The Futur with Chris Do

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.