347 avsnitt • Längd: 65 min • Månadsvis
Design • Konst • Marknadsföring • Näringsliv
The Futur Podcast is a show that explores the interesting overlap between design, marketing, and business. Our host (and CEO of The Futur), Chris Do, hold candid conversations with inspirational people from the worlds of design, technology, marketing, business, philosophy and personal development. These conversations go deep. With the aim of understanding who these incredible people are, what drives them to do what they do, and what can we–the listener–learn from it all. Visit thefutur.com/podcast for show notes and additional information from each episode.
The podcast The Futur with Chris Do is created by The Futur. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
In this episode, I share my personal philosophy on parenting and how I raised my two sons to be independent, creative, and entrepreneurial. I reflect on my upbringing as a first-generation immigrant, the parenting styles I observed, and how I deliberately avoided helicopter parenting to foster self-sufficiency in my children.
I discuss the importance of setting firm boundaries while allowing freedom, why letting kids fail is crucial to their development, and how I instilled values of respect, decision-making, and responsibility. I also explore the long-term impact of parenting styles, how wealth and privilege affect children's behavior, and the consequences of overprotective parenting. If you're a parent, thinking about becoming one, or reflecting on your own upbringing, this episode offers valuable insights into raising resilient and capable kids.
Timestamps:
(00:00) – Why I’m sharing my parenting philosophy & my sons’ success stories
(02:51) – The difference between helicopter parenting and my laissez-faire approach
(06:24) – How my own upbringing shaped my parenting style
(10:42) – The two firm rules I set for my kids: Respect and Zero Tolerance for Violence
(16:02) – How affluent parents unintentionally weaken their children
(21:30) – The impact of decision-making skills on independence
(27:50) – The psychological effects of over-parenting and why kids struggle with confidence
(33:48) – Teaching kids financial responsibility and why my youngest filed taxes at 18
(40:46) – The illusion of choice: A strategy I learned from a family therapist
(47:16) – How enforcing boundaries and respect prepares kids for the real world
(53:12) – Breaking generational trauma and the dangers of repeating parenting mistakes
(58:40) – Final thoughts: How to raise kids who are capable, not coddled
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and impact-driven business leader Tom Bilyeu to discuss the journey from startup to billion-dollar exit and the deeper personal costs of ambition. Tom opens up about the moment he saw life-changing wealth hit his bank account, only to realize that money doesn’t solve internal struggles. We dive into his relationship with his wife, Lisa, and how they navigate the balance between high-performance entrepreneurship and maintaining a strong marriage. Tom shares how he defines success, why skill acquisition is the key to freedom, and how he maintains his relentless drive while keeping his personal life intact. This conversation goes beyond business strategies—it’s about mindset, relationships, and personal growth. If you've ever wondered what happens after financial success or how to maintain a healthy marriage while chasing big dreams, this episode is for you.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:22) - Chris Visits Tom’s Studio
(01:04) - Billion-Dollar Exit: The Real Story
(02:33) - The Moment Money Hits Your Account
(03:47) - Money as a Tool vs. Self-Worth
(07:12) - The Thrill of the Chase
(08:32) - The Personal Cost of Success
(13:15) - Marriage, Relationships & Entrepreneurship
(17:03) - Prioritizing Marriage While Pursuing Success
(22:42) - The Balance Between Work & Love
(27:04) - The Importance of Understanding Your Partner
(31:55) - Making Relationships Work Long-Term
(38:08) - Chris & Tom Reflect on Ambition & Drive
(38:38) - Part Two Teaser: Creative Entrepreneurship
Check out today's guest, Tom Bilyeu:
Tom's Website: https://impacttheory.com/
Tom's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu
Tom's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomBilyeu
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, I challenge the common belief that you need to niche down to succeed. Many creatives look at artists like Post Malone, who seamlessly transitions across genres, and assume they can do the same. But the reality is, these people mastered one thing before expanding. I discuss why copying someone’s success without understanding their journey is a mistake and why intentional practice and depth of knowledge are key. We explore the concept of the T-shaped skill set, the risks of diversifying too soon, and how social media growth favors consistency. If you’ve ever struggled with whether to specialize or go broad, this episode is for you.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - The problem with copying success
(00:39) - Post Malone’s career evolution
(02:12) - Why success leaves clues
(03:35) - Finding your starting point
(04:17) - The power of deep expertise
(05:00) - Social media and consistency
(06:15) - The restaurant analogy for niching
(07:01) - Outro and call to action
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, I’m joined by Hamlet Azarian, a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in scaling early-stage startups from ideation to success. Hamlet breaks down his data-driven approach to marketing, emphasizing the importance of multivariate testing, customer personas, and psychographics to deeply understand user needs.
We discuss actionable strategies, such as rapid testing of ideas through prototypes and landing pages, and leveraging tools like Hotjar and CallRail to optimize customer engagement. Hamlet also highlights the power of focusing on progress over perfection and shares insights from his journey of building an agency with a mission to educate and empower future marketers.
Whether you’re a creative professional, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about growth marketing, this episode is packed with insights to help you take your ideas to the next level.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to Hamlet Azarian
(01:30) - Early-stage startup dynamics
(03:00) - Example: Scaling Camino Financial
(08:00) - Multivariate testing and audience targeting
(15:00) - Understanding customer personas and psychographics
(25:00) - Building marketing strategies through interviews
(32:50) - Optimizing landing pages and pre-launch campaigns
(38:20) - Growth mindset and startup culture
(50:30) - Tools and tech stack for data-driven marketing
(54:00) - Closing thoughts and action steps
Check out today's guest, Hamlet Azarian:
Hamlet's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamletazarian
Azarian Growth Agency's Website: https://azariangrowthagency.com/
Hamlet's Website: https://hamletazarian.com/
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, I sit down with Maria Ross, an author, speaker, and empathy advocate, to explore the power of empathy in leadership, branding, and creative work. We unpack the two types of empathy—cognitive and affective—and how understanding them can transform relationships, client interactions, and even pricing strategies. Maria shares insights from her books, The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, addressing misconceptions around empathy in business. We discuss how ego and insecurity can block empathy, the dangers of "empathy hijacking," and the balance between compassion and high performance. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this episode is packed with practical strategies to integrate empathy into your work without burning out.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to Maria Ross
(00:33) - Maria’s background in branding and empathy advocacy
(01:49) - Why empathy matters for small teams and solopreneurs
(02:14) - The business case for empathy in leadership
(07:13) - Why creatives struggle with empathy
(09:03) - The two types of empathy: cognitive vs. affective
(13:33) - Ego and insecurity as empathy blockers
(20:04) - The problem with "radical honesty" and weaponized empathy
(29:07) - How to respond empathetically without "hijacking" the conversation
(36:41) - The power of curiosity in empathy
(40:15) - Empathy in pricing: charging based on client impact
(50:13) - Leadership challenges: balancing empathy and performance
(57:22) - How to build an empathetic workplace culture
(59:10) - Where to find Maria and her books
Check out today's guest, Maria Ross:
Maria's book website: https://theempathydilemma.com/
Maria's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross
Maria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, I sit down with Mike and Kass Lazerow—serial entrepreneurs, business partners, and husband-and-wife duo—to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and working together as a couple. We dive into their journey from launching Golf.com to selling Buddy Media to Salesforce for $745M. Mike shares his instinctive, visionary approach to business, while Kass offers sharp operational expertise, revealing the balance that has fueled their success. We talk about the myths of entrepreneurship, the importance of embracing failure, and how firing people with kindness can change lives. The conversation takes a candid turn as we explore what it means to navigate business, marriage, and parenting while staying aligned. If you've ever struggled with leadership, scaling a business, or balancing work and relationships, this episode is full of valuable insights and honest reflections.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(05:10) - Mike & Kass’s journey from Golf.com to Buddy Media
(11:45) - The biggest myths about entrepreneurship
(18:30) - Learning to embrace fear and uncertainty in business
(25:55) - How Kass approaches firing people with kindness
(32:40) - Navigating marriage and business: The challenges and rewards
(39:15) - The importance of trusting your gut vs. making data-driven decisions
(45:50) - How social media has changed entrepreneurship
(52:30) - The right way to pivot when a business idea isn’t working
(59:05) - Leadership lessons: Why transparency matters
(1:05:40) - The mental load of running a business and parenting
(1:12:15) - Shoveling Sh*t: A sneak peek at Mike & Kass’s new book
Check out today's guests, Mike and Kass Lazerow:
Mike and Kass' Website: https://www.kassandmike.com/
Mike and Kass' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kassandmike/
Mike and Kass' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassandmike/
Shoveling Sh*t Website: https://shovelingshit.com/
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this engaging crossover episode, I join forces with Eric Siu’s Leveling Up podcast for a thought-provoking conversation. Together, we explore the art and strategy behind building personal brands and creating authentic connections in the digital age. We dive into the intricacies of running masterminds, including their pros, cons, and the lessons learned.
Eric and I discuss the value of storytelling, self-awareness, and vulnerability in establishing a meaningful online presence. Whether you're considering launching a mastermind, enhancing your personal brand, or looking to deepen your connections with your audience, this episode delivers a mix of actionable advice and honest reflections.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction and episode setup
(02:00) - Building authentic personal brands
(06:30) - Vulnerability and Storytelling online
(11:15) - The power of masterminds
(16:50) - Structuring masterminds effectively
(21:30) - Balancing personal growth with branding
(27:00) - Social media strategies and engagement tips
(35:20) - Long-term brand-building insights
(42:00) - Overcoming criticism and self-doubt
(48:15) - Closing thoughts on authenticity
Check out today's guest, Eric Siu:
Eric's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericosiu
Eric's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericosiu
Single Grain's Website: https://www.singlegrain.com/
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Sampson, a seasoned strategist turned storytelling coach, to explore the power of storytelling in branding, leadership, and public speaking. Andrea shares her journey from the high-pressure world of advertising to coaching TED speakers and thought leaders. We discuss the essence of compelling storytelling, how personal experiences shape narratives, and how anyone can harness their unique voice to captivate an audience. Andrea also breaks down the psychology behind storytelling, the role of emotional connection, and why differentiation is key in personal branding. Whether you're a creative professional, a speaker, or an entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with insights to help you refine your messaging and make a lasting impact.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:39) - Chris Do on storytelling & self-consciousness
(01:11) - Andrea’s career shift from advertising to TED coaching
(05:17) - What does a strategist do in advertising?
(13:11) - Inside an advertising pitch: E-Trade campaign
(19:50) - What clients look for in an ad agency
(25:11) - Andrea’s soul-searching moment at 50
(31:44) - Discovering TEDx and becoming a speaker coach
(36:12) - Coaching scientists & translating complex ideas
(44:06) - The science of storytelling & emotional engagement
(50:01) - Personal branding: Awareness, authority, and differentiation
(57:36) - How storytelling makes ideas memorable
(1:00:23) - What stories people should tell more
Check out today's guest, Andrea Sampson:
Andrea's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acsampson
Andrea's Website: https://talkboutique.com/
Andrea's Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisandreasampson
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this solo episode, Chris Do examines the dynamics of leadership and followership, exploring how clearly defined roles can create healthier relationships in teams, families, and businesses. Chris shares his perspective on when to lead, when to follow, and why trying to merge the two often results in frustration.
Using relatable stories, he explains how leaders can empower others by giving them full autonomy while maintaining respect for the roles people play. This thought-provoking episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate complex relationships with more clarity and empathy.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to solo episodes
(00:38) Misconceptions about leadership and listening
(01:17) The balance between leading and following
(02:23) The dangers of blurred roles
(03:00) The black sheep’s role in families and teams
(04:50) Institutional knowledge and preserving history
(05:34) Trusting the leader and letting go
(06:50) The frustration of mixed instructions
(07:22) Summary: Defining and sharing roles
Check out The Futur:
➤ Website | Courses | LinkedIn | Podcasts
➤ Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
Check out Chris Do:
In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Encina for an intimate look at his inspiring transition from Creative Director at renowned design studio Blind to successful YouTube entrepreneur. Following the viral success of his home office redesign video that catalyzed his independent career, Matthew shares the strategic thinking and creative courage behind his pivot.
We dive deep into his evolution as a product designer, exploring how he artfully balances aesthetics with practical functionality in everything from workspace design to digital products. You'll hear Matthew's unique insights on maintaining creative momentum while working solo, including his morning fitness routine that fuels his productivity. We also geek out over his passion for custom mechanical keyboards and explore how this hobby influences his design philosophy.
Whether you're a creative professional considering the leap to entrepreneurship or simply fascinated by the intersection of design and business, Matthew's candid discussion of risk-taking and personal growth offers valuable lessons for navigating your own creative journey.
From sophisticated workspace solutions to cultivating sustainable creative practices, this conversation delivers actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their creative game.
Timestamps:
(01:22) - Matthew Encina's Journey: From Student to Creative Director
(02:33) - Venturing into Content Creation
(03:10) - The Big Decision: Leaving The Futur
(06:07) - Success on YouTube: The First Viral Video
(11:58) - Balancing Content Creation and Product Design
(15:11) - Financial Success and Personal Freedom
(17:25) - The Transition to Independent Projects
(24:44) - Collaborating with Grovemade
(29:00) - Reflecting on Gratitude and Success
(30:16) - Diving into Mechanical Keyboards
(31:53) - The Joy of Custom Keyboards
(34:37) - Business Structure and Partnerships
(39:15) - Lessons Learned and Future Plans
(48:32) - Personal Insights
Check out today's guest, Matthew Encina:
Matthews Website: https://matthewencina.com/
Matthews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewencina/
Mod Musings Website:https://www.modmusings.com/
Mod Musings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mod.musings/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/matthewencina
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, I sit down with Caleb Ralston, a creative strategist who’s had an incredible journey in the digital space. From shooting powerlifting videos as a teenager to working alongside Gary Vaynerchuk and later leading the media team for Alex and Leila Hormozi, Caleb has seen it all. We dive into his experiences managing content at scale, what it was really like working behind the scenes with Gary Vee, and how he built and led a powerhouse content team for the Hormozis. Caleb also shares why he decided to step away and start his own venture, offering insights into building a personal brand and the future of content creation. If you want to learn how to grow a media empire, scale a creative team, and transition from creator to leader, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:16) - How Sean Cannell & Gary Vee inspired Caleb
(06:18) - From church videography to fitness content
(12:52) - Working with top bodybuilders & cold-pitching gigs
(18:35) - Joining Team Gary Vaynerchuk as a videographer
(24:15) - Managing chaos: Filming, logistics, & real-time content
(32:02) - The challenge of scaling Gary Vee’s content
(39:00) - Why Alex & Layla Hormozi reached out to Caleb
(46:22) - Building Mosey Media & growing a team from scratch
(54:10) - Why Caleb left to start his own business
(1:05:30) - The future of content & personal branding
(1:20:15) - Advice for aspiring content creators
Check out today's guest, Caleb Ralston:
Caleb's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebralston/
Caleb's Website: https://www.calebralston.com/
Caleb's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calebralston
Caleb's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalebRalston
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
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Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
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In this episode, I sit down with communication coach and mindfulness expert Melanie Whitney to explore the power of emotional regulation, mindful communication, and overcoming core wounds. Melanie shares her personal journey, from struggling to find direction after graduate school to discovering her passion for helping others build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
We dive into practical strategies for self-awareness, recognizing emotional patterns, and understanding how past experiences shape our present reactions. We also break down her P.E.A.C.E. framework — a tool to help individuals identify and heal from core wounds like unworthiness, rejection, and grief.
This conversation is packed with insights on how to show up authentically, communicate with intention, and lead a more empowered life.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:45) - Melanie’s backstory and education journey
(08:30) - Emotional regulation and communication
(16:00) - Patterns and ego in communication
(23:00) - Emotions as records of the past
(31:45) - Identifying core wounds
(40:30) - The P.E.A.C.E. framework explained
(50:15) - The power of self-awareness
(58:00) - How attachment affects growth
(01:06:30) - Practical steps for emotional regulation
(01:15:15) - Empowerment through self-compassion
(01:25:00) - Final reflections and closing thoughts
Check out today's guest, Melanie Whitney:
Melanie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniewhitney_
Melanie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-whitney/
Melanie's Website: https://www.mindlesstomindful.com/
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this engaging episode, Chris Do connects with Adrian Per, a talented filmmaker, creative director, and rising social media influencer, to unpack his journey of perseverance and self-discovery. Adrian reflects on his early creative spark—dissecting music and visualizing scenes as a child—and how that passion blossomed into a career in filmmaking.
He shares the struggles of growing up as the son of immigrant parents, dealing with societal and familial expectations, and navigating financial challenges. The conversation delves into pivotal moments, including Adrian’s move to Los Angeles, his transition from music videos to branded content, and the lessons he learned about humility, collaboration, and self-expression.
Adrian also provides a fascinating glimpse into his creative process, from scripting to self-shooting, and discusses the importance of authenticity in both personal style and professional projects. With humor, vulnerability, and practical insights, this episode is an invaluable resource for creatives and entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:42) - Meeting Adrian Per
(01:17) - Adrian’s creative journey
(07:15) - Music videos and early inspirations
(14:00) - Struggles and lessons from immigrant parents
(22:00) - Adrian’s move to Los Angeles
(28:23) - Transition to content creation
(34:10) - Networking and social skills
(41:00) - Adrian’s creative process and filming techniques
(52:00) - Evolution of personal style
(55:45) - Reflection on Instagram recognition
If you want to see the video, please check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KvUO_1lrNcQ
Check out today's guest, Adrian Per:
Adrian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omgadrian/
Adrian's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omgadrian
Adrian's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adrianper
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this insightful episode of The Futur, Chris Do welcomes Michelle J. Raymond, a LinkedIn strategist and B2B specialist, to discuss maximizing LinkedIn for business growth. Michelle shares her journey from sales in the chemical industry to becoming a LinkedIn expert, emphasizing the platform's potential for fostering authentic connections and community building.
Together, they explore strategies for overcoming hesitations businesses have about LinkedIn, the importance of content relevance, and innovative uses of company pages for advocacy. From tactical advice like leveraging the search bar to long-term brand-building strategies, Michelle offers actionable insights for businesses and individuals aiming to grow their influence and client base on LinkedIn.
This conversation is a must-listen for professionals seeking to stand out in an increasingly crowded digital space.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to Michelle J. Raymond
(00:57) - Michelle’s professional background
(02:53) - Discovering LinkedIn’s potential
(06:00) - Shifting from secrecy to transparency in business
(10:00) - Addressing challenges in converting LinkedIn followers
(14:56) - Defining and targeting your dream client
(25:00) - Leveraging company pages strategically
(37:00) - Overcoming content creation fears
(50:00) - The energy behind content creation
(58:45) - Trends and predictions for 2025
Check out today's guest, Michelle J. Raymond:
Michelle's LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond
Michelle's Website: https://b2bgrowthco.com/
Michelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/good_trading_co/?hl=es
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this quick yet impactful solo episode, Chris Do outlines the five biggest mistakes creatives make that risk losing their clients. From the pitfalls of poor responsiveness and inflexibility to the dangers of unclear processes and taking client relationships for granted, Chris offers practical advice on how to safeguard and nurture these valuable connections.
He emphasizes the importance of keeping clients informed, creating inclusive communication, and consistently engaging in dialogue to ensure alignment and trust. This episode provides essential insights for creatives aiming to build lasting client relationships and avoid common missteps.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to solo episode
(00:38) Importance of client retention
(01:00) Mistake 1: Lack of responsiveness
(01:51) Mistake 2: Inflexibility and resistance to input
(03:00) Mistake 3: Unclear process or next steps
(04:13) Mistake 4: Expecting clients to speak “creative language”
(05:39) Mistake 5: Taking relationships for granted
Check out The Futur:
➤ Website | Courses | LinkedIn | Podcasts
➤ Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
Check out Chris Do:
In this episode, Chris Do talks with Finn McKenty, a marketing strategist, designer, and YouTube creator known for his unique insights on building influence and branding in the digital space. Finn shares his journey from designer to business strategist, revealing how his career pivots shaped his perspective on marketing and credibility. Together, they dive into effective communication, the power of a consistent personal narrative, and how to capture your audience's attention in today’s crowded content landscape. Chris and Finn also unpack practical tips on harnessing storytelling to build authentic brand value and explore the importance of understanding consumer beliefs to drive marketing success.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro and background
(02:00) - From design to business
(05:30) - Defining product design
(10:05) - Marketing as applied psychology
(15:30) - Consumer beliefs and branding
(20:40) - The Febreze Sport case study
(30:15) - Navigating free information overload
(35:25) - The value of credibility
(40:40) - Building a personal brand narrative
(45:30) - Key storytelling tips for creators
Check out today's guest, Finn McKenty:
Finn's Website: https://www.finnmckenty.com/
Finn's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinnMckentyPRMBA
Finn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finnmckenty/
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, Chris Do joins Sean Cannell from Think Media for a deep dive into AI, personal branding, and what it takes to stand out in today’s creator economy. Sean, a successful entrepreneur and content strategist, shares insights on AI’s disruptive potential, how to use it as a productivity tool, and the evolving landscape of content creation.
Chris and Sean break down the importance of authenticity, goal setting, and work-life balance while discussing the role of personal websites in a social-first world. They explore how creators can position themselves for long-term success by leveraging their unique voice, refining their brand, and staying ahead of industry trends. Throughout the conversation, they provide actionable steps for creators looking to elevate their content and future-proof their careers.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:28) - Meet Chris Do
(01:08) - AI’s disruptive future
(02:20) - Using AI in content
(05:00) - Productivity vs. team size
(07:46) - AI and creative ethics
(10:00) - Essential skills for future jobs
(14:00) - Elon Musk & brand loyalty
(16:32) - Staying grounded with fame
(19:00) - Foundations of personal branding
(25:00) - Brand authenticity challenges
(32:13) - Design improvements for creators
(41:30) - Chris on copying and learning
(49:00) - Value of mentorship and coaching
(54:00) - Finding your niche and ikigai
(57:23) - Content strategy & future goals
Check out today's guest, Sean Cannell:
Sean's Website: https://www.seancannell.com/
Sean's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWFavn3ym0w3myTD5OX59g
Sean's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seancannell/
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, Chris Do brings back Daniel Priestley for an insightful discussion on attracting high-end clients and the mindset shifts needed to position yourself as a key player in your industry. Daniel, a successful entrepreneur and author, shares practical tactics and strategies on moving from being perceived as a "worker bee" to a "key person of influence." They dive into the importance of showcasing past successes, building a list of potential clients, and leveraging exclusivity to create demand. Along the way, Chris and Daniel provide actionable steps for building credibility, boosting your business reputation, and rethinking client relationships for long-term success.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro and welcome
(01:18) - Defining high-end clients
(03:23) - Myths about high-end clients
(05:08) - Value of high-paying clients
(10:00) - Showcasing past projects
(15:04) - Importance of storytelling
(20:00) - Pitching yourself as influential
(24:26) - Creating your niche and identity
(28:50) - Leveraging a waitlist for exclusivity
(35:30) - Strategies for setting appointments
Check out today's guest, Daniel Priestley:
Daniel's Website: https://danielpriestley.com/
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpriestley/?hl=en
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this episode, I’m back with my friend, entrepreneur, author, and powerlifter Jodie Cook, for another incredible conversation about discovering your personal success system. Jodie’s got an inspiring journey — from building and selling a 20-person social media agency to launching CoachBox AI and becoming a Forbes contributor. In this episode, we explore what it means to have a success system, why simplifying your communication matters, and how persistence and visualization play a huge role in achieving your goals. We also get deep into personal reflections — like the lessons we learn from childhood and the hidden power of discomfort as a sign of growth. If you’ve ever wondered what your unique formula for success might be, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:00) - Jodie’s journey and recent achievements
(06:15) - The power of children’s books in storytelling
(10:30) - Personal success systems explained
(13:45) - Success stories: Taylor Swift, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk
(17:00) - Visualization and goal setting
(21:45) - Communication and cultural understanding
(25:00) - Using personal strengths for success
(29:00) - Powerlifting and competitive mindset
(32:00) - Visualization as a success tool
(37:30) - Cosmic perspective and clarity
(43:00) - My personal success system exploration
(55:00) - The importance of persistence and adaptability
(01:02:00) - Creativity, patterns, and personal growth
Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook:
Jodie's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook/
Jodie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook
Jodie's Website: https://www.jodiecook.com/
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
In this quick yet impactful solo episode, Chris Do outlines the five biggest mistakes creatives make that risk losing their clients. From the pitfalls of poor responsiveness and inflexibility to the dangers of unclear processes and taking client relationships for granted, Chris offers practical advice on how to safeguard and nurture these valuable connections. He emphasizes the importance of keeping clients informed, creating inclusive communication, and consistently engaging in dialogue to ensure alignment and trust. This episode provides essential insights for creatives aiming to build lasting client relationships and avoid common missteps.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to solo episode
(00:38) Importance of client retention
(01:00) Mistake 1: Lack of responsiveness
(01:51) Mistake 2: Inflexibility and resistance to input
(03:00) Mistake 3: Unclear process or next steps
(04:13) Mistake 4: Expecting clients to speak “creative language”
(05:39) Mistake 5: Taking relationships for granted
Check out The Futur:
➤ Website | Courses | LinkedIn | Podcasts
➤ Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
Check out Chris Do:
In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Entrepreneur Noah Kagan, the founder and CEO of AppSumo, as he shares valuable advice on cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, recognizing business opportunities and persisting through challenges. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences, he delves into the significance of perseverance, problem-solving skills, asking the right question, and continual improvement in business. Noah Kagan emphasizes the importance of not just generating ideas but also their successful execution and the value they add. He talks about setting transformative financial goals, the power of validating business ideas, leveraging personal networks, focusing on one platform for growth, and the role of email lists. He also gives a peek into his upcoming book, 'Million Dollar Weekend'.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Noah Kagan on starting a business
(01:00) Importance of experimentation and failure
(04:00) Finding opportunities through frustration
(07:00) Leadership and delegation strategies
(10:00) The power of slow, steady growth
(14:00) Insights on hiring and retaining talent
(18:00) Building a million-dollar business
(22:00) Business lessons from rejection and persistence
(28:00) Monetizing creativity and solving problems
Check out today's guest, Noah Kagan:
Noah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahkagan/?hl=en
Noah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahkagan
Noah's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@noahkagan
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this heartfelt solo episode, Chris Do reflects on a transformative fishing trip with 19 creatives in the Canadian wilderness. Drawing on the classic Hero’s Journey story structure, Chris shares how stepping outside comfort zones leads to personal growth and connection. From humorous mishaps like a lost phone to lessons about being present and embracing challenges, this trip was full of memorable moments. Chris emphasizes the power of shared experiences, true connection, and the importance of answering a call to adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or hesitant to try something new, this episode will inspire you to embrace the unknown and create deeper bonds with others.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to solo episode
(00:54) The Hero’s Journey and the call to adventure
(02:10) 19 strangers embark on a fishing trip
(03:23) Lessons from frustrations and challenges
(04:36) A story of loss and transformation
(06:11) A surprise victory and a jackpot
(07:24) Creating connections through shared experiences
(09:00) Stepping out of your comfort zone
(10:00) An invitation to future adventures
Check out The Futur:
➤ Website | Courses | LinkedIn | Podcasts
➤ Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
Check out Chris Do:
➤ Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
➤ TikTok | Threads | Zaap | Clubhouse | Behance
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, I welcome back LinkedIn expert Jasmin Alic following our previous viral conversation that became LinkedIn's #1 video of the year. Jasmin brings 15 years of writing experience and insights from his thriving coaching practice to share what's really working on LinkedIn in 2024. We dive deep into the psychology of content creation, exploring everything from crafting the perfect first three lines to building genuine community engagement through strategic commenting. I'm particularly excited about our discussion of Jasmin's innovative "signposting" technique and his fresh perspective on how LinkedIn's evolution toward video content is changing the game. We also tackle controversial topics like AI-generated comments and the truth about reach metrics, while Jasmin opens up about how he maintains authentic connections while running a booked-out coaching business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your LinkedIn strategy, this conversation offers practical techniques you can implement right away.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Welcome and Previous Success
(03:27) - LinkedIn's Video Evolution
(06:00) - Content Creation Fundamentals
(31:33) - Post Psychology Deep Dive
(41:15) - Signposting Technique Explained
(57:54) - Case Study Strategy
(01:04) - Understanding Reach Metrics
(01:11) - AI Comments Discussion
(01:14) - Work-Life Integration
(01:20) - Episode Wrap-Up
Link to our first episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RYWMtGeKvbNPYpMecgbJT?si=UXgHyC5QQVKt39sU2wSyqA
Check out today's guest, Jasmin Alic:
Website: https://www.hey-jay.com/
Jasmin Alic LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicjasmin/
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, I explore the crucial role storytelling plays in marketing and brand strategy. I explain how strong emotions and memorable stories are essential for effective branding, emphasizing that storytelling is an innate part of human memory. I dive into the importance of creating relatable narratives, using examples like the Hero's Journey and traditional fables such as Aesop's. I highlight how brand equity and storytelling can transform products from mere commodities into recognizable brands by focusing on character, want, and obstacle. I also share strategic insights through a sample brand strategy tailored for different client demographics. Tune in to discover how storytelling can elevate your branding efforts and engage audiences in a meaningful way.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to solo format
(00:39) Storytelling's role in memory
(02:10) Why facts alone don’t engage
(03:40) Fables and lasting stories
(05:10) George Lucas and the Hero’s Journey
(06:20) Simplifying story elements
(09:00) Branding through storytelling
(10:30) Ideal client profiling
(13:00) Reaching high-value clients uniquely
(15:00) Innovative marketing ideas
Check out The Futur:
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In this episode, I connect with serial entrepreneur and AI visionary Austin Armstrong for a thought-provoking exploration of how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the content creation landscape. Drawing from his extensive experience at the intersection of technology and creativity, Austin breaks down complex AI concepts into actionable insights for creators and business owners alike. We dive deep into the practical applications of AI tools in content production, while honestly addressing the ethical considerations and potential pitfalls that creators need to navigate. The conversation takes an especially compelling turn as Austin shares his firsthand experiences of building and scaling AI-driven businesses, offering rare insights into what works—and what doesn't—in this rapidly evolving space. You'll discover his strategic framework for integrating AI tools without sacrificing authenticity, including practical tips for maintaining a human touch in an increasingly automated world. Whether you're a content creator looking to leverage AI effectively or an entrepreneur seeking to understand the future of digital content, Austin's blend of technical expertise and business acumen provides a valuable roadmap for staying ahead of the curve. Don't miss his fascinating predictions about where AI is heading and how creators can position themselves for success in this transformative era.
