#037 - AMA: Embracing Identities Working Across Cultures and Borders

Copying is a great way to study what makes an impactful website, poster, or even a social media post, according to Stefan Sagmeister.Rei welcomes back graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister to explore the importance of beauty in form and design. Reflecting on his career, Stefan shares how his collaboration with Jessica Walsh transformed his perception of design aesthetics, the impact of Apple's design philosophy, and his innovative sabbatical approach and its role in maintaining his creative passion. With insights on embracing change, valuing aesthetics, and intentionally designing one's life, this episode offers profound wisdom for aspiring designers and creative professionals.Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award.Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers.His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history. A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York.Timestamps:0:03 The Evolution of Aesthetic Importance in Design4:25 Apple's Unwavering Commitment to Design and Aesthetics9:03 Stefan Sagmeister on Long-Term Projects and Creative Sabbaticals16:54 The Importance of Form and Copying in Design Learning20:20 The Dual Nature of Online Interactions and Empathy22:57 Stefan Sagmeister on Design, Beauty, and Evolving Perspectives25:12 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:Stefan Sagmeister | Online PortfolioStefan Sagmeister | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does long-term thinking influence creativity?Rei sits down with renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister to explore how the interpretation of data through art can shift public consciousness towards optimism. The episode places particular emphasis on Stephan’s exhibition “Now is Better,” which centers around the idea of long-term thinking of humanity’s progression. The conversation dives into Stephan’s underlying philosophies throughout his design process, belief in “low-function design”, and thoughts on balancing beauty and functionality.Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award.Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers.His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history. A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York.Timestamps:0:03 Exploring Long-Term Thinking in Design and Art5:10 The Long-Term Perspective on Global Democracy and Progress8:40 Transforming Antique Art with Modern Data Representations15:56 The Intersection of Art, Design, and Commercial Viability19:43 Exploring Communication Design Beyond Commercial Boundaries20:48 The Intersection of Design and Art in Austrian Culture22:16 Blurring the Lines Between Design and Art26:11 The Allure of Low Functioning Design in Modern Life30:41 The Joy of Low Functionality in Everyday Activities34:43 The Sliding Scale Between Art and Design36:20 The Interplay of Beauty, Function, and Form in Design41:29 The Intersection of Design, Art, and Functionality46:11 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:Stefan Sagmeister | Online PortfolioStefan Sagmeister | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why a point of view (POV) will be more important than AI. Written and read by Rei Inamoto himself.The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter, exploring what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.Episode References:POV > AI | ArticleRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In addition to the in-depth conversations with each guest on our show, we have a lightning round segment where we ask each guest to respond on the spot without seeing the questions in advance. This week, we welcome back Julie Channing, a seasoned marketing leader with an impressive portfolio spanning Levi’s, Google Nest, and Allbirds, to hear her alternative career choices, next travel destinations, favorite food, and much more.A brand builder at heart with a digital backbone, Julie Channing has spent nearly 25 years building and nurturing beloved world-class brands and marketing teams. She spent the first half of her career on the agency side, predominantly working at AKQA where she led client relationships with Gap Inc., McDonald’s and Palm Pilot. Her brand-side experience spans legacy businesses to early stage start-ups across a breadth of industries, including Levi’s, Google Nest and Allbirds – where she was the first hire and responsible for building the brand and marketing organization from the ground up. Today, Julie has her own marketing consultancy and advisory practice, working with consumer-led, purpose-motivated brands looking to scale their business and elevate their team.Episode References:Julie Channing | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What skills are the most important for marketing in today’s environment and beyond?In this week’s episode, we welcome back Julie Channing, a seasoned marketing leader with an impressive portfolio spanning Levi’s, Google Nest, and Allbirds, to explore the essential skills required for today’s marketers. Key topics include the importance of curiosity, balancing art and science, and the necessity of collaboration in marketing. Julie highlights the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and how staying curious can make a significant impact. She also stresses the importance of combining storytelling with data for effective marketing and leveraging teamwork to achieve collective goals.A brand builder at heart with a digital backbone, Julie Channing has spent nearly 25 years building and nurturing beloved world-class brands and marketing teams. She spent the first half of her career on the agency side, predominantly working at AKQA where she led client relationships with Gap Inc., McDonald’s and Palm Pilot. Her brand-side experience spans legacy businesses to early stage start-ups across a breadth of industries, including Levi’s, Google Nest and Allbirds – where she was the first hire and responsible for building the brand and marketing organization from the ground up. Today, Julie has her own marketing consultancy and advisory practice, working with consumer-led, purpose-motivated brands looking to scale their business and elevate their team.Timestamps:0:03 Essential Skills for Modern Marketers: Curiosity, Balance, Collaboration5:31 The Lost Ring: A Revolutionary