d.MBA

Marvel Studios isn't just about capes, hammers, and infinity stones. It's an unparalleled tapestry of storytelling, business acumen, and creative brilliance. But how did a comic book company evolve into a cinematic juggernaut?In our latest Business Design Teardown, we delve deep into the very core of Marvel Studios' business strategy.Have you ever wondered why the narrative of this multi-billion dollar franchise is so intricately woven? Or how creative and character choices have impacted the financial success of a cinematic universe? A world of business decisions goes into every scene.In this episode, Alen, Franz, and Tom discuss...The hero's journey that enabled Marvel's creative leaders to unlock their unique angle on superhero storytellingHow IP and distribution reinvention were critical elements in setting Marvel Studios up for successWhy viewing habit trends and new technologies could start another wave of dominance for Marvel and its vast cast of superheroes! Join us as we decode the Marvel magic and uncover why every designer should read the pages from the Marvel Comics playbook.Designers.... assemble!www.d.mba

Discover how Oatly revolutionized the plant-based beverage industry by boldly putting brand leaders at the center of their business, building buzz with baristas, and launching marketing campaigns that made them famous. Dive into Oatly's audacious strategy, their diverse product range, and their sustainability practices. Explore the criticism they faced and their response, reflect on brand reputation and financial influence, and ponder the uncertain future of Oatly. Join this entertaining and informative podcast for an Oatly odyssey!

Born in Japan yet embraced globally, Muji challenges the consumerist tide with its 'no-brand' philosophy. From their iconic pens to the soft glow of their aroma diffusers, Muji has reshaped how we perceive functionality and design. In this episode, we'll explore the minimalist marvel that is Muji - its roots, its rise, and how it carves tranquillity in everyday life.Heralded as the epitome of simplicity, Muji isn't just about simple aesthetics; it's a masterclass in brand strategy, thoughtful global expansion, and sustainable business practices.So how does a company champion a 'no-brand' philosophy and still achieve global recognition and loyalty? How have they navigated the treacherous waters of international retail? And what lies beneath their sleek product designs in terms of production, supply chain management, and profit margins?In this latest Teardown, we will also discuss…How Muji has taken their home product philosophy into some unexpected areas… like campsites and cars!Why a commitment to user-centered design remains a hallmark of the Muji mindsetThe challenges Muji continues to face taking a brand rooted in Japanese culture into Western marketsA critical KPI for retail: inventory turnover rate, and how Muji performs compared to some other brands you might know…So grab your Muji gel pen and notepad as we unpack the business genius behind those unbranded, beloved products. If you've ever bought a Muji product or contemplated its strategic international footprint, this episode is for you. www.d.mba

Explore the fascinating world of Helvetica, the iconic font used by businesses worldwide. Uncover the history, popularity, and versatility of Helvetica, while diving into the intricate details of Monotype, the powerhouse font foundry behind it. Learn about the strategic moves and monetization strategies that have propelled Helvetica to its iconic status. Discover the threats and opportunities for the typeface industry, including AI font generation and virtual reality. Delve into the advancements in printing technology and the evolution of typeface technologies, as well as the financial implications and business capabilities of Monotype. Analyze the revenue and scale of Monotype Foundry, and explore the significance of gross and net margins in company profitability. Gain insight into font usage tracking, acquisitions, and investment in research and development for new typography. Hear the speakers' opinions on buying, holding, or selling a stock in typeface design.

Aesop, the skincare brand admired for its design and customer experience, is discussed in this podcast. Topics include Aesop's investment in spa-like store experiences, its commitment to saying 'no,' the recent acquisition by L'Oreal, and the potential for growth in the Chinese luxury market.

