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A short bonus episode showcasing a few standout moments from this week's guest interview with Johanna Augustin ~  Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Johanna Augustin is the CEO of Pond Design, one of Stockholm's leading packaging design studios, with over 20 years of experience shaping how we experience everyday products. But her journey to becoming a packaging design innovator began in the most unexpected place: Stockholm School of Economics. This conversation examines what occurs when you dare to follow your creative soul rather than the conventional path. Johanna explains how she left microeconomics and stock markets at 21, found her calling at the crossroads of strategy and creativity, and established a practice that is helping major brands shape the future of sustainable packaging. Johanna reveals how great design emerges at the intersection of data and passion, of business rigour and creative rebellion. This is a masterclass in discovering your place in the world, trusting your instincts rather than spreadsheets, and recognising that small details—the tactile feel of a box, the surprise copy inside a lid—can genuinely brighten someone's day. KEY TAKEAWAYS The creative soul knows: At 21, studying economics, Johanna asked herself "is this life?" and trusted that feeling enough to pivot toward creativity, even without knowing exactly where it would leadPassion beats data: When choosing between someone who says "this is best because I say so" versus someone with all the data, Johanna chooses passion and confidence every time—that's where true innovation livesThe intersection is your superpower: Johanna found her space at the crossroads of strategy, growth, and creativity—not being a designer herself became her unique advantage in leading design teamsGeneration Alpha changes everything: Young people doing unboxing rituals, reading romantic copy on packaging, caring deeply about sustainability—they're not just consumers, they're co-creators of the futureSustainability requires proactivity: The worst scenario is reactive compliance with regulations that creates solutions everyone hates; brands need to dare to be proactive and push boundaries before they're forced toThe loop must close: Creating sustainable packaging isn't just about production—it's about understanding the entire journey from source to bin and back again, with equal complexity on both endsSmall details create joy: Packaging isn't shallow—it's about making someone's breakfast happier, adding surprise and delight to everyday moments, creating tactile experiences that matterAI amplifies creativity: Rather than being threatened by AI, embrace it as a tool for execution; like Adobe revolutionised design before, AI enables more creativity, more experimentation, more boundary-pushingCategories can bloom: When micro-breweries challenged traditional beer design language, the entire category blossomed; the same revolution is happening in beauty, spirits, and food—design innovation drives product innovation Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

A short bonus episode showcasing a few standout moments from this week's guest interview with David Newman ~  Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Sales expert and author David Newman reveals how to transform your business through market eminence – the art of becoming so distinctively positioned that hiring anyone else becomes risky, dangerous, and dumb. Drawing from his journey of making every mistake possible in his early years to building a thriving consultancy, David shares why being a better person matters more than being a better salesperson, how treating prospects like clients changes everything, and why the conventional wisdom of casting wide nets actually keeps you stuck in mediocrity. David introduces the concept of building an electromagnetic fence around your business that pulls in ideal clients while repelling nightmare prospects, explains why how-to content is dead in the age of AI, and outlines the three types of human-centered content that actually matter: teaching people how to think strategically, revealing harsh truths your industry won't acknowledge, and helping clients prepare for what's coming next.  He challenges creatives and consultants to stop apologizing for their perspectives, embrace being polarizing and contrarian, and recognize that wasting zero time trying to please everyone is the fastest path to meaningful success and impact. Key Takeaways The secret to sales success isn't becoming a better salesperson – it's becoming a better person who listens with empathy, kindness, and genuine curiosity about prospects' real problemsTreat prospects like clients before they're hired by delivering the same care, attention, and strategic thinking in initial conversations that you'd provide in your first post-contract meetingMarket eminence combines three elements: visibility (being seen), credibility (being trusted for getting people on a deep level), and brand preference (making alternatives feel risky)AI has killed how-to content forever – focus instead on three human advantages: teaching how to think strategically, revealing what to believe and not believe, and future-casting what's coming nextBeing contrarian isn't a marketing gimmick – it's uncovering beliefs you already hold, harsh truths clients desperately need acknowledged, and strong viewpoints that resonate with ideal clients while making competitors uncomfortableBuild an electromagnetic fence around your business that attracts best-fit prospects, talent, and partners while actively repelling nightmare clients, bad hires, and misaligned relationshipsStop wasting time trying to be everything to everyone doing mediocre work for mediocre fees – jump immediately into the deep end of distinctive positioning and authentic differentiationPolarization is productive when it turns the wrong people off and the right people on – embrace making some people uncomfortable because they're not your people anywayThe three contrarian questions: What conventional wisdom do you secretly think is wrong? What harsh industry truth needs acknowledging? What strong viewpoint do you hold that competitors fear? Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

