Synopsis
A podcast about the Business of Design, Creative Entrepreneurship hosted by Emmy winning director Chris Do.
Episodes
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How Helping Strangers Became a 7-Figure Business - With Simon Squibb (Part 2) | Episode 349
24/05/2025 Duration: 01h09minWe 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 In this gripping Part 2 episode, Chris Do goes deep with Simon Squibb on the business model that powers his viral mission of giving away money to strangers. But this isn’t charity—it’s strategy. Simon unpacks how he built a profitable, self-sustaining content engine that funds dreams, spreads hope, and disrupts the traditional education system. From revenue breakdowns across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and brand deals to his "infinite giving" philosophy, Simon shows that you can do good and make money—at scale. This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and a behind-the-scenes look at how generosity can become a business advantage. Timestamps: (00:00) - Why Simon’s mission seems crazy—but works (01:30) - Giving strangers cash on the street… how? why? (03:00) - The psychology behind belief, opportunity, and sel
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The Million Dollar Moment That Changed Everything - With Simon Squibb (Part 1) | Episode 348
22/05/2025 Duration: 01h02minWe 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 In this raw and deeply emotional episode, Simon Squibb sits down with Chris Do to unpack the moment he won a $1 million prize—and why it brought him to tears. From sleeping on the streets at 15 to selling a company to PwC, Simon reveals the powerful story of loss, hustle, purpose, and rebuilding from nothing. He challenges what we think we know about money, success, and charity—and makes a compelling case for why anyone, anywhere, can start a business. This isn’t just a business interview—it’s a masterclass in emotional resilience, reinvention, and the psychology behind purpose-driven work. Whether you're broke, burned out, or just looking for a reason to keep going, Simon’s story will make you believe in possibilities again. Timestamps: (00:00) - The dream spark: How Simon helps people start with nothing (01:30) - The serendipitous
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Can Anyone Be A Coach? - With Jule Kim | Episode 347
17/05/2025 Duration: 01h20minJoin Chris Do and veteran coach Jule Kim in this unfiltered conversation about the realities of coaching, personal growth, and professional responsibility. From ethical boundaries to the complexities of respect, they dive deep into what it really means to help others grow. Timestamps: (0:00) - Intro (1:44) - Can "Anyone" Can Be a Coach?
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Design That Builds Trust (and Sells Without Selling) - With David Fastuca | Episode 346
14/05/2025 Duration: 52minWe 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 In this episode, I sit down with David Fastuca, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Locomote. David shares the raw, behind-the-scenes truth of building, scaling, and exiting a startup without raising external capital. We explore the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, the toll it takes on relationships, and why success without alignment can still feel like failure. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (01:15) - How David started Locomote and scaled without funding (06:32) - The personal cost of building a business (10:55) - Dealing with burnout and founder guilt (13:44) - Navigating identity crises post-exit (18:20) - How his business affected his marriage (22:11) - What true alignment in business and life looks like (25:40) - Stepping back from ego-driven decisions (28:55) - Why purpose matters more than success (33:28) - Wha
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How Montana and Spirit Airlines Won by Being Honest - With Chris Do | Episode 345
10/05/2025 Duration: 10minWe 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 In this episode, I explore the critical issue of brand misalignment—when the public’s perception of your brand doesn’t match your internal vision. Using examples from major companies like Chevy, Jaguar, and Domino’s, I break down how businesses either fail or succeed in bridging that gap. We discuss the power of social listening, the importance of honest brand positioning, and why execution always trumps ideas. From Spirit Airlines embracing its budget identity to Montana’s tourism campaign flipping “nothing here” into a strength, this conversation is all about aligning perception with reality. If you're looking to refine your brand’s message and build stronger trust with your audience, this episode is for you. Timestamps: (00:00) - Why execution beats ideas (00:34) - What happens when branding goes wrong (01:17) - The Chevy Camaro
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Why comfort will ruin your life - With Mark Manson | Episode 344
07/05/2025 Duration: 53minWe 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 In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, to talk about suffering, creativity, and what it really takes to find meaningful work. We dive into the paradox of avoiding pain, why some struggles are worth it, and how Mark discovered that writing—not music—was his true calling. We also geek out on content creation, the power of differentiation, and the business of being a creator. Mark opens up about the mistakes he made, the detours he took, and how he found his way back to what he truly loves. If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, self-doubt, or figuring out your path, this conversation is packed with insights that just might change the way you think about success. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (00:45) - The paradox of suffering (02:05) - Finding meanin
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You’re Selling Wrong (Fix This Fast) - With Victoria Dior Wang | Episode 343
30/04/2025 Duration: 55minWe want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/TTdgZ9R6HykpPaEh6 Chris Do is coming to Singapore!
