I spent some of last week in Seattle and San Francisco, visiting with the digital elite. I hadn't done this for a long time. In fact, not since before the current elite were merely a sparkle in their founders' eyes. Despite bringing a healthy cynicism to the party, I can say it was all quite inspiring. Bright young things in cool work environments doing fascinating, deep work that could change the world. No signs of 20th century business formalisms that I have always felt distinctly uncomfortable with. (What the **** is the purpose of a necktie anyway?) And Seattle seemed like an awesome city, helped by generous, smart donations and interventions by the digital billionaires. (Spending an evening in Seattle with my colleague playing Cards against Humanity in The Raygun Lounge, a largely LGBT establishment with the most amazing selection of board games, and an incredibly fun, friendly transvestite quizmaster, will stay with me for quite some time!)

But when I stopped to reflect, I felt a little uncomfortable. It feels a little like one orthodoxy is being replaced with another. To caricature it, it feels like instead of the role model being a pinstriped investment banker quaffing fine wines at a French restaurant in Mayfair, the new role model is a metrosexual Steve Jobs like figure eating organic tofu and quinoa, doing hot yoga, extreme sports and charity work at the weekend. The problem with geek chic is the word 'chic' - there is still a fashion, albeit a new one, and some things are in, some things are out.

It does feel like things are moving in the right direction, in terms of ways of working, freedom and diversity. But it is my fervent hope that we make room for difference. I hope that, in this new era, in the words of Jessie J, it is OK not to be OK. Neckties are nasty and ridiculous IMHO, but the real evil is orthodoxy itself. If I want to sit on a chair, not a bean bag or a hammock, don't judge me! If I don't eat organic, don't rule me out.

Let's make the 21st Century a century where it's OK to be not OK.