The challenge, she suggested, is moving beyond circular explanations of success and identifying what tangibly enables work to resonate. Drawing on Antonio Gramsci’s notion of “pessimism of the intelligence, optimism of the will”, Carlton called for boldness rooted in conviction and mutual trust. Whether through workshops or shared moments outside the set, these experiences foster trust and cohesion, which later translate into smoother collaboration and stronger work overall. The panel ultimately suggested that what “works” today is not a single strategy or model, but rather a set of attitudes: trust over fear, collaboration over isolation and conviction over caution. In a fragmented market, these qualities may not guarantee success, but they remain essential conditions for creating work that endures.