Thread by @swardley

X : Are there any videos explaining pioneer - settlers - town planners?
Me : The best, by a long shot, introduction on pioneer - settler - town planners is the NHS concept video by @bobcatcre8z and Mia -

X : Is anyone doing interesting work on maps and security?
Me : Yes. Lots of good stuff in this space. Follow @_tony_richards, @DinisCruz, @bruntonspall and @VirtualTal to begin with.

X : Academia?
Me : Mapping is starting to grow in various places in academia and education. Follow @RoserPujadas1, @CloudyGrids, @markthompson1, @daeaves and @JanetHughes

X : Finance, VC and banking?
Me : Again, lost of interesting work going on whether with maps or similar models ... follow Chris (aka @wardleymaps), @sarahjwells, @prasanna_says and @HolgerGelhausen to begin with.

X : Environmental?
Me : Oh, lets extend that to ethics. Again lots of interesting work either developing or the potential being explored using either maps or similar concepts. I'd keep an eye on @mrchrisadams, @anne_e_currie to @cmcd_phd.

X : Government and mapping?
Me : Lots of people to follow both in Gov and in that sphere. I'd start with @JuliePierce77, @mcraddock, @simonaclifford, @andy_callow, @janethughes, @liammax, @GoAgileGov, @Rachel0404 and @jacquitaylorfb to begin with ... but this is a long list.

... because mapping is creative commons share alike, the honest answer is it's being used in all sorts of areas that I'm unaware of. I'm in constant state of surprise about how far it has spread.

X : What's it like leading a movement?
Me : I am the worst leader you can imagine. My goal is to go back into hiding in my marsh ... so follow @jhngrant, @MrsDHW, @yoditstanton, @adrianco, @BenMosior, @kda, @jamesaduncan, @SalFreudenberg, @lunivore, @kev_austin, @chrisvmcd etc

... take for example my public speaking. Behind the facade then anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a wreck of shyness, nerves and self doubt. Every talk is an exhausting and draining effort. It literally wipes me out for hours.

i.e. before I go on stage then I'm either mentally or physically pacing up and down, the nerves are hitting fever pitch. When I get off the stage, I can barely speak, the old grey matter is just gone. Drained. Autopilot.

Bliss for me is being in the Marsh, doing some "slow fishing" i.e. sitting on the bank of the river, having a cup of tea, chatting with friends and thinking about actually using the rod or more likely thinking about remembering to bring one next time.

I have never understood the desire that some people have to lead. It's a mentally, physically and emotionally draining activity unless you're one of those psychopaths who doesn't give a toss and is just in it to enrich themselves but that's not leadership, that's exploitation.

... the other aspect of leadership that I don't like is competition itself. It can bring out the worst aspects of my own character, the desire to win, to grow and to protect against all else. I can see why people get addicted to the game, I prefer not to indulge.

Instead, the goal I pursue is happiness which in my case means a simple life. There is nothing more magical than just lazing away an afternoon with family and friends.

... and yes, I realise that I am very fortunate to be able to do that but part of that is through design.