Why Collaboration Is Key to the Future

Under the theme Mental Wealth: The Future of Wellbeing, the event brought together leaders, creatives, and changemakers to address one of today’s most pressing issues. Mental health often takes a backseat, but Lars Hemming, Co-founder of Culture3, reminded the room why the creative industries hold a unique responsibility: "We are the master storytellers; we shape culture, we create new habits. If we don’t do it, nobody can." The shared message was clear: creative industries have the power to lead the charge in changing the way we view mental health.

Voices That Moved the Room

The panel featured a dynamic lineup of voices, each bringing unique perspectives to the discussion:

• Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard’s Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the importance of businesses stepping up: “We have the resources, the empathy, the reach. It’s time to use them,” he said, challenging his peers to think beyond traditional goals.
• Michael Kugler, CEO of STAN Worldwide, emphasised the potential of combining communication and psychology: “These are our superpowers. Let’s use them to make a difference.”
• Felicity Fellows, TED’s Community Ambassador, highlighted the global impact of TED’s work, describing how curiosity and connection are the forces behind meaningful progress.
• Lars Hemming shared Culture3’s commitment to long-term change, explaining: “We are building 10-year roadmaps as an antidote to the quick-fix mindset.”

The discussion was guided by Francesca Hogi, TED Speaker and Love Coach, whose warm and thoughtful moderation ensured the conversation stayed human and relatable.

Key Takeaways from Cannes

The session wasn’t just a conversation; it was a catalyst for action. Here are the biggest insights from the event:

• Mental Wealth Is Everyone’s Responsibility
  Half the world’s population will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. That stark reality served as a powerful wake-up call. The panel called for removing the stigma around mental health and prioritising wellbeing across workplaces, communities, and global initiatives.
• Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
  Technology’s role in mental health was a key focus. Nidhi Tewari, Mental Health Speaker and Consultant, raised concerns about the harm caused by unrealistic digital standards, urging the industry to adopt more ethical, mindful approaches that foster connection instead of alienation.
• Storytelling Shapes Change
  A recurring theme of the day was the transformative power of storytelling. Whether it’s brands telling authentic stories or individuals sharing their personal journeys, storytelling was repeatedly highlighted as a vital tool for driving cultural change. 

As Lars Hemming, Culture3 Founder said, “We can’t turn back time. We have to innovate, think smarter, and inspire people.”

Looking to the Future

TEDSocial at Cannes 2024 wasn’t just about starting a conversation—it was about creating a plan for what comes next. As Lars Hemming said, “We can’t turn back time. We have to innovate, think smarter, and inspire people.” This sentiment was echoed by Alejandro Chavetta, Executive Creative Director of Brand at Adobe, who reminded the audience: "The important part is what’s next." This forward-thinking attitude left attendees with a sense of purpose: to build a world where mental wellbeing is a universal priority.

A Challenge for All of Us

Culture3’s partnership with TED goes beyond a single event. It’s about creating lasting change. Mental wealth isn’t just an abstract idea—it’s a necessity. And the question isn’t whether action will be taken, but how. So, here’s the challenge: What steps will you take to prioritise mental wealth in your work, your community, and your life?