❝ Theory Y assumes people are inherently motivated, self-directed, and capable of exercising self-control in pursuit of organisational goals. It is a management philosophy proposed by Douglas McGregor, an MIT Sloan School of Management professor, in 1960. Embracing this belief, alongside further developments in positive psychology, I incorporated Y Entertainment on 13 June 2013 in London's City of Westminster. I founded the company as a framework for exploring internal and external environments beyond traditional paths, and to ask different questions that lead to the development of better solutions in the pursuit of higher purpose. The 'Y' (phonetically "Why?"), grounded in innate curiosity, is a metaphor for this pursuit, while 'Entertainment' alludes to its continuity.
"A prudent question is one-half of wisdom." — Francis Bacon
RAISON D'ÊTRE
Nurturing curiosity in order to develop an international technology business as a force for good, and to realise human potential in a united society with shared prosperity.
MISSION
To use authenticity as a driving force for disrupting the status quo and designing experiences that leave timeless impressions. Catalysing technology, creativity, entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion to empower and lead the way into a friendlier future for humankind.
VISION
To get the Tower of Babylon completed; by refining the purpose, creating a contemporary design, and ejoying the moments.
"Managers do things right, leaders do the right thing." — Peter Drucker
ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE
We are best described as an adhocracy, a highly flexible and adaptive entrepreneurial organisation that thrives on research, technology development, innovation, creative experimentation, and collaborative problem-solving. We believe in maintaining a fine balance between theory and practice, a principle reflected in our commitment to transferring knowledge from academic and other knowledge-based institutions into industry. We can also be characterised by a flat organisational structure, with minimal bureaucracy, where we simultaneously centre our activities around two interconnected domains – technology and business. We also take calculated risks in the pursuit of creative solutions that lead to the application of innovation in the markets. While aligning with the organisation's broader strategic vision and mission, we decentralise decision-making during our projects, allowing small, cross-functional groups to work autonomously for higher efficiency and performance. Moreover, our passion for human potential underpins our strong commitment to talent development.
HISTORY
Our journey began in the very of London, in Soho at Ingestre Place, where, fueled by the area's creative energy, we launched as a boutique marketing and PR agency for high-end nightclubs. We subsequently moved to Mayfair, one of the world's most affluent areas, where we grew our team, gained valuable insights into the luxury market, and honed our expertise in branding. Today, we are based in Liverpool, where we transitioned to a fully remote model and ventured into deep tech. The city's rich history and cultural diversity, alongside its status as a European Capital of Culture in 2008 and its enduring legacy as a major global port, have given us a deep understanding of local and global markets. This unique perspective allows us to operate effectively locally, nationally, and internationally.
PEOPLE
At Y Entertainment, we adhere to the principles of diversity and inclusion and are guided by research that highlights the significant impact it has on fostering innovation, creativity, and success. In our efforts to build a highly competent and diverse team, we actively seek professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, ages, abilities, and experiences, and provide support and development opportunities for women in leadership positions. Our team-building efforts extend locally, nationally, and internationally, and we actively participate in various national and international government programmes.
We also seek to stay at the forefront of industry advancements and research by forming partnerships with academia and organizations in various industries and leveraging the expertise of our scientific advisors. Our talent development approach, through apprenticeships and internships, brings us fresh ideas and unique perspectives while offering hands-on experience and training to young people entering the job market.
VALUES
Our fundamental values are curiosity, truth, kindness, respect, optimism, and sustainability. They drive us in everything we do, and shape the way we interact with our stakeholders — clients, employees, affiliates, the community, and others.
Curiosity. Our innate curiosity drives us to continuously seek out new knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. This helps us to stay at the forefront of industry trends and advancements and to develop innovative and creative solutions.
Truth. We believe in honesty, accuracy, and transparency in all that we do. Our commitment to truth helps us to build trust and credibility with our stakeholders and to maintain the highest ethical standards.
Kindness. It is at the heart of our culture, and we believe in treating others with empathy, compassion, and generosity. This helps us to foster positive relationships with all the stakeholders and to create an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Respect. We value diversity and inclusivity, and strive to treat all individuals with respect, regardless of their background or beliefs. Our commitment to respect helps us to create a culture that embraces diversity and promotes equality.
Optimism. Our optimistic outlook on life and the future helps us to approach challenges with a growth mindset, positive attitude, and to continuously strive towards our vision of creating experiences that leave timeless impressions.
Sustainability. We believe in reducing our environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices, and being responsible stewards of the planet for future generations. Our commitment to sustainability helps us to create a greener and more sustainable future, while ensuring that our business operates in an ethical and responsible manner.
STRATEGY
Our overall strategy is based on Appreciative Inquiry. Complementing this philosophical lens, we also apply the SOAR framework (strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results). This enables us to better implement our strategy from our core capabilities, identify emerging opportunities, articulate long-term aspirations, and translate them into measurable outcomes. However, our environment is continuously changing and can be characterised by VUCA: volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. We focus on facilitating the digital transformation of the creative, financial, and luxury industries. Simultaneously, our R&D activities concentrate on Web 3.0 technologies as we develop innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, blockchain and asset tokenisation, quantum computing, and immersive technologies such as VR, AR, and XR. To respond better to these conditions, we also apply the VUCA Prime framework, which stands for vision, understanding, clarity, and agility; and to iterate effectively via our specific projects, we further employ agile methodologies throughout them.