

The Futur with Chris Do
The Futur
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

28 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 51min
How to Take Creative Risks and Win w/ Craig Black | Ep 386
Craig Black, a Scottish visual artist behind the innovative 'Acrylic Fusion' technique, shares his inspiring journey from professional footballer to creative trailblazer. He reveals how embracing fear led to pivotal career shifts, fostering global collaborations with brands like Porsche and UEFA. Craig discusses the importance of self-initiated projects, timing launches with cultural moments, and building a family-first lifestyle studio. His advice is a masterclass for anyone looking to break through creatively while remaining true to their authentic voice.

65 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 51min
How to Validate Before You Build w/ Ranbir Arora | Ep 385
In this discussion, Ranbir Arora, Founder and CEO of OneDay, shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including scaling Sweatcoin to massive success. He emphasizes the importance of validating real customer pain before building products and introduces seven types of business pivots to diagnose issues. Ranbir also explains how OneDay’s unique mentor-led MBA program empowers aspiring entrepreneurs through hands-on projects rather than traditional essays, redefining the learning experience for the next generation of business leaders.

60 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 10min
Sales Mistakes That Kill Deals | Ep 384
Why do deals stall even after price agreement? Discover the hidden reasons that can cause hesitation. Learn to ask deeper questions and show genuine listening. Avoid oversharing, respect your client's time, and guide conversations effectively. Taking notes isn't just useful; it builds client confidence. Lastly, explore the power of thoughtful pauses to enhance communication and foster trust. Perfect these techniques to secure your deals and enhance your client relationships!

70 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 50min
How to Spot Toxic Leadership w/ Mita Mallick | Ep 383
Mita Mallick, a marketing and HR executive, shares insights from her book, 'The Devil Emails at Midnight.' She explores how childhood bullying shaped her mission for kinder workplaces. Mita identifies 13 toxic boss archetypes, discussing behaviors like micromanagement and public humiliation. She highlights why talented individuals tolerate toxic environments and offers strategies for spotting red flags before it's too late. With a fresh perspective, she emphasizes the importance of empathy and vulnerability in leadership.

11 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 45min
Winning IRL: The Future of Retail w/ Lara Marrero | Ep 382
Lara Marrero, Partner and Strategy Director at Gensler, brings over two decades of experience in reshaping retail. She discusses the transformative evolution of retail spaces into experiential destinations rather than mere shopping points. Lara introduces the PhD concept—Physical, Human, Digital—as essential in modern retail strategy. The conversation highlights the rise of ‘retailtainment’ and the importance of community connection, with a case study on Westfield Century City showcasing lifestyle experiences that drive consumer engagement.

83 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 55min
Make Reputation Your Strategy w/ Matt Essam | Ep 381
In this insightful discussion, Matt Essam, a design and marketing consultant and author, shares his wisdom on personal branding. He highlights that building a brand isn't about seeking fame but rather being credible and trustworthy. The duo delves into the importance of the Know–Like–Trust framework and how social proof enhances reputation. They also explore transitioning from traditional networking to effective LinkedIn strategies and the necessity of being findable to attract opportunities. Essential takeaways include focusing on substance and the strategic balance of giving value first.

32 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 51min
Identity, Style, and Belonging w/ Priscilla Lau | Ep 380
In this conversation, Priscilla Lau, a strategist and founder of Representation Matters, shares her unconventional journey from Google and YouTube to helping creators thrive. She discusses the importance of building authentic partnerships in the creator economy. Listeners gain insights into embracing one's identity, the significance of style in business, and the concept of the 'zone of genius.' Priscilla also shares candid advice on balancing personal life with professional aspirations, making this a must-listen for creative minds seeking authenticity in their careers.

278 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 54min
Mastering LinkedIn w/ Jasmin Alic | Ep 379
Jasmin Alic, a copywriter and former rapper known for his vibrant presence on LinkedIn, shares insights on mastering online engagement. He emphasizes the power of meaningful comments over relentless posting. Listeners learn how to build trust and community through authentic interactions, rather than focusing solely on metrics. Jasmin also reflects on his transformation from hip-hop to copywriting, revealing how discipline and rhythm influence persuasive writing. He encourages embracing personal storytelling and consistent engagement as keys to visibility.

25 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 52min
The Costs of Being Internet Famous w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 378
Jodie Cook, entrepreneur and author, dives into the hidden costs of achieving internet fame. She discusses the overwhelming pressures of social media, such as relentless DMs and parasocial relationships. Listeners will learn strategies for setting boundaries and efficiently managing interactions with automation. Jodie also explores the challenges of maintaining authenticity online, the emotional toll of recognition, and why pricing coaching calls wisely is crucial for protecting energy while enhancing client results.

21 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 47min
Free Work That Actually Pays w/ Troy Plota | Ep 377
Troy Plota, a fashion photographer turned app developer, shares his compelling journey from shooting celebrities like Mariah Carey to innovating with technology. He reflects on a pivotal $35K payday, and the trials of unpaid work with clients like Toni Braxton. Troy discusses the exploitation of artists and argues for DAOs as a solution for fair compensation. His groundbreaking app that turns static images into motion highlights the friction between art and tech. Tune in for insights on resilience in the creative industry!