A short bonus episode showcasing a few stand out moments from this week's guest interview with Jessie McGuire ~  Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Jessie McGuire is a designer, educator, and managing partner at Thought Matter, a design studio exploring civic imagination and creative participation. In this powerful conversation, Jessie shares her journey from being adopted from El Salvador to becoming a voice for designers who don't fit traditional molds. She discusses teaching entrepreneurship at Pratt Institute, where she transforms creative students into confident public speakers who can talk about money and value.  Jessie reveals how Thought Matter redesigned the US Constitution to make democracy more accessible, and why she believes designers must use their seat at the table to design the world they want to live in—not just the next unicorn startup.  This is a conversation about belonging, asking better questions, getting off the benches, and building creative economies that generate more for communities rather than extracting from them. KEY TAKEAWAYS Designer as a title you grow into – It took Jessie into her forties to confidently introduce herself as a designer, realizing it's about designing conditions for creativity, not just moving pixelsThe rice and beans moment – Sometimes our assumptions about identity prevent us from truly understanding who someone is; we must ask questions and wait to hear the answersTeaching is public speaking about money – Jessie's entrepreneurship class at Pratt focuses on getting creative students comfortable discussing funding, salary, and value without whisperingCivic imagination over commercialization – After working on mass consumer brands, Jessie found her purpose in helping people participate in the world around them through designRedesigning democracy – Thought Matter's US Constitution redesign project showed how design can make civic participation more accessible by simply improving typography and presentationGet off the benches – If you haven't seen yourself in the mainstream narrative, you must step up and change it—fear cannot override the opportunity to create changeCommunity over scale – We don't need more Amazon-sized businesses; we need creative practices that care for communities, support families, and deliver intrinsic valueDesigners have the power now – Design has moved beyond asking for a seat at the table; designers have literally designed the world we live inCreative economies beyond extraction – The future requires moving from extractive business models to generative ones that create more for more peopleUse your hot takes locally – Instead of rage-baiting on LinkedIn about logos, take that creative energy and redesign something in your community that actually helps people Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

A short bonus episode showcasing a few stand out moments from this week's guest interview with Robert Hodgin ~  Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Robert Hodgin is an artist and head of research and development at Rare Volume, a design and tech company specialising in large-scale installations that blend technology with artistry.  His journey began at a science and math boarding school in North Carolina, where he quickly realized his heart belonged to art rather than physics. After attending RISD, Robert discovered a unique space where his dual interests could coexist by visualizing data in artistic ways. His work combines cutting-edge technology with human-scale aesthetics, creating immersive experiences for venues.  Robert shares candid insights about the challenges of client work, the importance of staying true to creative vision, and why following the flock of birds sometimes requires more courage than jumping out of a plane. He reminds us that even at the highest levels of creative practice, the struggle for artistic integrity remains universal Key takeaways Find your intersection: Robert thrives at the crossroads of art and science, proving that seemingly opposite interests can create unique opportunities for innovation and creative expressionQuestion traditional paths: Despite parental expectations and aptitude in science and math, Robert chose art, demonstrating that conventional career paths aren't always the right answerHuman-scale technology: When working with cutting-edge tech, Robert prioritizes creating experiences that feel human and accessible rather than overwhelming or intimidatingData can be beautiful: There's tremendous opportunity to present data in art-forward ways rather than just functional graphs, opening new creative territories for visual storytellingCreative integrity is challenging: Even successful artists working on prestigious projects face clients who say they want artistic freedom but ultimately impose their own visionVulnerability creates connection: Speaking authentically about failures, fears, and challenges resonates more deeply with audiences than polished perfection ever couldNot every project is a win: Robert acknowledges that some client projects get "butchered" and you have to accept that sometimes you take the money and move onEmbrace failure as learning: Dropping out of astrophysics twice became part of Robert's story rather than a source of shame, showing how setbacks shape our eventual pathScale matters: Robert's most satisfying projects like the Samsung three-story video wall and Barcelona installation demonstrate how working at impressive scales can amplify creative impactStay curious about tools: Robert's approach to technology is playful exploration, testing what feels human about new tools rather than chasing trends for their own sake Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

