
The Futur with Chris Do
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.
Latest episodes

77 snips
Jun 28, 2025 • 1h 7min
Quit Client Work and Work Less for More Money - With Rich Webster | Ep 359
Rich Webster, a successful designer and agency owner turned entrepreneur mentor, shares his transformative journey from burnout to calm creator. He discusses the importance of building an authentic audience without sacrificing personal values. Rich explains how he navigated the shift from agency work to solo business, emphasizing strategic quiet periods and vulnerability as strengths. The conversation also touches on the profound impact of his recovery journey and how storytelling can foster genuine connections with clients, moving beyond mere content creation.

75 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 14min
Stop Calling Yourself a Thought Leader (Do THIS First) - With Brian Miller | Ep 358
Brian Miller, a former professional magician turned speaker and TEDx coach, shares insights on thought leadership. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and how it builds credibility. Miller discusses the difference between visibility and value, urging experts to embrace vulnerability in predictions. He explores the art of persuasion through storytelling techniques, including misdirection akin to magic. Miller also highlights the need for clear messaging frameworks to engage audiences effectively, inviting reflection and deeper societal themes.

68 snips
Jun 21, 2025 • 44min
How the Right Clients Find YOU (It's not what you think) - With Jodie Cook | Episode 357
Join Jodie Cook, an entrepreneur, writer, and powerlifter, as she shares her inspiring journey of authenticity and self-acceptance. Discover how she transformed her relationship with strength, moving from hiding to owning it fully. They delve into the importance of aligning personal values with brands and the cultural views on ambition, illustrating that sometimes, 'enough' is the ultimate goal. Jodie’s experiences highlight how stepping into visibility can attract the right clients and build genuine connections in both personal and professional realms.

23 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 5min
Personal Branding: Why Perception Matters - With Chris Do | Ep 356
Dive into the intriguing world of personal branding and how perception shapes your identity. Learn how even small changes in style can create significant opportunities. Discover the journey of evolving public perception while launching a new fashion line. Real-life transformations reveal that minor tweaks, like an updated wardrobe, can dramatically shift how others see you. Gain insights on authenticity and creativity to refine your brand and connect with your audience effectively.

21 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 49min
Fear & Clients Almost Killed His Billion-Dollar Designs - With Robert Brunner | Ep 355
Robert Brunner, an influential industrial designer and founder of Ammunition, shares insights from his impressive career, including his time at Apple and the creation of Beats by Dre. He discusses the delicate balance between client expectations and creative risk-taking, highlighting the importance of trust in design partnerships. Brunner also reflects on the evolution of craftsmanship in design, contrasting traditional methods with modern technology. Lastly, he delves into the storytelling power behind successful products, emphasizing their emotional impact.

34 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 7min
How Long Should It Take to Close a Client? - With Chris Do | Ep 354
Closing clients is more about process than luck. The podcast discusses how project size and client needs can influence sales cycles. Creatives often shy away from upfront money discussions, leading to wasted time. Transparency is crucial for gauging client readiness. A framework for discussing pricing comfortably is shared, alongside real-world examples of negotiation strategies. Building on understanding client engagement and body language enhances communication and decision-making, whether for five-figure or seven-figure deals.

186 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 59min
The LinkedIn Strategy You’re Missing - With Matt Lakajev | Ep 353
Matt Lakajev, a sales strategist and lead generation expert, shares insights on optimizing LinkedIn for small business success. He highlights how a small, targeted presence can outperform large followings. The conversation covers transitioning from cold outreach to warm leads, crafting effective email sequences, and mastering communication strategies for client engagement. Matt also discusses essential techniques for successful sales calls and the importance of proactive lead generation, pricing strategies, and building trust to convert prospects into clients.

107 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 5min
How NOT to Build a Brand (But Everyone’s Doing It) - With Jodie Cook | Episode 352
Jodie Cook, an entrepreneur, writer, and brand strategist, shares her insights on personal branding and authenticity. She challenges the myth that vast followings equate to influence, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful connections instead. Jodie discusses breaking free from societal boxes and highlights the journey of self-discovery and creative liberation. She also explores integrating personal passions into professional pursuits, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and the unique paths that lead to fulfillment.

101 snips
May 31, 2025 • 38min
How Algorithms Actually Work? - With Brendan Kane (Part 2) | Episode 351
Brendan Kane, bestselling author of books on social media, dives deep into the workings of social media algorithms. He reveals that going viral shouldn’t be the main goal; instead, creating meaningful content is key. Brendan shares how to transform 'boring' topics into engaging narratives and emphasizes the significance of personal branding and storytelling. He also offers practical insights into pricing dynamics and the importance of emotional intelligence in content creation. Tune in for valuable strategies to grow your audience authentically!

132 snips
May 29, 2025 • 42min
Viral Isn’t Luck, It’s Structure - With Brendan Kane (Part 1) | Episode 350
In this conversation, Brendan Kane, a strategist and author of Hook Point, shares insights on achieving viral success in social media. He emphasizes the power of storytelling over algorithm tricks, exploring five essential steps to create engaging content. Brendan explains how structured formats unlock creativity and offers real-life examples of content strategies. He also discusses the pivot from passive to active consumption, demonstrating how a simple delivery tweak can dramatically enhance performance. This exchange is a treasure trove for anyone wanting to elevate their online presence.