
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

Sep 17, 2021 • 17min
154 - Round 5: Success leaves clues — with Mo Ismail
Mo and Chris dive into the essence of success, emphasizing the importance of reverse engineering effective strategies. They highlight the value of embracing struggles and viewing trial and error as essential for growth, likening it to a cooking competition. Listeners are encouraged to analyze successful traits in others while forging their own unique paths, recognizing that embracing imperfection is key. Additionally, they explore the art of conducting engaging interviews, focusing on the power of nuanced questions and active listening.

Sep 16, 2021 • 14min
153 - Round 4: Change the plan, not the goal — with Mo Ismail
In this engaging discussion, the importance of being rigid about goals while flexible about approaches is highlighted. Internal barriers, like mindset and cultural influences, are tackled as crucial challenges. A costly financial mistake becomes a powerful lesson in reframing setbacks into growth opportunities. The art of shifting perspectives is explored, revealing how to turn negatives into positives. Lastly, the impact of personal storytelling on growth encourages taking charge of one's narrative to foster resilience in the face of adversity.

Sep 15, 2021 • 12min
152 - Round 3: A long term sacrifice — with Mo Ismail
The struggle for balance between personal ambition and family duties takes center stage. Insights on how to navigate parenting without projecting one’s dreams onto children are shared. The conversation dives into the complexities of sustaining relationships while chasing entrepreneurial goals, revealing the sacrifices needed for success. Plus, there's an intriguing discussion on the power of podcast advertising and how authentic connections can elevate marketing strategies. It's a blend of heartfelt advice and practical insights!

Sep 14, 2021 • 15min
151 - Round 2: Failure is the building block — with Mo Ismail
Dive into the fascinating concept of ikigai, where passion meets purpose, and learn why taking action often feels daunting. Discover how the journey to fulfillment is riddled with discomfort and how embracing challenges can be a pathway to success. The conversation emphasizes resilience and growth through intentional struggles, illustrating that perseverance is key in overcoming personal hurdles. By viewing hardships as stepping stones, listeners are inspired to break free from comfort zones and pursue their true desires.

Sep 13, 2021 • 18min
150 - Round 1: Remove emotion from the equation — with Mo Ismail
In this milestone discussion, a fresh format features insightful exchanges on breaking down complex problems. They tackle the challenge of removing personal emotions from decision-making, promoting a balanced approach that combines instinct with data. There's a compelling exploration of how creativity thrives when emotional attachments are managed. The art of debate is also emphasized, with practical techniques for handling client objections and turning the conversation into a productive dialogue.

Sep 8, 2021 • 1h 14min
149 - The Brand Doctor — with Henry Kaminski Jr.
Henry Kaminski Jr., a self-taught graphic designer and brand consultant, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to building a successful design business. He discusses the emotional complexities of family dynamics and how they can affect personal and professional aspirations. The candid conversation between him and Chris reveals valuable insights on mentorship, resilience, and the pursuit of internal fulfillment over material wealth. Their exploration of podcast marketing strategies also highlights the power of connecting with engaged audiences.

Sep 1, 2021 • 1h 5min
148 - Golden Handcuffs — with Anthony Banks
In this engaging conversation, Anthony Banks, an illustrator and graphic designer, wrestles with the concept of golden handcuffs while contemplating a career change. He shares his struggles of balancing a stable job with family responsibilities and his ambition for personal fulfillment. The discussion explores the emotional complexities of entrepreneurship and the importance of maximizing creative talents for financial success. Banks emphasizes the value of support systems, effective communication, and the power of visual storytelling in his journey toward professional growth.

Aug 25, 2021 • 1h 4min
147 - Hey Chris: How do I find my purpose? — with Chris Do and Greg Gunn
In a lively Q&A format, Chris Do and Greg Gunn tackle intriguing questions about purpose and pricing. They delve into value-based pricing, discussing its challenges and opportunities for freelancers. The duo also reflects on adulthood through a humorous story that prompts personal growth discussions. They emphasize the importance of understanding one's purpose and the role of broad experiences in enhancing creativity. Engaging anecdotes and calls for listener interaction make this conversation both relatable and thought-provoking.

10 snips
Aug 18, 2021 • 1h 23min
49 - [Rebroadcast] Creative Strategy — with Douglas Davis
Douglas Davis, an educator and creative strategist, shares his inspiring journey from a small Southern town to a design career. He discusses the crucial role of parental support and art education in his resilience. Douglas emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions over profit and navigating financial struggles while nurturing creativity. He highlights the vital connection between design and business, urging creatives to understand strategy. Douglas also reflects on his latest projects and the theme of managing fear in his visual essays.

Aug 11, 2021 • 54min
146 - A fighter’s mindset — with Ognjen Topic
Ognjen Topic, a three-time Muay Thai world champion and graphic designer, shares his remarkable journey from war-torn Bosnia to America. He discusses the powerful connection between the mindset required in martial arts and creative fields like design. Ognjen emphasizes how fear can be harnessed as a motivator, offering insights on resilience and mental focus in high-stakes situations. He reflects on the impact of the pandemic on training, balancing dual passions, and the intricate relationship between artistry and athleticism.
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