Podcast
The Futur with Chris Do
Hosted by The Futur · EN
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.
156episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Beat the Competition Without Lowering Your Prices w/ Chris Do | Ep 415
Jan 2400:06:45Summary readyIn this episode, Chris Do challenges the belief that creative work is a commodity and explains why lowering prices is rarely the right solution. He reframes competition through the lens of imagination, using everyday examples to show how value is created through differentiation, convenience, and storytelling rather than cost-cutting. By breaking down familiar products like lettuce, money, and stock certificates, he illustrates how perceived value can increase dramatically with the right positioning. The episode pushes listeners to reconsider how they describe and package their own services instead of racing to the bottom on price. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (01:10) — Commodities and imagination (02:35) — Adding value through packaging (04:05) — Time to result pricing (05:40) — Certainty and guarantees 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/ X : https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Growth w/ Dr. John Demartini| Ep 414
Jan 2200:48:20Summary readyIn this episode, Chris Do sits down with Dr. John Demartini for a wide-ranging conversation on human perception, trauma, and the power of reframing life experiences. Dr. Demartini shares his extraordinary personal journey—from severe learning challenges and homelessness to becoming a prolific researcher, educator, and author—highlighting how adversity became a catalyst rather than a limitation. The discussion explores how values, awareness, and conscious questioning shape behavior and long-term outcomes. Throughout the conversation, listeners are invited to reconsider the stories they tell themselves about hardship and success. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (04:58) — Early life learning challenges (09:42) — Dyslexia and reading breakthrough (14:55) — Surfing and street life lessons (19:58) — Perception versus trauma (24:57) — Reframing painful experiences (29:56) — Accountability and awareness (34:59) — Balancing emotions and judgment (39:58) — Gratitude and resilience practice (44:55) — Purpose driven living (46:30) — Final reflections and closing Check out today's guest, Dr. John Demartini: Website: https://drdemartini.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drdemartini LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohndemartini Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjohndemartini/?hl=en 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/ X : https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Secret Behind Authentic Personal Branding w/ Mo Ismail| Ep 413
Jan 1700:07:04Summary readyIn this episode, Chris Do and Mo Ismail explore why personal branding works best when it starts with generosity rather than self-promotion. They break down how leading with genuine care lowers defenses, builds trust, and creates natural reciprocity in both business and personal relationships. Through real-world examples, the conversation highlights how making people feel seen and included is often more powerful than any pitch or tactic. The episode emphasizes that authenticity isn’t a strategy—it’s an operating system that shapes long-term connection. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (01:14) — Making people feel seen (02:28) — Reciprocity builds trust (03:18) — Identity before business (04:32) — Authenticity attracts audiences Check out today's guest, Mo Ismail: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moismai Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moismai/?hl=en 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/ X : https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Why Creatives Struggle With Feedback w/ Jule Kim | Ep 412
Jan 1501:27:37Summary readyIn this episode, Chris Do and Jule Kim unpack why feedback is both essential and emotionally difficult for creatives. Drawing from decades of teaching, coaching, and public critique, they explore the difference between honest feedback and destructive criticism, and why many people interpret any suggestion for improvement as a personal attack. The discussion challenges the idea that feedback should soothe feelings, arguing instead that clarity, accountability, and truth are what actually lead to growth. Throughout the episode, Chris and Jule reflect on how upbringing, education systems, and generational shifts have shaped our collective tolerance for critique. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (10:05) — Setting expectations early (20:01) — Critique versus roasting (30:12) — Accountability in education (40:18) — Coddling culture explained (49:55) — Honesty over comfort (01:00:03) — Fear of critical feedback (01:10:22) — Teaching truth responsibly (01:19:40) — Crossing the critique line Check out today's guest, Jule Kim: Jule's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julekim/ Jule's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjulekim Executive Coach Jule Kim : https://adviceactually.com/ Jule Kim's Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wy7NzSjPBFU42tGS0jUeB?si=27adaa65f448473c Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-how-you-think-a-personal-growth-and/id1821606552 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/ X: https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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How to Market Your Services the Right Way w/ Chris Do | Ep 411
Jan 1000:13:24Summary readyIn this episode, Chris Do breaks down why most creatives struggle to market their services effectively—and how that changes in 2026. He explains the critical difference between designing for “anyone” versus building services for a clearly defined, high-value client. Through real examples and audience interaction, Chris shows how understanding psychographics, not just demographics, unlocks better offers, clearer messaging, and higher pricing. The conversation emphasizes why targeting clients with money, urgency, and alignment is not selfish but strategic. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (01:03) — Psychographics over demographics (02:10) — Identifying your best clients (03:58) — Why broke clients limit growth (05:22) — Pricing math and marketing budgets (07:05) — Levels of business competition (12:02) — Clarity creates massive value 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/ X : https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Business of Design Systems and Standards w/ Jesse Reed | Ep 410
