The Creative Mindset

Liquid Death's approach to marketing? Don't just market – entertain. Rei talks with VP of Creative at Liquid Death, Andy Pearson, about how the unconventional brand uses humor, creative audacity, and bold characterization to elevate its marketing strategy. Andy discusses the origins of his relationship with the brand's CEO, his process of envisioning Liquid Death as a character rather than just a brand, and how this perspective drives their creative decisions. With a focus on engaging audiences through entertainment rather than traditional marketing, Andy reveals the power of small, impactful ideas that change perceptions and create deeper connections with consumers.Andy is the VP of Creative at Liquid Death, one of the fastest growing non-alc beverage brands of all time. As part of Liquid Death's evil mission to make the world healthier and more sustainable, Andy helps oversee all the hilarious creative output from the brand, from its viral video content to social content to merch to experiential events to CRM and more. Prior, Andy spent 12+ years as an award-winning creative at agencies like CP+B, Deutsch LA, and Humanaut. He thinks marketing sucks and we should make entertainment instead.Timestamps:0:03 Liquid Death's Creative Evolution and Explosive Growth4:29 Liquid Death's Journey from Skepticism to Market Success9:01 Liquid Death's Unique Marketing Approach Through Character-Driven Strategy12:24 The Creative Journey and Evolution of Liquid Death18:05 The Power of Humor in Building Emotional Connections19:16 Creative Marketing Strategies with Liquid Death's Andy PearsonEpisode References:Andy Pearson | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alternative career choices? Next travel destinations? Favorite food? We welcome back David Charles Rodrigues for a fun round of lightning questions.David loves to give brands and IP the soul and longevity they deserve. His work is part of the permanent collection of the Academy Museum - he is a Sundance alumni and TriBeCa Award-winning Brazilian-American filmmaker and creative director. In 2024, he World Premiered his latest feature S/he is Still Her/e at the TriBeCa Film Festival as well as the new Apple TV series Omnivore featuring NOMA Chef Rene Redzepi. Previously, he directed and produced the Netflix original series NEYMAR: The Perfect Chaos. Selected as one of the Top Ten documentaries of 2022, according to Esquire. It was one of the most watched docu-series globally on Netflix, making it to the Top Ten in over 50 countries. The series is Executive produced by Lebron James and Maverick Carter. In 2019, he wrote and directed Airbnb's first ever feature film Gay Chorus Deep South - winner of best doc at the 2019 TriBeCa Film Festival, a silver lion at Cannes and selected to Rotten Tomatoes list of the top 20 LGBTQ films of all time. The film was sold to MTV Documentary Films as its first Oscar contender and is available on Paramount plus. It has become part of the permanent collection of the Academy Museum. David has been a Creative Director/Writer in Advertising since 2001. He has worked at top creative agencies, directly with Fortune 500 brands and his work has been recognized by all the major festivals. His latest clients include Apple, Adidas global and Google Photos. Creative directing, concepting and writing Global campaign platforms, content and product launches. Episode References:David Charles Rodrigues | InstagramDavid Charles Rodrigues | PortfolioRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pursuing dual career paths can be mutually beneficial and, at times, feed creativity. In this second episode with award-winning filmmaker David Charles Rodrigues, known for his work on Netflix's “Neymar: The Perfect Chaos,” we dive into how David’s dual roles in advertising and filmmaking feed into each other, the current creative industry landscape and the evolution of storytelling across different platforms. The conversation further delves into the role of advertising in the modern age and how the industry maintains its influence amidst a surge of user-generated content. David’s perspective offers a unique lens on why advertising continues to hold relevance and how creativity can inspire societal change.Timestamps:0:03 Staying Relevant in Creative Careers Amid Technological Shifts2:31 Balancing Filmmaking and Advertising for Creative and Financial Fulfillment5:30 The Cost of Being a True Artist and Parent9:54 Finding Meaning and Community in Advertising and Entertainment12:55 Exploring Film, Community Engagement, and Brand-Funded Advertising14:32 The Power of Advertising and Product in Modern Culture17:28 Bridging Entertainment and Advertising Through Original Branded Content17:56 Balancing Filmmaking and Marketing in a Changing Industry21:00 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:David Charles Rodrigues | InstagramDavid Charles Rodrigues | PortfolioRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Could writing and storytelling be the key to self-discovery? Rei talks with award-winning filmmaker David Charles Rodrigues to hear how it was for him, and how it might inspire you too. This week’s episode dives into David’s