Good Work with Barrett Brooks The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Success with Matt D. Smith
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Mar 18, 2025 Matt D. Smith, a world-class designer and founder of Shift Nudge, discusses the deeper journey behind his career success. He reflects on pivotal life moments, like the impact of his supportive marriage, and shares lessons from his childhood working as a crop duster. The conversation explores his transition from seeking external validation to finding joy in his work, the challenges of launching online education, and the emotional complexities that accompany success. Smith's journey emphasizes resilience, community, and personal growth.
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Dad's Dashboard DIY Lesson
- Matt's dad showed him how to remove and replace a car's dashboard to install a new CD player.
- This experience shattered Matt's assumptions about complexity and gave him confidence to tackle unknown challenges.
Crop Dusting Shapes Work Ethic
- Matt grew up helping his dad crop dust fields through grueling, hot days and mixing chemicals.
- This tough manual work shaped his work ethic and understanding of hard labor.
Early Artistic and Technical Roots
- As a kid, Matt was obsessed with drawing Bart Simpson and Mortal Kombat characters, honing his observational skills.
- His mom's technical skills introduced him to computer graphics, sparking his design passion.
