Talks at Google Life is Good: The Power of Optimism | Bert Jacobs
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May 13, 2025 Bert Jacobs, co-founder of Life is Good, shares his inspiring journey from street vendor to a $150 million brand promoting optimism. He reflects on how his mother's positivity shaped their family's resilience. Bert discusses the transformative power of humor and hope in t-shirt design during challenging times, and the importance of nurturing personal relationships within a business. He also delves into navigating optimism after trauma, emphasizing a genuine outlook that balances challenges with positivity.
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Childhood Roots of Optimism
- Bert Jacobs grew up in a financially struggling family with parents battling depression.
- His mother taught resilience by focusing on "something good" each day, sparking his lifelong optimism.
Van Life to Venture Success
- Bert and his brother John started Life is Good selling t-shirts out of a van across college campuses.
- They embraced uncertainty and adventure instead of traditional jobs, fueling their entrepreneurial spirit.
Jake: The Optimistic Hero
- The character Jake was originally drawn by Bert's brother as a joyful artist.
- A friend's comment sparked the shift to making Jake an optimistic hero, inspiring the iconic Life is Good brand.