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Winning Requires More Than Just Mindset - With Tom Bilyeu (Part 2) | Episode 342
23/04/2025 Duration: 01h03minWe want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/TTdgZ9R6HykpPaEh6 Welcome to part two of my conversation with Tom Bilyeu! If you haven’t heard part one yet, go check it out—we covered the realities of making millions, the impact on relationships, and why money doesn’t change who you are at your core. In this episode, we dive deeper into why so many talented people never succeed. Tom breaks down the mindset traps that keep people stuck and the hard truth about what it actually takes to win in business. We debate the role of impact, money, and personal growth, and Tom shares why he believes mindset alone isn’t enough—execution, skill acquisition, and timing matter just as much. He also opens up about his emotional journey trying to change lives at scale and why he’s now focused on shaping the next generation through storytelling and entertainment. If you're looking for real, unfiltered insights on success, this is a must-liste
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How I Raised My Kids for Success - With Chris Do | Episode 341
19/04/2025 Duration: 01h03minIn this episode, I share my personal philosophy on parenting and how I raised my two sons to be independent, creative, and entrepreneurial. I reflect on my upbringing as a first-generation immigrant, the parenting styles I observed, and how I deliberately avoided helicopter parenting to foster self-sufficiency in my children. I discuss the importance of setting firm boundaries while allowing freedom, why letting kids fail is crucial to their development, and how I instilled values of respect, decision-making, and responsibility. I also explore the long-term impact of parenting styles, how wealth and privilege affect children's behavior, and the consequences of overprotective parenting. If you're a parent, thinking about becoming one, or reflecting on your own upbringing, this episode offers valuable insights into raising resilient and capable kids. Timestamps: (00:00) – Why I’m sharing my parenting philosophy & my sons’ success stories (02:51) – The difference between helicopter parenting and my laissez-faire
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The Truth About Billion-Dollar Success - With Tom Bilyeu (Part 1) | Episode 340
16/04/2025 Duration: 40minIn this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and impact-driven business leader Tom Bilyeu to discuss the journey from startup to billion-dollar exit and the deeper personal costs of ambition. Tom opens up about the moment he saw life-changing wealth hit his bank account, only to realize that money doesn’t solve internal struggles. We dive into his relationship with his wife, Lisa, and how they navigate the balance between high-performance entrepreneurship and maintaining a strong marriage. Tom shares how he defines success, why skill acquisition is the key to freedom, and how he maintains his relentless drive while keeping his personal life intact. This conversation goes beyond business strategies—it’s about mindset, relationships, and personal growth. If you've ever wondered what happens after financial success or how to maintain a healthy marriage while chasing big dreams, this episode is for you. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (00:22) - Chris Visits Tom’s Studio (01:04) - Billion-Dollar Exit: The Real
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The Truth About Niching Down - With Chris Do | Episode 339
09/04/2025 Duration: 07minIn this episode, I challenge the common belief that you need to niche down to succeed. Many creatives look at artists like Post Malone, who seamlessly transitions across genres, and assume they can do the same. But the reality is, these people mastered one thing before expanding. I discuss why copying someone’s success without understanding their journey is a mistake and why intentional practice and depth of knowledge are key. We explore the concept of the T-shaped skill set, the risks of diversifying too soon, and how social media growth favors consistency. If you’ve ever struggled with whether to specialize or go broad, this episode is for you. Timestamps: (00:00) - The problem with copying success (00:39) - Post Malone’s career evolution (02:12) - Why success leaves clues (03:35) - Finding your starting point (04:17) - The power of deep expertise (05:00) - Social media and consistency (06:15) - The restaurant analogy for niching (07:01) - Outro and call to action Check out The Futur: Website: https://www.t
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Build, Test, Scale, Repeat - With Hamlet Azarian | Episode 338
