It’s an odd time for coincidences, of two utterly random things coming together, when those in charge of a country are busy tearing it and themselves to pieces and throwing toys left, right and centrist. 

But then, given our current state of zen-like chaos, perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising to happen upon strange bedfellows. 

For one, I’ve never imagined that I’d be able to think myself into the shoes of our glorious leaders, but yesterday the Venn describing the ‘between them and me’ actually materialised. 

What I suddenly have in common with whomever’s turn it will be to turn things around (and by the by, good luck with that. Your party being so hot right now, couldn’t be easier) is the pitch. 

That brutal, unimpartial, exhausting and usually ultimately fruitless chase to win the gig, brand identity, master-plan-for-downtown-Harlow, etc.

The pitch, where a select few ‘with the relevant experience’ (or which are the best mates of the Sales Director) are called by a select few to parade themselves shamelessly against a usually impossible, sometime implausible and often downright contradictory set of objectives. Normally the RFP will make sure the presentation is set for a Monday morning, guaranteeing a weekend of existential angst for the combatants. I mean competitors. 

Having prepared, by setting all the important stuff aside (including all your current relationships), up you rock for your 30, 45 or if you’re really fortunate an hour (for the Board - and it’s always the Board, despite calling itself a committee - really doesn’t have anything else to do this week. But Marketing wouldn’t want Production to know that, even though they both think Finance are even lazier that them) where you, the team, the work and prior experience are surgically picked apart.

And then, with scowl and a “we’ll let you know in a week or some”, you’re back out in the car park.

Now, that sure sounds like this next round for being appointed ‘in charge’ of UK. Your next pitch. Er…

Feature image, called ‘Turmoil’, I made last night. Mixed media, about A4 size.