

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

8 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 5min
Leadership Isn’t About Doing Everything | Ep 366
Discover the game-changing leadership concept of 'intentional incompetence,' which empowers teams by reducing micromanagement. Learn how effective leadership can foster creativity and autonomy without stifling team members. Explore the balance between being supportive and letting go, plus the importance of solicited feedback in maintaining accountability. This insightful discussion reveals how to achieve high-quality results while encouraging team growth.

5 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 45min
I Built a Business With No Degree, No Plan, and Cancer (w/ Jennie Smythe) | Ep 365
Jennie Smythe, founder of Girlilla Marketing and a breast cancer survivor, shares her inspiring journey from a college dropout to building an award-winning digital marketing agency. She discusses turning personal crises into clarity and why lacking a degree or a plan can actually be an advantage. Jennie delves into authentic leadership through grief, the importance of values in business, and the mindset needed to rebuild from scratch. Her story is a powerful reminder that resilience and purpose can lead to success, even in the face of adversity.

Jul 19, 2025 • 31min
The One Thing LinkedIn Doesn’t Reward (But You Should Do Anyway) w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 364
We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A
In this playful and provocative episode, Chris reunites with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, author and athlete — for a conversation about standing out, staying human, and showing up as your full self in a world ruled by conformity and AI.
They explore the cultural pressure to "be normal," the rise of copy-paste personal brands, and why weirdness might just be your most valuable asset. From LinkedIn anarchy to fitness-fueled discipline, Jodie and Chris unpack how to build a brand (and life) that actually reflects who you are—and how being real is sometimes the weirdest thing of all.
Timestamps:
(00:02) – Why We Need to Get Weirder Online
(01:19) – Turning Up the Dial on Your Personality
(03:46) – Being a Lighthouse for Like-Minded Weirdos
(04:25) – Unlearning the Pressure to Fit In
(06:01) – What Counts as Weird (And Who Gets to Say?)
(09:43) – Steve Jobs, Contrarians & the Price of Originality
(12:09) – Context, Childhood & the Illusion of Normal
(14:42) – LinkedIn, AI, and the Death of Strong Opinions
(17:46) – Using Weirdness to Attract the Right People
(18:07) – Fitness as a Life Hack (and Brand Differentiator)
(22:10) – Can You Cheat Fitness? The Real Story Behind the Gains
(27:11) – Craving Realness in a World of AI and Image
(29:19) – Transparency, Weirdness, and the Power of Disclosure
Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook:
Jodie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/
Jodie's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook
https://jodiecook.comhttps://coachvox.ai
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo

Jul 17, 2025 • 7min
I Don't Work for Free Client Revisions — Here’s Why - With Chris Do | Ep 363
We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A
Scope creep isn't just a budget problem — it’s a boundary problem. And most creatives don’t realize they’re inviting it in.
In this short, sharp episode, Chris Do breaks down the psychology of scope creep, why it happens, and how to protect your time, energy, and client relationships without feeling like the bad guy.
You’ll learn how to anticipate change, communicate expectations early, and avoid the resentment spiral that can destroy great projects.
Timestamps:
(00:06) – Dealing with Scope Changes: Strategies and Tips
(01:28) – Understanding Client Expectations in Premium Services
(03:08) – Managing Client Expectations in Design Projects
(05:11) – Navigating Change Requests
(06:30) – Navigating Change and Communication
Check out The Futur
Check out Chris Do

10 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 44min
Why Sound Changes How We Feel w/ Oscar Höglund, CEO - Epidemic Sound | Ep 362
Oscar Höglund, the Co-Founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound, shares his journey of building a billion-dollar music licensing business. He delves into the challenges and pivots that shaped the company's success. The conversation touches on the intersection of creativity and data, emphasizing they can coexist. Oscar also discusses how music serves as an emotional catalyst in storytelling and the role of cultural influences in sparking innovation. His insights on leadership during hypergrowth and advice for creators make this a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.

42 snips
Jul 5, 2025 • 39min
Is Entrepreneurship Still Worth It in 2025? w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 361
In this discussion, Jodie Cook, an entrepreneur and author, dives into the complexities of entrepreneurship in the age of AI. She tackles the idea of privilege and personal agency, arguing that waiting for a fair system is futile. Jodie highlights the importance of recognizing one's strengths and navigating societal challenges without apology. She also explores the nuances of inequality and the need for resilience in the entrepreneurial journey. Ultimately, the conversation calls for a shift in mindset to reclaim power in a seemingly rigged system.

20 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 22min
The #1 Reason You Blow Up in Hard Conversations - With Simon Goode | Ep 360
Simon Goode, a conflict resolution specialist and psychologist, shares his expertise on navigating tough conversations with confidence. He delves into how our prehistoric wiring influences modern emotional responses under stress. Learn practical tools to manage anxiety and maintain composure during challenging interactions. Simon emphasizes the importance of empathy, emotional resilience, and self-care in conflict situations. His insights offer a pathway to transform high-stress moments into opportunities for growth and understanding.

188 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.

114 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.