05/04/2025 Duration: 56minIn this episode, I’m joined by Hamlet Azarian, a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in scaling early-stage startups from ideation to success. Hamlet breaks down his data-driven approach to marketing, emphasizing the importance of multivariate testing, customer personas, and psychographics to deeply understand user needs. We discuss actionable strategies, such as rapid testing of ideas through prototypes and landing pages, and leveraging tools like Hotjar and CallRail to optimize customer engagement. Hamlet also highlights the power of focusing on progress over perfection and shares insights from his journey of building an agency with a mission to educate and empower future marketers. Whether you’re a creative professional, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about growth marketing, this episode is packed with insights to help you take your ideas to the next level. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to Hamlet Azarian (01:30) - Early-stage startup dynamics (03:00) - Example: Scaling
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Empathy in Business: Nice or Necessary? - With Maria Ross | Episode 337
02/04/2025 Duration: 01h08minIn this episode, I sit down with Maria Ross, an author, speaker, and empathy advocate, to explore the power of empathy in leadership, branding, and creative work. We unpack the two types of empathy—cognitive and affective—and how understanding them can transform relationships, client interactions, and even pricing strategies. Maria shares insights from her books, The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, addressing misconceptions around empathy in business. We discuss how ego and insecurity can block empathy, the dangers of "empathy hijacking," and the balance between compassion and high performance. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this episode is packed with practical strategies to integrate empathy into your work without burning out. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to Maria Ross (00:33) - Maria’s background in branding and empathy advocacy (01:49) - Why empathy matters for small teams and solopreneurs (02:14) - The business case for empathy in leadership (07:13) - Why cre
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Risk, Failure & Growth: The Truth About Entrepreneurship - With Mike & Kass Lazerow | Episode 336
26/03/2025 Duration: 01h24minIn this episode, I sit down with Mike and Kass Lazerow—serial entrepreneurs, business partners, and husband-and-wife duo—to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and working together as a couple. We dive into their journey from launching Golf.com to selling Buddy Media to Salesforce for $745M. Mike shares his instinctive, visionary approach to business, while Kass offers sharp operational expertise, revealing the balance that has fueled their success. We talk about the myths of entrepreneurship, the importance of embracing failure, and how firing people with kindness can change lives. The conversation takes a candid turn as we explore what it means to navigate business, marriage, and parenting while staying aligned. If you've ever struggled with leadership, scaling a business, or balancing work and relationships, this episode is full of valuable insights and honest reflections. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (05:10) - Mike & Kass’s journey from Golf.com to Buddy Media (11:45) - The big
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Vulnerability Meets Growth Strategies - With Eric Siu | Episode 335
22/03/2025 Duration: 01h04minIn this engaging crossover episode, I join forces with Eric Siu’s Leveling Up podcast for a thought-provoking conversation. Together, we explore the art and strategy behind building personal brands and creating authentic connections in the digital age. We dive into the intricacies of running masterminds, including their pros, cons, and the lessons learned. Eric and I discuss the value of storytelling, self-awareness, and vulnerability in establishing a meaningful online presence. Whether you're considering launching a mastermind, enhancing your personal brand, or looking to deepen your connections with your audience, this episode delivers a mix of actionable advice and honest reflections. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction and episode setup (02:00) - Building authentic personal brands (06:30) - Vulnerability and Storytelling online (11:15) - The power of masterminds (16:50) - Structuring masterminds effectively (21:30) - Balancing personal growth with branding (27:00) - Social media strategies and engagement
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Unlocking Your Storytelling Superpower - With Andrea Sampson | Episode 334
19/03/2025 Duration: 01h07minIn this episode, I sit down with Andrea Sampson, a seasoned strategist turned storytelling coach, to explore the power of storytelling in branding, leadership, and public speaking. Andrea shares her journey from the high-pressure world of advertising to coaching TED speakers and thought leaders. We discuss the essence of compelling storytelling, how personal experiences shape narratives, and how anyone can harness their unique voice to captivate an audience. Andrea also breaks down the psychology behind storytelling, the role of emotional connection, and why differentiation is key in personal branding. Whether you're a creative professional, a speaker, or an entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with insights to help you refine your messaging and make a lasting impact. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (00:39) - Chris Do on storytelling & self-consciousness (01:11) - Andrea’s career shift from advertising to TED coaching (05:17) - What does a strategist do in advertising? (13:11) - Inside an adve
