The Creative Mindset

If you can teach yourself to focus, you'll find more hours in the day. Rei welcomes Andrew Zolty, an acclaimed data and kinetic artist professional known as BREAKFAST, for a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process. They discuss BREAKFAST’s transition from commercial design to full-time artistry and how he’s built a business around kinetic sculptures using real-time data. BREAKFAST shares insights into marketing, client interactions, the challenges of large-scale installations, and candid advice on why focus matters in the creative industry.Andrew Zolty, known professionally as BREAKFAST, is a data and kinetic artist whose work centers on transforming real-time data from the natural world into digitally controlled kinetic artworks that tell stories. From the waves crashing on the beaches of Normandy to solar activity on the sun’s surface, BREAKFAST’s pieces draw this data from the web and transform these fluctuations into mesmerizing, undulating sculptures, creating a profound connection between the viewer and distant places.BREAKFAST's passion for art, electronics, and computers, which began in his childhood, has led him to merge these elements throughout his adult life. Developing skills in art, coding, interaction design, and mechanical and electrical engineering, he became fascinated by the vast streams of data constantly generated around us. This fascination drives his work, as he finds ways to translate data into physical experiences that tell stories of real-time events.Over the past 15 years, BREAKFAST has grown his studio into an engineering powerhouse, allowing for the complete in-house production of his works. This capability pushes creativity and quality to their furthest limits, with ideas inspiring engineering and engineering enabling new artistic expressions.Timestamps:0:03 Pursuing a Creative Life at the Intersection of Art and Technology2:21 The Art of Marketing and Identity in the Art World7:39 Creating Wow Art Pieces with Real-Time Data and Storytelling14:57 Navigating Artistic Collaborations and Maintaining Creative Ownership17:04 Creating Kinetic Sculptures for Cruise Ships and Outdoor Spaces23:39 The Power of Focus in Creative PursuitsEpisode References:BREAKFAST | InstagramBREAKFAST | WebsiteRei Inamoto | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Using unique mediums can help differentiate an artist's work, giving it both distinctive appeal and commercial viability. Rei sits down with Andrew Zolty, an acclaimed data and kinetic artist widely recognized by his professional name, BREAKFAST. The episode delves into BREAFAST's career journey from being a commercial developer to a full-time kinetic artist. Known for integrating real-time data and engineering into his artworks, BREAKFAST shares invaluable insights into the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of forging a unique path in the art world.Andrew Zolty, known professionally as BREAKFAST, is a data and kinetic artist whose work centers on transforming real-time data from the natural world into digitally controlled kinetic artworks that tell stories. From the waves crashing on the beaches of Normandy to solar activity on the sun’s surface, BREAKFAST’s pieces draw this data from the web and transform these fluctuations into mesmerizing, undulating sculptures, creating a profound connection between the viewer and distant places.BREAKFAST's passion for art, electronics, and computers, which began in his childhood, has led him to merge these elements throughout his adult life. Developing skills in art, coding, interaction design, and mechanical and electrical engineering, he became fascinated by the vast streams of data constantly generated around us. This fascination drives his work, as he finds ways to translate data into physical experiences that tell stories of real-time events.Over the past 15 years, BREAKFAST has grown his studio into an engineering powerhouse, allowing for the complete in-house production of his works. This capability pushes creativity and quality to their furthest limits, with ideas inspiring engineering and engineering enabling new artistic expressions.Timestamps:0:03 Creative Evolution: From Commercial Designer to Kinetic Artist6:17 From Digital Concepts to Art: A Creative Evolution11:43 Creating AI Experiences for Bikes and Blimps16:05 Embracing Career Transitions Through Unique Skill Combinations20:48 Balancing Artistry and Business in Creative Ventures27:12 The Evolution of Kinetic Art and Creative MediumsEpisode References:BREAKFAST | InstagramBREAKFAST | WebsiteRei Inamoto | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramI&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 Merlee Jayme for a fun round of lightning questions.2025 ADFEST LOTUS LEGEND Merlee has dedicated her life to pushing creativity forward.She is the Chairmom® and founder of The Misfits Camp, the first-ever safe space in the world to assess and upskill neurodivergent and deaf creative adults and bridge them to the creative industry.And just this year, she founded Jayme Headquarters, a social enterprise creative agency that provides actual workplace experience for divergent creatives.Before this, Merlee was an advertising veteran and a creative leader. She was DentsuMcGarryBowen Global co-president and led Dentsu International APAC as Chief Creative Officer to greater heights by winning the Adfest Network of the Year 2020 and 2022, Spikes Network of the Year 2021, Cannes Lions Regional Network of the Year 2021, and AD STARS Network of the Year 2021.Her work pushes Insights and innovation and inspires creative collaboration.Having received major awards, including the Philippines’ only Cannes Lions Grand Prix, she was one of the eight women in the world’s top 100 Chief Creative Officers according to the 2019 Drum Global Ranking.The first Filipino to be named Creative of the Year in Southeast Asia by Campaign Asia, she was also recognized with the 4As of the Philippines Lifetime Achievement Awardee in 2023, the Hall of Fame Award by the 4As Creative Guild, The New York Festivals Creative Achievement Award, and the CEO of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators, the Asian Marketing Federation Woman Marketer of the Year 2019, and the Campaign Asia’s Women Leading Change Women’s Advancement Champion for her creative work for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2024.Merlee is one of CNN’s Leading Women, the author/illustrator of four creative books, the mom of four creative women, and an inspiration for breaking the glass ceiling in this mad men’s world.Episode References:Merlee Jayme | TikTokMerlee Jayme | LinkedInMerlee Jayme | FacebookRei 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.