dual career in filmmaking and advertising, highlighting his transition from a creative director at leading agencies to crafting compelling documentaries that resonate with global audiences. Throughout the conversation, David shares candid insights into his process of storytelling, emphasizing the magic of creativity and the emotional depth of his narratives.Timestamps:0:03 Balancing Dual Careers in Filmmaking and Advertising5:23 Crafting Documentaries: From Dream Characters to Unexpected Stories9:11 The Therapeutic Power of Storytelling and Writing16:42 Creativity as the Human Expression of Magic20:01 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:David Charles Rodrigues | InstagramDavid Charles Rodrigues | PortfolioRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alternative career choices? Next travel destinations? Favorite food? We welcome back Angela Onuoha for a fun round of lightning questions.Angela is the most established and well-known trichologist and Cosmetic Chemist within the creator space. Her advocation for diversity has made her a true force for good within the beauty industry.Angela isn’t just an influencer, she is an educator who is leading input into efficacious formulations and the importance of ingredients. She is working with the globe’s leading hair care brands, advising on product diversity and launching new innovations through her own channels. As a half Nigerian, half Dutch woman who has unfortunately experienced racism first-hand, Angela has been on a journey of self-acceptance, and is on a mission to empower and inspire others. If you’re interested in exploring how brands create cultural influence, join Rei and global brand executive Ana Andjelic on their new podcast “Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture”. Every two weeks, Ana and Rei talk about brands that made a dent in culture - through their product, aesthetics, content, business model, or technology - and unpack how they did it.Episode References:Angela Onuoha | InstagramHitmakers Podcast | YouTubeHitmakers Podcast | Apple PodcastsHitmakers Podcast | SpotifyRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Angela Onuoha, a renowned trichologist and content creator based in Amsterdam, discusses striking the perfect balance between authenticity and social media algorithms. She shares her daily routine and strategic approach to content creation, emphasizing planning while remaining adaptable. Angela explains the significance of individuality in a crowded space, advocating for genuine connections despite the pressures of trends. Her journey inspires others as she aims to empower through education, promoting diversity in beauty and simplifying complex topics like cosmetic chemistry.

Perfect jobs are not something you find, but something you create for yourself. Rei talks with Angela Onuoha, a pioneering trichologist and content creator from Amsterdam, to unpack her unique journey into the creator economy. Angela shares how her cultural background and personal experiences with hair care led her to a path she never anticipated—becoming an influential voice in the trichology community. The conversation delves into the evolution of the creator economy and its substantial impact on culture and business today.Angela is the most established and well-known trichologist and Cosmetic Chemist within the creator space. Her advocation for diversity has made her a true force for good within the beauty industry.Angela isn’t just an influencer, she is an educator who is leading input into efficacious formulations and the importance of ingredients. She is working with the globe’s leading hair care brands, advising on product diversity and launching new innovations through her own channels. As a half Nigerian, half Dutch woman who has unfortunately experienced racism first-hand, Angela has been on a journey of self-acceptance, and is on a mission to empower and inspire others. If you’re interested in exploring how brands create cultural influence, join Rei and global brand executive Ana Andjelic on their new podcast “Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture”. Every two weeks, the two co-hosts talk about brands that made a dent in culture - through their product, aesthetics, content, business model, or technology - and unpack how they did it.Timestamps:0:03 Exploring Trichology and the Creator Economy with Angela Onuoha1:55 Cultural Influences and Career Challenges in Angela's Journey5:14 From Retail Management to Creative Exploration and Teaching11:21 From Hair Tutorials to Trichology: A Journey of Discovery19:01 Angela Onuoha's Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Content Creator28:53 Angela Onuoha's Journey From Law Student to Trichologist Creator32:43 Creating Your Perfect Job and Embracing Career Evolution34:09 Announcing the Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture PodcastEpisode References:Angela Onuoha | InstagramHitmakers Podcast | YouTubeHitmakers Podcast | Apple PodcastsHitmakers Podcast | SpotifyRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alternative career choices? Next travel destinations? Favorite food? We welcome back Kevin Bethune for a fun round of