A short bonus episode showcasing a few stand out moments from this week's guest interview with Kyle Wilkison ~  Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Kyle Wilkinson shares the extraordinary story of creating Haus of Thrills' first major popup exhibition, The Clinic, in just 90 days, building his own creative universe under extreme time and financial pressure with no client brief and no guaranteed outcome. He reveals the reality of watching his budget double, choosing 24-carat gold over fake materials, and creating an alternative to traditional gallery spaces where dopamine-fueled social commentary meets immersive experience.  Kyle's insights on the beauty of naivety, the privilege of pressure, and why knowing too much can be creativity's greatest enemy offer a masterclass in building momentum through action rather than perfection. Key Takeaways Create urgency for yourself — The industry is full of ideas that never happen because there's no deadline. Setting constraints forces execution and prevents endless postponement.Sit in the unknown to grow — Like a plant in a crowded rainforest, you must be willing to exist in dark, uncomfortable spaces before breaking through to the light above.Choose your own problems — When you select your own constraints and challenges, you halve the stress because you're dealing with problems you've chosen rather than ones imposed on you.The beauty of naivety protects creation — Like Noel Gallagher writing "Don't Look Back in Anger," not knowing the enormity of what you're creating allows you to just do it without crushing pressure.Budget realism hits differently with your own money — Understanding what it's like when clients spend their money creates empathy, especially when materials like 24-carat gold cost significantly more than anticipated.Do it right or don't do it at all — The world doesn't need more mediocre work. If you're going to create something, commit to making it the best it can possibly be.Play at the level you want to reach — Using framers who work with Julian Opie and Bella Freud from day one means you're already operating at the standard you aspire to achieve.Pressure is a privilege — Being in a position where you can create a show in London under your own steam, doing exactly what you want, is an incredible situation despite the stress.If you know the answer at the start, you're doing it wrong — True creativity means not knowing the outcome. If you do, you're just replicating rather than creating something new.Create for yourself first, then apply strategy — You've got to want to pick up the guitar for yourself and sing the song before thinking about the broader audience or business implications.Build emotional resilience through pressure — The growth that comes from surviving extreme creative challenges prepares you for future projects with greater confidence and capability. Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