Timestamps:
(01:03) - Meet Austin Armstrong
(04:00) - Faceless Content Creation Explained
(06:57) - The Future of AI in Content Creation
(10:00) - Ethical and Practical Concerns
(12:50) - AI's Impact on Various Industries
(14:17) - The Role of AI in Personal and Professional Growth
(15:24) - Balancing Automation and Authenticity
(18:47) - The Dead Internet Theory
(19:43) - The Human Element in Content Creation
(27:57) - Automating Content Distribution
(29:08) - AI Tools in Content Creation
(30:26) - The Case for Embracing AI
(31:52) - Handling Trolls and Negative Feedback
(38:48) - Social Media Strategies and TikTok Challenges
(44:15) - Success Stories with Syllabi
(49:54) - Public Speaking and Marketing Insights
Check out today's guest, Austin Armstrong:
Syllaby Website:https://syllaby.io/
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Syllaby LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/trysyllaby/
Austin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinarmstrong90/
Austin’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialtyPro/videos
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
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LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
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TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
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Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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In this episode, I sit down with the multifaceted Bea Chu for an illuminating conversation about navigating the international content creation landscape. As a respected voice in cinematography, audio, and tech, Bea offers unique insights from her journey across two distinctly different creator markets. We dive deep into the fascinating contrasts between content creation in the Philippines and the United States, exploring how cultural nuances shape audience engagement and creative strategy. Bea shares candid reflections on adapting her content style while maintaining her distinctive voice, and reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of building a cross-cultural audience. The conversation takes an especially valuable turn as we explore her sophisticated approach to brand partnerships, where she breaks down how creators can maintain authenticity while building profitable relationships with sponsors. Whether you're an international creator looking to expand your reach or a brand seeking to understand creator partnerships better, Bea's practical wisdom and cultural insights offer a fresh perspective on succeeding in today's global content landscape. You'll walk away with actionable strategies for crafting content that resonates across borders while staying true to your creative vision.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Meet Bea Chu
(00:48) - Diverse Career Background
(01:59) - Challenges of Being a Creator in the Philippines
(02:55) - Brand Sponsorships and Integrity
(04:58) - Comparing Creator Markets: Philippines vs. US
(09:03) - Mindset Shifts for Creators
(11:37) - Navigating Brand Interactions
(12:43) - The Vicious and Virtuous Cycles
(13:47) - Empowering Creators to Value Their Work
(16:34) - Concluding thoughts on integrity in content creation and Bea’s upcoming engagements
Check out today's guest, Bea Chu:
Website: https://www.beachu.tv/
Twitter: https://x.com/beachu_tv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beachutv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachutv/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beachutv
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/beachutv
Email: [email protected]
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
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LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
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TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
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Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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In this engaging episode, Chris Do sits down with Brendan Kane, a social media expert and author known for his data-driven approach to virality. They dive deep into the science behind creating viral content and how social media algorithms work to promote high-quality, engaging content. Brendan breaks down his "generalist principle," explaining why appealing to a broader audience doesn’t dilute a brand’s message but can instead amplify it. With examples from successful clients, he shares actionable strategies for consistent growth on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, emphasizing that understanding content format and context is crucial. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to expand their reach and convert views into loyal followers and clients.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to Brendan Kane
(01:43) The science of going viral
(02:16) Breaking through consistently
(05:00) Role of algorithms in social media
(07:00) The generalist principle explained
(08:40) Turning views into business growth
(11:00) Avoiding niche-only content traps
(14:30) Viral success example: Tanner Leatherstein
(17:45) Tools and mindset for social media success
(22:00) Identifying repeatable formats
(30:50) Common mistakes on social media
(37:00) Mastering perspective shifts for engagement
Check out today's guest, Brendan Kane:
Brendan's Website: https://brendanjkane.com/
Brendan's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendanJamesKane/
Brendan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendankane/?hl=en
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
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LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
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Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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In this episode, I explore the concept of authenticity and challenge common perceptions of what it means to be truly authentic. I dive into personal anecdotes and insights about being myself in the age of social media. Along the way, I highlight the importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance, share a moment where I wasn’t at my best, and discuss how therapy has played a role in discovering my true identity. My goal is to encourage you to start your journey of self-discovery early, and I offer reflections from my own experiences to help along the way. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in personal growth and understanding the nuances of being authentic.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to solo episode format
(01:00) - Defining authenticity and personas
(03:00) - A fan interaction gone wrong
(06:10) - The "me-est me" concept
(08:20) - Embracing individual quirks
(10:45) - The quiet charisma of self-acceptance
(13:10) - The role of therapy in personal growth
(15:30) - Insights on conflict and self-care
(18:10) - Why knowing yourself is essential
(20:05) - Advice for younger listeners on self-discovery
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In this episode, I welcome dynamic creator duo Colin and Samir for an in-depth exploration of their fascinating journey through the creator economy landscape. From their humble beginnings producing niche lacrosse content to building one of YouTube's most influential shows about creators, they share the pivotal decisions and strategic thinking that shaped their evolution. We dissect the mechanics of their successful creative partnership, uncovering how they've maintained their collaborative spark while scaling their business. You'll gain exclusive insights into their content development process, including how they've mastered the art of storytelling in the digital age and their unique approach to interviewing industry titans like MrBeast. The conversation takes an honest turn as Colin and Samir open up about navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, dealing with creative burnout, and finding their authentic voice amid industry pressures. We also dive into their data-driven content strategies while exploring the delicate balance between algorithmic success and creative integrity. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or a seasoned professional, their candid discussion about overcoming criticism, adapting to platform changes, and building a sustainable creator business offers invaluable lessons for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital space. Plus, don't miss their practical tips for maintaining creative momentum while building a media empire.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Meet Colin and Samir
(01:08) - The Beginnings of The Colin and Samir Show
(01:46) - Dynamic Duo: Business vs. Creative
(04:00) - The Lacrosse Network: From Idea to Reality
(11:46) - Navigating Creative Partnerships
(28:58) - Understanding the Creator Economy
(34:46) - The Early Days of YouTube
(35:55) - Creators vs. Creatives
(37:02) - The Rise of MrBeast
(37:34) - MrBeast's YouTube Strategies
(43:59) - The Three Rules of YouTube
(56:39) - Podcasting on YouTube
(01:07:18) - Exciting Upcoming Videos
(01:07:43) - The Importance of Juxtaposition in Titles
(01:10:02) - Crafting Engaging Food Content
(01:11:28) - Debating the Best Burgers in LA
(01:15:44) - Handling Criticism and Authenticity
(01:17:57) - The Creative Process and Opportunities
(01:25:30) - SWOT Analysis and Future Plans
Check out today's guest, Colin and Samir:
Twitter: https://x.com/colinandsamir
Subscribe to their Newsletter: https://www.thepublishpress.com/
Instagram:
@ColinandSamir: https://www.instagram.com/colinandsamir/?hl=en
Colin @colinrosenblum: https://www.instagram.com/colinrosenblum/?hl=en
Samir @SamirChaudry: https://www.instagram.com/samirchaudry/?hl=en
Website: www.ColinandSamir.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ColinandSamir
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
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TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
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Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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In an engaging dialogue with Jasmine Starr, the episode unfolds Jasmine's remarkable journey from adversity to achievement. With vulnerability, she shares her early struggles, including the societal expectations that weighed heavily on her aspirations. Her narrative is not just a personal account; it serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to thrive in the entrepreneurial world. The conversation steers towards the practicalities of hosting a mastermind, with Jasmine emphasizing the importance of aligning participants' expectations and fostering accountability within the group. Her insights offer a roadmap for aspiring hosts, highlighting how to cultivate an environment where every member feels empowered to contribute and grow.
Timestamps:
(00:39) - Meet Jasmine Starr
(01:40) - The Importance of Bravery in Business
(02:42) - Jasmine's Early Life and Education Journey
(04:17) - Overcoming Childhood Challenges
(22:38) - Transitioning from Photography to Business Coaching
(39:22) - The Launch of Social Curator
(54:29) - The Value of Masterminds and Networking
(01:06:15) - Navigating Expectations in a Mastermind
(01:15:46) - Conclusion and Insights on Growth
Check out today's guest, Jasmine Star:
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Embrace Flexibility: Navigating Client Relationships as a Creative
In this solo podcast episode, host Chris Do explores the metaphor of 'being bamboo' to discuss the importance of flexibility and strength in creative client relationships. He shares insights on balancing artistic expression with client demands, emphasizing the significance of understanding the client's perspective. Through real-life examples, Chris illustrates when it's beneficial to align with client requests and when to stand firm on technical grounds. The episode also introduces strategies for managing subjective disagreements and fostering collaborative, rather than vendor, relationships. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content and share their experiences with challenging client scenarios.
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Mastering Personal Branding and Event Success
Join Chris Do in an enlightening podcast episode with Neel Dhingra as they explore the art of building a personal brand and organizing successful events. Discover Neel's journey in the real estate mortgage finance sector, as he breaks industry norms using social media for branding and inspires authenticity. Learn about the challenges of maintaining personal relationships amid entrepreneurial success and how genuine connection and community foster creative growth. This episode is an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the impact of personal branding and the power of intentionality and vulnerability in engaging audiences.
Check out today's guest, Neel Dhingra:
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Harnessing Scarcity to Boost Event Promotions
In this special solo episode, Chris Do explores the concept of scarcity and how to effectively use it to promote events. Learn strategies inspired by Professor Galloway and luxury brands on controlling supply to increase demand. Chris shares practical tips, real-life examples, and anecdotes from his European tour on how to undersell events, engage the community in planning, and ensure success in different markets. Perfect for event organizers and marketers looking to maximize attendance and engagement.
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Balancing Content Creation with Client Work: A Strategy for Success
In this solo episode, Chris Do discusses the challenges of balancing content creation with client work. He emphasizes the importance of a client acquisition strategy and shares insightful anecdotes about the consequences of neglecting this. Chris also provides actionable tips on leveraging content marketing to attract new clients, the pitfalls of generic messaging, and the value of niching down. If you're struggling with maintaining a steady stream of clients while doing quality work, this episode is a must-listen.
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In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Jule Kim as they explore the vital elements of mastering sales, featuring upcoming in-person workshops in Miami and London for transformative change. This episode delves into effective sales conversations, highlighting common pitfalls such as inadequate listening, premature pitching, and the importance of strategic questioning. Through role-plays, real-life analogies, and insights on timing the close, viewers learn to build rapport, understand client problems, and close deals confidently. The discussion also emphasizes the value of a confident mindset and experienced guidance in achieving sales success and personal growth.
Sign up for the Conversational Selling Workshop in Miami here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conversational-selling-workshop-miami-full-day-tickets-997334653797?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sign p for the Conversational Selling Workshop in London here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conversational-selling-workshop-london-two-day-tickets-999812655567?aff=oddtdtcreator
Check out today's guest, Jule Kim:
➤ Instagram | Website | LinkedIn
Check out The Futur:
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Reimagining Creativity
In this episode, Chris Doe interviews John Roescher, founder of Raw Materials, a unique design company. John delves into his journey from founding Handsome to creating Raw Materials, highlighting the challenges of scaling a design agency while staying true to creative principles. He shares insights on fostering a culture of creativity, the importance of aligning with core beliefs, and navigating the evolving landscape of the design industry. Tune in to hear John's vision for the future of design and the lessons he's learned along the way.
Check out today's guest, John Roescher:
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In this solo episode, Chris Do discusses innovative strategies for creating demand and scarcity for digital products, even when supply is seemingly infinite. Drawing on insights from Daniel Priestly, Chris explains the importance of setting hard caps on product availability and the psychological effects of scarcity on consumer behavior. He also shares practical tips for implementing waitlists and enrollment caps to maintain high value and demand for products. Tune in to learn how to effectively market your digital offerings and optimize consumer interest.
Check out The Futur:
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Empowering Female Designers
In this special episode of The Futur Podcast, host Chris Do converses with Anna Dower and Emma Kate, founders of the Designer Boss Summit. They share their journey from graphic designers to successful mentors, revealing how they launched an empowering online summit for designers worldwide. Amid discussions on overcoming imposter syndrome, fostering community, and leveraging AI, they emphasize the importance of asking for opportunities and collaborating authentically. Their story is an inspiring testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of female entrepreneurship in the design industry.
Sign up for your FREE ticket to Design Camp here!
When you use my affiliate link to snag your free ticket and consider upgrading to the Boss Bundle, I might earn a small commission. This helps me continue creating awesome free content for you. Thanks in advance for using my affiliate link!
Check out today's guests, Anna Dower and Emma Kate:
➤ Facebook Group | Website | Designer Boss Instagram
➤ Anna on Instagram | Emma on Instagram
Check out The Futur:
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In this engaging episode, Chris Do speaks with John Driscoll, CEO and co-founder of Naked Development. John shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his childhood entrepreneurial ventures to becoming an early adopter of mobile apps. They discuss foundational sales skills, the importance of being genuine and honest in business, and how to cultivate trust with clients. John also dives into the philosophy behind his company and the significance of knowing your customer intimately for effective inbound marketing.
Check out today's guest, John Driscoll:
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In this episode, Chris Do is joined by Andrew and Pete to discuss their journey from aspiring entrepreneurs to hosting one of Europe’s largest business conferences, Atomicon. They emphasize the power of ‘the remarkable ask’ and setting colossal goals to expedite success. The duo shares their strategies for growing their business, the value of building community-driven events, and their unique approach to tackling challenges through the ‘Big Domino Effect.’ The conversation also highlights their key moments in securing significant opportunities, such as becoming keynote speakers at Social Media Marketing World and their method of leveraging notable speakers to enhance Atomicon.
Check out today's guests, Andrew and Pete:
➤ Website | Atomicon | Newsletter
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In this solo episode, Chris Do explores the nuances of clickbait and its impact on audience trust. He discusses the fine line between sensational headlines that deliver and misleading clickbait that damages credibility. Chris shares insights on creating engaging content without compromising core values, offering practical advice for maintaining integrity while attracting attention.
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In this episode, Chris Do welcomes Erwin McManus to discuss the art and essence of communication. They delve into personal stories, including their initial meeting and McManus's upcoming book 'The Seven Frequencies of Communication.' McManus shares insights on how humans perceive communication through frequencies rather than just words, and the importance of connecting personally with an audience. The conversation touches on various communication styles, the importance of trust and love in relationships, and how different 'frequencies' manifest in personal and professional settings. McManus also reflects on his life journey, his ability to sense frequencies, and the powerful impact of staying true to one's calling.
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➤ Website | Book | LinkedIn | Instagram
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In this episode, Chris Do engages in an enlightening conversation with Corey Poirier, a seasoned speaker, author, and advocate for authenticity. Corey shares his compelling journey from a small-town background and starting late in life to becoming a notable speaker with five TED Talks and multiple books under his belt. The discussion revolves around the importance of being true to oneself, both in personal life and in building a personal brand. Corey highlights lessons learned from his own experiences and interviews with top thought leaders, providing insights on how to connect with audiences, the power of a personal mission statement, and the value of emotional engagement. Tune in for valuable tips on speaking effectively, staying authentic, and navigating the challenges of success.
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In this solo episode, Chris Do discusses the aesthetics and design principles of the Under Armour logo, explaining why he finds it visually unappealing despite its conceptual strengths. Chris explores the importance of creating logos that are versatile, timeless, and follow universal design principles. He also shares insights on the significance of trends, fads, and the meticulous research process involved in professional logo design.
Check out The Futur:
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Brenden Kumarasamy, founder of MasterTalk, discusses his evolution from an aspiring accountant to a communication expert. He highlights the role of motivation in overcoming the fear of public speaking, and shares practical exercises to improve communication skills. Brenden also differentiates between handling prepared and unprepared questions and emphasizes the value of video messages and personalized coaching. The conversation explores tailoring communication styles to different contexts and audiences.
Check out today's guest, Brenden Kumarasamy:
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In this episode, host Chris Do shares his journey from a reluctance to engage in media to embracing the power of podcasts. Chris recounts how he initially resisted creating podcast content and how he overcame his hesitation, realizing the intimate and impactful nature of audio storytelling. He reflects on the early days of his career, his experiences with public speaking, and the invaluable lessons learned from his first business coach, Kira McLaren. Chris also discusses the unique relationship between podcast hosts and listeners, highlighting the significance of connecting with an audience on such a personal level. Join Chris as he delves into the transformative power of podcasts and the creative opportunities they present.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Jule Kim, and they explore the intricacies of the sales process and the transformative power of discipline, trust, and mentorship. They discuss the common sales pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of building initial trust with clients, listening to their needs, and aligning with their goals. Chris recounts personal experiences with clients and highlights the critical need for proper application of teaching methods to avoid miscommunication. The conversation extends to the parallels between military discipline and life coaching, underscoring the value of following a structured system for significant personal and professional transformations. Through Chris's story of mentoring Rodrigo and a past business proposal, the hosts stress the necessity of understanding the buyer's mindset and committing fully to mentorship relationships. Jule offers her expertise in executive coaching and marketing, emphasizing the essential elements of trust, commitment, and respect in successful mentorship and coaching dynamics.
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In this episode, host Chris Do interviews Michael Angelo, the owner of San Antonio Video Productions, about his career transition from a salaried employee to a full-time entrepreneur. Starting at the age of 15, Michael gained experience freelancing while in college and eventually landed a gig in outdoor television. Michael discusses his journey, the lessons learned from holding a salaried position, and the skills he developed that helped him start his own business. He shares his blueprint for achieving a dream, using the acronym DREAM to outline the steps: Dedicate, Refine, Evolve, Activate, and Multiply. Michael also discusses his methods for acquiring clients through Thumbtack and Google Ads, and emphasizes the importance of evolving into a business owner and training others to scale the business effectively.
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In this episode, host Chris Do and Ian Dawson explore the evolution of broadcast design from the 90s to the present, focusing on the impact of new technologies like artificial intelligence, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR). Ian shares stories from his early career at Novacom, discusses pivotal industry changes, and examines challenges faced by producers and designers. They also delve into the transformative potential of AR and VR across sectors such as advertising and education, the importance of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, and how technologies like Apple's Vision Pro could revolutionize creative and educational fields. Furthermore, they highlight the shifting dynamics between agencies, brands, and creatives, emphasizing accountability and achieving Return on Investment (ROI). Tune in for insights on how these cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the future landscape for designers, developers, and educators.
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In this episode, host Chris Do interviews Phil M. Jones, a renowned business communication and sales expert, and author of 'Exactly What to Say.' Phil shares his journey from young entrepreneur to successful author and speaker, discussing his creative strategies and frameworks developed from extensive experience in senior sales leadership, real estate, and sales training. Highlights include actionable advice on mastering influence and communication, the importance of continuous improvement, and specific language techniques for asking referrals and establishing authority. Phil also provides tips on impactful public speaking and the philosophy behind his evergreen success. Furthermore, the episode delves into the significance of inspiration over copying in creative industries, encouraging unique takes on existing ideas for innovative outcomes.
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In this episode, host Chris Do features a deep dive into the transformation of pricing and positioning strategies within the advertising and professional services industries, guided by insights from Tim Williams, founder of Ignition Consulting Group. Williams discusses the flawed nature of hourly billing and advocates for a value-based pricing model that focuses on the outputs or results rather than the inputs or time spent. He highlights how agencies can innovate by developing a product mindset, shedding light on the necessity of adapting to changes brought by AI and market demands. The discussion also explores the idea of agencies investing in or partnering with brands, shifting towards a model where creative services are productized, thereby solving specific client problems. Williams emphasizes the importance of agencies moving away from traditional billing methods to embrace a future where they price based on value delivered, not hours worked.
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In this episode, Chris Do is interviewed on Omar El-Takrori’s podcast called The Dept. w/ Omar El-Takrori, and they explore the intricate labyrinth of personal branding, public speaking, and the role of AI in today's creative and marketing industries. Chris Do shares profound insights on the essence of knowing oneself and the power of emotional connections over aesthetics in branding, coupled with his vision to revolutionize creative education through AI integration. The discussion transitions into the significance of authentic engagement in public speaking, critiquing the prevalent mechanical delivery and advocating for a return to conversational, heartfelt interactions. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, leveraging AI for enhancing presentations, and the cultural impact on innovation. Central to the conversation is the philosophy of using branding to forge genuine connections and utilizing success to empower educational initiatives, embodying an ethos of acknowledgment, appreciation, and the transformative potential of human connections.
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In this episode, host Chris Do interviews Matt Bretz, a creative leader navigating his career transition after being laid off from Ayzenberg, where he served as the Chief Creative Officer. Matt discusses the importance of transparency during transitions, the emotional rollercoaster of leaving a job, and the significance of maintaining personal and professional connections. He shares insights into the impact of rapid changes in the marketing and communications landscape, emphasizing the need for creativity and innovation in the industry. Matt also reflects on the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors and explores potential future paths, including entrepreneurship and leveraging his strengths in rainmaking, talent farming, and design championing.
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In this episode, host Chris Do delves into the personal and professional growth journey of graphic designer James Barnard, focusing on the importance of authenticity, transparency, and the willingness to learn in public. By sharing his own experiences, including the initial struggle with an Adobe Illustrator tool, Barnard highlights the positive impacts of admitting one's gaps in knowledge and the collective learning that ensues with the audience. The episode further explores the power of teaching and how it can not only enhance one's own understanding but also boost business through specialization, in this case, logo design. Barnard discusses the effectiveness of script writing for social media content to bolster confidence and articulation, alongside the significance of continuous learning and sharing even the basics of one's craft. Emphasizing mistakes as a natural part of the creative process, the conversation shifts towards the benefits of humility and preparing oneself before claiming expertise, culminating in the mutual growth of both the designer and his audience.
