From anonymous-in-DC
Question: Why the move to NYC? 

I had the privilege of starting and growing THIRSTY-FISH in Washington, DC. However, the recent move to New York City has spawned the next generation of our company’s evolution. Whereas DC is quite the “thinking town” and a great place to incubate big ideas, NYC is truly a “doing town” — a place that embodies entrepreneurship at its best (and worst). If you’re not “doing it”, you better get out of the way because somebody else wants to do it.  On a daily basis, Manhattan reveals the latest interpretations of culture, commerce, and creative expression. Everyone here is on a mission — from shopkeepers to street pedestrians. Even the under-belly of NYC inspires THIRSTY-FISH to be a part of the solution. Besides, the move to NYC was in my wedding vows. ;-)

Question: What is this expression Popanthropology all about? 

PopAnthropology is a term coined by THIRSTY-FISH to describe the growing influence of popular culture on our everyday lives. The brands we choose to interact with or consume speak growing volumes about who we are, and who we aspire to be. Just consider what buying from Mercedes Benz, Whole Foods, or IKEA says about a person? Brands are increasingly a short-hand for expressing our values and desired identity to the world.

Schooled in anthropology, here at THIRSTY-FISH, we look at this growing phenomenon in a value-neutral way. It’s not good or bad - it just is what it is. From this vantage point, we are free to explore and look for ways to make these branded experiences more beneficial/meaningful to people around the world. That’s what Innovation is all about - finding a way to make things better. Furthermore, the universal principles of culture can become a beacon for architecting these new interactions. One of the goals at THIRSTY-FISH is to popularize well-established anthropological concepts — e.g. rituals, icons, and myths — as they apply to a business and organizational environment.

Curious to learn more? Explore our site, and be sure to visit our blog PopAnthropology, which chronologs our evolving thoughts on the business of culture creation. 

Andrea Howe, BossaNova Consulting
Question: So what’s with the name THIRSTY-FISH?

The answer hides beneath the surface. Like a fish in the ocean, we are all swimming in an endless sea of stories, thirsting to make sense and meaning of the world around us. That’s why today’s leading organizations tell stories that are relevant, meaningful, and memorable to those they care about. Choose the right story and you unlock the secrets of branding and behavior change; transforming a glass half-full into an overflowing stream of success.

Everyone thirsts for something. This passion is your source of motivation, aspiration, and desire. There is no wrong answer. All organizations need a higher truth to compel themselves forward. What exactly are you thirsty for?