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Leader or Follower? - With Chris Do | Episode 333
12/03/2025 Duration: 08minIn this solo episode, Chris Do examines the dynamics of leadership and followership, exploring how clearly defined roles can create healthier relationships in teams, families, and businesses. Chris shares his perspective on when to lead, when to follow, and why trying to merge the two often results in frustration. Using relatable stories, he explains how leaders can empower others by giving them full autonomy while maintaining respect for the roles people play. This thought-provoking episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate complex relationships with more clarity and empathy. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction to solo episodes (00:38) Misconceptions about leadership and listening (01:17) The balance between leading and following (02:23) The dangers of blurred roles (03:00) The black sheep’s role in families and teams (04:50) Institutional knowledge and preserving history (05:34) Trusting the leader and letting go (06:50) The frustration of mixed instructions (07:22) Summary: Defining and s
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Discovering Creative Freedom - With Matthew Encina | Episode 332
08/03/2025 Duration: 55minIn this episode, I sit down with Matthew Encina for an intimate look at his inspiring transition from Creative Director at renowned design studio Blind to successful YouTube entrepreneur. Following the viral success of his home office redesign video that catalyzed his independent career, Matthew shares the strategic thinking and creative courage behind his pivot. We dive deep into his evolution as a product designer, exploring how he artfully balances aesthetics with practical functionality in everything from workspace design to digital products. You'll hear Matthew's unique insights on maintaining creative momentum while working solo, including his morning fitness routine that fuels his productivity. We also geek out over his passion for custom mechanical keyboards and explore how this hobby influences his design philosophy. Whether you're a creative professional considering the leap to entrepreneurship or simply fascinated by the intersection of design and business, Matthew's candid discussion of risk-ta
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Building a $100M Dollar Media Team - With Caleb Ralston | Episode 331
05/03/2025 Duration: 01h31minIn this episode, I sit down with Caleb Ralston, a creative strategist who’s had an incredible journey in the digital space. From shooting powerlifting videos as a teenager to working alongside Gary Vaynerchuk and later leading the media team for Alex and Leila Hormozi, Caleb has seen it all. We dive into his experiences managing content at scale, what it was really like working behind the scenes with Gary Vee, and how he built and led a powerhouse content team for the Hormozis. Caleb also shares why he decided to step away and start his own venture, offering insights into building a personal brand and the future of content creation. If you want to learn how to grow a media empire, scale a creative team, and transition from creator to leader, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (02:16) - How Sean Cannell & Gary Vee inspired Caleb (06:18) - From church videography to fitness content (12:52) - Working with top bodybuilders & cold-pitching gigs (18:35) - Join
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Break Free from Emotional Patterns - With Melanie Whitney | Episode 330
26/02/2025 Duration: 01h29minIn this episode, I sit down with communication coach and mindfulness expert Melanie Whitney to explore the power of emotional regulation, mindful communication, and overcoming core wounds. Melanie shares her personal journey, from struggling to find direction after graduate school to discovering her passion for helping others build healthier relationships with themselves and others. We dive into practical strategies for self-awareness, recognizing emotional patterns, and understanding how past experiences shape our present reactions. We also break down her P.E.A.C.E. framework — a tool to help individuals identify and heal from core wounds like unworthiness, rejection, and grief. This conversation is packed with insights on how to show up authentically, communicate with intention, and lead a more empowered life. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (02:45) - Melanie’s backstory and education journey (08:30) - Emotional regulation and communication (16:00) - Patterns and ego in communication (23:00) - Emotions