Neurodiversity isn’t a disability, but a different wiring of the brain. Distinguished creative leader Merlee Jayme joins Rei for another episode to explore the current state of neurodiversity in the creative sector, examining the complexities and untapped potential it brings to the workplace. In the conversation, Merlee recounts her pivotal moment in her life two years ago, sparked by observing her young nephew with autism, which led her to establish Misfits Camp—a training center for neurodiverse young adults in the Philippines.2025 ADFEST LOTUS LEGEND Merlee has dedicated her life to pushing creativity forward.She is the Chairmom® and founder of The Misfits Camp, the first-ever safe space in the world to assess and upskill neurodivergent and deaf creative adults and bridge them to the creative industry.And just this year, she founded Jayme Headquarters, a social enterprise creative agency that provides actual workplace experience for divergent creatives.Before this, Merlee was an advertising veteran and a creative leader. She was DentsuMcGarryBowen Global co-president and led Dentsu International APAC as Chief Creative Officer to greater heights by winning the Adfest Network of the Year 2020 and 2022, Spikes Network of the Year 2021, Cannes Lions Regional Network of the Year 2021, and AD STARS Network of the Year 2021.Her work pushes Insights and innovation and inspires creative collaboration.Having received major awards, including the Philippines’ only Cannes Lions Grand Prix, she was one of the eight women in the world’s top 100 Chief Creative Officers according to the 2019 Drum Global Ranking.The first Filipino to be named Creative of the Year in Southeast Asia by Campaign Asia, she was also recognized with the 4As of the Philippines Lifetime Achievement Awardee in 2023, the Hall of Fame Award by the 4As Creative Guild, The New York Festivals Creative Achievement Award, and the CEO of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators, the Asian Marketing Federation Woman Marketer of the Year 2019, and the Campaign Asia’s Women Leading Change Women’s Advancement Champion for her creative work for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2024.Merlee is one of CNN’s Leading Women, the author/illustrator of four creative books, the mom of four creative women, and an inspiration for breaking the glass ceiling in this mad men’s world.Timestamps:0:03 Empowering Neurodiverse Talent Through Creative Training4:44 Exploring Neurodiversity and Its Unique Strengths8:49 Discovering and Nurturing Neurodiverse Talents for Creative Careers15:00 Building a Creative Ecosystem with Misfits Camp and Agency18:18 Embracing Neurodiversity in the Creative IndustryEpisode References:Merlee Jayme | TikTokMerlee Jayme | LinkedInMerlee Jayme | FacebookRei 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.