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Beyond Connections
In this episode, host Chris Do delves into the secrets behind successful LinkedIn profiles and growth strategies with guest Sam Browne, an entrepreneur from Auckland, New Zealand, who achieved an impressive feat of growing his LinkedIn following by 50,000 in one year. Sam shares his journey from starting various businesses to finding a successful formula on LinkedIn involving consistent, engaging post writing and the crucial role of hooks in capturing audience attention. He emphasizes the importance of content quality, the strategic use of personal and educational content, and the power of case studies and specific, direct calls to action for lead generation. Sam also recounts his highest-performing post, revealing its massive engagement stats and highlighting key factors contributing to its success, like a compelling hook, concise value-packed content, and shareability among community members.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with marketing expert and bestselling author Allan Dib shares his journey from immigrant to marketing and IT success, emphasizing the power of a positive mindset towards money and marketing. Allan discusses the essence of Lean Marketing, drawing from lean manufacturing to advocate for efficiency and waste reduction in marketing efforts. He highlights the importance of communication, goodwill, and understanding customer needs for creatives and introverts, advocating for sales techniques focused on listening and diagnosing rather than pushing for a sale. Through personal anecdotes and professional advice, Allan conveys the significance of differentiating oneself in the market, crafting irresistible offers, and the vital role marketing plays in business sustainability and growth. The episode not only explores Allan's transformative sales insights but also invites listeners to engage with him, reflecting on his experiences, strategies, and the impact of marketing on achieving business success.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Robert Katai, founder of the B2B Creator Newsletter, as he discusses a transformative strategy for brands aiming to achieve significant growth without solely relying on paid advertising or traditional marketing channels. He emphasizes the shift from conventional approaches to investing in in-house creators. In-house creators, who could be any employee passionate about the brand, are positioned as better alternatives to outside influencers for building authentic connections with audiences. Robert highlights the power of personal branding and genuine content creation as a means to foster trust and engagement with the brand. The discussion covers the increasing costs of customer acquisition, the saturation of AI in marketing channels, and the decreasing efficacy of brand-only social media accounts. Through examples like Apollo.io and SparkToro, Robert illustrates how companies can leverage their employees to authentically engage with their community, resulting in increased brand loyalty, lower marketing costs, and organic growth. The solution proposed encompasses nurturing in-house talent to generate content that resonates with the audience, establishing a human-to-human connection. Robert's insights are framed within his extensive experience in marketing, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to overcoming current marketing challenges.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Daniel Priestley as he shares valuable lessons from his career on the significance of lead generation, supplemented by practical approaches and the use of success stories to illustrate point. Furthermore, he introduces an affordable, globally accessible tool aimed at creators and entrepreneurs, encouraging immediate action to incorporate effective strategies for lead generation into sales processes. He highlights the tool's benefits, including its unique pricing model that charges users only upon achieving success, thereby underscoring the importance of accessible entrepreneurial tools in expanding business reach. The episode culminates with endorsements of Daniel's expertise and additional resources for further engagement.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Paul Hoke, an unconventional master of wedding entertainment, who reveals the art of creating deeply personalized and memorable wedding experiences. Going beyond the traditional DJ and entertainment role, Paul shares his unique approach to engaging with clients—through listening, silence, and understanding their backstories—to craft events that resonate on an emotional level. From integrating personal stories and family traditions into the fabric of the occasion, to challenging industry norms with creative problem-solving under constraints, Paul's methods demonstrate the profound impact of empathy and personalization in transforming events into lasting memories. Through a series of touching stories, including the innovative engagement techniques and the thoughtful integration of family history, this episode is a testament to the power of thinking outside the box and the importance of creating meaningful connections. Join us as we delve into the mind of a creative genius who challenges clients to reimagine what a wedding can be, ensuring that each celebration is as unique and extraordinary as the individuals it honors.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Jordan Rogers, detailing his recovery from heroin addiction and incarceration to achieving professional acclaim at Nike and becoming a significant advocate for personal branding. By leveraging his struggles to forge a connection and inspire athletes and individuals alike, Jordan highlights the essence of resilience, authenticity, and the strategic use of personal branding. The narrative further explores how personal experiences and unique stories can not only enrich one's professional growth but also inspire broad, impactful success. Jordan's work, particularly with college athletes, underscores the crucial role of embracing vulnerabilities, recognizing strengths, and the proactive pursuit of personal potential beyond waiting for opportunities. His success story, marked by growth in followers and recognition from figures like Tiger Woods, serves as a testament to the power of authentic personal branding and its pivotal role in achieving happiness, health, and wealth. The script encapsulates the intersection of personal hardships with professional triumphs, advocating for the strategic and authentic use of personal branding in navigating and leveraging one's unique journey towards broad-reaching impact and success.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Jule Kim, exploring the significance of SEO in the creative industry and how individuals can leverage it to generate high-quality leads. Jule Kim, a certified life coach with expertise in SEO, discusses the importance of understanding your customer, creating content that addresses common questions and objections, and effectively using keywords to improve search engine visibility. The episode covers practical SEO strategies, including the use of images and meta descriptions, organizing website content, and the importance of having a Google business profile. Additionally, Jule shares insights on transitioning careers, her affirmation deck 'Self Love Affirmations and Reflections', and the evolution of search on social media platforms. The conversation emphasizes the need for creatives to make their work findable online to attract and convert potential leads into clients.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Sid Yadav, the co-founder and CEO of Circle, a community platform for creators and brands, shares his entrepreneurial journey along with valuable lessons for success. Talking about the early days of Circle, he acknowledges the impact of his experience with Teachable and how it influenced his venture. He articulates how he navigated through various challenges including technical hurdles, building a robust product, and creating an adept team. Sid explains his transition from a secure job to a startup and his ability to secure investment from Teachable's CEO. He also discusses the significance of making promises, delivering them, and sharing one's work with the world for feedback. Sid emphasizes that it is better to launch a product even with imperfections and refine it along the way. The talk also provides a glimpse into Circle's future endeavors towards transforming brand-creator engagement.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Liz Mosley, a UK-based freelance graphic designer and podcast host, shares her inspiring journey of transforming rejection into a springboard for success. Liz candidly reveals how an initial refusal to appear on her podcast led her to initiate a personal challenge of gaining 100 professional rejections in six months, which in turn yielded surprising results. Her changed mindset and newfound confidence led to many acceptances, sponsorships, and opportunities, including having even the 'rejections' eventually turning into acceptances. Liz’s story underscores the idea of approaching rejection not as a setback but as an opportunity for growth.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Entrepreneur Noah Kagan, the founder and CEO of AppSumo, as he shares valuable advice on cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, recognizing business opportunities and persisting through challenges. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences, he delves into the significance of perseverance, problem-solving skills, asking the right question, and continual improvement in business. Noah Kagan emphasizes the importance of not just generating ideas but also their successful execution and the value they add. He talks about setting transformative financial goals, the power of validating business ideas, leveraging personal networks, focusing on one platform for growth, and the role of email lists. He also gives a peek into his upcoming book, 'Million Dollar Weekend'.
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In this episode, host Chris Do sits down with Spencer Nikosey, the visionary founder of KILLSPENCER®, a brand that epitomizes the fusion of design, functionality, and craftsmanship in the creation of premium leather goods. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, Nikosey's journey into the world of design was almost predestined, with both parents being designers themselves. Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to the fascinating backstory of KILLSPENCER® and the ethos that drives its founder. Spencer shares insights into his "athletic approach" to design and life—a philosophy centered on discipline, constant practice, and the pursuit of excellence. This approach, coupled with inspiration drawn from a visit to the American Military Museum, led to the creation of KILLSPENCER®'s Historical Reserve collection, which repurposes military-grade materials into stylish, functional products. The brand, known for its meticulously crafted bags, phone cases, and computer cases, operates out of its Los Angeles factory, embodying the spirit of American craftsmanship and innovation.
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The last few years have seen leaps and bounds in technological innovation, with services like ChatGPT and MidJourney opening up a world of possibility for both creators and every day people to bring their ideas to life through the power of the internet. But those things are just today. What is the future of the internet? and how can we be good steward’s of it? Vitaly Friedman has been around since the early days of the web, and has spent his career helping to shape the internet. Vitaly will be talking with Chris about topics like inclusive design and accessibility, digital sustainability, and measuring the impact of web design. They’ll also be talking about why gaining insight and feedback from diverse user groups is becoming more and more important, all the time. Friedman has decades of experience in design work that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also effective in achieving its purpose, to draw on for his insights.
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In this episode, we delve into the mind and creative process of Radim Malinic, a Czech-born British designer, founder of Brand Nu Studio, and the author of “Creativity For Sale”. Radim shares his insights on the interplay of creativity and commerce, the role of ego, and the importance of authenticity and personal energy in shaping a successful career. He also explores the mindset shifts that come with experience, the value of mistakes, and the transformative impact of Behavioral Psychology on his design philosophy. Beyond the world of design, Radim talks about his life journey from being a Hockey Player, DJ, to a Music Journalist, before falling in love with design. He shares his personal 'Magic Formula' and 'Super Power' that keep him motivated, and stresses the importance of celebrating small wins. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, personal growth, and business.
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LinkedIn Content Creator and Coach, Jasmin Alić, joins us to share his unique approach to crafting compelling LinkedIn posts. He will discuss with Chris the secrets of crafting a great hook, the cornerstone of any successful post. Jasmin will explain why the hook of your post is so crucial for grabbing attention, but equally important is maintaining that energy throughout the post. He emphasizes the importance of making a promise with your hook and crushing any objections with a re-hook. Beyond just grabbing attention, he underscores the significance of post retention, achieved through engaging hooks and relevant content.
Jasmin also sheds light on the psychological aspects of writing and the importance of making your posts as easy as possible to read. He provides tips on using images effectively and discusses the strategy of commenting on posts as a growth hack on LinkedIn. He also introduces the "Dear Son” approach, a methodology that simplifies complex ideas and invites responses from readers, all while creating dynamic and engaging posts. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights for anyone looking to optimize their LinkedIn presence, enhance their writing skills, and engage more effectively with their audience.
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Leila Hormozi began her career at the age of twenty-one as a fitness trainer. After realizing that every business sells in different ways, she began to understand how to succeed in her field and became one of the top-selling personal trainers in Southern California. After meeting her now-husband, Alex, they propelled Gym Launch and several other businesses to success. They now run the multi-million dollar Acquisition.com, a holding company for their businesses, as well as a platform for investing in other businesses. They are not only running multiple businesses, but they are also influencers in that world and have built successful social media presences across multiple channels.
In the second part of a two-part interview, Leila and Chris focus on some of the lessons she has learned from running her own businesses and being an investor in others. They talk about what Leila wants to focus on when investing in new businesses, the ins and outs of embracing personal quirks as a business leader, why critique is more important than compliments, and the transformative power of self-acceptance. Leila's specific approach to business, focusing on benefiting everyone involved rather than stepping on others to reach the top, is enlightening. She emphasizes the importance of creating a working environment where everyone loves to work and partner with the company. Her perspective on the future of her business and personal life is both intriguing and inspiring.
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At the age of 21, Leila Hormozi moved to Southern California intending to build a career in fitness. With limited resources and little knowledge and experience, she achieved the status of top-selling personal trainer in the region. She realized early on that truly understanding sales was the vital skill that would distinguish her from others. She dedicated herself to learning and refining her skills, which allowed her to maintain her top-selling trainer status until she met her future husband, Alex Hormozi. She then pivoted to work with him in a business focused on helping gyms succeed. This business became wildly successful, leading to the start of several more businesses. Eventually, Leila and Alex formed Acquisition.com, a holding company for their businesses and a platform for investing in others.
In the first of a two-part interview, Leila sits down with Chris to discuss her story - growing up in a dysfunctional household, leaving for Southern California to pursue her destiny, meeting her husband and business partner, and evolving from a personal trainer who was just trying to figure out sales to pay her bills, to running a business that generates tens of millions of dollars in revenue each year. Her insights come from hands-on experience, leading to her ultimate philosophy - "Do stuff you like with people you like, and do more and more of it".
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Everyone always has something to say about what you’re doing. Whether it’s a client, a friend, a family member, or a stranger, there’s always someone who has an opinion about you or something you’ve done. Most people look at the feedback they’re getting as being a reflection of the feelings the person giving the feedback has towards them. What if we told you it’s not the person giving the feedback that makes it positive or negative, but rather, you as the person receiving it? What if you could take any piece of feedback, and receive it in a positive way? In a conversation with Mo Ismail, Chris opens up about some of his history with receiving feedback - How he reacted (whether rightly or wrongly), and the tools he now uses to process feedback, from being cognizant of his own emotional state, to reinterpreting things into non violent language, and more. They’ll also discuss how our subjective lens often distorts the slender sliver of objective truth, leading us to form stories that may or may not serve us well. Chris takes Mo through his journey to better understand his own reactions to others. Mo also sums a lot of this method up in the anagram DAPPER, which makes for a concise and easy to remember take away from a deep and impactful conversation.
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Networking is a term that, if you have a professional career, you've probably heard a million times. You've likely attended countless events and conversed with numerous people. However, networking is more than just attending a mixer or connecting with someone on LinkedIn, and quite frankly, many people are not as proficient at it as they believe. Loren Greiff, who operates the career services-focused Portfolio Rocket, joins Chris to discuss what she refers to as the "broccoli of business", something that is necessary but not particularly appealing to deal with. They'll discuss why networking is "the trampoline that allows you to get where you want to go faster", and why networking will continue to be crucial in the age of AI. She'll share her agency background, what led her into recruitment, and what eventually made her feel like she could no longer work in traditional recruiting, prompting her to establish Portfolio Rocket, a platform designed to equip job seekers with modern tools and techniques for success. Chris and Loren will also discuss some of the dos and don'ts of job searching, from a former recruiter's perspective, and some of the qualities that make someone stand out amongst other employees.
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Tom Ross returns for the second of our two episodes about building online communities. In this episode, Chris and Tom discuss the things to focus on when developing and honing your community - asking who your ideal community member is, how to price entry for a paid community, and how to attract people to your community. Tom provides a deep dive into creating a comprehensive profile of your ideal community member, highlighting the need to consider both hard and soft metrics. He emphasizes the invaluable role of personal conversations with potential members, explaining how these dialogues can offer more profound insights than data from surveys ever could. After all, a community is driven as much by the people in it as it is by the person who has organized it. Creating an online community can be a long and complex journey, but Tom Ross has built up a fair amount of experience in the field and is sharing it here. Tom’s goal is to help people build communities that bring a lot of value to members, while also being personally fulfilling for the one running it.
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Many of us have heard the famous Kevin Kelly phrase, "To make a living as a craftsperson, photographer, musician, designer, author, animator, app maker, entrepreneur, or inventor, you need only a thousand true fans." When you get those TRUE fans, they're willing to support your endeavors. However, there is a difference between all of those followers you have on your social media accounts and those thousand true fans. The true fans are one of the building blocks of your community. They are the ones who will genuinely be with you on your journey to develop your voice, build your brand, and establish your authority. But, that's just one part of what it takes to build a solid community. In this episode, the first of two, Chris talks with Tom Ross of Design Cuts about what a community is and how to build one. Tom generously shares his invaluable insights and expert knowledge on key community-building questions. They will discuss the intricacies of engagement levels and how they can fluctuate, and highlight the importance of having a clear, compelling offering for your community. He'll also provide practical strategies for distribution and delve into the potentially challenging topic of how to rejuvenate a stagnant community, breathing new life into it. This is part one of a two part conversation.
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Richard Moore continues to explore the art of attracting and engaging your audience in this second part of his conversation with Chris. They discuss transforming creative content into a loyal customer base and explore the concept of posting "Mic Drop Moments". These are pieces of content so impactful and thought-provoking that they leave a lasting impression on your audience. They also discuss why "Call to Feel" posts, those that elicit an emotional response, often work more effectively than traditional "Call to Action" posts in fostering genuine engagement. Another point of discussion is the rewards and risks of incorporating vulnerability into your posts. While this strategy can be daunting, it can create a sense of authenticity and relatability that resonates deeply with audiences if done correctly. Richard brings tactical advice to this conversation. If you're struggling to connect with potential customers or clients on LinkedIn or elsewhere, this episode is for you. Just make sure you've listened to part one!
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Are you a creative business owner looking to leverage LinkedIn to its fullest potential? In this episode, we’re bringing a conversation that Chris had with Richard Moore on LinkedIn, earlier this year, to the podcast. Richard is a LinkedIn guru, who’s goal is to help users find and develop clients on one of the most active social sites on the web. In Richard’s words “Everyone you’ll do work with is here… Basically, anyone in B to B, who might buy your services, they’re here”. Chris and Richard will explore the importance of understanding user needs and discuss strategies for creating content that positions you as an expert in the eyes of your customers. They’ll also discuss how to attract and engage your target audience, and learn valuable insights on how to stand out from the crowd with compelling copy and unique approaches. This is the first part of a two part conversation, so make sure you join us for the rest of the conversation in the next episode.
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What do you do when you spend two decades of your life working with some of the biggest agencies and biggest brands in the world, on some of the most successful marketing campaigns of the time, and no one really knows who you are? That was the situation that Ryan Alford found himself in, after working on massive campaigns for huge brands. He found himself in a new world, where people care less about the entries on your resume, and more about the expertise that you publicly share, and the para social relationship they have with you. So Ryan did something that would, ultimately, change his life - He started his own agency, Radical, and a new podcast, Radcast. Radcast’s goal is to teach and entertain, and be a big, bright beacon bringing attention to Radical. Through Ryan’s charm and authenticity, the core of his personal brand, Radcast is now currently the #1 ranked Marketing Podcast on Apple Podcasts. In this conversation, Chris will be talking to Ryan about how he got started, the glory days of working with massive clients during a huge transition in the tech space, and the new frontier of Radical and Radcast, and how he’s successfully navigating it by being himself.
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“Innovation is an act of love.”
So say’s our guest, Mauro Porcini, Senior Vice President and Chief Design Officer at PepsiCo. With over 1800 design and innovation awards having his name attached to them, if anyone would know, he would. On top of that, before joining PepsiCo, Mauro was 3M’s first Chief Design Officer, and was named one of Forbes’ 40 Under 40 (2012), Fast Company’s 50 Most Influential Designer’s In The USA (2011), and has received countless other accolades. Now he’s written a book, The Human Side Of Innovation: The Power Of People In Love With People which “reveals the secret to creating life-changing innovation: putting human needs and wants at the center of any design process.” In this episode, Mauro will talk about his youth, and how his parents steadfast values shaped the man he became, his three prerequisites for finding happiness, both personally and professionally, and how to successfully lead your employees. At the core of this discussion, like many we’ve had, is creating value, and Chris and Mauro will talk about why it is important to create emotional value for yourself, and how that emotional value can then turn into different kinds of value for others.
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It’s not unusual for people to be a little on edge about AI, both where it is now, and where it could be in the near future. As a creative, will you even have a job in five or ten years? If AI can create art, where do we humans fit in? In this episode, Chris is joined by fellow LA Motion Design Director Kevin Lau to talk about the similarities between starting their careers with the beginnings of After Effects and Motion Design in the mid 90’s, and how it feels similar to this dawning of a new AI era. Kevin has a long history working with the newest tools in the industry, building businesses, and winning awards, and after almost three decades, has a lot of insight to share about how the future isn’t something to be scared of. Kevin and Chris will talk about how taste will become the primary driver of a creative’s potential, in a world where AI can do a lot of the legwork, and why it’s important to pay attention to the trends of your youth.
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It’s so common, especially amongst creatives, and manifests in so many different ways. Imposter Syndrome. That overly critical inner voice. That self doubt about your accomplishments, or your intelligence, or your skills. Sometimes it comes so naturally, people don’t even realize they’re going through it. For some, it starts in childhood, with overbearing parents. For others, it manifests as they grow and evolve throughout their career. In this episode, Chris talks to Jule Kim, a life coach who has struggled with imposter syndrome herself, and now helps people navigate that internal minefield. They’ll discuss the shared impact of growing up as the children of immigrants, compliments and how we take them, and Jule will lay out the five types of Imposter Syndrome. This podcast is the kind of conversation that could spark some self reflection, and hearing Jule and Chris discuss it could open some doors for the listener that might lead to a better understanding of a condition that so many of us struggle with.
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Most of us have seen a TED talk, or attended a conference where someone was giving a keynote presentation. Many of us have probably thought they might like to do that at some point. The reason people don’t move forward with that, though, is they feel like they either don’t have a story to tell, or don’t know how to tell it in a way that can capture an audience’s attention. In this episode, Karen Eber, author of The Perfect Story, joins Chris to talk about storytelling and how you can use it to dynamically engage with others. Whether you’re giving a presentation, selling to a client or customer, or leading a team of people, the skills of storytelling are more vital than ever. If you’re trying to get a point or a lesson across, or sell a product or service, you want to be able to engage the brain in the very unique way that storytelling can. Karen and Chris will discuss storytelling from both an emotional and scientific standpoint, including how stories can induce Neural Coupling between the storyteller and the audience, the framework for a great story, why constraints are a key part of success when telling a story, and why vulnerability is so helpful in engaging your audience.
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In the modern world, there’s no shortage of carnival barkers trying to grab your attention. Everyone is looking to build an audience and become an Influencer, and social media has incentivized people to act a certain way to grab people’s focus and their follows. Many of us look at them and think “If I want to have influence in this world, that’s who I have to be”. Some look at them and think they can skip the expertise building stage and go straight to the authority stage. Leadership Development expert and Keynote Speaker Rene Rodriguez knows that just isn’t the case. There’s a difference between WANTING attention and CAPTURING attention. In this must listen episode, Rene and Chris dive into the concept of Influence, why the traditional idea of the “Alpha” is inaccurate, and the three key ingredients you need to win people over when you’re telling a story. Rene and Chris will also talk about why expertise building, in real world situations, is so important, and share personal experiences from their journey’s in building their audience by getting in the ring and taking their punches.
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Some people are just natural entrepreneurs. Whether it’s in their bones, or they grow up with a positive entrepreneurial role model, they just feel that need deep down inside of them. But how do you become a positive entrepreneurial role model for others? Our guest, Jodie Cook, has started multiple businesses, as well as being an author (Ten Year Career and How To Raise Entrepreneurial Kids), powerlifter, and creator of Coachvox AI, a service that can help turn your knowledge and wisdom into an AI coach. In this episode, Jodie talks with Chris about growing up with an entrepreneurial mother, starting a business in her early twenties, working with AI to create virtual coaches, and how a Mastermind group helped her understand what kind of “game” she was playing. They’ll also talk about creating positive role models for kids, as entrepreneurs, so that kids can grow up with confidence and a respect for building a business and what comes with that.
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Ayman Al-Abdullah is the former CEO of AppSumo, and now coaches CEO’s on how to scale their business from seven figures to nine. Graduating as an accounting major during the 2008 recession, Ayman saw a lot of his friends treading the battlefield of the job market. He had always been interested in entrepreneurship, so instead of working for someone else, he decided to begin his own business, but he kept coming up against a revenue wall - A monetary figure he just couldn’t get past. As time went by, he landed at AppSumo, and dedicated himself to breaking that barrier, taking the company from 3 million to 80 million. Now, as a coach, he stays booked up helping fellow CEO’s break through their own financial barriers. In this episode, Chris and Ayman will talk about his 9 Plateau’s that keep CEO’s from pushing their business’s from seven figures to nine. They’ll discuss the phases of a company’s growth, why doing less is one of the key steps to boosting revenue, and why identifying who you want to serve is the game changer your company just might need to shake itself out of its funk.
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ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, has been around a long time, but is surprisingly under diagnosed in the many that struggle with its symptoms. It can cause a variety of issues with concentration, finishing work, and following instructions (per the CDC). Those symptoms can then result in a variety of reactions, with one of the most common one’s being low self esteem. Our guest for this episode, Abi Lemon, believes that with self awareness and discipline, people with ADHD can manage the day to day symptoms that can otherwise cause them to burn out. As a coach for ADHD creatives, she helps individuals discover their strengths, and focuses on how to use those as tools to harness their best selves. In this episode, Abi will talk about living with ADHD, from childhood to present, some of the exercises she does to help her get through the things she needs to do with ADHD, and what people with ADHD can do to keep their brain regulated so they can take advantage of who they are.
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Have you ever been curious what it would be like to talk to a business coach? To ask direct questions about the problems you or your business might be having, and get direct answers? Chris has been doing business coaching for years, but before he did, he had a business coach of his own - Keir McLaren. Chris hired Keir a few years into Blind’s existence, because he knew he needed someone to help him see what he wasn’t seeing, and could help him get to where he wanted to go.
Unfortunately, we lost Keir last year, and his smile, and laugh, and wisdom is something that is missed every day. Recently, we found an archived conversation with Keir from a group of Clubhouse conversations Chris was holding a few years ago. There’s so much knowledge and wisdom that Keir had to pass on to the people who were in the (virtual) room, and we thought it could be helpful to pass that on, in case anyone listening might find themselves in a similar situation, looking for an answer. Finding a mentor, or a coach, can be one of the best decisions to make for yourself. We hope this episode inspires you, and gives you a little taste of the magic that Keir brought when he was with us.
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In everyone’s career there is a moment where you need to make the leap from good to great if you want to keep growing. There’s always a point where everyone wants to level up their brand so they can work on bigger projects, and boost revenue and profit. Working with clients is a skill, just like your art, and in order to make the leap from good to great, you need to have the skills to get from where you are to where you want to go. Some people make that leap quickly, and others struggle with it. If you’re thinking about leveling up, or it’s taking you longer than you’d like, this episode is for you! Mo Ismail, owner of Mocs Media and long time Futur Pro Group member, returns to have a conversation with Chris about the three skills a designer, or really anyone who is dealing with clients, needs to make that leap from good to great.
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Have you ever considered creating a workshop to teach others? Not just a single lecture that you’re going to give once, but a workshop you can teach in different situations, over and over again? Buckle up, because Rob Fitzpatrick, co-author of The Workshop Survival Guide, is here to talk to Chris about the in’s and out’s of designing a great workshop, and why it’s so important to treat it as your product. Rob shares some of the things he did wrong in his early workshop attempts, the iterations that led to his success, and what keeps an audience activated and engaged. This is a meaty, super sized conversation, because Rob has so many pearls of wisdom to share. A smooth running, educational, and engaging workshop is an art form, and this conversation will give you direct and actionable advice to make it look like you’ve been doing this for years.