lightning questions.Kevin Bethune is the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of dreams • design + life, a think tank that delivers design & innovation services using a human-centered approach. He's also the best-selling author of Reimagining Design: Unlocking Strategic Innovation (The MIT Press) released in March 2022. His second book, Nonlinear: Navigating Design with Curiosity and Conviction (The MIT Press), will be coming out February 4, 2025. Kevin's background spans engineering, business and design in equal proportion over his 25+ year career, positioning him to help brands deliver meaningful innovations to enrich people's lives.His work represents creative problem-solving that brings multidisciplinary teams together to see the future through an open aperture, and a deep industrial design approach to inform and influence desirable, feasible and business-viable design outcomes.Episode References:Kevin Bethune | Kevin's 2nd book NONLINEAR is available for pre-order Kevin Bethune | Online Portfoliodreams • design + life | Corporate SiteRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Understanding yourself is key to tapping into emotional intelligence. Rei continues his dialogue with Kevin Bethune, renowned design executive and author, to hear about his experiences as a minority in corporate America and examine the oscillating focus on diversity and inclusion in corporate culture. This episode delves deep into Kevin's personal journey and highlights his strategies for overcoming the feeling of the "other." As a Black professional in fields like engineering, design, and consulting, Kevin shares candid stories about navigating bias and finding strength in his individuality. Kevin Bethune is the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of dreams • design + life, a think tank that delivers design & innovation services using a human-centered approach. He's also the best-selling author of Reimagining Design: Unlocking Strategic Innovation (The MIT Press) released in March 2022. His second book, Nonlinear: Navigating Design with Curiosity and Conviction (The MIT Press), will be coming out February 4, 2025. Kevin's background spans engineering, business and design in equal proportion over his 25+ year career, positioning him to help brands deliver meaningful innovations to enrich people's lives.His work represents creative problem-solving that brings multidisciplinary teams together to see the future through an open aperture, and a deep industrial design approach to inform and influence desirable, feasible and business-viable design outcomes.Timestamps:0:03 Challenges and Resilience of Minorities in Corporate America7:27 The Pendulum of Social Equity and Inclusion Awareness12:05 Building Diverse Teams Through Social Media and Innovation16:50 Empowering Diverse Voices in Multidisciplinary Innovation Teams23:17 Emotional Intelligence and Overcoming Challenges as a MinorityEpisode References:Kevin Bethune | Kevin's 2nd book NONLINEAR is available for pre-order Kevin Bethune | Online Portfoliodreams • design + life | Corporate SiteRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Curiosity and grit combine to become an unwavering conviction. Rei talks with Kevin Bethune, renowned design executive and author, to uncover how his unique career path has informed his approach to design thinking and innovation. Kevin shares his journey from an early career in engineering and business to discovering his passion for design—an unexpected yet coherent sequence that prepared him to help brands innovate meaningfully. The conversation explores how curiosity and resilience have driven Kevin’s professional transitions from engineering at Westinghouse to business planning at Nike, then to a creative transformation through an industrial design program. Kevin Bethune is the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of dreams • design + life, a think tank that delivers design & innovation services using a human-centered approach. He's also the best-selling author of Reimagining Design: Unlocking Strategic Innovation (The MIT Press) released in March 2022. His second book, Nonlinear: Navigating Design with Curiosity and Conviction (The MIT Press), will be coming out February 4, 2025. Kevin's background spans engineering, business and design in equal proportion over his 25+ year career, positioning him to help brands deliver meaningful innovations to enrich people's lives.His work represents creative problem-solving that brings multidisciplinary teams together to see the future through an open aperture, and a deep industrial design approach to inform and influence desirable, feasible and business-viable design outcomes.Timestamps:0:03 Kevin Bethune's Journey Through Engineering, Business, and Design7:03 Rigorous Engineering Challenges in Nuclear Plant Projects12:34 Kevin Bethune's Journey from Engineering to Nike's Innovation Team18:22 Kevin Bethune's Journey from Nike to Design Innovation27:28 TakeawayEpisode References:Kevin Bethune | Kevin's 2nd book NONLINEAR is available for pre-order Kevin Bethune | Online Portfoliodreams • design + life | Corporate SiteRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.