What if the key to balancing work and life isn’t balancing at all? Rei speaks with Merlee Jayme, a distinguished creative leader from the Philippines, to explore the integration of work and life for success, a strategy honed by Merlee throughout her illustrious career in the creative industry. Her unique approach has not only made her a role model in her field but also provides valuable insights for anyone struggling with the perennial challenge of work-life balance.Throughout the discussion, Merlee shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to seamlessly integrate professional ambitions with familial responsibilities. She reflects on the title she chose, “Chairmom,” which embodies her dedication to leading her agency and nurturing her family simultaneously.2025 ADFEST LOTUS LEGEND Merlee has dedicated her life to pushing creativity forward.She is the Chairmom® and founder of The Misfits Camp, the first-ever safe space in the world to assess and upskill neurodivergent and deaf creative adults and bridge them to the creative industry.And just this year, she founded Jayme Headquarters, a social enterprise creative agency that provides actual workplace experience for divergent creatives.Before this, Merlee was an advertising veteran and a creative leader. She was DentsuMcGarryBowen Global co-president and led Dentsu International APAC as Chief Creative Officer to greater heights by winning the Adfest Network of the Year 2020 and 2022, Spikes Network of the Year 2021, Cannes Lions Regional Network of the Year 2021, and AD STARS Network of the Year 2021.Her work pushes Insights and innovation and inspires creative collaboration.Having received major awards, including the Philippines’ only Cannes Lions Grand Prix, she was one of the eight women in the world’s top 100 Chief Creative Officers according to the 2019 Drum Global Ranking.The first Filipino to be named Creative of the Year in Southeast Asia by Campaign Asia, she was also recognized with the 4As of the Philippines Lifetime Achievement Awardee in 2023, the Hall of Fame Award by the 4As Creative Guild, The New York Festivals Creative Achievement Award, and the CEO of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators, the Asian Marketing Federation Woman Marketer of the Year 2019, and the Campaign Asia’s Women Leading Change Women’s Advancement Champion for her creative work for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2024.Merlee is one of CNN’s Leading Women, the author/illustrator of four creative books, the mom of four creative women, and an inspiration for breaking the glass ceiling in this mad men’s world.Timestamps:0:03 Balancing Work and Life Through the Chair Mom Leadership4:54 Integrating Career Ambition and Motherhood Seamlessly7:40 Balancing Professional Duties and Personal Life Seamlessly9:26 Balancing Motherhood and a Creative Career in Advertising11:11 Balancing Motherhood and Ambition in Leadership Roles14:26 Balancing Career, Family, and Gender Roles in Marriage17:33 A Calm Response to a Terrifying Carjacking Incident20:37 Balancing Creativity, Respect, and Instinct in Marriage23:42 Creative Solutions to Overcome Bullying and Boost Confidence25:34 Balancing Family and Career in the Advertising World29:24 Balancing Ambitions and Family Life for Women31:25 Integrating Work and Life for Seamless SuccessEpisode References:Merlee Jayme | TikTokMerlee Jayme | LinkedInMerlee Jayme | FacebookRei Inamoto | InstagramI&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 Rishad Tobaccowala for a fun round of lightning questions.Tobaccowala was named by BusinessWeek as one of the top business leaders for his pioneering innovation and TIME magazine dubbed him one of five “Marketing Innovators. Rishad is the author of “Restoring the Soul of Business: Staying Human in The Age of Data” which helps people think, feel, and see differently about how to grow their companies, their teams and themselves to remain relevant in transformational time and the upcoming “Re-Thinking Work”  to be published globally by HarperCollins in February 2025 which helps people thrive amidst the seismic changes that will occur at work due a combination of changing demographics, new mindsets, the rise of distributed work, and the spread of AI. Rishad Tobaccowala remains a Senior Advisor to the Publicis Groupe where he has spent his entire 37 career, most recently serving as the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Strategist of the 106,000 person firm.Episode References:Rishad Tobaccowala | WebsiteRishad Tobaccowala | SubstackRishad Tobaccowala | 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.