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Michael Margolis believes that narrative storytelling is the #1 superpower of humanity, and that the three most important, fundamental skills for the future all come from the exercise of storytelling. As the CEO of Storied, a strategic messaging and leadership firm, Michael and his team help leaders and teams stand out through story. But why is story so important? and what makes a great story when it comes to a product or a business?
In this episode, Chris and Michael are going to talk about the difference between story and narrative, why disruption should be backed up with data, and why character beats out credentials every time. Beyond just their regular conversation, though, Michael will take Chris through a mock workshop, using Storied’s three step narrative framework. Chris will talk about the Futur’s new project, Brand Lab, and Michael will challenge him to explore different aspects of Brand Lab’s story, so that they can work to find and improve its story. This is a dense and informative conversation, and should give you some things to think about when it comes to developing and refining your own story.
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LinkedIn. The very name conjures a variety of feelings amongst people. Hard to believe, but the social media juggernaut has been around for over two decades, and has over 930 MILLION users worldwide. Needless to say, whether you appreciate it or not, it is a force in the business world, whether you’re looking for a new job, or you’re an HR manager looking for potential recruits, or you’re a CEO looking to connect with people in similar positions, there’s a LOT that can be done on this site. Because it’s not a stereotypical social media site, however, you can’t treat it like any other social site. So, that begs the question - Are you utilizing LinkedIn in a way that is actually beneficial to you? That helps you build your business, or find a better job?
Nicole Osborne is a Marketing Coach, mainly working with digital agency owners, who thinks that, more often than not, people aren't fully using LinkedIn for the incredible resource it is. It’s not just a networking site in the vein of Facebook, it is a way for potential clients to find you, get to know you (”date you”, as Nicole puts it), and potentially engage you for work. Chris and Nicole talk about the things that creatives don’t do enough of on the site, what you should try to achieve with your activity on LinkedIn, and why sharing your process is the one thing that can consistently help you connect with people. Nicole shared this quote by George Lucas, creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, and it may just be the key to this entire conversation - “When people get to know the people behind your product, and how it’s made, they talk about you more”. Is your LinkedIn profile, or your companies profile, getting people talking? Do they want to know more? If LinkedIn feels like a mystery or a hassle to you, check out this conversation, and let Nicole demystify some of it for you.
Have someone you think would be great for the podcast? You can send us a message at [email protected]. Emails to any other Futur addresses will be ignored and deleted.
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A website is an amazing sales tool. It can tell people who you are, what you do, and act as a sort of virtual handshake to begin a relationship between you and a potential customer. Often times, a website might be someone’s first point of contact with you or your business. So how do you optimize it to boost its ability to convert potential clients? There’s a lot of data that you can pull from a website, but are you using it effectively?
Amanda Webb is a Digital Marketing and ROI consultant and trainer, who has mastered the ins and outs of analytics and data, and now uses her knowledge and resources to help others better understand and better utilize the information their site gives them. In this episode, she’ll be talking to Chris about data and how it can be used to improve your business, what kind of steps you can take to improve your website conversion rates, and why a well executed “About” page is so important. You don’t want to just grow your email list, you want to get the right people on it, and Amanda will discuss why analytics tools can provide invaluable insights into the potential of your digital marketing endeavors. So tune in, and let Amanda explain why, in her own words - “Once you start measuring something, you can become obsessed by it”.
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AI has become such a buzz term lately. It was the mainstay of sci fi books and movies, for the longest time, and was something everybody thought of as being far in the future. And then Midjourney happened, and Stable Diffusion and ChatGPT. AI is definitely here, right now, and is growing almost exponentially, every single day. Through all of this, we’ve seen people create magical, non existent worlds, wild characters, and some very… weird stuff with AI like Midjourney. People have used ChatGPT to help them develop, research and write all kinds of projects. But what is the next step? This week’s guest thinks the next step is creating the AI of you.
Sho Rust was a former student of Chris at Art Center. Growing up in Japan, he was coding from a young age, so technology was second nature to him. This eventually led him to creating Sho.ai, which creates (in their words) an “AI platform that continuously evolves with your brand, automates tedious tasks, seamlessly allowing experts to scale their story”. Sounds pretty cool, right? And when they had perfected the system, Sho knew exactly who he should try it out on - His old instructor, Chris Do. Thus was born the Do Bot. In this weeks conversation, Chris will talk to Sho about how he got to Sho.ai, how they created the Do Bot, and what both of them have learned in this process. It’s a fascinating conversation that feels like a glimpse into the future.
Want to test out the Do Bot? It will be coming soon in The Futur Pro Group. For more info, check out: https://thefutur.com/pro-group
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It’s common sense to think “I have a business. I should sell as much of my product to as many people as I can”. So why do companies, like Rolex or Ferrari, make so much money by limiting the amount of product that they sell? Why would anyone throw up road blocks in front of their own potential customers? And why is creating tension in the supply and demand equation a way to get people to want to buy from you?
Daniel Priestley returns to talk with Chris about his concept of being “Oversubscribed”. Daniel asserts that many marketers have forgotten the number one rule of marketing - An imbalance in supply and demand sets both the price and the profit of a product. An “oversubscribed” business, then, is simply one that has limited or constrained supply, and there are more people that want that supply than is available. Daniel argues that you can create this tension between supply and demand by creating an official capacity, make sure people know what it is, and understand that it’s in hot demand. But that’s just simple supply and demand, right? Well, yes, but Daniel is going to take you through some of his methods for artificially creating the tension between supply and demand, so that you can get your business to the point of being oversubscribed. He’ll discuss the three ingredients you need to get people to buy, why “signal collecting” is so important, and the five phases of a bullet proof campaign.
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Orly Israel is a communicator who wanted to improve his conversational skills, and realized the best way to do that was to learn how to listen. His concept to achieve his goal, The Listening Table, is just that - A table that he has set up in various cities across the country, where he sits and listens to anyone who wants to talk. His goal is to create a space where the other person can share whatever they need to, in a zone that is free of advice and free of judgment. Those two things are in plentiful supply in almost any conversation people have today, but Orly found out, very quickly, that those two things aren’t what people need. In fact, advice and judgment must be put aside to be a good listener.
So what else makes a good listener? And what has setting up and inviting people to this table, over and over again, taught Orly? In this conversation, Chris and Orly will talk about the life changing power of these conversations, not just for the person speaking, but for the listener, as well. Orly will share the lessons he’s learned after having dozens of conversations, sometimes with friendly people, and sometimes not so friendly people. It’s an adventure that he has embarked on to understand his fellow humans more, and one he thinks all of us could benefit from.
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Chris Voss is a former FBI negotiator who is using his decades of knowledge to teach others how to negotiate in both life and business. His book Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It is a Wall Street Journal Best Seller, and Chris is teaching negotiation in classrooms, workshops, and through a popular series on the MasterClass website.
In this episode, the two Chris’s (Do and Voss) talk about how negotiation works, whether it’s on a personal level or in sales. Chris Voss discusses the importance of being a straight shooter, why emotional intelligence is such an important part of being able to talk to someone, and the most important question to keep in mind in negotiating with family - Are you negotiating WITH someone, or AGAINST them? They also discuss the power of the “What” question, The Oprah rule, and the power of different tones of voice in negotiation. There’s SO MUCH to understanding negotiation, and while they couldn’t touch on it all, this episode is a fantastic primer led by a master in the subject.
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In our final discussion on the 5 Core Business Principles, Mo Ismail returns to talk to Chris about Attraction Marketing. In todays world, few people are looking at your social profiles by random chance. They’re looking to see who you are, and what you’ve done. One of the strongest way you can attract potential clients is to use those profiles to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in your area of expertise. That way you’re not just building an audience, you’re building trust.
In this episode, Mo and Chris talk about a couple of different approaches to creating content and building value to attract the perfect person into your ecosystem. While you may start your career working in a more transactional way, using your time to create trust and expertise through content creation will help establish your personal brand and create an environment where, as Seth Godin say’s, you can “turn strangers into friends, and friends into customers”.
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In the second part of Chris’s discussion with Mo Ismail on the 5 Core Business Principles, he’ll be talking about The Irresistible Offer, and how to create it. It’s natural to feel like “the work should sell itself”, but competition has risen to a level where you have to start creating a product, or service, that is SO attractive to a potential customer or client, that they want to buy from YOU. So how do you do create The Irresistible Offer? Two ways - Either lower the price, or create more value. Since we all know that none of us wants to lower our price, and doing so comes with its own perils, Chris and Mo are going to spend their time talking about how to raise the value of what you do, so the client will utter those magic words - “Take my money!”
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For much of human history, mankind didn’t have very much in the way of resources. If there was food to eat, we ate it, and we would eat as much as we could, because we didn’t know when our next meal was going to come. Fast forward to the 21st century, and we have an abundance of food and mass produced goods which gives us choice. With this multitude of options, we start to ask ourselves “Why do we choose one over the other?”. Why do people buy? What are the core, psychological elements that get people to choose one brand over the other? In the first episode of a multi part series, Chris is joined by Mo Ismail for a masterclass in the 5 Core Essentials of Business. They’re going to talk about what it means to “decrease the pain, and increase the gain” for a client, so you, as a seller, can provide them a bridge from their current reality to their desired reality.
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Whether you’re just starting out in a creative business, or pivoting to a new specialty, finding those first clients is one of the biggest hills you have to climb. So how do you build up your skills and get yourself seen by potential clients? If you’re adding a skill or a specialty, how do you get potential clients to see you as someone who can do more than just what you have already done for them? Mo Ismail returns to talk to Chris about how he went from being a student to landing clients as a freelancer, and how Chris found his first clients while he was still in school, and later found clients when pivoting from Motion Design to Branding. In this conversation, Chris lays out a step by step method to help you build your skills, expand your portfolio, and connect with potential clients, which Mo will summarize as the “5 C’s”.
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Money.
How does that word make you feel? Some people hear it and think opportunity, success, maybe even happiness. Others have a much more complicated reaction. Chris has fielded a lot of questions and comments about money over the years, and the one thing that is consistent with these questions is that there is a surprising amount of negative attitude towards both money, and the people who have made a fair share of it. But, as Chris argues, money is simply “a score card of how much you are able to create value”.
In this episode, Mo Ismail returns to prompt a conversation with Chris about money that’s really about mindset. Chris discusses his work history, and how both needing money, and making money, has effected him in different ways. The two also discuss how your thoughts and ideas, not just about money, but also about success, career, and so much more, are governed by an inner monologue that is ultimately trying to protect you, sometimes to your detriment.
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We’re back with our second episode with YouTube pro and entrepreneur Sean Cannell. Sean is the driving force behind ThinkMedia, a company focused on YouTube strategy and growth. He is also an international speaker and coach that helps entrepreneurs build their influence and income with online video.
In this episode, Sean and Chris continue their conversation about the importance of YouTube for entrepreneurs and business owners. Sean goes into topics like building a team, figuring out what to focus your content on, attracting the right audience, and why some of ThinkMedia’s most popular videos work. They also touch on “ethical” clickbait and why a mix of creating value, while also being polarizing, works for content creators, including The Futur.
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Sean Cannell returns to the podcast to talk to Chris about why YouTube is the most undervalued social media platform, and how to take advantage of its amazing features. Sean is a successful YouTuber, and founder of ThinkMedia, an organization and YouTube channel focused on helping creators understand new technology, devise strategies, and create more success on YouTube.
In the first part of a two part conversation, Sean and Chris talk about why being able to communicate is the most important skill in content creation, and why it must be a life long pursuit. They also discuss other important skills in content creation, why Sean thinks YouTube is the “forgotten” social media platform, and more tips on how to perfect your skills in content creation. As the saying goes, “Attention is a form of currency”, so get ready to take some notes as Sean lays out some truth.
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James Victore is a designer and fine artist, who’s work is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. His stunning, expressive typography has helped to define his work, and is born out of the passion that he feels for the act of creating. He’s always known what he wanted to do, and has spent years whittling away the perfection so many of us suffer from to deliver work that is authentic, vulnerable, and bold. Because personality and humanity are the most important parts of his work.
In this episode, Chris talks to James about his life and work - From being given paper, pencil, and old design annuals as a child, to leaving school because he had a vision for his life and work, to a career with an ultimate goal of “being James Victore” and being paid for it. James and Chris talk life, work, and the push and pull between commercialism and artistry, and, more importantly, why James feels you don’t have to separate the two.
Interested in James's course on creativity and finding your voice? Head on over to Your Work Is A Gift to learn more, and use code DO50 for $50 off.
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Brett Williams is a designer and entrepreneur who runs DesignJoy, a design subscription service. He is essentially a one-man design agency that operates at scale and earns upwards of $1 million in annual revenue.
In this podcast episode, Brett gives us a peek into how his business operates, the tools he uses, and what he’s learned after running a design subscription service for six years. It’s not for everyone, but to make something like this work you need two things: to be good and to be fast.
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Michael Ventura is the founder of Sub Rosa, a strategy and design firm that works with some of the world’s largest brands, organizations, and startups. He is also a board member and advisor to several organizations, including Behance, The Burning Man Project, and The Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum.
As if that weren’t impressive enough, he also owns a globally recognized design store in New York’s West Village and is a visiting lecturer at institutions like Princeton University and the United States Military Academy at West Point.
In this podcast episode, Michael shares his experience as an entrepreneur, how he spends his precious time, and why his calling is helping other people overcome the obstacles in their way.
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In this inspiring podcast episode, we welcome magician, father, and keynote speaker Vinh Giang to the show. Vinh walks us through his fascinating life and career path, sharing powerful personal stories from both along the way.
We hear about how Vinh struggled as a shy and seemingly invisible kid and how the allure of magic and showmanship helped instill confidence and paved the way for an even bigger, worldly presence for him.
Beyond the craft of magic, Vinh is a teacher at heart. And his topic of choice is communication. Throughout the conversation, Vinh offers actionable tips for how to use your voice and body to become a more effective communicator.
Whether you’re presenting on stage, in a board room, or via video call we think you will takeaway at least three valuable communication tips from this episode. So, listen up and enjoy.
This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh - https://hellofresh.com/futur50
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Dr. Emmanuel Probst is Global Lead of Brand Thought-Leadership at Ipsos, a leading market research agency in the world. He is also a WSJ bestselling author and adjunct professor at UCLA.
We invited Dr. Probst on the show to share his deep understanding of consumer psychology, discuss how branding has evolved throughout the 21st century, and what it means for businesses to connect with their audience.
In this episode, Emmanuel shares his thoughts about what a brand is and what a brand is not. Put simply: brands are not static. They are a dynamic co-creation that live in the hearts and minds of people. Whether you're a part of a small business or a large corporation, Dr. Probst's insights will give you a new perspective on how to connect with your audience and build brand desire that lasts.
This episode is sponsored by Factor - https://factormeals.com/futur50
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Vince Lebon is a husband, father, and a curious design collaborator. He founded the experiential footwear brand Rollie Nation, where he has designed for and collaborated with celebrities.
In this episode, Vince discusses the importance of pursuing what makes him happy instead of chasing money. He shares how he honed his product design skills and started his own footwear brand from scratch.
Vince also talks about Rollie Nation's future as an experience-centric brand and how he plans to blur the line between online and offline customer experience. If you aspire to design products people will love or build a brand that resonates with your audience, then this episode is a must-listen.
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In this episode, we are joined by Marshall Davis Jones, TEDx Speaker and founder of MindBodySpeak. Marshall is a competitive slam poet and world-bridger, known for his voice tone techniques that help people win negotiations, deescalate conflicts, and build business relationships across multiple industries.
Throughout the conversation, Marshall emphasizes the importance of voice work in communication and how tonal decision making can impact behavior in others. He explains how mastering words and tone can help individuals read the room, modulate their tone, and communicate effectively, whether they're trying to be assertive, move things along, or slow things down.
Marshall draws on his experience with slam poetry and battle rap to explain how he learned to read the room and grow from these live communication mistakes. He also discusses the importance of treating our words with care and understanding that our tone can either be a controlled explosion or a delicate dance, depending on the situation.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and connect with others through spoken language.
This episode is sponsored by by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FUTUR and get on your way to being your best self.
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Phyllis Williams-Strawder is a certified brand strategist, life and business coach, and psychology marketing specialist who is known as the Ghetto Country Brandmother®. She has a passion for guiding people and helping them become brand leaders.
Phyllis began her career in the food industry. She started by delivering lunches from her dining room table to eventually owning two restaurants and a catering company that generated millions in revenue. Her personal brand at that time was Mrs. Mista, where she was known for her motherly vibe.
As her business grew, Phyllis herself grew out of the role and began coaching. She got her certification as a brand coach, and brand strategy allowed her to embrace her ghetto-country roots and find her real voice. And The Ghetto Country Brandmother® was born.
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Kevin Finn is a TEDx speaker, advisor, internationally recognized branding designer, and author who works with individuals and groups dedicated to creating a positive impact at scale. With 30 years of international experience, Kevin emphasizes that not every business is a brand, and that businesses become brands only when society says so.
As an advisor, Kevin challenges his clients' assumptions objectively. He questions their identity in comparison to how their customers perceive them. In this conversation, he shares six fundamental questions that make up the basis of his brand advisory work:
What value do you provide?
Who are you talking to?
What are you saying to them?
You’ll have to listen to the episode to hear the other three.
This episode is sponsored by Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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In Part Two of our discussion on when to quit and when to push through, we hear stories from listeners about perseverance and strategic quitting. Joining us again are Nidhi Tewari and Stefan Bucher, who both remind us that joy is an important factor in deciding whether to stay the course or not.
If there’s one thing you take away from this conversation, it’s that sacrificing your personal well-being for professional success rarely works out in the long run.
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Acclaimed NFL coach Vince Lombardi once said, "Winners never quit and quitters never win." It's a motivating and catchy sentiment, but famed marketer Seth Godin begs to differ. In his book, The Dip, he argues that quitting can be the best strategy.
In this two-part episode, Chris is joined by therapist Nidhi Tewari and designer Stefan Bucher to discuss knowing when to quit and when to persevere.
Like it or not, the free market rewards exceptionalism. Success goes to the obsessed. But where is the line between intense focus and toxic hustle? And how do you determine if what you're grinding away on is worth it?
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FUTUR and get on your way to being your best self.
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Paco de Leon is the author and illustrator of Finance for the People, a practical guide to helping you navigate your financial life, no matter your situation. They also run a bookkeeping agency for creative professionals called Hell Yeah Bookkeeping.
This episode focuses on helping creative professionals feel more confident about their finances. From applying value-based pricing to taking proactive steps for the financial health of your business.
Biologically, humans have survived by having a scarcity mindset, but a growth mindset can take us further. Paco emphasizes the importance of observing our own thoughts and how others talk about money in order to better understand our relationship with it.
Here's a quick financial tip from Paco: take 20 minutes (or up to an hour) once a week to check in on your finances. Doing this regularly will improve your relationship with them.
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In Part 1 of this series, we established that boredom is the precursor to creativity. It provides important moments of stillness that allow one's mind to wander. Or as Deepak Chopra puts it, to “dream, imagine, and reflect.”
But is that what boredom really is? And why do we associate it with laziness?
In Part 2 of this series, we try to make sense of why boredom has such a bad reputation, or if it’s just a matter of semantics.
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There is no shortage of work to do when you run your own business. However, just because you are busy does not mean that what you are doing is productive; hence the term “busywork”.
In this two-part episode, Chris coaches Mo Ismail on how to better spend his time as a business owner. He provides management tips and shares frameworks for hiring, training, and creating time for yourself to think.
To quote Chris, “Boredom is the precursor to creativity.” If you have no time for being bored, then you have no time for being creative. And that’s not good for business.
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Jacob Cass is a designer, strategist, and the founder of branding agency, JustCreative. In this podcast episode we talk with him about how to use affiliate marketing and SEO to build a successful online business.
Jacob emphasizes the value of search over social media, and how having a blog that uses affiliate marketing and attracts inbound clients can be a key part of building a business. He also talks about how to create effective content that will be seen as authoritative by Google, and the importance of experimenting and analyzing data to optimize performance.
If you’re not already using affiliate marketing, then you are leaving money on the table. Take Jacob’s advice and start today.
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Simon Ong is a personal development entrepreneur, coach, and public speaker. He is also the author of Energize, a book that will introduce you to the art and science of energy management.
In this podcast episode, Simon and Chris talk about the role energy plays in our lives. Case in point: you can be ruthlessly efficient with your time, but without enough energy, your returns will be diminished.
So, what is the best way to maximize your energy management? According to Simon: plan your day the night before and prioritize rest.
If you struggle with accomplishing tasks or are feeling burned out then give this episode a listen. Simon will teach you how to be a better CEO—Chief Energy Officer.
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In part two of this series, we are joined again by Nidhi Tewari and Mo Ismail to continue our conversation about the role emotion plays in decision making.
As a therapist, Nidhi points out the importance of processing and allowing yourself to feel strong emotions. Chris counters with the argument that emotions cloud the data, especially in business.
Science then enters the chat to remind us that most decisions people make are rooted in emotion. So, should you listen to your heart or your mind. We think you should listen to this episode and decide for yourself.
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This two-part podcast episode features Chris Do, Nidhi Tewari, and Mo Ismail discussing the merits of whether to make decisions with your mind, your heart, or a little of both.
In part one, Chris shares how he processes his feelings, how they affect his decisions, and why leading with rational thought is the best path forward.
Chris also explains his own scale of karmic equity and shares stories about how he diverted from the path of logic when making business decisions and how those stories played out.
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Lucy Werner wears many hats: public relations (PR) expert, business owner, author, coach, and mother. She is the founder of The Wern, a PR agency and design shop for startups, entrepreneurs, and independent brands. In her own words, she is a "nobody that helps people become somebody."
This podcast episode is all about PR: what it is, what it isn't, and how to successfully use PR for your business (and yourself).
Lucy shares her approach for creating meaningful PR and offers actionable tips for presenting yourself. Like what makes for a great headshot, how to write a concise bio, and why you should think of yourself as a magazine.
If you're considering hiring a PR agency or looking for meaningful ways to break into publications and trades, then listen to what Lucy Werner has to say.
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People love YouTube for a variety of reasons, but it's most popular use: search engine. Unsure how to cut that mango? Here are twelve videos that will teach you.
But how do you become that coveted top search result? The best of the best mango-cutting videos, so to speak. The not-so-secret key to success on YouTube is understanding how it works.
In this episode, Chris is joined by Tom Ross, CEO and co-founder of designcuts.com, and Benji Travis, a veteran YouTuber and influencer coach. If you haven't guessed already, this episode is all about YouTube. Specifically, how to find meaningful success on the platform.
If you struggle with YouTube, aren't seeing the results you'd like, or are looking for a deeper understanding of how YouTube works, then grab your headphones and hit play on this episode.
Sponsored by:
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In part two of our conversation about making better business decisions we get to sit in on a live coaching session with Chris Do, Mo Ismail, and Nidhi Tewari.
The group continues to discuss data-based decision-making versus following your instinct, the longterm effects of your choices, and why every business should set aside money for R&D.
Sponsored by:
Masterclass - https://www.masterclass.com/futur
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When you run a business, you earn the right to make any decision you want with it. You also accept the responsibility and outcome—good, bad, or otherwise. The choice is truly yours.
But how do you know if you are making the right decision?
Welcome to part one of our conversation about decision making in business. In this two part series, Chris Do talks with Mo Ismail and Nidhi Tewari about how to make objective decisions and when to trust your gut.
They talk about pattern recognition, quick-thinking versus slow-thinking, and how to decipher the quality of the data you base a decision on.
Sponsored by
First Republic Bank - firstrepublic.com
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Dakota Robertson is a professional ghostwriter. Businesses and influencers hire him to write tweets that go viral and amass an audience. And he is damn good at it.
In this podcast episode, Dakota shares how he went from working as an electrician to becoming this invisible, content-writing hero for his clients. His ghostwriting business is so successful that he is turning down all new and potential clients.
If you write copy or work in the content creation business, then do not sleep on this episode. Dakota and Chris discuss the three content pillars and share five actionable tips for writing better copy. Here's a quick example: use simple language and short sentences.
Sponsored by
First Republic Bank - https://firstrepublic.com
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What is the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence? And how do they affect who we are and what we believe we are capable of? In this candid conversation, Chris Do answers question from members of The Futur Pro Group.
They tackle topics like supply and demand in the service industry, intrinsic beliefs versus extrinsic beliefs, and how to manage your self-talk. If you struggle with confidence or constantly chase external validation, then give this chat a list.
Sponsored by:
First Republic Bank - firstrepublic.com
Ladder - ladderlife.com
NordPass - nordpass.com/futur
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In this special episode, Chris Do fields business questions and offers answers live and in real-time. Questions like: how do I raise my rates without losing clients, how do you measure creative impact, and what is the best way to price your service work?
Chris is joined by several Futur Pro Group members including Drigo Tasca, Nidhi Tewari, and Anneli Hansson who also weigh in.
If you run a creative service business then this episode will resonate with you. Get practical tips and valuable insights from Chris Do’s years of business experience.
Sponsored by:
Masterclass - https://www.masterclass.com/futur
HolaBrief - https://holabrief.com/thefutur
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Adapt or die is the classic business mantra. To survive and thrive you must remain nimble and ready to pivot. To jump the curve, so to speak.
If you could start your business all over again, what would you do differently? In this episode, The Futur CEO Chris Do and brand strategist Anneli Hansson discuss what the future holds for creative service businesses.
How will technology like Ai and blockchain change how we run our businesses? What new opportunities will they provide? And how can you leverage these tools for your business?
Sponsored by First Republic Bank - https://firstrepublic.com
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Sarabeth Berk is a TEDx speaker and professional identity researcher. She is reshaping how we think about the workforce by shifting and expanding our definition of professional identity. What does that mean exactly? It means that you should not be limited to either/or titles (e.g. specialists vs. generalist). And that there is a third option: hybrid.
But does that help or hurt your marketing efforts? Will potential clients and employers be intrigued or confused?
In this episode, Sarabeth and Chris Do define and debate the merits of hybrid professional identities. Spoiler alert: Chris is not immediately sold on the idea.
Sarabeth argues that what we do professionally is difficult to categorize into simply one box. Many of us find fulfillment and excel at the intersection of several disciplines. Just as our names are unique to us, our titles and what we do follow suit.