Jan 801:10:21Summary readyIn this episode, Chris Do sits down with designer, publisher, and entrepreneur Jesse Reed to explore the intersection of design systems, business, and long-term creative impact. Jesse shares his journey from Pentagram to co-founding multiple ventures, including Standards Manual, Order, and Standards, and explains how each evolved from curiosity-driven projects into sustainable businesses. The conversation highlights the importance of focus, simplicity, and decision-making in both design and entrepreneurship, especially when building systems meant to scale across teams and industries. Throughout the discussion, Jesse emphasizes that timeless design principles—typography, structure, consistency—remain unchanged even as tools and platforms evolve. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (06:45) — Founding Standards Manual (13:30) — Crowdfunding lessons learned (20:10) — Balancing multiple companies (27:05) — Focus versus simplicity (33:50) — Business models in design (40:20) — Brand guidelines evolution (46:55) — Emotional branding shift (53:30) — Rebrand backlash explained (01:00:05) — Criticism and creative success (01:06:10) — Collaboration over competition Check out today's guest, Jesse Reed: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-reed-108b9614 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrfo/?hl=en 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/ X : https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Marketing Genius of Better Call Saul w/ Chris Do | Ep 409
Jan 300:11:57Summary readyIn this episode, Chris Do breaks down a powerful lesson on positioning, marketing, and sales using a scene from the TV series Better Call Saul as an unexpected case study. By analyzing Saul Goodman’s pivot from selling cell phones to selling “privacy,” the episode illustrates how redefining a product around a specific pain point can instantly create demand. The discussion highlights how effective positioning isn’t about changing the product itself, but about reframing who it’s for and why it matters. This real-world example makes abstract marketing concepts tangible and easy to understand Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (01:37) — Creating customer demand (02:36) — Selling privacy positioning (06:35) — Positioning definition explained (08:28) — Go where customers are (10:55) — Blue ocean strategy 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/ X : https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Build Your Success Formula w/ Jodie Cook | Recast
Jan 101:10:15Summary readyIn this episode, I’m back with my friend, entrepreneur, author, and powerlifter Jodie Cook, for another incredible conversation about discovering your personal success system. Jodie’s got an inspiring journey — from building and selling a 20-person social media agency to launching CoachBox AI and becoming a Forbes contributor. In this episode, we explore what it means to have a success system, why simplifying your communication matters, and how persistence and visualization play a huge role in achieving your goals. We also get deep into personal reflections — like the lessons we learn from childhood and the hidden power of discomfort as a sign of growth. If you’ve ever wondered what your unique formula for success might be, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (02:00) - Jodie’s journey and recent achievements (06:15) - The power of children’s books in storytelling (10:30) - Personal success systems explained (13:45) - Success stories: Taylor Swift, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk (17:00) - Visualization and goal setting (21:45) - Communication and cultural understanding (25:00) - Using personal strengths for success (29:00) - Powerlifting and competitive mindset (32:00) - Visualization as a success tool (37:30) - Cosmic perspective and clarity (43:00) - My personal success system exploration (55:00) - The importance of persistence and adaptability (01:02:00) - Creativity, patterns, and personal growth Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook Websites: https://www.jodiecook.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodie.cook_/?hl=en 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/ X : https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Designing a Life That Fuels Creativity w/ Mo Said | Ep 408
Dec 2701:15:30Summary readyIn this episode, Chris Do sits down with Mo Said, founder and creative director of Mojo Supermarket, to unpack what it really means to build an interesting life, business, and brand. Through stories from Mo’s journey—starting an agency with little structure, growing it into a global creative force, and constantly chasing curiosity—they explore why interesting work comes from interesting people living intentional lives. The conversation weaves through personal risk, creative courage, and the idea that misalignment, not overwork, is often the true cause of burnout. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (06:12) — Taking risks without fear (12:05) — Failure builds personal value (17:48) — Finding what interests you (23:31) — Why boredom causes burnout (29:14) — Stories make people memorable (34:52) — Applying interest to branding (40:33) — Creative strategy in practice (45:58) — Pitching bold campaign ideas (51:27) — Selling ideas with confidence (56:49) — Creativity versus business tension (01:02:15) — Structure fuels creative output (01:07:36) — Planning life in short sprints (01:12:08) — Constraints spark innovation Check out today's guest, Mo Said: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaid YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mosaidshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosaidshow/?hl=en 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/ X : https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Building Your Client Dream Team w/ Daniel Priestley | Recast
Dec 2501:38:52Summary readyIn this episode, Chris Do sits down with returning guest Daniel Priestley for their fourth conversation, diving deep into what it really takes to land high-end clients and transform a creative business. Daniel explains why top-tier clients are often easier to work with than small ones, revealing the mindset shifts required to overcome insecurity and move into higher-value work. Together, they discuss how pedigree, past experiences, and a well-crafted personal narrative become the foundation of building credibility. Daniel also teaches the value of cataloging your wins, numbers, and stories—assets most creatives overlook while chasing the “next thing.” Their conversation sets the tone for anyone who wants to step into the role of a true key person of influence. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (08:12) — High-End Clients Behave Differently (15:27) — Cataloging Stories and Data (23:04) — Reframing Expertise With Niche (31:18) — Discovering Key Influence Identity (39:05) — Why Waiting Lists Create Demand (46:52) — Filtering Clients With Criteria (55:40) — Handling Objections and Self-Doubt (01:03:11) — Power of Building a List (01:11:22) — Turning Scarcity Into Leverage (01:19:40) — Repositioning Through Better Pitching (01:27:58) — Identity, Action, and Momentum (01:36:10) — Final Lessons on Influence Check out today's guest, Daniel Priestley: Website: https://danielpriestley.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpriestley/?hl=en 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/ X : https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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