Career relevance is a constant concern throughout anyone’s career, according to Rishad Tobaccowala, a visionary in creative business strategy and four-decade-long advisor to professionals and organizations. In this second episode, we discuss the common concerns that middle and senior managerial professionals encounter amidst continual change and technological advancements, such as AI. Rishad shares philosophies for career longevity and actionable tips for relevance, including dedicating an hour daily to learning, critically assessing opposing viewpoints, and focusing on creating rather than managing.Tobaccowala was named by BusinessWeek as one of the top business leaders for his pioneering innovation and TIME magazine dubbed him one of five “Marketing Innovators. Rishad is the author of “Restoring the Soul of Business: Staying Human in The Age of Data” which helps people think, feel, and see differently about how to grow their companies, their teams and themselves to remain relevant in transformational time and the upcoming “Re-Thinking Work”  to be published globally by HarperCollins in February 2025 which helps people thrive amidst the seismic changes that will occur at work due a combination of changing demographics, new mindsets, the rise of distributed work, and the spread of AI. Rishad Tobaccowala remains a Senior Advisor to the Publicis Groupe where he has spent his entire 37 career, most recently serving as the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Strategist of the 106,000 person firm.Timestamps:0:00 Intro4:42 The Importance of Allocating Time for Daily Learning8:41 Rethinking Leadership: Learning, Opposing Views, and Creative Growth13:00 Discipline as a Pathway to Freedom and Growth15:24 Finding Joy and Growth in the Crevices of Life22:17 Three Steps to Stay RelevantEpisode References:Rishad Tobaccowala | WebsiteRishad Tobaccowala | SubstackRishad Tobaccowala | 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.

The future of work isn't just about where we work, but how and why. Rei talks with Rishad Tobaccowala, a visionary in creative business strategy, to dissect the evolving landscape of work amid societal and technological upheavals. As the pandemic and AI innovations reshape global work dynamics, Rishad shares his unique insights on how both companies and leaders can adapt to these changes effectively. Throughout the discussion, Rishad highlights five critical shifts reshaping the workplace: societal, technological, market, office, and mindset shifts. With clear, actionable strategies, Rishad delves into the implications of these shifts.Tobaccowala was named by BusinessWeek as one of the top business leaders for his pioneering innovation and TIME magazine dubbed him one of five “Marketing Innovators. Rishad is the author of “Restoring the Soul of Business: Staying Human in The Age of Data” which helps people think, feel, and see differently about how to grow their companies, their teams and themselves to remain relevant in transformational time and the upcoming “Re-Thinking Work”  to be published globally by HarperCollins in February 2025 which helps people thrive amidst the seismic changes that will occur at work due a combination of changing demographics, new mindsets, the rise of distributed work, and the spread of AI. Rishad Tobaccowala remains a Senior Advisor to the Publicis Groupe where he has spent his entire 37 career, most recently serving as the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Strategist of the 106,000 person firm.Timestamps:0:03 Exploring Seismic Changes in Work with Rishad Tobaccowala4:04 The Future of Work: Societal Shifts and Technological Advances8:04 Reinventing Work: The Rise of Small Companies and AI12:24 The Rise of Fractionalized Employees in the Modern Workforce13:54 The Rise of New Leadership and Workplace Dynamics23:19 Five Shifts and Four Actions for Modern Business Success24:36 Four TakeawaysEpisode References:Rishad Tobaccowala | WebsiteRishad Tobaccowala | SubstackRishad Tobaccowala | 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.

In this second episode with VP of Creative at Liquid Death, Andy Pearson, we explore the critical role of humor, the importance of taking time off to gain fresh perspectives, and the benefits of committing fully to creative ideas. Andy shares insights into his approach to marketing and life, reflecting on past experiences such as selling high-priced cookies to fund a pivotal career moment, and discusses how his extreme ultramarathon running influences his creative mindset.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 Rewriting Brand Marketing Rules with Humor and Innovation1:35 The Balance of Risk and Humor in Liquid Death's Marketing5:06 Respectful Marketing Through Creativity and Organic Content8:04 Creative Students Fund Cannes Trip with $500 Cookies10:44 A Year of Travel and Freelancing Sparks Career Transformation13:21 The Mental and Physical Challenges of Ultramarathon Running16:36 Balancing Extreme Work and Nature for Personal Growth20:00 Three TakeawaysEpisode 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.

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.