culture and organic videos , making it a bit more fun, and maybe even a touch ridiculous—in the best way possible.
Office Shenanigans and March Madness
So, you know the usual office humdrum, right? The constant drone of keyboards, the endless cycle of coffee-making? Duke Harten found a way to flip that script at his company, Shinesty. Picture this: Duke once flirted with the idea of impersonating his CEO to resolve an MLB uniform snafu with the Colorado Rockies. Crazy, right? Though he didn’t go through with it, it gives you a taste of his boldness (or let's call it unparalleled cheekiness).
Now, if you really want to grasp Duke's flair for the dramatic, let's talk about his "office March Madness competition." Not just your run-of-the-mill office pool—this turned into a national sensation! A simple idea grew legs (and maybe wings) because Duke curated it meticulously, then gave it the freedom to go viral. Moral of the story? Sometimes the most casual idea can make the biggest splash if you organize it thoughtfully and let creativity take over.
Action Point: Got an idea? Don’t dismiss it! Organize a small, fun competition. It might just resonate with your team and have unforeseen impacts.
Introducing "Music League" and the Power of Fun
Having conquered March Madness, Duke didn't stop there. He introduced "Music League" via Slack—a communal activity where employees submit songs based on a theme, creating a playlist that everyone votes on. This wasn’t just a fleeting gimmick; it brought staff together, igniting interaction and camaraderie. You might think your team won't engage in such quirky activities. Duke's advice? Start small. Even the tiniest, goofiest activities can make a big difference.
Action Point: Start a Music League in your office. Use Slack, Teams, or even good old-fashioned email. Theme the playlists—'Songs that make you feel invincible' or 'Guilty pleasures only'—and watch your team vibe and bond over melodies.
Invest in What Works: Platform Adversity & Adaptation
Fun fact: Duke manages the social media for Shinesty and focuses on the organic reach on TikTok and Instagram. He's a living testament to the philosophy, “entertain first, sell second.” He noticed TikTok's content shifting away from viral dances toward more personalized, creator-focused content. What did Duke do? He adapted.
When asked about his strategy for navigating the ever-changing social media landscape, Duke underlined the importance of sticking to what works for your brand and not spreading yourself like thin butter across too many platforms. If TikTok were to disappear tomorrow, he'd pivot. Flexibility is key, folks!
Action Point: Assess your current social media strategy. Are you diluting your efforts by trying to be everywhere? Focus on one or two platforms that work best for you and your audience.
Creative Content & Wholesome Engagement
Duke's approach? If it’s not wholesome and positive, it’s not happening. Take his series where he texted the CEO daily until he got blocked. Witty much? A sure-fire engagement magnet! The takeaway here: Identify what your audience responds to and hone in on it.
He emphasizes: Keep your content concise, make it tell a story in under two minutes. And when all else fails, combine humor with acts of thoughtfulness. One time, Duke made a custom card for a colleague, a small gesture that blended humor with genuine intent. It’s this marriage of fun and sincerity that makes his strategy stand out.
Action Point: Challenge yourself to tell a compelling story in under two minutes. A product, a service, a persona. Brainstorm transactional and engaging content to balance the scales.
The Game Show Dream & Beyond Office Walls
Imagine an office-based British Taskmaster; this is exactly the kind of energy Duke brings to Shinesty. He always looks for positives in interactions, making everyone feel included and celebrated. His future dream? Hosting a game show—one that’s inclusive, fun, and dripping in camaraderie.
Action Point: Consider organizing your own mini-office game show. You don’t need high production values—just a bit of creativity and a lot of heart.
Conclusion: Create Joy, One Silly Challenge at a Time
Duke has mastered creating joy in unexpected places. From turning mundane office spaces into a hive of humor to innovating marketing strategies, he demonstrates that finding joy at work isn't about grand gestures or huge budgets. It’s about small, consistent efforts to make people smile and feel connected. So go ahead, channel your inner Duke Harten. Introduce a goofy activity. Dream big. Keep it fun, keep it real, and watch the magic unfold.
Ready to take your workspace from “meh” to marvelous? One silly challenge at a time. Trust me; it’s worth it.
Listen to Episode 240 of Creative Chats podcast with guest Duke Harten.
