In this episode, I sit down with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, author, and powerlifter—for an unfiltered conversation on building an agency that fits the life you want to live. From rabbits, deer, and elephants to whales and dolphins, we unpack how to categorize clients, know which ones to pursue, and why chasing the wrong type can leave your business overrun, exhausted, or stuck. Timestamps: (0:00) Intro (1:46) What Are Deer Clients (3:29) Cost of Too Many Smalls (5:04) Landing Big Brand Whales (6:34) When Big Clients Overwhelm (8:52) Whales vs Third-Bid Time Wasters (10:48) Dolphin Clients Explained (12:37) Client Budgets & Competition (14:17) Moving Up to Bigger Accounts (16:02) Jumbo Smalls Drain Resources (17:32) Revenue vs Profit Truth (19:19) Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome (20:51) Chasing Big Clients Anyway (22:59) Creative Agency Lessons (36:27) Power of Niching Down (38:15) Mid-Sized Clients’ Sweet Spot Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook Websites: ⁠https://jodiecook.com⁠⁠ https://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

In this analog-meets-now episode, Chris sits down with legendary publisher Marvin Scott Jarrett and visionary designer Chris Ashworth to revisit the bold, rebellious energy of the 90s print scene—and why it still matters in today’s algorithmic world. From their game-changing days at Ray Gun to their latest creative collaborations, the trio unpacks how embracing imperfection, trusting your eye, and responding to constraints can unlock true creative breakthroughs. They explore the tension between ego and vision, the power of physical media, and whether AI can ever really replicate soul. This is a conversation about art, anarchy, and finding flow—no matter the tools. Timestamps: (00:13) The Legacy of Ray Gun and Reuniting After 15 Years (03:00) The Birth of Marvin Magazine and Celebrating Music’s Old & New Guard (06:13) Experimental Design, Mini Posters & the Evolution of Ashworth’s Process (09:21) Creating Without Repetition: Rules, Response, and Visual Chaos (14:36) David Carson, Bowie, and the Fax Heard ’Round the Design World (23:08) AI, Flow State, and Why Soul Still Matters in Creative Work Check out today's guests, Marvin Jarrett Scott & Chris Ashworth: Marvin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvinjarrett/ Chris' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashworthchris/ ⁠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

We all know we should tell better stories—but how do you do it when you’re creating business content, not writing a novel? In this solo episode, Chris Do breaks down the YOU + POV framework for storytelling, showing creators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders how to share stories that make their content unforgettable. You’ll learn: Why story is the “operating system” of the human mind The 3 stories everyone should master: origin, inciting incident, defining moment How to find the stories only you can tell Why your point of view (POV) is the real key to building authority If you’ve ever felt like your content blends into the noise, this episode will teach you how to share stories that connect—and why they’ll make your brand stand out. Timestamps (00:00) – Why Storytelling Is the “Operating System” of the Human Mind (00:57) – Building a Personal Brand That Attracts Opportunities (01:40) – Finding “You”: The Hardest Step in Storytelling (04:00) – Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe: Matching Style to Audience (05:00) – Discovering Your Backstory & Cultural Currency (06:05) – The Inciting Incident: The Moment Your World Changes (07:00) – The Defining Moment: Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be (08:11) – Star Wars, Spider-Man, and the Power of Classic Story Arcs (12:03) – Building Content Around Your Unique YOU + POV (13:38) – Why Contrarian Perspectives Make Your Stories Memorable

In this episode, Chris sits down with legendary CEO and leadership thinker Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld for a deep dive into the hidden engine behind long-term success: energy. From running global companies like Siemens and Alcoa to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Klaus shares why burnout is not a badge of honor—and how purpose, mindset, and daily habits are the real levers of performance. This conversation is a masterclass on managing your inner game so you can lead with clarity, stamina, and conviction, no matter the chaos around you. Whether you’re a founder on the brink, a high-achiever running out of steam, or simply someone who wants to lead better and live fuller—this episode is your blueprint. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why energy—not time—is the real asset of high performers ✅ How to avoid burnout while staying ambitious ✅ The mindset reframe that separates fulfilled leaders from exhausted ones ✅ How to tap into purpose (and use it like a laser) ✅ Simple micro-habits to recharge mentally, emotionally, and spiritually Timestamps: (00:04) – From Siemens to Startups: Klaus’s Career Journey (03:50) – Burnout in Founders & Why Energy Is Everything (15:22) – The Inner Game vs. The Outer Game of Leadership (28:40) – The Purpose Principle: “Love It, Change It, or Leave It” (37:15) – Culture, Respect, and Leading Across Borders (45:09) – Sleep, Breathwork & Physical Hacks for High Energy About Klaus Kleinfield: Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a founder, global business leader, investor, and author. He’s currently the CEO of K2Elevation, Chairman of KONUX and FERNRIDE, and a board member of GreyOrange, Fero Labs, and NEOM. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Alcoa/Arconic and as CEO of Siemens AG, where he led transformational shifts in both organizations. Klaus has advised U.S. Presidents and international governments, and he’s a member of institutions like the Council on Foreign Relations and the Brookings Institution. His new book "Leading to Thrive" unpacks the mindset, energy systems, and leadership frameworks that drive sustainable success—in business and in life. Check out Klaus Kleinfield: Klaus' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klauskleinfeld/ Klaus' Website: http://leading-to-thrive.com/ 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 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