A short bonus episode showcasing a few stand out moments from this week's guest interview with Rachel Gogel ~  Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Rachel Gogel, an independent design executive and "devoted generalist," shares her journey from GQ and Facebook to creating her own fractional leadership consultancy. Operating at the intersection of brand, culture, and technology, she works with organizations like Airbnb and Intuit while teaching at California College of the Arts. Her career philosophy centers on designing your own path without permission—starting when she unexpectedly became a people manager at GQ in her early twenties.  Rachel redefines success as a harmonious blend of consulting, mentoring, teaching, speaking, and advocacy—deliberately remaining small while creating meaningful impact. Drawing on experiences with chronic health conditions and loss, she advocates for conscious time design and questions the "FIRE" mentality, reminding us that time itself is a luxury we shouldn't take for granted. Key Takeaways Generalists belong in the creative landscape — The ability to adapt, work across mediums, and jump between projects at various altitudes represents uniquely human capabilities that AI cannot replicateConviction matters more than specialization — In rapidly changing creative industries, having strong principles and adaptability is more valuable than being pigeonholed into a single discipline or titleEmbrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth — The messiest moments and most uncomfortable situations often become the foundation for the greatest career breakthroughs and learning experiencesRelationships are your greatest asset — Every major opportunity comes through genuine connections built on generosity, empathy, and helping others succeed without expecting immediate returnsDesign your career without waiting for permission — You don't need validation from institutions or traditional career paths; you can package your unique skills and create your own professional identitySuccess doesn't require scaling up — Growth doesn't always mean expansion; you can be a successful solopreneur by remaining intentionally small and defining success on your own termsPractice conscious time design — Regularly audit where your time and energy go; ensure you're investing in work that aligns with your values, impact goals, and desired lifestyleRemember that time is a luxury — Don't defer meaningful work or authentic living to some distant future; be present and intentional with how you spend your finite time on this planetMoney and meaning don't have to be mutually exclusive — Challenge the false dichotomy between financial stability and creating meaningful work; both are possible with intentional career designShare knowledge and lift others up — Transparency about money, opportunities, and career paths creates community strength and often returns to benefit you in unexpected ways Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

A short bonus episode showcasing a few stand out moments from this week's guest interview with Russ Mashmeyer Meta AI) ~  Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

Russ Mashmeyer's journey from fine art student to Meta's AI Product Design Director reveals the unexpected connections between creativity and code. Growing up in suburban Georgia where "everything was new," Russ found himself drawn to New York's layers of history, studying fine art at NYU before joining a touring indie band called The XYZ Affair. What began as building Flash websites for his band evolved into a career defining how we interact with technology.~  Now leading Meta's Pathfinding team, he explores rapid prototyping of AI-powered products, helping designers and creators understand AI not as a replacement for human creativity but as an accelerant for bridging skill gaps. Russ brings a unique perspective to AI development, viewing it through the lens of cultural history—from photography's disruption of fine art to desktop publishing's transformation of graphic design. He argues that AI models deliver "mediocre, average expected results" by design, making human taste, perspective, and cultural awareness more essential than ever.  Key Takeaways Software as artistic medium requires the same creative intuition as traditional fine art, just expressed through different tools and faster feedback loopsThe best preparation for emerging fields is developing insatiable curiosity about how things work rather than mastering specific technical skillsCultural and historical context matters more than ever in AI development—understanding what resonated with people before helps predict what will matter nextAI models are designed to produce average results, making human taste, lived perspective, and cultural relevance the differentiating factors in creative work"Naïve optimism"—the mindset of "how hard could it be?"—is essential for innovation, especially in spaces where no one is an expert yetChildren benefit enormously from watching adults play, fail with smiles, and create together, normalizing creativity as a lifelong practiceEvery major technological shift creates cultural upheaval, but society consistently figures out how to metabolize new tools and elevate them to art formsThe most powerful use of AI raises the floor of competence in areas where you have skill gaps while you remain exceptional in your core strengthsTreating your first band like a startup teaches essential lessons about entrepreneurialism, feedback loops, and creating products people loveNew technology succeeds when it serves human intent rather than replacing human creativity, becoming a tool that unlocks what people inherently want to doBuilding in public fields where no one is an expert yet levels the playing field—depth of historical knowledge matters more than technical seniorityThe transition from planning perfect UIs in Figma to sculpting functional prototypes with AI represents a fundamental shift from drawing to three-dimensional creationEmergent capabilities in AI models—features that weren't explicitly designed—mirror how creative misuse of instruments led to entirely new musical genres Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

A short bonus episode showcasing a few stand out moments from this week's guest interview with Lauren Hartstone of Sibling Rivalry ~  Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinic daringcreativity.com | [email protected] Books by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook Book bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.uk Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off) November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)