However, the trick is knowing how to communicate that intersection clearly.
If you struggle with the decision of specializing versus generalizing or find yourself living somewhere in the middle then you will enjoy this conversation.
This episode is sponsored by by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/futur and get on your way to being your best self.
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Do you have to suffer to build character? We get philosophical in part two of our conversation with Baronfig founder and author Joey Cofone. He and Chris continue their discussion about The Laws of Creativity and delve into the role failure—and sometimes delusion—plays in the story of success.
We like how Joey explains the concept of creativity: like a musical instrument, creativity is a practical trade that you can learn, develop, and improve over time.
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Joey Cofone is the Founder and CEO of Baronfig, an award-winning designer and entrepreneur, and the newly minted author of The Laws of Creativity.
If you have listened to our podcast long enough then you may have heard Joey’s voice before. Way back in episode 57. We are pleased to welcome him back to the show to share what he’s been working on for a long time: defining the laws of creativity.
In part one of this conversation, Joey and Chris share some of their most poignant memories of creativity. They discuss the importance of remaining curious, following your instinct, and why what makes you weird also makes you wonderful.
Sponsored by
Masterclass - https://www.masterclass.com/futur
Hookpoint - https://goingviral.pro
Ladder - https://www.ladderlife.com/futur
The Commercial Break - https://tcbpodcast.com
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Criticism is easily given, but rarely appreciated. At some point we have all had to critique someone else’s work or be critiqued by a client, manager, or teacher. The experience can be emotionally rattling.
In part four of our design thinking talk, Eric Moore and Chris Do discuss ways to improve how you give and receive critique. A key component of constructive criticism is having a shared criteria to review the work.
During their conversation, Chris and Eric share memorable stories of critique from their experience as students, teachers, and professionals. Pro tip: grab a pen and paper before you listen to this one. You will want to take notes.
Sponsored by
First Republic Bank - https://firstrepublic.com
HolaBrief - https://www.holabrief.com/thefutur
Hookpoint - https://goingviral.pro
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Creative ideas are tough to sell. They start vague and, until fully realized, are malleable concepts prone to change. So how do you prove the value of an idea before it is created? With design thinking, of course.
In part three of our design thinking conversation, Eric Moore joins Chris Do to discuss what is at the heart of this beloved concept: knowing your audience.
You may hear design thinking referred to as human-centered design. That idea of designing with people in mind is what makes design thinking both a mindset and a framework. And the main ingredient is empathy.
In this chat, Eric shares stories from his experience using design thinking at scale and working with enterprise-level SaaS companies. He also offers a free (no strings attached) gift that you can download from thedesignthinker.org.
Sponsored by
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
Wix - https://wix.com/partners
First Republic Bank - https://firstrepublic.com
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Now that we understand what design thinking is, it is time we learn how to use it. In part two of our design thinking discussion, app designer Deanna joins Eric and Chris to walk us through her practical application of the framework.
We start by explaining the four phases of the design thinking process and follow Deanna’s story and design process for context. We also discuss how making empathy maps (and what they are), Eric’s cleverly named rose-thorn-bud concept, and where data analysis and confirmation bias come into play.
Sponsored by
First Republic Bank - https://firstrepublic.com
HolaBrief - https://www.holabrief.com/thefutur
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Eric Moore is a communication strategist and champion of design thinking. In this episode, he and Chris debate an eyebrow-raising talk from Natasha Jen called Design Thinking Is Bullsh*t.
For context, Natasha Jen is an acclaimed designer and partner at the renowned design studio, Pentagram. In her talk, Natasha criticizes the concept of design thinking, ultimately calling it B.S.
But is that true? Is design thinking just a sticky note ladened buzzword, or is it woefully misunderstood?
If you are unsure what design thinking is (and whether it is a tool worth learning), this episode is for you.
Sponsored by
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
First Republic Bank - https://firstrepublic.com
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The word authentic gets thrown around a lot, especially when describing brands. But what is an “authentic” brand? And why do some brands garner loyal customers while others do not?
In this episode, Anneli and Chris discuss the traits of what they refer to as magnetic brands. That is, brands that customers prefer over others and that have true fans.
If you are interested in branding, brand strategy, or trying to figure out how to bolster your brand, then give this conversation a listen.
Sponsored by:
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In part two of our discussion about detachment, Chris and Anneli dive deeper—and more personally—into how practicing detachment benefits your life.
It's easy to attach your value and identity to your work. But that attachment then often becomes the root of your unhappiness. If your work is undervalued or criticized, then you feel personally undervalued or criticized.
In this conversation, Chris shares his steps to practice meaningful detachment and explains key concepts that he follows. If you struggle with criticism, perfectionism, or taking ownership of your response in a situation, this episode might help.
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If you’ve listened to the podcast long enough (or watched enough videos), you will have heard the joke about Chris being a robot. That is to say; he always keeps his cool.
But how does he do it? How does Chris regulate his emotions so well? Especially in the face of aggressive internet criticism.
In part one of this two-part episode, Chris and Anneli discuss the art of detachment. By definition, detachment means being free from bias or prejudice. And that is key to Chris’s ability to remain objective.
Sponsored by Wix - https://wix.com/partners
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Sean Cannell is a YouTuber, international speaker, and the founder of ThinkMedia. His mission: help entrepreneurs build their influence and go full-time doing what they love through the power of online video.
In 2022, Sean took a huge risk by throwing a live personal branding event in Las Vegas, NV. He booked guest speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Alex Hormozi, and Vanessa Lau, which put tremendous pressure on his team. Pressure to make this event memorable for guests and profitable for his business.
Fortunately, it worked out for the best, but not without making a few mistakes.
In this unique conversation, Sean shares why he hosted an event of this magnitude and what he learned from the experience. He and Chris talk about event marketing strategy, booking high-profile guests, and the value of putting yourself in a challenging situation.
Sponsored by:
Gusto - https://gusto.com/futur
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Kate Pincott is a product designer, design coach, and CEO/founder of Remote Design Coaching. Her mission: reconnect designers to their intuition and creativity.
At the peak of her tech-design career, Kate burned out. She had been running at full speed in shoes that did not fit. But instead of taking a sabbatical or falling into distraction, she made an interesting choice.
Kate took what worked (and what she had become quite good at) in product design and applied it to her life. She started prototyping herself. Think of it as taking incremental steps toward improving your life. For Kate, step one was simply working outdoors in nature.
In this candid chat, Kate shares her process for prototyping herself and offers guidance about how you can reconnect with your body, mind, and intuition. It is a fascinating framework.
Kate even coaches Chris during their conversation, so you can see how her coaching process works in real-time.
Sponsored by:
The Commercial Break - https://tcbpodcast.com
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Joana Galvao is the founder of award-winning branding and web design agency GiF Design Studios. She is also on a personal mission to help fellow creative service providers stay booked solid.
In this special episode, Joana takes us through her entire marketing funnel. You will hear how it developed and how she automates nearly everything to maximize efficiency.
Joana’s marketing process worked so well that she took four months of maternity leave and did not check her email once. If that doesn’t impress you, we don’t know what will.
Better yet, Joana was kind enough to share this process as a free download to The Futur Podcast listeners. Download the document and follow along as you listen (or save it for later).
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Brendan Kane is a bestselling author and influential marketing advisor to celebrities, pro athletes, and major brands. He’s helped clients like Taylor Swift, Paramount Studios, Vice, and IKEA make content that consistently goes viral.
Despite how it may feel, the algorithms are not working against you. They are one of the keys to making viral content. In this episode, Brendan walks us through his process for creating quality content that appeals to a broad audience and makes our algorithmic adversaries happy.
Want to know the secret to social media success? Effective storytelling. The best content comes from stories that resonate with people on many levels. According to Brendan, there are six different ways people perceive content. We can use that information to tell better stories with context that matters to our prospective audience.
Brendan also dispels myths and outdated advice for how to “beat” the algorithm. For instance, unleashing a consistent torrent of content will not yield better engagement results because crappy content is still crappy.
If you want to improve your content, be more strategic with social media, and connect with a wide range of people, listen closely to this episode.
Sponsored by
Gusto - https://gusto.com/futur
Wix - https://wix.com/partners
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Neil Hoyne is an author, researcher, and marketing executive working at Google as Chief Measurement Strategist. He is also a senior fellow at The Wharton School and an advisor for Capital G.
Neil specializes in building strong customer relationships by analyzing data like customer lifetime value (CLV) and consumer psychology.
In this informative conversation, Neil and Chris discuss the power and pitfalls of relying on data to make business decisions. They start by defining what “data-driven” means and how awkward current marketing tactics are when you think about it.
It’s easy to get caught up in data analytics, which is why we like Neil’s advice: you don’t have to be the best; you simply need to be better than the alternatives.
If you are confused by your customer data, this episode will help dispel some of that analytical haze.
Sponsored by Peloton - https://onepeloton.com/app
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Ryan Blair is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and most importantly, a dad.
He is the founder and CEO of Alter Call, a multi-faith spiritual community that helps people accelerate personal transformation. Alter Call members value living a life of service and measurable impact.
But before the philanthropy and fatherhood, Ryan had a very different life.
After surviving an abusive childhood living in poverty, Ryan’s ability to adapt led him to join a gang. Though he thrived as an illegal entrepreneur, the lifestyle was taxing and dangerous.
Miraculously, Ryan was able to leave that life and transition into legitimate entrepreneurship. And through hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance, he built a successful life for himself as a CEO several times over.
Ryan lived that luxurious life, pleasurable vices and all until he couldn’t any longer.
In this special episode, Ryan shares his incredible story and offers guidance for finding your way out of the wilderness and into a better life.
Sponsored by
Knack Bags - https://knack-bags.pxf.io/P0E0kz
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Susana Chen is the founder of the Asian Creative Foundation (ACF). ACF is a community organization that helps entry-level creatives find opportunities, navigate their career paths, and help make the creative industry a more inclusive place.
Roles get flipped in this episode. In this conversation, Susana interviews Chris for an ACF-hosted virtual event called Asian Creative Festival. And they cover a lot of ground. Like what inspired The Futur’s mission to teach 1 billion people, how Chris manages stress and the story of how Chris first learned about graphic design.
The two also discuss an important and divisive topic: design school. If you’re new to the creative industry (or considering joining it), then you’ll enjoy this conversation. And if you’re not so new to it all, don’t fret. Chris offers advice for you too.
Sponsored by
The Angry Designer Podcast
Gusto - https://gusto.com/futur
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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Daniel Priestley is an entrepreneur (several times over), but you may know him best from his book Key Person of Influence. Over the last decade, Daniel noticed a trend in successful businesses: visible (and often outspoken) leadership.
Steve Jobs. Richard Branson. Elon Musk.
These CEOs leveraged technology to wield influence and change how we think about the world and their products. In short, we buy into the people behind the business before we buy from the business.
You may not aspire to be the next Elon Musk, but you can apply the same approach and hasten the growth of your own small business.
In this episode, Daniel and Chris discuss the benefits of being a person of influence and study the five common things you need to do to become one.
But before you start that process, ask yourself this: what kind of dent do you want to make in the universe?
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In the final episode of our series on self-sabotage, we pick up where the conversation between Nidhi and Chris left off. If you missed the first two episodes, we suggest you go back and listen to those first.
At this point in the story, Chris is betting his future (and the future of his staff) on pivoting into a new teaching venture then called The Skool. But to do that, he must abandon his design agency.
Everywhere Chris looks, he sees doubt. Doubt from internal management, creative teams, and even his business coach. At the time, that doubt seemed reasonable. Why leave a business earning $4 million annually in favor of something that generated a mere $10K the previous year?
What everyone didn’t know was that Chris had a plan. And a quantifiable vision of what success looked like for The Futur.
Sponsored by
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
Wix - https://wix.com/partners
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In part two of our three-part series on self-sabotage, Nidhi speaks with Chris about his decision to abandon Blind and start The Futur.
Blind was Chris’s branding and design agency. He started it in 1995 primarily as a motion design studio. The company focused on creating design-focused video work like commercials and branded content.
But after two decades of growth, Chris noticed a decline in work. He saw the inevitable writing on the wall and had to make a decision: stay the course or pivot.
In this episode, Chris talks about how he made this life-changing decision. What he was thinking, feeling, and the uphill battle he fought to create what we know today as The Futur.
Sponsored by
Feedback Loop - https://go.feedbackloop.com/chris
Dragon Ball Z - https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-z-kakarot
Gusto - https://gusto.com/futur
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Have you ever worked so hard on something only to find yourself stuck and caught in what feels like a complete slog? At that moment, you may think: This isn’t working. It’s time to pivot.
But what if, on the other side of that discomfort, awaits everything you want?
More importantly: how do you know if it’s time to pivot or push through the discomfort?
Welcome to part one of our three-part series tackling the concept of self-sabotage. Why we do it, how we do it, and finding the right balance between hard work and self-care.
In this episode, mental health therapist Nidhi Tewari joins Chris to discuss the differences between an unhealthy grind and determined grit. While the two hold different perspectives on the path to proverbial success, they agree that many of us quit working before it gets good.
If you’re at a crossroads and deciding whether to press on or pivot, this conversation is for you.
Sponsored by
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com
Wix - https://wix.com/partners
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Neville Medhora is best known as a copywriter. But that doesn’t mean he just writes copy. According to Neville, effective copywriting means communicating a message from your brain to millions of other brains using the best technology available.
Hundreds of years ago, a carrier pigeon was the best option. Today, it’s probably a brief email that includes curated animated GIFs.
In this episode, we talk with the author and copywriter about why he dropped out of college, his direct approach to helping clients, and why he actively keeps up with marketing trends.
One universal tip Neville shared that might help you (and your business) is that familiarity ruins your ability to critique something. You can’t relive a first impression, so try introducing fresh eyes to your problem. It will almost always lead to better insights.
If you’re interested in learning how to improve your copywriting, you might like Neville’s copywriting course.
Sponsored by
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/futur
Dragon Ball Z - https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-z-kakarot
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Kyle T Webster is an award-winning international illustrator. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, TIME, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Nike, IDEO, and several other distinguished clients. Acclaimed industry publications like the Society of Illustrators, Communications Arts, and American Illustration have recognized his illustration work.
Kyle also teaches at UNC School of the Arts and works for Adobe, hosting workshops and helping to make digital products like Adobe Fresco. But you may better know him by his best-selling Photoshop brushes.
As an illustrator, having a distinct visual style is a point of pride. But that's not something Kyle was interested in. He wanted to offer clients a range of illustrative styles. And to do that, he needed a range of flexible tools.
As a result, KyleBrush was born.
KyleBrush is a collection of thousands of high-quality digital brushes originally created for Adobe Photoshop. What started as a practical necessity transformed into a full-time business.
Kyle's products became an industry staple. You could find his digital brushes everywhere, from Pixar to boutique animation studios.
In 2017, Adobe acquired KyleBrush making all of his digital brushes available to anyone subscribed to Creative Cloud. They also hired Kyle to help their product team develop new digital drawing tools.
We talk with Kyle about navigating the creative industry, price negotiation, overcoming anxiety, and the calculated career risks he took along the way.
Beyond that, Kyle also offers a variety of practical tips that you can apply to your professional life right now. In particular, a clever way to connect with seemingly unreachable people.
Sponsored by
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com
Superside - https://superside.com/futur
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In 2017 Natasha Takahashi completed her first semester at the prestigious (and quite expensive) college, University of Southern California.
She'd spent many nights writing essays and working tirelessly to attain any scholarship she could find to pay her tuition. But Natasha had a scary epiphany halfway into her second semester: This is not for me.
Frustrated and unhappy with her USC experience, she decided to drop out. She even wrote a letter to her parents expressing her gratitude and reasoning.
Five years later, Natasha sounds more than happy with her decision. She's started two businesses and is well on her way to achieving the goals outlined in the letter to her parents.
In this episode, we discuss Natasha's business focus: messenger automation.
Whether you were aware of it, you've probably encountered (and talked with) a chatbot. But have you ever thought about how messaging automation might help you and your business?
If you get overwhelmed with DMs or want to learn more about how chatbots work and the benefits that come with them, then give this episode a listen.
Sponsored by
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
Wix - https://wix.com/partners
Superside - https://superside.com/futur
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Just when you thought you had the internet figured out, new waves of technology approach. With them come a torrent of unfamiliar terms: non-fungible tokens, web3, DAOs, the Metaverse.
Are they real, hype, or are they keys to solving the world's biggest problems?
In this episode, we host investor and futurist Lisa Andrews. She's fascinated by this new technology and sees an opportunity in it to create a positive impact on humanity.
As Lisa puts it, we are living in the phigital world. That is to say, a hybrid of the physical and digital world. Think about the life you lead online and the one you lead offline. They're not the same but are closely related.
The Metaverse is where those two worlds start to converge. And therein lies a new opportunity for innovation, creativity, and of course, business.
If you think you've missed this new wave of technology, think again. There is plenty more to learn and discover.
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Chris Franklin is a filmmaker, photographer, and budding YouTuber helping clients, and fellow creatives meet their goals.
He's also a Futur Pro Group member, which is where he met and connected with Chris Do.
In this friendly conversation, Chris shares his career path and how he went from studying pre-med biology to now running a thriving video production business.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't a straight line from point A to point B. It took Chris time and inward reflection to understand who he is and what drives his motivations. And that kind of introspection is never easy.
If you're interested in video production or are unsure about your path forward, this conversation might help you.
Sponsored by
Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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Kindra Hall is a storyteller, acclaimed keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Stories that Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business. She's here to remind you how important storytelling is, especially for your business.
We all recognize the need for connection, now more than ever. And telling stories is an excellent way to connect with people, but being a great storyteller is not easy.
Like most important things, great storytelling requires strategy and effort. It's more than simply reporting information. You've got to feel it.
By feel, we mean you have to care and communicate emotion in your story. That doesn't mean sharing your deepest, darkest, most private pieces of yourself. It could be fundamental, like feeling frustrated, nervous, or curious.
In this episode, Kindra offers tips on what makes for good storytelling and how you can practice telling them. According to her, there are four critical components to storytelling, and you can start using them right now.
Whether you give weekly presentations or are working on your very first, Kindra's advice for telling better stories can only help.
Sponsored by
Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com/futur
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Storytelling is one of the fundamental ways humans connect. It’s how we learn, exchange ideas, and entertain ourselves. At its core, storytelling is communication.
This episode comes from a live Twitter Space talk Chris Do, and Anneli Hansson hosted. The topic: how to tell your own story.
The conversation opens with how powerful good storytelling is. A well-crafted story is relatable and will draw you in, making the storyteller themselves inherently more interesting.
Storytelling plays a crucial role in the world of branding and marketing. How you present yourself, your business, and your work tell a story. Often, that story looks and sounds like many other people’s stories, which makes it challenging for you to stand out in a crowded market space.
The good news is that everyone has a unique story to tell. And by sharing it, you create a unique space for yourself. The challenge is learning how to be your true self and not the idealized version of you.
To quote Emma Coates’ 22 Story Rules, “You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.”
If you struggle with standing out or think that your story isn’t interesting, this episode is for you. Chris shares several valuable tips and methods for finding and telling your own stories.
Sponsored by
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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Mika Saulitis is the Director of Creative Strategy at branding and design studio, Trollbäck+Company. But what does a Director of Brand Strategy do exactly?
As Mika puts it, there are two core components: strategy and creativity.
Strategy involves strategic thinking, writing positioning statements, and determining the brand’s voice—the invisible traits of a brand. Creativity arrives in more tangible forms, like campaigns, videos, concepts, and copywriting.
In this episode, Mika shares how he navigated the design industry and transitioned from fetching lunch orders to facilitating high-profile strategy sessions.
Mika and Chris delve into how brand strategy works. The process, the pitfalls, and why the last thing a client wants is a “yes” person.
If you work in or are curious about brand strategy, what it is, or how it works, then give this episode a listen. Mika is generous with what he’s learned and how he learned it. Maybe his story can help you.
Sponsored by:
Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com/futur
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Graham Cochrane is an entrepreneur, YouTuber, and business coach whose mission is to help other people start their own businesses.
You might be thinking, “Great. Another online business guru telling me to sign up for their seminar while they pose in front of a rented Lamborghini.”
But you would be wrong.
In 2009, right after the financial collapse, Graham was laid off. He and his wife had recently purchased a house and just had their first baby. Not a great place to be.
After struggling to find work and being unable to make enough through freelance work, Graham saw an opportunity, and a side project was born.
Graham had unintentionally founded The Recording Revolution, the world’s largest online audio recording and music production resource.
Years later, that little side project evolved into a seven-figure business with over twenty-thousand customers.
In this episode, Graham shares how spending his time and effort serving others has served him well. He and Chris talk about non-traditional ways to earn a living being creative, how to build a community, and why you don’t need to be an expert to teach.
Graham was also generous enough to share the nuts and bolts of his business model and its financials. His first year in business, he earned $5,000, but by the end of his second, he was at $65,000, all from selling courses based on his experience.
Sponsored by
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com/futur
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Jason Fried is the founder and CEO of Basecamp. Once a web design firm (and operating under the name 37Signals), Basecamp unintentionally pivoted into building software with their namesake product. They also created the email app HEY, a fresh take on an old idea.
As you can imagine, Jason is no stranger to change. In this episode, he shares how Basecamp accidentally came to be and the struggles they’ve encountered along the way. Like working remotely, building new products, and taking calculated risks that from the outside might look crazy.
Change is inevitable, but it’s rarely easy, especially for a company where people are the driving force. Shifts in direction profoundly affect company culture, and how you manage that change can make or break your business.
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Ron Baker is a writer, speaker, educator, and recovering CPA. He is the author of seven best-selling books, most of which cover economic topics—specifically, value and pricing.
Throughout history, value has always tied itself to labor. These many work hours cost this many dollars, also known as billable hours.
The counter to this method is value-based pricing. This thing costs this many dollars because it is valuable to you.
So, which is correct? Which is fair?
In this episode, Ron and Chris dive deep into value, pricing, and the relationship between the two. Ron shares some great stories that clearly illustrate why value is determined by the utility it provides the consumer.
They also discuss the concept of subscription-based pricing and why that model may find its way into everything from cars to creative services.
Sponsored by
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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Wes Kao is co-founder of Maven, a platform that helps creators build cohort-based courses. Before that, she co-founded the altMBA with acclaimed author and marketer Seth Godin.
If you’re not yet familiar with them, cohort-based courses (CBCs) are a not-so-new way of learning with a group of other people. They take the best parts of traditional classroom education and blend them with online classes to create a rich learning experience.
In this episode, Wes shares why CBCs are the best way to learn and why it’s crucial you always test (and validate) your course idea. Having a substantial social following doesn’t guarantee a courses’ success.
If you have an idea for a course, give this episode a listen before moving forward. And be sure to check out Wes’s free course accelerator.
Sponsored by
Grin.co - https://grin.co
Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com/futur
Peloton - https://onepeloton.com/app
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Daniel Savage is a lot of things. A director, graphic designer, illustrator, animator, musician, and artist. He’s spent the last fifteen years trying lots of creative things for both enjoyment and to pay the bills. Nowadays, he does a little bit of everything and makes sure he’s having fun while doing it.
We talk with Daniel about connecting the dots in his career path and how he went from studying avant-garde percussion to designing animated patterns for Volvo.
One through line in Daniel’s body of work is how he brings graphic design and hand drawn forms together. It’s a unique trademark that’s found a place in his latest experiment: Infinite Grid. A limited edition series of generative NFT animations that blend his sense of design, illustration, and rhythm together.
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Jake Fellman is a self-taught 3D artist who spends his time making original, animated content for YouTube and TikTok. As of this episode, Jake has 10.9M YouTube subscribers and 11.7M TikTok followers—so whatever he’s making people enjoy watching.
The videos Jake creates are anywhere from ten to thirty seconds long and often reference pop-culture and video games, like Among Us and Poppy Playtime. These animated shorts walk the line between comedy and horror and typically involve a surreal twist.
In this episode, Jake tells us about how he got started making these animations, the meteoric rise in their popularity, and what his plans are for the future. If you are interested in making your own content for YouTube or TikTok, then don’t miss this one.
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Nicoline Douwes is a Dutch dream expert and sleep activist. Her mission? Show everyone how to wake up with new ideas and fresh insights.
While our bodies sleep, our minds continue to work. Processing what we’ve experienced and what’s troubling us—all while making new, uninhibited connections between thoughts.
In this fascinating Clubhouse conversation, Nicoline and Chris dive into what happens in our brains while we sleep. They get into a bit of science, explain why dreams get so weird, and share useful tips about how to process your own dreams.
Sponsored by
Grin.co - https://grin.co
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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In final episode of our three-part passion versus profit series, Chris and Rodrigo agree to never have this conversation again. In exchange, Rodrigo makes a public commitment to remain focused on his business and sets a clear financial goal.
But it doesn’t end there. Chris helps Rodrigo plot the course to achieve that goal and offers a useful equation that anyone can use to do the same.
To wrap up this conversational trilogy, Chris reminds us that life is about making hard decisions. When things don’t work out, don’t change your goal. Change the plan.
Sponsored by
Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com/futur
Jenni Kayne - https://jennikayne.com
Peloton - https://onepeloton.com/app
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In part two of our three-part passion versus profit conversation, Chris, Rodrigo, Mo and Niddy pick up where they left off: to succeed you need a clear goal and to remain focused on it.
The benefits of living this way are clear. It’s how Chris built his design agency and ultimately The Futur.
But at what cost? To quote Chris, “I worked like an animal.”
That lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but to Chris’s point, you have the freedom to design your own life. Whether you achieve that goal depends on how committed you are to it.
It’s tough to stay the course and resist new and shiny distraction, but it pays to play the long game.
Sponsored by
Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com/futur
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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How do you make decisions about your life? Do you follow what brings you happiness and makes you feel good? Or do you remove emotion from the process and remain focused and objective?
Most of us land somewhere in the middle on that spectrum. Juggling the pursuit of our ever-changing interests while working a job that pays the bills.
But what happens when your time is equally split between the two and you’re unhappy with that juggling act?
In this special three-part episode, Chris helps Rodrigo work through a dilemma. One that places him at an important fork in the road: keep working on the business he’s tirelessly built or give it all up and pursue his dream to become a YouTuber.
