This week, we're adding more pages to our Spellbook. Here's what we'll be talking about:

One big idea we’ve learned each week, shaped into words you can carry forward.

The shoot started like any other.

Gear was set. Everyone knew their roles. The timeline was tight, but manageable.

This one just felt different.

The stakes were higher. There wasn’t another day to fall back on. If we didn’t get what we needed, the next available slot would only come in two weeks.

Time didn’t slow down for us. It kept moving, whether we were ready or not.

This is a 5-digit project we cannot afford to mess up.

We’re usually quite vocal on set.

We point things out. We adjust quickly. We say what needs to be said so the work gets better.

But this time, it was quieter.

Not silent. Just… different.

Conversations were shorter. Replies are quicker, sometimes witty. Some things were said, but a lot more stayed unsaid.

You could feel it in the room without anyone needing to point it out.

Something wasn’t sitting right.

The other concern was if the client could sense it. Did they?

Everyone cared. That part was clear.

We all wanted the same thing. A smooth shoot. A strong final output. Something we could be proud of. A portfolio worthy outcome.

But the pressure got to us.

Because time was tight, we kept things to ourselves. It felt faster that way. Just move, just execute, just get through it.

Problems were noticed, but not voiced.

Emotions started to kick in. Annoyance. Short-temperedness. Restlessness.

And slowly, it started to show.

In body language. In tone. In the way people moved around each other.

The work was still getting done. But the energy in the room dropped.

Didn’t feel like a team at all.

After the shoot, Judin and Raf pulled everyone together for a post mortem.

No rush this time.

We sat down and started talking.

And once it started, it didn’t take long.

Misunderstandings came up.
Assumptions we didn’t realise we made.
Moments where we thought everyone was on the same page.

We weren’t.

And hearing it out loud made it clear.

Actions are being listed. Things that will not be brought forward to the next shoot.

That conversation shifted things.

Not making things perfect, but rather visibly and theoretically better. This doesn’t mean that we won’t make mistakes, but rather make less the next time we come across it.

Because everything became visible.

Once the problems were out, they became easier to solve.

The team started thinking together again.

We spoke about better preparation. Clearer expectations. Simple checklists for what to do, and what to avoid.

Nothing complicated.

Just things we should have said earlier.

The energy came back. Best part is that it wasn’t forced, just… back.

Props to Judin and Raf.

We were never working against each other.

It just felt that way for a moment.

Everyone was trying to protect the outcome. We just did it differently, and without saying it.

That’s where things drifted. Let’s drift no more.

1. Alignment needs to be spoken, thinking the same thing is not enough.

2. Pressure can hide problems, but it doesn’t remove them.

3. Saying it early helps everyone, Even when time feels tight.

4. The problem is separate from the person. It always is. It’s us against problems, never a problematic member.

Snapshots from our week — the work, the people, and the little victories worth sharing.

April 9th was Imamull’s birthday and he treated the team to their favourite hotpot for lunch, and to spare him from the horrors of last year’s chaotic (and slightly terrifying) birthday surprise where he was quite literally kidnapped by his own team — Muna and Liza planned a much smaller, calmer celebration back at the office.

To our readers, wish Imamull Qhaeer a happy birthday!

Last week, we made our rounds across several open office invitations — leaving each one with full stomachs and even fuller hearts. From warm hospitality to great conversations, it was a week of good food and even better company.

A big thank you to Brunei Innovation Lab, Takaful Brunei, the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam as well as Universiti Brunei Darussalam for having us.

Special appreciation as well to Harris from BIL, and Nadeerah, Aqilah, and Syahirah from Takaful Brunei as well as Dr Wardah Azimah, Dr Pang Li Li, Dr Wardah Hakimah from UBD SBE for the warm welcome.

Our KIGS alumni Elroy, Stephanie and Haziyah — had the opportunity to return to their alma mater for the opening of the 20th VIBE Exhibition. The visit also marked the launch of KIGS’ new programme in collaboration with MAHSA and MAIC University, Malaysia. Hafiz, Iman and our creative intern, Syed, joined shortly after to meet the exhibiting students and explore the showcases.

Congratulations to all the students and Kolej International Graduate Studies on this milestone. Do drop by if you get the chance!

The team at Le Voeu Events Co. invited AICREATIVV over for a potluck-style open office lunch — a lovely afternoon of good food and getting to know each other better. Having worked together on multiple event coverages, it was especially meaningful to finally spend time and eratkan silaturrahim while still in the spirit of Syawal. The day also came with a sweet surprise, as we celebrated both Imamull and Jade, making it an even more memorable gathering.

It’s been another packed week for the media team, with a mix of recces and event coverages keeping them on the move. Yasmin, Leemin and Judin headed down to First Emporium for a location scout — a first for Yasmin in her role as Assistant Producer (“it was great,” she shared). Meanwhile, Hisham and Aiman handled BFI’s internal Raya coverage (GG bois!), alongside additional recces for upcoming real estate work. The week wrapped with coverage for BFI during Australia’s Prime Minister’s visit — a solid lineup of shoots all around.

A collection of our latest uploads on our website & socials worth checking out.

Things we’re loving lately, because inspiration hides where you least expect them.

A small but mighty remedy you can find at most kedai runcit. Great for stomachaches, indigestion, vomiting, minor diarrhea and motion sickness. According to Hisham, it works fast — and Imamull can vouch for it too.

Aiman recommends the XTEP running shoes, especially for their nylon plate — his first time trying a plated shoe and the difference was immediate. It feels more responsive, snappier, with better energy return, making it easier to maintain pace. Safe to say, it works — he even shaved 30 minutes off his half marathon PR.

Brunei's first all-in-one app! As the only local search engine for Brunei, you can find movies, restaurants, record community issues, local news and more!

If you want to read the previous pages, head over to this link right here:

That’s all for this week. See you on the next page of the Spellbook.

At AICREATIVV, we aim to make everyone who engages with us 1% better—from clients to community. Public Victory, always.

Each week, we'll share insights, tips, and recommendations to help you learn the magical combination of strategy, creativity, and business know-how that truly enchants your audience.

Let's unlock the magic of strategic design.

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