About A Grateful Optimist
A Grateful Optimist is where world-class creative execution meets purpose and peak performance.
I’m Duncan Nicholls — photographer, filmmaker, and creative partner to some of the world’s biggest brands and elite talent.
In 2007 I pivoted from a career Investment Banking, and have spent the past 18 years building a global creative career rooted in high impact, purpose and inner work.
I’ve walked through achieving many career dreams, fatherhood, deep loss, many failures, and a growing awareness that Creativity — at its best — is about building a thriving and equitable world, not just great visuals and profits.
Every other Thursday, I’ll share a 3–5 minute drop with stories from three core themes:
🎬 Lessons from Working with Elite Talent & Global Brands
Insights from global campaigns with brands and talent including Patagonia, Nike, Adidas, Hugh Jackman, Denise Lewis and Ronaldo. The trust, leadership, and creative decision-making that turns pressure into world-class results.
🧘♂️ 🧠 Mindfulness, Meditation & Peak Performance
Practical tools from 23+ years of meditation practice - applied to life and business success.
🌍 Purpose-Driven Storytelling for a Thriving World
My love for Mother Earth and helping people thrive led me to earn my Cambridge University Sustainability qualification (2024), join 1% for the Planet (2020), and capture many environmental and social impact campaigns. I’ll share how values-led brands move hearts, nudge behaviour, and can deliver real impact for people and our planet.
I’ve experienced so much. I hope these stories bring you something useful.
With gratitude,
Duncan