When you think of truly iconic design, what comes to mind? In tech, perhaps it’s the iPhone. In typography, Helvetica claims legendary status. In the furniture world, one piece has a hold over designers like no other; the Eames Lounge Chair. If the name doesn't ring a bell, its form is instantly recognizable. From appearances in Frasier, Iron Man, Beyonce videos, and Bond films, the Eames silhouette has become a cultural icon, unchanged since its inception in 1956. The brainchild of design legends Charles and Ray Eames, the Lounge Chair has become a case study in great design and business... So in today's Teardown, we're not just unpicking what makes the Lounge Chair a great product, but the business of the company behind it - Herman Miller. From the Eames Lounge Chair to the Aeron tech office staple, Herman Miller products have found their way into our homes and offices and earned a place in prestigious museums like the Museum of Modern Art in New York. But this episode isn't just about chairs. Today, we're diving deep into the business side of Herman Miller. What strategies have propelled them to the forefront of the high-end furniture industry? Why has design collaboration been critical to the enduring desirability of their products? How has their commitment to design, innovation, and sustainability shaped their business model? And in this new age of remote work, how is Herman Miller evolving, and what does it mean for the future of office spaces? So get cozy (or better yet, settle into your favorite chair) and let's unfold the business story of Herman Miller.      

The Tour de France isn't just a test of physical endurance; it's a spectacle fueling a vast economic ecosystem. From the massive investments poured into team sponsorships to the bustling local economies along the race route, the Tour de France leaves no stone unturned when exploring potential income streams. In this Business Design Teardown, we'll examine the financial gears that keep the Tour de France rolling. We'll dive into the lucrative world of sponsorships, uncovering how corporate giants strategically align themselves with teams and riders to gain exposure and promote their brands. We'll explore the unique factors that contribute to the Tour's success and the strategic masterstrokes that have helped made it the world's most-viewed sporting event.  So zip up your lycra, clip into your pedals, and Join Alen, Franz, and Tom as they discuss:  The surprising business-focused origin story of the Tour (it was created to sell more newspapers!) Genius strategic maneuvers that opened up lucrative income streams for Tour organizers Why every city wants the economic boost of a visit from The Tour (and not just in France!) How climate change could be the biggest threat to the Tour's existing dominance   www.d.mba

When is a real estate business not a real estate business? When it declares its mission to "elevate the world's consciousness", brands itself a tech company, and promises to blur the line between work and life through beautifully designed spaces. Yes, we're talking about WeWork in the latest Business Design Teardown. With its lofty promises to deliver not just a desk, but a dynamic, community-driven environment, WeWork swept the globe at an unprecedented speed. This meteoric rise was fuelled by eye-watering investments, inflated valuations, and a well-documented fall from grace. In this episode, Alen, Franz, and Tom grab their hot desks, refill their complimentary coffee, and cast a critical eye on… How WeWork’s business model disrupted traditional commercial real estate The economics of co-working: is it a business worth being in? How WeWork's new leadership steadied the ship toward sustainability Why the Sunk Cost Fallacy could be the only reason WeWork is still in business! So settle into your hot desk, put those headphones on, and prepare for a deep dive into the wild story of WeWork.   www.d.mba

How do you know you’ve made an enormous impact in the world of business design? When you have a popular expression coined about you! Warby Parker set new standards for customer experience in the eyewear industry, and “The Warby Parker of…” has become shorthand to describe direct-to-consumer businesses that challenge traditional retail norms. The Warby Parker template is now commonplace in everything from luggage to mattresses, and from strollers to clothing. But how did they do it? With low pricing, high-end design, and a breakthrough try-at-home offering. You could say they executed a perfect business vision! 🤓 But are Warby Parker still seeing 20:20 in 2023, or do they need a fresh prescription of business innovation to remain one of the kings of DTC? In this d.MBA Business Teardown we focus our lens on… Who controls the global eyeglasses market, and how Warby Parker took on this monopoly - How Warby Parker cut out the middleman to offer high-end design at low cost Why a shift from online-only to retail investment has supercharged Warby Parker sales The threats and opportunities for Warby Parker in its journey to profitability   www.d.mba

Exploring the success of Sonos's product experience, the podcast analyzes its brave bet on WiFi connectivity, mass adoption of streaming, and the challenges faced in the hardware market. It also discusses Sonos's unique brand position, competition from big tech companies, controversial decisions, financial performance, and future opportunities.