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 Ever feel like you're doing your team's work for them? In this episode, Chris Do reveals the powerful leadership philosophy of “intentional incompetence”—a counterintuitive but highly effective way to empower creative teams, avoid burnout, and build real autonomy. You’ll learn why micromanagement kills creativity, how to lead without hovering, and the systems Chris uses to help his team take ownership while still delivering top-tier results. If you’re struggling to balance quality control with team growth, this episode is your blueprint. Timestamps: (00:00) – Why “being bad” at your job is a power move (00:42) – The 2 leadership styles that fail (01:55) – How to lead with trust and systems (03:12) – When to intervene (and when not to) (04:15) – Final thoughts on team growth & autonomy 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

A college dropout, Jennie Smythe had no backup plan — but she had one moment of clarity: she wasn’t going to follow the path others expected. She was going to build her own. By her early 40s, while grieving the loss of her father and newly diagnosed with breast cancer, she had built an award-winning digital marketing firm - Girlilla Marketing. In this conversation, Jennie shares how she turned crisis into clarity, and what it really looks like to start over with nothing. If you feel behind, unqualified, or unsure of your next move, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn: ✅ How to turn crisis and grief into clarity ✅ Why “no degree + no plan” becomes your edge ✅ What real leadership looks like through personal loss ✅ The mindset shift that makes building from scratch possible ✅ How to build a business rooted in values, not survival Timestamps: (00:00) – Intro (03:40) – Cancer, grief, and dropping out (07:29) – Choosing herself over expectations (11:10) – Walking away from the conventional path (14:42) – Why Jennie refuses to fake confidence (19:08) – Building with purpose and integrity (24:01) – Leading through grief (27:35) – Starting her business with zero funding (31:54) – Conversations that shaped her leadership (36:42) – The truths of rebuilding from nothing (42:13) – Identity shift: how to start over stronger About Jennie Smythe: Jennie Smythe is the founder and CEO of Girlilla Marketing, a Nashville-based digital marketing agency representing some of the biggest names in country music. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of entertainment, media, and strategy, Jennie has built a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in artist-first digital branding. Before launching Girlilla, she held leadership roles at Warner Music Nashville, Universal Music Group, and AOL Music. Her work is known for blending deep empathy with sharp execution — helping artists and entrepreneurs build lasting, values-driven communities online. Jennie is also a breast cancer survivor, advocate, and mentor to women navigating nontraditional leadership paths. Check out Jennie Smythe: https://www.girlillamarketing.com/about-jennie https://www.instagram.com/girlillajennie https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniesmythe 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 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

We want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://forms.gle/6j5GLzwK6GQF7Hzx7In this playful and provocative episode, Chris reunites with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, author, and creative strategist—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 &amp; the Price of Originality(12:09) – Context, Childhood &amp; 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 DisclosureCheck out today's guest, Jodie Cook: Jodie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/Jodie's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_CookCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

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/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9AScope 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 CommunicationCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo

We want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://forms.gle/6j5GLzwK6GQF7Hzx7In this episode, Chris sits down with Oscar Höglund—Co-Founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound—for an inside look at the mindset, strategy, and resilience it takes to build a billion-dollar business at the intersection of music, media, and tech.From cold-starting a music licensing company in Sweden to scaling a global brand used by YouTubers and filmmakers around the world, Oscar shares the real story behind Epidemic’s rise—including the decisions that nearly broke the business, the bets that paid off, and why creativity and data don’t have to be enemies.If you're a creator, founder, or anyone trying to do big things without burning out, this episode is packed with honest insights on scaling with soul, leading through uncertainty, and staying rooted in purpose while navigating growth.Timestamps:(00:04) – The Origins of Epidemic Sound(06:42) – Startup Struggles and the First Big Pivot(12:15) – Licensing, Creators, and the Market Gap(19:08) – Building Culture and Protecting Simplicity(25:36) – Creativity vs. Data: Finding the Right Balance(33:14) – Leadership Lessons in Hypergrowth(40:10) – Advice for Founders: Curiosity, Courage &amp; Staying HumanCheck out today's guest, Oscar Höglund: Oscar's Website: https://corporate.epidemicsound.com/Oscar's LinkedIn: https://se.linkedin.com/in/oscarh%C3%B6glundCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: <a href="https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo"...

We want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://forms.gle/6j5GLzwK6GQF7Hzx7In this episode, I sit down again with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, author, and strategist—for a raw, honest unpacking of privilege, entrepreneurship, and power in the AI age.From debating the “fairness” of the system to calling out the real enemy of progress, we dissect the narratives holding creators and founders back—and how to reclaim your agency when the rules feel rigged.Jodie shares how she navigates advantage without apology, the danger of playing small to fit in, and why waiting for fairness is a losing game.Timestamps:(00:02) – Naming the Real Enemy(06:01) – AI, Creativity, and the Fairness Dilemma(09:47) – Inequality, Entrepreneurship, and the Game We’re Playing(18:20) – What If We Governed Differently?(26:05) – Privilege, Responsibility, and the Power You Hold(28:14) – Untangling Privilege and Personal Agency(34:26) – The Merit Trap: When Recognition Feels Like TokenismCheck out today's guest, Jodie Cook: Jodie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/Jodie's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_CookCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: <a href="https://www.behance.net/chrisdo"...