A better Man(dy): The stories we don’t see.

A better Man(dy): The stories we don’t see.

Reflecting on first impressions.

As we enter 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of looking beyond first impressions and appreciating the stories people carry. Recently, I watched Better Man, the Robbie Williams biopic. During Take That’s heyday in the 1990s, I was in my 20's and quick to judge. Like many, I dismissed Robbie as “the twat in the band” (sorry).

The film deeply moved me, not just because of his story, but because it made me realise how much I had overlooked back then—his struggles, his challenges, and the pressures of fame at such a young age. Seeing the intensity of his experiences made me think about how judgemental youth can often be. It also brought to mind how today social media amplifyies these snap decisions, turning fleeting impressions into relentless scrutiny.

Someone recently posted, “In 5 years, the 1980's will be 50 years ago,” and it stopped me in my tracks. That was a shocker. I’ll be 60! It’s a reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to pause and give people a chance.

I liked 'Better Man' so much that I want to see it again. It’s stayed with me ever since, playing on my mind in the same way Liam Payne’s tragic passing did last year. His loss made me think deeply about how easy it is to focus on someone’s missteps, blunders, or how they might irritate us while overlooking what they might be struggling with privately. These moments remind us that our judgment often misses the bigger picture.

One line from the film resonated deeply: “The age you become famous is the age you stop evolving.” Robbie joined Take That at 15, and the pressures of fame shaped his life in ways that weren’t visible to the outside world. His story is a powerful reminder that what we see on the surface rarely tells the whole story.

Hidden stories at a karaoke bar.

The idea of hidden stories isn’t new to me. Last year at Tallinn Music Week, I found myself captivated for nearly four hours at a karaoke bar hosted by Singa (thank you!). Watching people take the stage, the songs they chose, and the courage some had to muster to sing was incredible. Many poured their hearts into their performances, with a mix of raw emotion and sheer enthusiasm that felt like a window into their inner worlds. And then there was the crowd—electric, supportive, and feeding off the energy of the performers. That night, a rendition of Cha Cha Cha by Käärijä lit up the room with an intensity that was almost tangible. Zombie also had everyone singing passionately along in unison, creating a powerful, shared connection. It was nothing short of unforgettable.

Karaoke, in its own way, is a reminder that everyone carries a story, often hidden beneath the surface.

Looking ahead.

This doesn’t just apply to public figures or people we think we know. It’s also about being open to those from different cultures, backgrounds, and ways of thinking. Whether it’s someone from another country or someone whose life experience differs from ours, staying curious and withholding judgment creates space for understanding. When we approach others with openness, we’re far more likely to uncover the richness and complexity in their stories and even connect in unexpected ways.

As we kick off a new year, it’s worth reflecting on how we approach the people around us. In the music industry and in life, it’s easy to make assumptions. When we take the time to truly see people and understand their stories, we open ourselves up to deeper connections.

For me, 2025 is about striving to be a Better Man(dy). Whether mentoring, moderating panels, or simply sharing a moment with someone at a conference, I want to approach each interaction with curiosity and empathy.

Here’s to a year of paying closer attention, listening to the stories people carry, and finding connections in the places we might least expect. The moments we take to understand others could lead to opportunities and relationships we never imagined.