Part one focuses on what the two options look like for Rodrigo. Which brings more joy, which brings more revenue, and ultimately which he should focus on.
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Rich Cardona is a retired Marine, podcaster, and NFT enthusiast. In fact, his podcast NFTs for Newbies, is one of the most popular shows on the subject.
In this fun and informative conversation Rich takes us into the budding world of NFTs. He explains what an NFT is, how they work, and helps make sense of the jargon associated with them—gas fees and all.
It is a fascinating new world, filled with both potential and problems. Rich shares his experience with both sides of that coin.
On the one hand, this powerful technology is relatively new and ripe with opportunity, beyond solely financial benefit. On the other, there is a massive energy cost that may have a size-able ecological impact.
According to Rich, it’s too early to tell if the hype is real or a fleeting trend that will devastate our planet. One thing he’s certain of though: NFTs aren’t going away.
Whatever your opinion on NFTs, give this conversation a listen and let Chris know (via Twitter) what you think of his idea. We won’t spoil it for you. You’ll just have to listen to the end of the episode.
Sponsored by Feedback Loop - https://go.feedbackloop.com/chris
Sponsored by Grin.co - https://grin.co
Sponsored by BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
Sponsored by Springobard - https://springboard.com (use code NYTHEFUTURE1250)
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Have you ever tried improv? Neither had Chris, until he met Erin Diehl. Erin is a former experential marketer and veteran improviser that conducts workshops leveraging improv techniques to improve employees’ skills in corporate settings. That’s right. She brings improv to the corporate world.
One of her many mottos: Inspire, don’t perspire.
In this episode, Erin shares her story of starting out sweaty and terrified of trying improv, to then wielding it as a powerful communication and teamworking tool.
It makes sense. Improv is about staying in the moment, listening, and—more than anything—making other people look good. Improv teaches you how to postpone judgement, think on your feet, and trust your gut. Not unlike some of the advice you may hear from Chris.
If you’re shy or introverted, then give this episode a good listen. And in those moments of panic or distress, Erin suggests surrendering to that feeling so you can then move through it.
Sponsored by Jenni Kayne - Visit jennikayne.com and use promo code FUTUR to save 15%
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Aaron Duffy is the Executive Creative Director and co-founder of boutique creative agency, Special Guest. He also works as a director with acclaimed production company, 1st Avenue Machine.
In this inspirational chat, Aaron shares the story of how a project he wasn’t excited about (and nearly turned down) propelled his career forward and landed him a coveted Super Bowl ad.
Sponsored by Real Vision - https://realvision.com/crypto
Sponsored by Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com/futur
Sponsored by Skillshare - https://skillshare.com/futur
Sponsored by BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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Nick Harauz is a content creator, video editing expert, and student of the creative process.
He's also a certified Adobe, Apple, and Avid trainer and founder of Creative 111; a company that specializes in video and motion graphics training. You might recognize him from instructional videos all over adobe.com.
In this episode, Nick and Chris talk about the challenges of teaching (and learning) online, how they each prepare for presentations, and why starting is the hardest part of the creative process.
Nick also shares an incredible (and kind of funny) story about how his camera was stolen during a shoot! Further proof that there is always someone watching.
Sponsored by Real Vision - https://realvision.com/crypto
Sponsored by Peloton - https://onepeloton.com/app
Sponsored by Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com/futur
Sponsored by Skillshare - https://skillshare.com/futur
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Carlos Segura is the founder of award-winning design firm, Segura Inc. He also founded digital type foundry T26, whose fonts you can find everywhere.
Over the last 30 plus years, Carlos has built (and lived) an extraordinary life and career. And he’s done it on his own terms, whether you like it or not.
In this candid conversation, Carlos shares what he’s learned along the way. From surviving the violence he faced growing up in Miami, to stumbling into what would change his life forever (spoiler alert: graphic design).
Beyond his origin story, Chris and Carlos also discuss his business’ ethos and its unique creative contracts. Contracts that have stirred up controversy with some calling them arrogant, pompous, and even combative.
But those words don’t matter to Carlos. Because if he’s not for you, that’s okay. At least he owns who he is.
Sponsored by Nearside - https://nearside.com/thefutur
Sponsored by BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
Sponsored by Jenni Kayne - https://jennikayne.com (use code FUTUR)
Sponsored by Springobard - https://springboard.com (use code NYTHEFUTURE1250)
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Tuna Bora is an acclaimed Turkish visual artist whose clients include Google, Nike, Netflix, and Coca Cola. She’s won awards for her unique design work on several VR and AR projects and continue to explore new creative spaces.
In this conversation, Tuna shares her story of immigrating to the United States alone in hopes of pursuing a career working in feature film animation. But after graduating in 2008—right at the start of the financial collapse—was met with very few opportunities.
She talks about unintentionally starting a daily drawing Instagram account (thats been going strong for seven plus years), directing projects with DreamWorks, and why she’s stoked about working in new, unexplored creative spaces like VR and gaming
Tuna also shares her experience with the unhealthy downsides of working with extreme focus and why just because you put more hours in does not mean the work is better.
Sponsored by Nearside - https://nearside.com/thefutur
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You might better know Jen and Amy Hood by their clever business name: Hoodzpah. The California-born, Kentucky-raised twin sisters co-founded their brand identity and type design studio because they had to. And before they were ready to.
In this episode, Jen and Amy talk shop with us about how Hoodzpah came to be, the source of their entrepreneurial spirit, taking joy in doing the work, and how they’ve landed coveted clients like Disney, Target, and Nike.
The conversation gets even more interesting when Chris asks, “How much do you charge for a logo?” A question that ultimately leads to a spirited debate on pricing and relative value.
If you’re a designer, or considering starting your own design business, then give this one a listen and learn from two helpful and acclaimed design pros.
Sponsored by Charles Schwab - schwab.com/plan
Sponsored by Springboard - https://bit.ly/springboard-the-futur (Promo Code: NYTHEFUTURE1250)
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Rochelle Moulton is a brand strategist and business coach that helps people (and their businesses) build authority.
In this episode Rochelle shares how she prepares for important presentations, her experience self-publishing a book, the parallels of building a brand and building authority, and why having a vision for your business is imperative to its success.
She also walks Chris through a niche-finding exercise that might help all your designers out there.
Sponsored by Charles Schwab - schwab.com/plan
Sponsored by Nearside - https://nearside.com/thefutur
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A great presentation will inspire you. It will leave you feeling excited, energized and most importantly: wanting more.
But a bad presentation will put you to sleep.
Ashley Smithers specializes in presentation design. She's helped people prepare for TED talks, design important fundraising decks, and even worked with former vice presidents on their presentations.
In this clubhouse discussion, Ashley offers five tips to help you step up your pitch game. And Chris matches her. Between the two of them you'll get over ten pro tips and techniques for giving dynamite presentations.
From how to structure your deck, to telling a great story, and even what to do with your hands. After listening to this conversation, you'll be equipped to give an engaging and compelling presentation of your own.
Sponsored by BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
Sponsored by Storyblocks - https://storyblocks.com/futur
Sponsored by Springboard - https://bit.ly/springboard-the-futur (Promo Code: NYTHEFUTURE1250)
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We last we spoke with Anthony way back in 2018, in episode 148 to be exact. At the time, he felt stagnant at his current job. Though his needs were met, there wasn’t much opportunity for growth.
Cut to three years later: the world is a different place and Anthony is now right where he wants to be. But where is that?
Did he remove those golden handcuffs in pursuit of something more? Did he ride out the slow boat to nowhere? Or did he do something else entirely?
In this episode we find out what path Anthony chose and ultimately what led him there.
If you missed part one of this conversation, do yourself a favor and go listen to it. Then come back and hear the rest of the story.
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Welcome to our second installment of 5 rounds. In this episode, we welcome creative sales coach (and Futur Pro Group member) Ivy Malik to the show.
Her mission: grill Chris Do with a series of five tough questions. And she does not disappoint.
Ivy tasks Chris with questions about how to be your true self in both public and private, why he dislikes the current state of educational sales, the role emotion plays in his decision making, and the biggest one of all: is The Futur a cult?
Sponsored by Skillshare - skillshare.com/futur
Sponsored by BetterHelp - betterhelp.com/futur
Sponsored by Storyblocks - storyblocks.com/futur
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If you were to order an expensive meal at a nice restaurant, but then asked if they could knock 50% off of the price, how would your waiter respond?
Probably not well. Of all the possible replies, the most likely one would be, “I’m sorry, we can’t do that.” Which is not surprising.
So then why do people in the creative business bend to such requests from clients?
In this fun Clubhouse talk, Chris helps people with their pricing and negotiation troubles by roleplaying scenarios with them. When do you push? When do you pull? And what do you listen for?
Following a pre-written sales script is easy, but when conversational curveballs are thrown at you, they fall apart. Hear how Chris approaches these delicate discussions and learn why being in the moment and listening is all you need.
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Have you ever read a lengthy paragraph from a book and then sort of woken up and asked yourself, “Wait. What did I just read?” You and us both.
Reading is a fantastic way to learn, but if you don’t retain that precious information then what is the point?
In this Clubhouse discussion Chris shares his approach to reading books. How he reads, his note taking method, and why he suggests you read a book three times. And he is joined by The Futur Pro Group members, Stephanie Owens and Rahul Bhogal.
Whether you are a bookworm or not, you will pick up a few practical tips to get more out of what you read. So join us while we explore and discuss the powerful magic of language and written word.
Sponsored by Skillshare - https://skillshare.com/futur
Sponsored by BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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In the corporate world, climbing the proverbial ladder seems common. To get ahead (and make more money) you must climb through the ranks.
But in the creative industry, it feels different. We pursue a career in the arts because we're passionate about things like design, photography, and animation. We enjoy making things ourselves.
But is that enough to sustain a long career? Will we be aged-out of our jobs? Should we strive to be more than just the artisan?
In this lively discussion, Chris is joined by Anneli Hansson, Rodrigo Tasca, and several more guests on Clubhouse to discuss these questions.
They talk about what it means to be a designer versus a strategist and how the two relate. We also hear from a variety of guests that share their opinion and experience on the matter.
Design is a multifaceted industry. There are many paths you can take. We hope this conversation helps you find yours.
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The concept of branding has been around since the dawn of human existence. It is hard-wired into us. Or as Patrick Hanlon refers to it: it’s our primal code.
Patrick Hanlon is what many in the creative advertising world call the OG of branding. He is the founder and CEO of primalbranding.co, an acclaimed branding group with an impressive roster of Fortune 100 companies.
Patrick also authored a book of the same name (Primal Branding) that has become required reading for the marketing departments of hugely successful companies like Google.
In this episode, Patrick and Chris discuss this fascinating perspective of branding as an innate, definitive, and predictive concept. One that connects directly to what it means to be human.
If you are a student of branding, then study this conversation. Patrick shares his branding insights and provides excellent examples along the way.
Sponsored by Skillshare - https://skillshare.com/futur
Sponsored by BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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Adam J. Kurtz (aka Adam JK) is a designer, artist, and speaker whose illustrative work is rooted in honesty, humor and a little darkness.
In this episode, we welcome Adam back to the show to talk about what it’s like writing a book about optimism when it feels like you’re living in an end-of-the-world movie.
Adam and Chris also discuss their experience with therapy (and the immense benefit it has on your mental health), how to write like you speak, and why perfection is overrated.
Sponsored by Storyblocks - https://www.storyblocks.com/futur
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This episode comes from a discussion held on Clubhouse. The topic: perfectionism. Where it comes from and why it hinders your growth. Better said (and by Winston Churchhill), “Perfection is the enemy of progress.”
In this talk, Chris is joined by The Futur Pro Group members Martha Cristina Garza, Jule Kim, and Lola Bakare. Each of them share their experience with perfection getting the best of them.
So, how do you fight that intrinsic need to make something perfect before you share it? According to Chris: stay away from the results and enjoy the process.
Jim Rohn famously said that success leaves clues, but failure leaves better ones. If anything, it is a gift.
Think about this way—everyone that you look up to was once where you are today. They took that first step. They started. And they probably failed at least once.
FAIL. First attempt in learning.
Sponsored by BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
Sponsored by LightStream - https://lightstream.com/futur
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This episode comes from a livestream we hosted via YouTube in early 2020. In it, Chris fields questions from a group of design majors visiting from Loyola Marymount University.
The Q&A covers topics like the difference between art and design, demonstrating your value to clients, what to charge for your work, and why there is truly nothing new under the sun.
Sponsored by Storyblocks - https://www.storyblocks.com/futur
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David Schwarz is an award-winning creative leader and one of the founding partners of acclaimed experience design agency, Hush.
He’s spent his career designing brand experiences that integrate content, interactivity, architecture and technology.
But what is experience design? It depends on where you are and who you ask.
From where David stands experience design is about creating an immersive, three-dimensional, sensory experience in the real world. And affecting how you and I feel as we move through it.
In this episode, David shares how his agency approaches designing these unique experiences and the impending blur between the physical world and the digital world.
Sponsored by BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
Sponsored by Skillshare - https://skillshare.com/futur
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Once in a while we come across a story that we believe is worth sharing, even though it might not fit within the topics we generally talk about.
Kyle Quilausing’s story is one of those. He’s gone from triumph, to tragedy, and back again. A sequence of events that touches on a recurring theme for our show: resilience. How we each find our way out of a dark place and the belief that it is never too late to become the person you are meant to be.
Kyle’s message is simple: you are one decision away from living your dream or nightmare life. Either way, you get to decide.
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What does it take to run your own YouTube channel? According to Charli Marie, putting in the work is a good place to start.
We know that’s not the advice you wanted to hear. But that’s the practical truth. You have to do the hard work.
By day, Charli is Creative Director at ConvertKit. A creative marketing platform made for creators. And also by day, she is a YouTuber on a mission to help designers improve their worth as professionals.
It almost sounds too good to be true, but Charli has built herself what some may call a dream job. On her personal channel, she shares what she’s working on at her day job. The good, the bad, and even the financial aspects of it.
Which makes her content so fascinating. These are real projects with real stakes attached to them.
In this episode, Charli and Chris discuss how she balances these two roles, that can be at odds from time to time, and her strategy for doing so.
But most of the conversation centers around what it’s like running your own YouTube channel. The benefits, the frustrations, and the awkwardness of recording yourself.
If you aspire to start your own YouTube channel then give this episode a listen. It’s a long game, but you can learn from those that have played it.
This episode is sponsored by Storyblocks - https://www.storyblocks.com/futur
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In the final round, Mo and Chris discuss what success means and how you can reverse engineer someone else’s.
If you’re thinking, “but how do I effectively do that?” then you are asking the wrong question. There are no shortcuts. The path is tough and you will struggle. There is no way around it. But the reward you get, is efficiency.
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In round 4, Mo and Chris discuss goals and expectations. When it comes to setting goals, you should be uncompromising in them, but flexible in how you achieve them.
If the plan is not working, change the plan, not the goal.
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Round 3 is all about balance. Mo asks something personal of Chris: how do you balance this uncompromising purpose and your responsibility as a husband and father?
It’s a fantastic question and something that many people struggle with. Especially when it comes to making big, scary decisions.
As the expression goes, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
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In round 2, Chris and Mo tackle the concept of ikigai. That is, how to live your life to it’s fullest potential.
Theoretically, it makes good sense, but when it comes to taking action so few of us have the courage to do so. We are creatures of habit and comfort. The hard work and failure that leads to fulfillment is not an easy sell.
But why is that? And how can you persevere in spite of that discomfort?
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To celebrate our 150th episode of The Futur podcast we are releasing a new episode every day this week for a total of 5 episodes. We call them 5 Rounds with Mo.
In each episode The Futur Pro Group member and friend of the show, Mo Ismail, will ask Chris a tough question and he won’t let him off the hook until he’s happy with the answer.
In round one, Mo asks Chris about how he’s able to break big, complex problems down into something that anyone can understand. And how he does it without letting his emotions interfere.
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Henry Kaminski Jr. is a self-taught graphic designer and brand consultant. Over the past decade he’s built a multi-million dollar design business.
But the road there was filled with rusty nails. Some of which were ready to force him off the road and into a ditch.
In this episode, Henry shares his origin story. From surviving his tumultuous youth to earning his first million. Since he and Chris are close, it feels like you’re listening to old friends having a sincere—and at times difficult—candid conversation.
Chris and Henry talk about the dynamics of business, family and how when the two overlap it can lead to a lifetime of trouble and heartache.
Think of this conversation as part business story, part therapy. It’s rare that we’re able to be this vulnerable on our show and a kind reminder that we can learn a lot when we do allow ourselves to be.
Sponsored by Storyblocks - storyblocks.com/futur
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Are you familiar with the term “golden handcuffs”? It’s a phrase that refers to financial incentives given to employees to make them stick around. Because when you have everything you need, why would you ever want to leave?
In this episode, we talk with illustrator, graphic designer, and Futur Pro Group member, Anthony Banks who—at the time this was recorded in 2018—was considering a big career move.
But he is conflicted. His job is stable. It pays well. All of which is good for his family.
For all intents and purposes, Anthony is doing just fine.
But is fine enough? Or, without any room to grow in his current position, is he riding a slow boat to nowhere?
The conversation you’re about to hear is from 2018. The world feels like a different place now, but our the dilemma remains the same: are golden handcuffs worth it?
We do the math and find out.
Sponsors
Skillshare - https://skillshare.com/futur
BetterHelp - https://betterhelp.com/futur
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Welcome to another special episode format we call Hey Chris. We take listener submitted questions and make Chris answer them on the spot. No reading them ahead of time. No preparation. No time to think. Just a candid conversation between Chris Do and Greg Gunn.
In this episode we answer four unique questions about topics like how to apply value based pricing (and when not to), positioning your business, whether to spend your time learning or doing, and and how to find your purpose.
Have a question for Chris? Visit thefutur.com/heychris and ask away.
This episode is sponsored by Storyblocks - https://www.storyblocks.com/futur
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When he would get sent to detention, he’d spend his time there drawing for hours. And despite growing up in a super small town in South Carolina, he had access to an amazing art program. With the help of a nurturing mother, and a lot of talent and hustle, Douglas worked his way into a design career but always wanted more. He had spent a lot of his life creating, but came to a point where he wanted to explore the business side as well, and moved into strategy.
In this week's conversation, Chris talks to Douglas about growing up and going to school with very few resources, moving into the world of strategy and the value it has provided both for Douglas's clients and himself, and Douglas's hustle as a teacher, bringing up a new generation.
Douglas shares his unique perspective on life itself and how important it is to do what you love. “Life is long,” Douglas says. “Do you want to spend your life going to a job you hate?”
After completing an arts program from Hampton University, Douglas took his resume and experience and applied to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. He studied communication design and discovered the problem-solving capabilities of graphic design. During his time at Pratt, Douglas was inspired to teach and work in the industry he had grown to love so much.
When he was just 22 years old, Douglas was found and hired at Juno Online Services, but lost the job a year later when a recession hit. Then, when he was kicked out of his apartment at 25 years old, he became an adjunct professor.
With so many forces going against him, Douglas persevered through curveball after curveball. He learned to hustle and keep going despite the scarcity of opportunities. Douglas’s story is nothing short of inspiring. We highly encourage you to listen and hear how he turned from designer to strategist, to now teach other creatives the business of design.
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The internet can make people look very one dimensional. When in reality, they are far from.
Ognjen Topic is a great example of that. He is a graphic designer and also a three time world champion in the competitive martial art, Muy Thai.
You’ll hear about Ognjen’s tumultuous life journey as a Serbian born in Bosnia. Civil war forced his family to flee the country and ultimately immigrate to the United States where he fell in love with graphic design and developed a secret fighting career.
You might think that fighting and design don’t have much in common, and you’re probably right. But one important concept they do share is mindset.
So how do you prepare when your life (or serious injury) is on the line? What kind of training do you need? And how can you develop the mental fortitude it takes to survive?
Not to overdramatize creative work, but putting yourself out there and taking on jobs can be scary. Maybe not get punched in the liver scary, but emotionally just as frightening.
In this episode, our Ognjen shares his mindset for how to use your fear as a tool to help guide you through a scary situation.
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Sponsored by Storyblocks https://www.storyblocks.com/futur
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This episode comes from a Clubhouse Q&A hosted by Billy and Glenn Lundy of Breakfast with Champions. During this candid chat, they ask Chris a series of questions about mindset and marketing.
Things like how and why you should be specific with your goals, what creativity really means (hint: it’s not just for artists and designers), and why our future is in the hands of creative thinkers.
Also, there is a great listener Q&A where people put Chris on the spot and he offers real time, personalized guidance.
If you have any interest in changing your mindset—especially about marketing—then you will love this one.
Thank you to Skillshare for sponsoring this episode: https://www.skillshare.com/futur
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We talk a lot about branding. What it is, what it means, and how it works. But Kirsty Minns lives it. And excels in it at the highest creative level.
Kirsty is the executive creative director at Mother Design in London. Mother is a world famous agency and you’ve probably come in contact with one of their incredible campaigns at some point.
In this episode, we follow Kirsty through her entire career and hear about the personal and professional choices she made that ultimately lead her to where she is today.
You’ll hear about what drives Kirsty’s endless curiosity, how she specializes in not specializing, and why playing the comparison game will only lead you to unhappiness.
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If punk rock were a genre of design agency, then SNASK would be the Sex Pistols. As they state on their website, SNASK is a “creative agency of misfit geniuses conquering the world through fine lookin’ design and real emotions. To worry about what people think of us is a waste of time.”
Freddie Ost is the founder of SNASK and we were fortunate enough to have him on the show and really get to know the person behind the eccentric agency.
In the spirit of his business, the conversation oscillates between emotional vulnerability and playfulness. So if all goes well, you will laugh, cry, and be inspired in no particular order.
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Copywriting is hard. Which is why we always appreciate great copy when we see it. It’s usually simple, clear, and tickles your brain if written well.
Cole Schafer is a creative writer. By day he runs a small advertising business called Honey Copy. By night, he writes and publishes poetry under the alias, January Black.
He’s got a lot to say and he does it without mincing words. But in a way that will make you smirk.
In this episode, Cole and Chris talk about the nuance and challenges of language and how to wield it with grace. We’ll hear about how he found writing, why he left a well-paying agency job for manual labor, and how to name a $15 cookie so that people will happily buy it.
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Humans are inherent copy machines. Emulation is how we learn to walk, talk and navigate the world. But when it comes to ideas—especially ones we deem “original”—things are different.
We become hyper critical of imitation and resent anything close to a copy of our own. Obsessing over ideological ownership. But what we don’t do, is turn that critical lens on ourself.
Copy, transform, and combine. According to Kirby Ferguson, this is the recipe for creativity.
Kirby is a filmmaker, speaker, and writer. You probably know him best from his acclaimed documentary, Everything is a Remix. You can watch it for free on YouTube and we promise that it will change that way you think about originality And maybe help you let go of that inner critic.
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Picture yourself at the airport. You’ve just returned from a long, arduous flight and you are exhausted. The last thing you want is to get in your car and make the lengthy drive home.
So you open a ride sharing app, hail a car, and moments later you are on your way home. And the car is driving itself while you nap in the back seat.
Strangely enough, if you live in the metro-Phoenix area, you can do that. All with the help of autonomous ride service, Waymo.
Lauren Schwendimann is the interaction design lead for Waymo. Her and her team are responsible for designing all consumer touch points for the company. Both the app and the rider experience.
If you thought designing a website was tough, imagine designing a driverless car experience. How do you quell that innate fear and skepticism of a robot driving you around?
In this episode, we talk about human-centered design, the inherent challenges of new technology, and what skills you need to be a great UX designer.
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When you think of a design agency you might imagine a large, bustling office, with an open floor plan, teaming with creative people.
And most of the time, reality would meet your expectations. But not all of the time.
Because that's not what Philadelphia based agency, Superfriendly, is. It’s not even close.
Superfriendly is a distributed design collaborative. Which means their team members reside all over the world. Like specialized creative agents, they are tapped to collaborate on projects that maximize both their skill and their personal experience.
Our guest in this episode—Dan Mall—is the founder and sole employee of Superfriendly.
Dan shares how and why he structured his agency the way he did and why having the right people in the room is how you win.
You will also hear how Dan reverse engineered his entire career. From entry level designer to agency strategist and the double-edged sword of youthful arrogance.
But the most compelling part of this conversation is how Dan and Chris discuss pricing.
You’re probably familiar with the various pricing models. Like hourly, value-based, cost plus, etc. But have you ever thought about the ethics involved in each?
Some may think value-based pricing is unethical. Others might argue that charging hourly is. Who’s right? And what’s the most important part of the equation?
We’ll let you decide, but we suggest you listen to this episode first.
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What is a brand? What is branding supposed to do? And can you control your own brand?
In this Clubhouse Q&A, Chris is joined by Dr. Christine Looser. You might remember her from episode 109. Dr. Looser teaches marketing and branding, and is the head of business, at startup school, The Minerva Project.
If you have any kind of interest in branding, then save or bookmark this episode. Because you will want to re-listen to it.
The conversation gets brainy and there are plenty of SAT words throughout it. But it is a deep and fascinating dive into the concept of branding.
Christine puts Chris on the spot (which is always entertaining) and the two delve deep into the evolution of our brains and culture to try and make sense of the phenomena we call a “brand.”
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Mr. Ben Burns is The Futur’s Chief Financial Officer. You might recognize him as the bearded fellow on our YouTube channel.
Though officially our CFO, Ben dons several more hats day-to-day. Self-taught designer, web developer, general steward of our company, and father of two.
In this episode, we get to know to the man behind the mouse. His origin story, how he met Chris (and got his attention in the first place), and why firing all of his clients was the best move for both his business and career.
Ben also shares his experience in the military and police force and how it helped shape who he is and—ultimately—why he traded his gun and badge for a mouse and keyboard.
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This conversation comes from a live Clubhouse discussion. In the event you don’t know what Clubhouse is, it’s an invite-only social media app that fosters group discussion through live audio.
In this episode, Chris joins photography rep, agent, and manager—Andrea Stern—in her photo business forum. The topic: what do you do when you’re stuck in your career?
Andrea helps photographer get work and develop their careers. She’s done so for over two decades.
But times change. And so does the professional landscape. What drove advertising and got you work twenty years ago, doesn’t work as well today.
As a seasoned professional, how do you compete with young up-and-comers? Especially when they have tens of thousands of followers, and you don’t. And that actually matters to clients.
In this live Q&A, Andrea and Chris field questions from people that are bored, stuck, or uninspired in their careers. And although they don’t always agree, Andrea and Chris both offer beacons of hope for an unknown future.
Being a creative professional is not easy. How do you balance honing your craft, running a business, and marketing yourself? And how do you keep up and age into your career?
We’ll let Andrea and Chris answer those big questions for you. But we will say this: if you don’t adapt the times, the times will leave you behind.
All the more reason to listen to this episode.
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This is part 2 of our conversation with struggling artist turned dice-making millionaire, Karen Wang. If you missed part 1, go back an episode and listen to that first.
In part 2, Karen shares her experience launching her first Kickstarter—which ultimately lead to $2 million in sales. You’ll hear about how she got into dice-making, what she learned, and all the interesting mistakes along the way.
You might think raking in millions of dollars in sales is great. But what happens when you have to then follow through? How do you deal with such massive demand? And what other pitfalls do you have to look forward to?
Instant success comes with a responsibility. And Karen is no stranger to that fact. Listen to how she’s navigated the world of manufacturing and all the big challenges that come with it.
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When you hear that someone is an “overnight success”, rarely did it happen overnight. But our guest in this episode is kind of the exception. Kind of.
Karen Wang is the founder of Dispel Dice. A luxury dice-making business that was Kickstarted into existence. Over the course of her 30 day campaign, she raised over $2 million. All for her stunning, beautiful, and bespoke dice. And that first $1 million, happened on day one.
If your jaw isn’t on the floor, then please re-read that last paragraph. Because that kind of support for a debut Kickstarter campaign is unheard of.
But the path leading up to that fateful launch was no walk in the park. The same morning Karen pulled in her first million from Kickstarter, was the same morning her bank called to say that she had overdrawn her account.
In this two part episode Karen walks us through the windy, bump-ridden road she took to build the incredible business she runs today.
In part 1, we get to know the person behind the dice. How she went from feeling unfulfilled, unhappy, and dropping out of art school to finding her calling through a friendly game of Dungeons & Dragons.
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To say that the advertising world is competitive, would be like saying that water is wet. People fight tooth and nail to land big clients.
For every account that is won, another is lost. And missing the mark on a pitch you’ve poured your soul into can be heartbreaking.
But advertising is also thrilling.
You're given a unique problem and it's up to you and your teammates to solve it. Like group of creative detectives.
In this episode we were given the rare opportunity to speak with someone operating at the highest level of advertising. Tim Maleeny is the President and Chief Strategy Officer for global agency, Havas.
He also writes mystery novels.
Tim explains how advertising, strategy, and just being a human all work together. In his twenty plus years working in the industry, he's learned what matters to clients and how to win people over.
As an expert brand strategist he also knows when to sell, when to engage, and when to simply celebrate.
If you work for an agency, run your own, or are just curious about how brand strategy in advertising works, then you will enjoy this chat.
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“Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth.” We love that quote from Mike Tyson. It encapsulates life so well.
You can do everything right—even go above and beyond—and still be a fantastic failure. But as they like to say: failure is inevitable. It’s how you deal with it that matters.
Pat Flynn is an acclaimed podcaster, author, entrepreneur, and Pokémon card collector. Yes, you just read “Pokémon.” Growing up, he did everything right. Earned perfect grades. Landed the perfect, dream job. And then, was laid off.
But that crushing defeat was the catalyst to his success to come. You might say that getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to him.
In this episode, Pat and Chris discuss failure’s role in success, the benefits of mastermind groups, and how helping others can truly change your life.
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Why do you believe what you believe? How much of it was hardwired and how much of it did you inherit from other people? Like, for instance, your parents.
This episode comes from a unique event that we like to call After Hours. It’s a raw, revealing, and open-ended discussion with Chris Do and some our friends from The Futur Pro Group.
In this After Hours chat, we delve into how to reframe the way you think about goals. What they are, their meaning to you, and why looking to the past won’t help you today.
And things get deep in this vulnerable pep talk. Albeit sage wisdom, you will hear tough love doled out from Chris.
So buckle up, settle in, and please enjoy this deep chat, after hours at The Futur.
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When it comes to talking about money, a lot of creative folk tend to get uncomfortable. Many of us believe that the work should speak for itself. And that the cost of something correlates with how long it takes to produce.
But that’s not always true.
There are plenty of ways to bill for your work. Hourly, daily, fixed price, value-based, and retainer. There’s even the good old barter system.
Which way is the best? And is it fair and ethical to not bill for the time you spend on something?
If these are questions you struggle with answering, then you are in the right place.
Our guest, Tom Hirst, is a freelance web developer, author, and mentor. Beyond building custom websites, his specialty is pricing. How to think about it and how to talk about it with your clients.
As much as we all want it to, talent alone will not magically get you work. No matter what business you’re in. You need to market, need to sell, and you certainly can’t shy away from talking about money.
Do yourself—and your business—a favor and listen up. Because we’re going to change the way you think about pricing forever.
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If you could go back in time and learn something new, what would it be? What thing would you study to better equip you for the world and you live in today?
In the business world, designers now have a seat at table. They do more than just make things pretty. Their decisions and actions have a direct impact on the bottom line.
Which means they have a responsibility to the business. Something that isn’t taught in art school.
Our guest in this episode, Abby Guido, is an assistant professor of graphic and interactive design at Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University.
She’s got an MBA, her own design practice, and one piece of advice for her students: focus.
Abby and Chris discuss teaching philosophies, the role teachers play in the creative process, and try to answer the question: what should we teach people?
The two don’t agree on every little thing, but they do agree on this portfolio advice: if they can’t figure out who you are and what you do in less than 60 seconds, they’re moving on to someone else.
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What do you think it means to be a creative director? It’s not a trick question. Take a moment to think about it.
What does a creative director do exactly? What skills do they need to do it?
You might think that being a great creative director is all about honing your craft and having a creative vision for your work. In other words, it’s all about you and your creative decisions. But is that true?
This episode comes from a livestream we held in early 2019. It’s all about answering the question: how do you become a creative director? And it comes from good authority.
Our guest, Adam Morgan, is an Executive Creative Director at Adobe. Adam outlines nine steps to take on the path to becoming a creative director.
And guess what? Eight of them have little to do with the quality of your work.
We won’t spoil anything for you, but we agree with Adam. What makes you a great creative, won’t necessarily make you a great creative director.
So instead of asking, “How do I become a creative director?” The more important question might be, “Is this the right path for me?”
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When you hear the term “side hustle”, how does it make you feel?
Maybe you get excited and think of that one thing you’re passionate about. Or maybe it sends a cringe-filled chill down your spine.
We ask because this episode’s guest, Herbert Lui, really hates that phrase. And he’s not alone.
You may recall our conversation with Austin Kleon where he shared his own contempt for that same term.
When it comes to words and language, nuance is everything. Two people can say the exact same thing, yet each mean something quite different. That important nuance is often amplified in writing.
One person’s hustle, is another person’s cringe.
Herbert Lui is a writer and the editorial director at WonderShuttle.
If you’re an avid reader—and a Kanye West fan—then you may have already read some of his work.
He is the author of the unique ebook, The World According to Kanye. It’s really interesting and also free to read, so check it out when you get a chance.
What we enjoyed most about the conversation you’re going to hear is how much it challenged the way we think about creativity. And how important it is to make room for (and be receptive to) other perspectives.
That’s what creativity is, right? Finding unexpected and alternative ways to see things.
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Do you know the difference between a freelancer and a small business owner? We won’t spoil it for you, but there is an important mindset distinction. And it can change everything about the way you do business.
In tis deep dive episode, we talk with former software developer and author, Jonathan Stark. If you’re a long time follower of The Futur, then you’ll recognize that name.
Jonathan’s mission is to rid the world of hourly billing. And in this Q&A session, he explains how you can do that. Transcend the hired gun, competing on price, and become someone who’s paid for the quality of their ideas.
Jonathan also fields other questions about how to find new leads, figuring out who you should market to, and the pros and cons of specializing.
If you’re raking it in and loving life, then give this a casual listen. But the rest of us should listen more carefully and use these free nuggets of knowledge to help our creative business pursuits.
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“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear — not absence of fear.” This poignant quote from Mark Twain taps into the theme of this episode: grit. As in fortitude, guts, backbone
Think about the most accomplished people that you admire. What drives them? What is that endless source of fuel that keeps their fire burning? Especially through the darkest and coldest of nights.
Our guest today, Mario Quezada, is a brand strategist and owner of a small design and branding agency in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is also an alumni of Art Center College of Art and Design. The same prestigious design school that Chris Do attended.
In this episode, Mario and Chris talk about their experience growing up, feeling lost, and dealing with the ugly racism that the world showed them.
They also swap stories about their unique experience at Art Center. The culture, the smell of the building, and the teachers that challenged their thinking and opened their mind to the possibilities of graphic design.
Like Mr. Twain said: courage is resistance to fear. It builds character. And in this candid conversation, you’ll get to hear how two people navigate that fear. And how showing courage through it all got them to where they are today.
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This deep dive episode comes from a livestream we held way back in 2019 on The Futur’s YouTube channel.
Our guest, Michael Janda, is the author of the best-selling book Burn Your Portfolio. He’s also a seasoned ad agency executive who helps creative entrepreneurs make more money with less stress.
In this episode, we aim our focus on pricing creative work. A topic that every creative professional has struggles with. Michael walks you through a step by step process on how to price your work and how to parse all the variables that come with it. Things like production cost, market value, and client budget, to name a few.
If you ever find yourself lost in the bidding process or pulling numbers out of thin air, then get ready to get schooled. Because you’re about to get a crash course in pricing creative work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Have you ever heard someone say that an idea “has legs”? What they mean is that the idea can endure and stay relevant over time. Because that’s what good ideas do—they stick around.
Jason Harris is the CEO and co-founder of acclaimed ad agency, Mekanism. They do fantastic and progressive work for some of the best clients around. Brands like Peleton, Jose Cuervo, and Ben & Jerry’s.
As a seasoned ad man, Jason knows a good idea when he sees it. And he knows how to present that idea to a client while be a true collaborator in the process.
In this episode, Jason shares what he’s learned from running an agency for over 15 years. He talks about the power of branding, building community, and why great storytelling is at the heart of his agency’s success.
It’s not often we get to speak with people in Jason’s shoes. If you work at agency—or aspire to start your own some day—then pay attention to this one. Because to survive and thrive, it takes more than just putting out great work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If you’ve followed us for a while, then you’ve probably heard the name Blair Enns a few times. Blair is a business consultant, speaker and author of the acclaimed book, The Win Without Pitching Manifesto. And if you were to ask Chris Do what one book you should read is, it would be that one.
We’ve had Blair on the show before, but we wanted to share this deep dive livestream with you because it’s filled with invaluable information. The insights that Blair shares and the perspective he offers is unmatched. You can actually hear Chris’s giddiness during their conversation.
They cover a lot of ground in this talk. Discussing things like specializing vs generalizing, how to measure the value you bring to the table, pricing the client not the job and, of course, value based pricing.
But the best part is that these are universal business concepts. You’ll find them everywhere outside of the creative industry, but Blair does a fantastic job of contextualizing them for people like us—the creative professional.
We suggest listening to the episode once, all the way through. Then on another day, listen to it again. But this time, take notes.
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When you hear the term “high performance” you might think about professional athletes. People who go through intense physical and mental training to prepare their mind and body for the game.
Not to sound like a meme, but what if we told you that you could borrow similar training techniques to improve your creative performance?
Well, according to Erik Korem, there are plenty of parallels between creatives and athletes. High stress, long hours, and intense mental focus. And although he comes from a sports science background, having coached professional NFL players and olympic athletes, the concepts translate. Eat well, rest well and take care of yourself.
In this episode, Erik offers tips for how you can become more adaptable, why rest is critical to your success and how your brain and body play an important role in creativity.
High performance creative. It’s got a nice ring to it.
Thank you to Gusto for sponsoring this episode.
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Dustin Lee is the founder of RetroSupply Co, a marketplace for retro brushes, textures, fonts, and more. Over the years, he’s carved out a unique position in the creative tool market.
When you search for retro or vintage brushes for Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate you’re going to bump into his website. It's a great example of finding your niche.
Dustin’s conversation with Chris centers around how creatives can start to think about passive income. But unlike a lot of other talks you have heard or read on the subject, Dustin gets into tactics. Like how to choose the right product, building something that stands out, and overcoming the aversion to marketing.
If you're interested in using your creative skills to generate passive income, then this episode will make you happy. Grab your notebook (or laptop) and get ready to take notes.
Thank you to Gusto for sponsoring this episode.
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2020 normalized the concept of remote work. Many people were forced to take their office home and find new ways to do business and stay connected. Whether they liked it or not.
But before the pandemic, remote work wasn’t all that common. Which makes our guest, Cameron Pierron, quite the anomaly.
Cameron worked remotely before it was cool. Like, in 2001. And he worked with big names, like Kyle Cooper and Danny Yount. Titans of the motion design industry. All from his home in the mid-West. In Kansas City.
This conversation is from 2018, which feels like it was 10 years ago, but we’re willing to bet that people still believe you need to live on the coast, in a major city to work with big companies on high profile projects.
Spoiler alert: not true.
In fact, it’s far easier to to land those jobs now more than ever. And Cameron is a testament to that statement. He still lives in the mid-West, is self-taught, and continues to work with some of largest companies in the world.
In this episode, Cameron walks us through his journey from remote freelancer, to studio owner, to now teaching motion design and creating educational products. He covers the steps and decisions he made to get where he is and even shares the financial milestones that came with it. From his early freelancing day rate to his current business’s revenue goals.
If you feel landlocked and like there’s no way you’ll make it to the big leagues, then give this chat a listen. Maybe it will change your mind.
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This is part two of a two part series where we reverse the roles and have our beloved founder and The Futur CEO, Chris Do, answer the questions.
If you haven’t listened to part one, stop what you’re doing and go listen to that episode first.
In part two, we pick up where we left off. With Chris’ vision of what The Futur, both the company and the concept, looks like. He and Anneli discuss the power of company culture, engaging with internet trolls and why mission over money is the best path forward.
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If you’re a regular listener of the show, then you know our format: Chris Do talks with an interesting guest while carefully poking and prodding them with questions. All in hopes of learning as much about their experience as humanly possible.
But today, we’re flipping everything on it’s head.
In this two part series, the roles are reversed. Our guest, and Futur Pro Group member Anneli Hannson, will interview Chris. Think of it like a deep dive into the mind of Mr. Do. The person, the businessman, and the educator.
In part one, we get to hear Chris’ origin story. About how an introverted refugee became the confident teacher and YouTuber you admire today.
It’s easy to make assumptions about people, especially when you haven’t walked in their shoes. And this is probably the closest you can get to wearing Chris’ sneakers.
He shares personal stories about his family fleeing Saigon, living life as a cultural outsider, and why it’s so important to have—and to follow—your own internal compass.
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Have you ever heard of The Game of Life? It’s a multiplayer board game that was invented by Milton Bradley in the 19th century. The idea was to simulate a person going through all of their life experiences. School, marriage, jobs, and so on. And you, the player, get to decide what they do.
Eric Siu lives his life as if it were a game. It’s no surprise that he is a big gamer, but he’s also an incredibly successful marketer and businessman. Eric runs a marketing agency, a software company, and is the host of two successful podcasts.
And the secret to his success? Gamification. Applying the concepts of leveling up to yourself and your business. Everyone starts as a Level 1, but how far you go is up to you.
In this episode, Eric and Chris go deep into marketing tactics. From targeted ad buys to good old SEO and everything in between. But most importantly, they talk about what you can do with your creativity and how to apply it to marketing.
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When you hear the term sound design, you might think of fight sequences from action films. Like a fist landing on someone’s face, the cocking of a shotgun or even a building exploding into a giant ball of fire.
But you probably don’t think about the subtle atmospheric sound design that permeates your screen. The icy wind underscoring an arctic journey. The ambient noise of a crowded outdoor market unique to Bangkok.
Great sound design often goes unnoticed. It takes you out of your seat and submerges you into the story. Adding a new invisible ingredient to the experience.
Our guest in this episode is Dallas Taylor. You may know him as the host and creator of Twenty Thousand Hertz, a lovingly crafted podcast revealing the stories behind the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds. He’s also the Creative Director of Defacto Sound, where he has led thousands of high-profile projects ranging from blockbuster trailers and advertising campaigns to Sundance award-winning films and major television series.
In this unique episode, Dallas talks about why sound is just as important as your other senses. Because if you care about the taste of your food or the smell of a room, then you should care about sound just as much.
He and Chris also discuss the business side of working in sound and what it takes to make a living doing so. The storytelling, sonic branding and how to get clients excited to work with you on the first call.
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Streaming great music is easy to come by these days. You can search for almost any artist you want on Spotify or Apple Music and listen to them in a few seconds. The Beatles, Metallica and even Tool all have their discography up in the proverbial cloud.
But there’s one place online that’s home to a unique genre of music. Music that’s streaming all day, every day. Whether you're listening or not.
Chillhop Music is a music label based out of Rotterdam. They work with artists who primarily make relaxing beats and music to help you, well, chill. They stream this wonderful and mellow music 24/7 on YouTube. And over the years, have amassed over three million subs.
In today's episode, we talk with the man behind the music label: Bas van Leeuwen. Bas majored in international business, but is slowly and deliberately finding his way back to creativity.
He and Chris talk about where Chillhop came from, how they work with artists and, of course, the business behind it all.
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This is part two of our fascinating talk with illustrator, children’s book author and creative entrepreneur, Arree Chung.
If you haven’t listened to part one yet, go do that first.
In this second episode, Arree talks us through his business plan and the unique opportunity he had to teach kids (and their parents) how to be creative. And how doing that earned him over $400K in 36 hours.
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Arree Chung is an illustrator, children's book author and creative entrepreneur. He’s also a member of The Futur Pro Group.
But more importantly, he’s a shining example of how to find the silver lining in a bad situation. Like say, a pandemic.
It’s no mystery why businesses across the planet have been decimated. And our guest is no exception. But what he does excel at, especially during these miserable times, is pivoting his way out of it.
Arree’s remarkable story comes with many twists, turns and tough life lessons. Like leaving a salary of $120K a year to pursue happiness that only pays $30K. All while shouldering hundreds of thousand of dollars in tuition debt.
But like we said, there is a silver lining. Which is why he now happily pays $8K/month in Zoom bills. And he does it debt free. Is that enough mystery for you? We think so.
You’ll have to listen to this two part episode to really appreciate it what that means.
Thank you to Gusto for sponsoring this episode.
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Koen Bok is the CEO and founder of the free web-based prototyping tool, Framer. Their mission is to bridge the imagination gap, so that you, your team and even your client are all speaking the same language. In this episode, Koen shares what life was like as a young kid, growing up in the Netherlands who is fascinated by computers. A fascination that developed into a legitimate business that was ultimately acquired by Facebook. Thanks to Gusto for sponsoring this episode - gusto.com/futur
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Lauren Hom is an accomplished hand lettering artist, designer and founder of Detroit-based studio, Hom Sweet Hom. She initially started in her career in advertising, working at one of largest agencies on the planet. But what started as a dream job, quickly became less and less dreamy over time. And exciting new opportunities were ripe for the taking. Thanks to Gusto for sponsoring this episode - gusto.com/futur
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This is a companion episode to our previous chat with The Minerva Project managing director, Ayo Seligman. We had a great follow up conversation with professor Christine Looser, but it felt too long and too complex for a regular episode. So we’re releasing it as a bonus. If you haven’t listened to Ayo's episode, then go listen to that one first.
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Ayo Seligman is the managing director of brand and creative at Minerva Project. If you’re not already familiar with it, Minvera Project is an educational innovator that is redesigning the way people learn. Ayo tells Chris about graduating from UCLA’s design program and how starting a zine on the internet landed him a job at one of the most prestigious design firms in the world. Thanks to Gusto for sponsoring this episode. gusto.com/futur
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Hayley Akins runs an online education company called Motion Hatch. They help motion designers with their businesses and creative careers. Hayley and Chris discuss her journey from studying film production, working for Google and the transition from full time to freelance to ultimately, starting her own community focused business. Thanks to Gusto for sponsoring this episode - gusto.com/futur
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Jeff Lerner is the founder and CEO of Entre Institute, a platform that teaches people how to build business’ and make a living in non-traditional ways. Which makes sense, because when he was a kid he dropped out of high school and taught himself jazz piano to pay the bills. Eventually, he traded the piano keys for a keyboard, started his own affiliate marketing business and dug himself out of insurmountable debt—about $400K to be exact. Thanks to Gusto for sponsoring this episode. gusto.com/futur
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Timothy Goodman is a traditionally trained graphic designer turned artist. At least, that’s what his grandmother calls him. But you might recognize his work from murals, graffiti, The Patriot Act show on Netflix, or even his collaboration with international clothing brand, Uniqlo. As designers, we’re taught not to insert our opinions into our work, but our guest does the exact opposite. Beyond the wild strokes in his artwork, there is one theme that resonates through it all: he takes a stand on issue
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Jeff Lotman is the founder and CEO of brand licensing agency, Global Icons. You may be asking yourself: what exactly is that? Rest assured, you are not alone. As he puts it, they “operate in an incredibly misunderstood field that no one knows about.” In this episode, Jeff and Chris talk about the world of invisible marketing. Pairing brands with products that you wouldn’t think necessarily go together. Thanks to Gusto for sponsoring this episode - gusto.com/futur
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Tarzan Kay is an expert in email marketing. In fact, it’s her superpower. And one that she's built a successful business with. In this episode, Tarzan and Chris talk about her journey from jazz pianist, to lawyer, to copywriter and ultimately course creator. She talks about how her sheltered upbringing paved the way for a rebellious spirit and doesn’t shy away from talking about money. You’ll get to hear the what, the how and the why of her business and all of it’s revenue.
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Matthew Helderman is the founder and CEO of Buffalo 8, a film and television production company in Santa Monica, CA. He also co-founded the media financing firm, BondIt Media Capital, which is now one of the leading film financing firms around. Thanks to Framer for sponsoring this episode - framer.com/thefutur
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Jone Korpi is an entrepreneur, brand strategist and salesperson who helps creatives get more clients. He’s also 19 years old. Jone walks Chris through his thinking and sales tactics for identifying and contacting prospective clients on LinkedIn. And he does it step by step. You could literally write it down and try it out yourself. But talking the talk and walking the walk are two different things. Thanks to Framer for sponsoring this episode - framer.com/thefutur
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We did it! 100 episodes of The Futur Podcast. To celebrate this milestone we invited members from our community to join us on Zoom for a live Q&A with Chris Do and Greg Gunn. Big thanks to everyone that joined in the festivities and asked questions along the way. And thank you for your support and for allowing us into your ears for this long. Here’s to 100 more! Thanks to Framer for sponsoring this episode - framer.com/thefutur
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Benjamin Shapiro is a brand development and marketing strategy consultant turned podcaster. He runs the MarTech Podcast, which is short for marketing technology. He initially started the podcast as a side project, to help onboard new clients. But it has since blossomed into a bonafide business leading him to start his own podcasting network. This episode is sponsored by Framer - framer.com/thefutur
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Dean Graziosi is a New York Times best-selling author, real estate investor, and successful entrepreneur. But it didn't come easy. He learned how to transform a tumultuous childhood into fuel for personal growth and business development. Thanks to Framer and Hover for sponsoring this episode. framer.com/thefutur.com hover.com/thefutur.com
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Andy J. Pizza is a podcaster, public speaker and illustrator best known for his optimistic and energetic show, Creative Pep Talk. Andy describes himself as a personal growth junkie, but we think his real secret weapon is knowing the value of creativity and understanding how to use it in the world of business. Thank you to our sponsors for this episode, Framer and Hover.
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This Deep Dive episode comes from a 2018 livestream we hosted with marketing legend, Seth Godin. In this value packed conversation, Seth talks about how writer’s block is a myth, what it takes to be a professional, and why the world needs more artists who love what they do, despite the uncertain outcomes. This episode is sponsored by Framer. framer.com/thefutur.com
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Welcome to a special, new episode format that we call “Hey Chris.“ It’s a candid and casual conversation where Chris answers your most most burning questions. And Greg gets to spring them on him. Have a question for Chris? Visit thefutur.com/heychris and ask away. This episode is sponsored by Framer. framer.com/thefutur
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What do you need to know to start and run a design business? We dug deep into the podcast archive to find and share this episode. Even though this conversation is almost four years old, the concepts Chris shares in it are timeless. If you’re thinking about starting up your own creative business, or rethinking the one you have, then don’t sleep on this one. This episode is sponsored by Framer - framer.com/thefutur
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In this episode of Deep Dive, Chris talks with content creator Unmesh Dinda, but you might know him better by his YouTube moniker, PiXimperfect. He teaches people everything there is to know about Adobe Photoshop and with over 2 million subscribers, he seems to be doing something right. This episode is sponsored by Framer - framer.com/thefutur
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In this episode of Deep Dive, Chris talks with mindfulness instructor, Cynthia Kane, about how to process your feelings and find the right language to clearly express them. Easer said than done of course, but the stories and techniques Cynthia shares will help. If you’re in your head too much and struggle with how to make sense of your thoughts and feelings, this discussion might help. This episode is sponsored by Framer - framer.com/thefutur
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Have a question that you want Chris to answer? Ask away. - Chris talks with the people’s champion, Aaron Draplin, about having a following among your peers, honoring your parents, and managing success. Aaron Draplin is one of the most well-known and recognizable graphic designers to date. He’s known for his logo designs, popular design course on Skillshare, and his loud personality.
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Want to help support The Futur Podcast? Fill out this super short survey: https://bit.ly/futur-survey Jordan Harbinger is the host of his own podcast, The Jordan Harbinger show. He’s talked with incredible people like Kobe Bryant, Mark Cuban, Malcom Gladwell and Frank Abignail. He and Chris talk about the seedy world of contrepreneurs, the business of podcasting and why the best thing you can do for your brand is to uphold your duty to your audience.
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Want to help support The Futur? Fill out this super short survey: https://bit.ly/futur-survey Matt Essam is a creative business coach. Think of him like the British version of Chris Do. In this episode, he and Chris talk about finding their sense of purpose in life, and how everyone’s story has inherent value—even if you don’t see it just yet. They discuss strategies about how to become a better listener and why doing so is critical to the success of your business and client relationships.
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Want to help support The Futur? Fill out this super short survey: https://bit.ly/futur-survey Amy Balliett is the founder of Killer Visual Strategies. They’re a design studio in Seattle, Washington helping clients efficiently and effectively create meaning through design. Amy got a head start with entrepreneurship by owning her own ice cream parlor at age 17. Since then, she’s gone on to work as a video editor, film trailer marketer and—after several pivots later—founder, author and public spe
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Want to help support The Futur? Fill out this super short survey: https://bit.ly/futur-survey Jose Gomez is the Executive Creative Director of Dallas based design agency, ATK PLN. He’s won an Emmy, built a skateboard brand as a teenager and continues to push the envelope in the worlds of motion design and live action. This episode is full of great stories about the triumphs and tribulations of running a creative business in the advertising world.
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Want to help support The Futur? Fill out this super short survey: https://bit.ly/futur-survey Reena Merchant is a UX Manager at Google and one of the few people we know that holds an MBA in Design Strategy. In this episode, Reena and Chris discuss her journey from shy kid to tech executive, the weight of family expectations and why believing in yourself is the best cure for self-doubt. And rest assured, Reena will lay out what exactly UX is and how you can go about learning it.
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Want to help support The Futur? Fill out this super short survey: https://bit.ly/futur-survey Hannah Corlett is the founder of architectural and urban design firm, HNNA. The projects she works on today, you may get to see 10 years from now, which means she spends a lot of time thinking about the future and how to design for it. In this episode, Hannah and Chris discuss what that future might look like for everyone and how urban designers and educators play in an integral role in shaping it.
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Randy Hereman has lived many professional lives. He started as a web-designer, then a professional kite-surfer, then a high rolling poker player and is now an execution coach, on a mission to help people become who they need to be to attain their goals. He also happens to be a member of The Futur Pro Group. If you don’t know what that is, visit the thefutur.com/pro to find out. It just might be where your people are.
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Alex Zaccaria is the founder and CEO of Linktree. You might recognize that name from the millions of Instagram profiles that use their product. If you don’t know what Linktree is, go look it up. It is quite the handy social media tool. In this episode, Alex and Chris talk about Linktree’s remarkable growth and how they gain around 20,000 new sign ups every day, without spending much on customer acquisition. Sounds crazy right? Not if you build a great solution to a common problem.
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What do you think about when you hear the term, “virtual reality”? It's been part of the pop-culture and entertainment news cycle for a while, but still feels out of reach. There are cumbersome headsets you need to wear, low fidelity images and poorly designed experiences. Like or not, VR is on the cusp of changing our lives forever, which is why we were thrilled to have HP’s Global Lead of VR for Location Based Entertainment on the show, Joanna Popper.
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Adrien Behn is a seasoned world traveler, writer and comedic performer. This self-proclaimed “Jill of all trades“ ventures into new countries to seek out total strangers and listen to their stories. She then reports back about the most daring and interesting ones via her own podcast, Strangers Abroad. In this episode, Adrien and Chris discuss what makes great storytelling, the power of vulnerability and they allude to an unforgettable travel story that led to an audience member fainting mid-show.
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Michael Bungay Stanier is an Oxford graduate and author of the wildly popular book, The Coaching Habit. He is a champion of curiosity that believes the advice we so eagerly give is not nearly as good as we think it is. Michael founded Box of Crayons, a company that helps organizations transform from advice-driven to curiosity-led. His missions is to help shape how organizations around the world make being coach-like an essential leadership behavior.
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Sophia Ahamed is a designer and founder of design agency Monograph & Co. She and Chris go deep into the role that empathy plays in creative business. Spoiler alert: it's an important one. They talk about how losing someone can trigger a perspective shift and, subsequently, how you can use your own life experiences to build greater empathy with your clients.
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Meg Lewis is a designer, comedian, performance artist, entrepreneur, meditation podcaster and a whole lot more. You might recognize her style, her voice and definitely her glasses, but after listening to this episode you will understand the power of her personal branding. Meg and Chris discuss how to take what's weird about yourself and turn it into a unique career advantage. After all, that's what creativity is: combining unrelated things to make something new.
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This episode is fiery right from the start. Chris talks with brand strategist, Stef Hamerlinck, about the nuance of branding and why it matters. Though, the two don’t necessarily agree about any of it. If you are interested in branding, strategy and enjoy a healthy debate then you will love this episode. Chris and Stef get deep into the weeds of brand purpose, brand differentiation and why it's important for a brand to be just as good as it is unique.
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In this episode Chris talks with creative team, Beth Stafford and Jeremy Slagle. Together, they've written, illustrated and published two successful children's books that shine a light on the importance of teaching empathy to both parents and their kids. These two solopreneurs share how their collaborative spirit works, the perks and perils of social media and the unintended benefits of pursuing that side project you can't stop thinking about.
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Christine Outram is the CEO of Everydae—an education company aiming to provide affordable, fun and personalized learning. As a former architect, MIT graduate and self-proclaimed "systems thinker," she and her team are leading the race to create the world's smartest digital tutor and to bring families all over the world, the custom-tailored education they're looking for. If you're a fan of what we do here at The Futur, and our mission to change education, then you do not want to miss this episode.
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In this episode of Deep Dive, The Futur’s Chief Content Officer, Matthew Encina, and Futur Video Content Producer, Mark Contreras, talk with executive coach, Marie Elena Rigo. They discuss their struggles with communication, leadership and the invisible pressure of working here at The Futur. Get a peek into the minds of our management team in this candid conversation about what life is like under our roof—warts and all. This episode is a long a one, but well worth the listen.
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In this powerful episode of our Deep Dive series, Chris talks with guest Kathryn Dyer about the power and importance of real, human connection. Kathryn shares the story of her fight for a cancer diagnosis and how that experience redefined her purpose in life. The two open up and go deep into one of the most genuine and vulnerable conversations The Futur has ever shared. https://www.instagram.com/kathryn_dyer/
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Are you unknowingly addicted to stress? Do you have anxiety about work deadlines or keeping up with the hustle culture lifestyle? In this episode, Chris talks with multidisciplinary designer, Taylor Cashdan, about what too much stress can do to your body. Spoiler alert: Nothing good. Taylor shares his frightening (and enlightening) story about a trip to the hospital at the young age of 24. And about how important rest, recovery and reflection really is to your personal and creative success.
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In this episode of Deep Dive, Chris talks with branding and marketing legend, Marty Neumeier. They discuss Marty’s journey from Art Center College of Design all the way through to his experience working in Silicon Valley. The two enter a deep conversation about connecting creativity to business, how to do better by doing less and answer the question: What is branding?
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Welcome to a new series on The Futur podcast called Deep Dive. In this first episode, Chris talks with several members of The Futur Pro Group about their troubles communicating with clients. The conversation winds in and out of advice for learning how to speak clearly, stories from the community and candid role play between Chris and “the client.”
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Ever wondered what it’s like to design for David and Victoria Beckham? And how do you go about designing a private jet or personal yacht? Well, todays guest has done all those things and then some. In this episode, Chris talks with acclaimed interior designer, Kelly Hoppen. Kelly is a world-renowned designer and prolific author of nine design books. She and Chris discuss her creative path, the blessing of growing up without the internet, and what it takes to be a true entrepreneur.
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You’ve probably seen one of his handwritten Instagram posts at some point, and that’s because Brooklyn based artist, Adam J. Kurtz (aka adamjk), has a lot to say. In this week’s episode, Chris talks with Adam about why he calls himself an artist and how channeling emotion into both his illustrative work and captivating lectures will leave you smiling and feeling empowered.
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In this episode, Chris talks with entrepreneur and educator, Daniel Scott, about why teaching not only brings him joy, but how lucrative it can be for anyone willing to put in the work. They get deep into the inner workings of Daniel’s online teaching business, how he got started and even how much revenue he earns from it all.
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Is there a tried and true path to creative success? Some say follow your passion, but that’s not what worked for this week’s guest. In this episode, Chris talks with YouTube design trend forecaster, Philip Van Dusen, about how following his curiosity led him to where to he needed to be.
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Can there be a balance between your work, your family and your life? If you work in the creative industry and struggle with work/life balance you are not alone. Motion design veteran, Robert Hranitzky, talks with Chris about the perks and perils of striking a balance between your love of work and your love for life and family.
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In episode 66, Chris Do talks with art director, illustrator and public speaker, Hank Washington. They talk about their experience and feelings about public speaking, finding your voice when giving talks, and how to feel at home in the design world as a person of color. Hank Washington - https://www.hankdesigns.com/ Creative South - https://www.creativesouth.com/
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This is part two of our conversation with acclaimed author, Austin Kleon. If you missed part one, go give that a listen first. You can find it at - https://thefutur.com/podcast/dont-call-it-a-side-hustle-austin-kleon. In this episode, Chris and Austin discuss cultivating passions, why Austin considers himself a multi-hyphenate (not a polymath), and the most common misconceptions about his renowned book, Steal Like An Artist.
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In this episode, Chris Do talks with acclaimed author, Austin Kleon. They discuss two of his most interesting and popular books—Steal Like An Artist and Show Your Work. This conversation is so jam packed with stories and opinions on what it means to be creative that we broke it up into two parts. In part one, Austin and Chris discuss his background, what changed the game for him, and why he hates the term “side hustle.”
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What motivates someone to start a design conference? Why give your free time away to help facilitate the development of others? With little to no financial reward, why do this?
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Higher earning. Lambda is designed for student success. They don't get paid until you do, so they’re in this together, from your first day of classes to your first day on the job — and beyond. At first it sounded crazy—a school without tuition. But when you dig deeper into how Austen Allred structures the Lambda School, you start wonder why all schools aren't structured this way. Shouldn't schools make an investment in students? Well, that's the premise. If Lambda guesses incorrectly, they lose their investment in their students.
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What is marketing? What is branding? Is one more important than the other? What's the difference and where are the overlaps?
This conversation with sparked by a controversial post by Story Brand author, Donald Miller, who states that branding isn't necessary unless you are doing more than $50m in revenue.
Melinda Livsey and Fabian Geyrhalter join the podcast to share their thoughts.
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The Entrepreneurial Spirit and How To Stand Out w/ ArtCenter legend Errol Gerson.
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Co-Founder of AJ&Smart, a Digital Product Design agency and self described nerdy-looking Irish guy has a remarkable story to share about nearly calling it quits to finding his focus.
How did he do it? How did he become synonymous with "Design Sprints" and wind up co-creating a course with one of his mentors?
Jonathan's energy, enthusiasm and transparency is truly inspiring.
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As Vice President of Adobe Design, Jamie Myrold has led large-scale design efforts at Adobe for more than ten years, leading the company’s development of the next generation of design tools. Her experience goes beyond restructuring and redesigning applications, but to redefining Adobe’s design business as well. In her role, Jamie aims to inspire the next wave of design leaders, encouraging her teams to push boundaries and develop leadership skills to define guidelines that help with all aspects of business strategy and product creation.
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This episode of The Futur was sponsored by the all-new Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card.
Joey Cofone is the CEO and Co-Founder of Baron Fig, a company that has succeeded by perfecting a simple tool crucial to the creative entrepreneur: the notebook. Launched in 2013 with a massively successful Kickstarter campaign, Baron Fig has gone on to expand its offerings and its business, but simplicity remains a common theme in both Joey’s business and his life. Joey spoke with Chris from his home in New York to let us in on what keeps him going.
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This episode of The Futur was sponsored by the all-new Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card.
When Elay Cohen moved to Silicon Valley from his hometown of Toronto, he had dreams of starting his own successful company. It would be fifteen years until that dream came true, but it’s safe to say that it was worth the wait. SalesHood is changing the face of sales culture. During those first fifteen years, Elay became an expert in his field and became known in the tech world as one of the main players who helped grow Salesforce into the multi-billion-dollar enterprise it is today.
Chris got a chance to sit down and chat with his client and friend to find out how Elay stays productive while he’s busy running a fast-growing company and writing his second book.
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Originally planned to be a chemical engineer until I was hit by the double-punch combo of Jurassic Park and Toy Story - and then it was animation from there on. I've worked as an character animator on children's videos, created the visuals for industry-leading slot machines, and designed the opening titles for some of the highest rated shows on TV.
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Lilian Darmono is a Creative and Art Director specialising in character-driven animated and illustrative pieces. Her expertise is helping clients communicate their brand message, through a diverse range of aesthetic and medium.
Her spare time is dedicated to helping the creative community flourish through journalism, mentorship and public speaking engagements. This has included being a speaker at Faux Images Berlin, a guest lecturer at Maryland Institute College of Art, and many more.
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Lilian Darmono is a Creative and Art Director specialising in character-driven animated and illustrative pieces. Her expertise is helping clients communicate their brand message, through a diverse range of aesthetic and medium. Her spare time is dedicated to helping the creative community flourish through journalism, mentorship and public speaking engagements. This has included being a speaker at Faux Images Berlin, a guest lecturer at Maryland Institute College of Art, and many more.
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Recently, Chris went looking for some answers regarding gender inequality issues in design and opened himself up to the internet community. Needless to say, it went about as well as can be expected on the internet, BUT, through that experience, he did meet someone who was interested in helping him to find answers. Diane Gibbs, a designer and podcaster from Alabama reached out with an open heart and mind, and now she's on the podcast to talk about these issues. This is the second half of this series.
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Recently, Chris went looking for some answers regarding gender inequality issues in design and opened himself up to the internet community. Needless to say, it went about as well as can be expected on the internet, BUT, through that experience, he did meet someone who was interested in helping him to find answers. Diane Gibbs, a designer and podcaster from Alabama reached out with an open heart and mind, and now she's on the podcast to talk about these issues. This is part 1 of a 2 part series.
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Being the child of an immigrant makes the creative path a difficult one. A lot of sacrifices have been made, and, often times, families don't want to accept any career path outside of the Doctor/Lawyer safe zone. Chris has walked this path himself, so that gave him an instant connection with his guest, Handel Eugene, the son of Haitian immigrants. Handel has proven his talent to his parents, though, by creating a successful career for himself, most recently working on films like Spider-Man: Homecoming and Black Panther. Chris and Eugene discuss the path from being a dreamer to being a successful artist, to becoming a teacher, and how that has positively effected his own work.
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Douglas Davis was the kid who was drawing when the teacher was lecturing, creating when others were just coasting. With the help of a nurturing mother, and a lot of talent and hustle, Douglas worked his way into a design career, but always wanted more. He had spent a lot of his life creating, but came to a point where he wanted to explore the business side, as well, and moved into strategy. In this week's conversation, Chris talks to Douglas about growing up and going to school with very few resources, moving into the world of strategy and the value it has provided both for Douglas's clients and himself, and Douglas's hustle as a teacher, bringing up a new generation.
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How do more people find you? How do you get more clients? They make business possible, so we all want more of them, right? But clients tend to go with who they know. So, how do you get clients to know and trust you? Chris talks to Ryan Robinson, a Content Marketing Consultant, whose job is to help you gain that trust and those customers.
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The first time you meet someone, there are several things you judge them on. When you come into contact with a company or a product, though, their name is, almost universally, the first thing you judge them on, so a name is no small thing. In this episode, Chris talks with Eli Altman, who runs A Hundred Monkeys, the naming company started by his dad. Their mission is to jump through all of the hoops for a company to get them just the right name for their service or product.
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Jonathan Rudolph had been working as a graphic design for years, in different countries, when he decided to use his Instagram account as a public database for some of the work that inspired him the most. The account, Logo Inspirations, has grown to half a million followers, and Jonathan is now responsible for a community of design lovers. In this episode, we're going to talk about his journey, what it's like to run a popular Instagram account, day to day, and how he navigates the online business world.
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As a creative entrepreneur, you may find yourself at a crossroads. It may be a small one, or it may be a big one. One of the most valuable tools to have in your kit, in this situation, is the Knowledgeable Outsider - a person, or team of people, that have lived the same situations you're going through, and want to see you succeed. In this weeks conversation, Chris talks to Tim Thompson and Joel Pilger of RevThink, a consulting agency that specializes in being that Knowledgeable Outsider for the creative entrepreneur.
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Matthew Workman might be best known for his popular YouTube channel Cinematography Database, which he started building after years in the industry shooting music videos, films, and commercials. He's been working on a Cinema4D plug in called Cine Designer for a while now, and, in this episode, Chris talks to Matthew about YouTube, using his channel as a jumping off point for business, and trying to balance multiple projects with the demands of every day life.
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Ian Paget admits to not being very motivated as a kid, but when he became enthralled with design, as a teenager, nothing could stop him. In this episode, Chris talks to Ian about growing up without support for his dreams, how he uses his fears to motivate him to do better, and mastering the technology around him to bring in more clients.
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Is it true you can actually get work using Behance? How are people using Behance to get work? Do portfolio sites like Behance work? Is Behance better than Dribble for getting work? What do you need to do?
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How to talk to a potential client during the first sales call or new business inquiry. How can you improve your client on-boarding process? What do you do when a client calls and asks "How Much?". How should you respond to new business inquiries?
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Many people feel overwhelmed with consuming content and don't know what to do with it. How do you prioritize what to read, what to save for later, and what to do right now? Design therapy with Chris Do.
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What steps do you need to take to achieve your business goals? How do you grow your creative business? Melinda Livsey is back for another deep dive into breaking down her goals as a creative entrepreneur.
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Is it possible to charge more for a logo? How is it possible that some designers can charge tens of thousands of dollars more for essentially the same work? Chris and Melinda talk about the details of the logo.
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Chris and Melinda discuss social media. Should you use personal or business accounts when posting on social media? Keep it separate? What should you post? How can I not let negative feedback affect me?
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Chris discusses whether you're able to charge to diagnose problems with co-host Melinda Livsey. Where to begin? Try mapping out something in your life where a professional has charged you to diagnose a problem.
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Join Chris, and co-host Melinda Livsey, as he coaches her on how to run her creative business to achieve focus, raise her rates and delegate work to others. This is an in-depth breakdown especially for freelancers who want to start their own business.
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Ash Thorp has built his career in design and film from the ground up, succeeding while surrounded by a family of talented artists that were not able to reach the level that he has. In this episode Chris talks to Ash about the sacrifices he had to make to get where he is, including a year of work that would give him his biggest break while, simultaneously, being one of his biggest challenges, the online education company, Learn Squared, that he helped found, and the inner workings that have led him to success.
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Chris talks with the people's champion, Aaron Draplin, about having a following among your peers, honoring your parents, and managing success. Aaron talks about his philosophy of working small, and the joy he is able to pull out of the world he has created around himself.
http://draplin.com
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What does it mean to be a "King Maker"? With great power comes great responsibility. Chris talks to Justin Cone about how industry favorite website, Motionographer.com, came together, the ripple effect of being on their "Cream Of The Crop" list, and the landscape of revenue creation and usefulness for sites like his have changed over the last decade.
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Chris sits down with Joey Korenman to talk about his journey from designer to educator, and opening the online education platform School Of Motion. They also discuss what it means to know what you're worth, and the fine art of discovering what a client needs, versus what they want.
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In this episode, Chris and Nick chat about the differences between a fully scalable product oriented model (Greyscalegorilla) vs. mentorship approach (MoGraph Mentor) and everything in between.
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In the follow up to our first episode with Greyscalegorilla founder Nick Campbell, Chris and Stewart discuss mindset and working with clients. When is the right time to ask questions? What kind of questions should you ask? What is the right approach when trying to develop a concept with your client?
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The way we learn is changing, and Nick Campbell is one of the trail blazers. His website, Greyscalegorilla, not only sells suites to help you make better work, it also provides invaluable educational content. After meeting at NAB this year, Chris had to sit down with Nick and talk more about his history, how Grey Scale Gorilla came to be, and what the future of online education might look like. This is part one of a two part series.
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99 No's, 1 Yes. Persistence was something that was brought up in the last episode, and Chris and Stewart take the conversation farther. What does it mean to keep going? Should you? How can you turn defeat and failure into a learning moment?
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In October 2004, Chris Edwards spearheaded the founding of THE THIRD FLOOR, Inc. in Los Angeles. Since then, the company has become the most prolific previs studio in the world, contributing to Hollywood projects from Avatar to Gravity with credits on wide-ranging film and television projects such as Game of Thrones, The Martian, Mad Max: Fury Road, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation and Marvel’s Iron Man, Captain America,Thor and Avengers franchises.
In this episode, the two Chris's meet and discuss the long road from being a dreamer to being a creator.
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Chris and Stewart follow up the last episode with a discussion about Mentors - What it means to have one, what it means to be one, and how to get one. Being a mentor can actually be more beneficial than finding one.
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Chris talks with the creator of Mograph Mentor, Michael Jones, about building the online education platform, the future of education, and what it means to have people who believe in you and your goals.
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Chris and Stewart follow up last week's conversation with Blair Enn's, with a discussion about one of the rules of "Blair-topia" - Say What You Mean.
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Blair Enns is the author of game changing book Win Without Pitching. He has survived the ups and downs of the business side of creativity for long enough to achieve guru status. On this show, Blair talks about the philosophy that informed his book, and, ultimately, lead to the Win Without Pitching program.
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Stewart Schuster and Chris continue the conversation around if not allowing to be creative is an exclusively Asian American experience. Is The Immigrant Mentality Towards the Arts a broader issue?
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Jennet Liaw is more than just a designer. She's a role model to many especially Asian American women who dream of following their dreams versus doing the responsible thing. On this show, she shares feelings about going against the grain and finding success.
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Not being afraid to do what you love. Vietnamese American Trung Bao talks about how he learned to just go for it and where it led him.
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Waking up everyday knowing you will die— This is how Alex Preston gained the courage to create his highly successful video game - Hyper Light Drifter. The Secret to living true to your self is knowing You Will Die. Make the Most of It.
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Are people born confident or is it a skill you can develop? Find something that you are really good at and use that as your anchor.
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Pros and cons of being a freelancer vs having a staff position. Blind Creative Director Mathew Encina shares his experience in the field.
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On this episode of the Futur, Chris shares a technique about how to talk about anything, being transparent, and taking the friction out of difficult topics.
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Chris and his former business coach Keir discuss the keys to cultivating a creative culture at work.
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Using the subconscious mind to create concepts and solve creative problems.
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Sales, lead generation, closing, confidence, trust. Chris and Jose talk about closing deals in the Creative Business World.
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Chris Do sits downs with Founder and Creative Director, Yo Santosa for her perspective on building brands with personality.
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Young Designer Noha tells her story and Chris gives her tips for making it in L.A.
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This is The Futur podcast. We talk about the business of design.
You can find more info here: www.thisisthefutur.com. Also, check out our channel on YouTube: www.youtube.com/theskoolrocks
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Cheryl, John and Aaron join Chris Do and discuss why some people feel compelled to talk more than they need to. This episode continues our discussion about going past the sale.
Be comfortable in the dead space. Learn to listen and be present.
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When you’re in a sales conversation, or a business transaction with somebody, there’s usually something you want. You’re trying to work towards that one thing you want. You use persuasive language and eventually, hear the word, “yes.”
Once you get what you’re looking for, though, you should stop talking.
If you continue to sell, you will jeopardize the sale. Eventually, you might actually talk yourself out of the sale. And that’s definitely not what you were aiming for when you entered the conversation.
Here’s an example from Chris: when him and the team at Blind had the chance to work with the band, Coldplay, on an interactive music video, the sale was almost lost. Why? What happened?
The band had signed off on the concept, seen the design frames, and just watched a first glimpse of the music video. While waiting for frontman Chris Martin to approve it, the design team waited patiently.
Three or four clips into it, Chris Martin says, “that’s enough. I love it.”
But the producer in the room then asked, “don’t you want to see the other clips?”
The takeaway here is that the band was more than happy with what they saw, and felt like they didn’t need to see any more. They were sold on the idea, on the product, and they verbally signed off on it. They gave a firm “yes.”
If a similar scenario happens to you, just stop talking. Don’t try to show them one more idea. Don’t move into the next phase of your presentation. Accept the approval, and move forward from there.
Overselling can hinder future sales opportunities, and impact your business. Clients don’t like to feel sold to, so when they give you the green light, you have everything you need to proceed.
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How I Became a Millionaire. Should I drop out of college to pursue my career? What does it take to run a startup. How do you become a millionaire with no college degree launching a tech startup?
CEO and founder of HireWire, Chau Nguyen sits down with Chris Do for this insight conversation about risk/reward, grit and betting it all. Chau talks candidly about big pivotal decisions, no regrets and the challenges and sacrifices that are needed to become a successful entrepreneur. This self made thirty year old became a millionaire and exited his first company Campus Special for 20 million dollars at the age of 33.
How was he able to do it?
Twitter: @ChauDucks
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A conversation about giving and receiving advice. Tips on how to give advice.
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Where do you fit in the post production food chain?
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What do you need to know to start and run a design business?
Successful Business Man & Designer Chris Do imparts experience wisdom and knowledge on the most important issues entrepreneurs face when starting and running a business.
Frank Shi, a smart, young entrepreneur on the verge of starting a motion graphics business, asks Chris Do the following questions:
What are some common business mistakes entrepreneurs make in the creative business field?
How do you effectively communicate with business partners. How do you negotiate fair terms? How do you sell your company/service w/o much experience to show?
How do you write a mission statement: How do you communicate who you are and what you do in a sentence?
How do you budget for unexpected things that go wrong in a project: How do you put together a bid?
How to prevent your business from crashing & burning in the first year? Getting of the Runway.
Pros and Cons of running a brick and mortar operation vs. running a fluid, mostly remote team?
Team Building. How to do Management. How to create Company Culture, How to inspire the team?
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What is The Futur of The Motion Graphics Industry and what can you, as a creative, do to adapt?
Get inside the world of Motion Graphics with Chris & Greg, 2 industry veterans, as they reflect on their experiences as both attendees and speakers at Motion 2016 - the Motion Graphics Conference in Santa Fe, NM.
Chris and Greg reflect on insightful conversations about the Motion Graphics Industry and the direction in which it's headed.
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.