Marketing Campaign for McDonald's11:55 Resilience, Teamwork, and Mindfulness in Professional and Personal Life16:52 Navigating Career Changes and Personal Fulfillment21:25 Julie Channing's Career Insights and Soccer SkillsEpisode References:Julie Channing | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brand-building at Allbirds began with a clear purpose: “to reverse climate change through better business.”In this week’s episode, we welcome Julie Channing, former CMO and Global VP of Marketing at Allbirds, to explore the fundamental principles behind Allbirds’ exceptional branding success since its launch in 2016. Julie recounts her early days at Allbirds, from joining as the first full-time employee to helping the brand craft a compelling narrative and marking its territory in a competitive landscape dominated by giants like Nike and Adidas. The conversation covers crucial steps in building a brand, including establishing a clear purpose, engaging PR and social media strategies, and staying true to the brand’s core values.A brand builder at heart with a digital backbone, Julie Channing has spent nearly 25 years building and nurturing beloved world-class brands and marketing teams. She spent the first half of her career on the agency side, predominantly working at AKQA where she led client relationships with Gap Inc., McDonald’s and Palm Pilot. Her brand-side experience spans legacy businesses to early stage start-ups across a breadth of industries, including Levi’s, Google Nest and Allbirds – where she was the first hire and responsible for building the brand and marketing organization from the ground up. Today, Julie has her own marketing consultancy and advisory practice, working with consumer-led, purpose-motivated brands looking to scale their business and elevate their team.Timestamps:0:03 Julie Channing's Journey from AKQA to Marketing Leadership3:54 Building Allbirds from Scratch: A Leap of Faith12:56 Allbirds' Mission to Reverse Climate Change Through Better Business17:47 Crafting a Powerful Brand Story for Allbirds22:30 Making Better Things in a Better Way26:26 Early Wins and Strategic Breakthroughs for Allbirds’ Brand30:40 Embracing Authenticity and Experimentation in Social Media Marketing36:51 Consumer Feedback Drives Allbirds' Gender-Neutral Color Strategy38:51 The Importance of Authenticity and Purpose in Brand Communication43:05 Building Brand Loyalty Through Local Community Engagement51:29 City Collaborations and a Major Partnership with Shake Shack53:24 Creative Collaboration Between Shoe and Burger Brands55:19 Building Brands with Purpose and Navigating Social Media Evolution59:41 Building World-Class Brands Through Purpose, Edutainment, and Common EnemiesEpisode References:Julie Channing | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rei answers questions from Alice Kumagami, a graphic designer who recently relocated from London to Tokyo. This AMA segment dives into the challenges and rewards of navigating different cultural and working environments while touching on identity crises, how Alice’s Japanese background influences her design approach, and how she’s adapting to corporate Japan.Alice Kumagami has taken the chance to relocate to Japan to build her career and comes on our show with questions as a graphic designer at On.Episode References:Alice Kumagami | PortfolioAlice Kumagami | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why design apps like Canva don’t make us better designers, as read by AI.The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter, exploring what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.Episode References:Democratization of Design | ArticleRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever struggled to help your clients change? A North Star is crucial for guiding client companies, but it’s meaningless without the underlying trust and supported by tangible practices.For this week’s episode, we welcome back Ana Andjelic, the acclaimed brand executive and author of the popular newsletter “The Sociology of Business.” With extensive experience in transforming and growing brands, Ana offers insights on what it takes to drive meaningful change within established companies and underscores the importance of “dumbly believing” in the possibility of transformation to initiate significant changes. Rei also complements her insights with examples of I&CO’s relationships with clientele leadership.Ana Andjelic is a global brand executive, author of “The Business of Aspiration” and has been recognized two times by Forbes for her CMO work. Ana specializes in building brand-driven modern businesses. She earned her doctorate in sociology and is a widely read columnist, speaker and advisor. Subscribe to her newsletter, The Sociology of Business.Timestamps:0:03 Transforming Legacy Brands Through Creativity and Technology6:34 Bridging Abstract Business Goals with Tangible Creative Solutions15:18 Challenges and Realities of Driving Organizational Change22:03 Lightning Questions26:04 The New Rules of Brand MarketingEpisode References:Ana Andjelic | NewsletterAna Andjelic | InstagramAna Andjelic | LinkedInAna Andjelic | Online PortfolioRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reviving brands requires understanding their origin stories, injecting fresh imagination, and “an orchestrated push”, according to Ana Andjelic.On this week’s episode, we welcome the acclaimed brand executive Ana Andjelic. As the former global chief brand officer of iconic fashion brands such as Banana Republic and Esprit, Ana shares powerful strategies for reviving brands and emphasizes the importance of aligning product propositions with overarching brand concepts. The discussion also delves into the divide between brand and performance marketing and the influence of technology on perception.Ana Andjelic is a global brand executive, author of “The Business of Aspiration” and has been recognized two times by Forbes for her CMO work. Ana specializes in building brand-driven modern businesses. She earned her doctorate in sociology and is a widely read columnist, speaker and advisor. Subscribe to her newsletter, The Sociology of Business.Timestamps:0:03 Reviving Brands with Ana Andjelic1:50 Balancing Productivity Between New York and Miami4:12 Reviving Brand Identity Through Founders' Original Intentions6:46 The Imaginative Origins and Evolution of Banana Republic8:25 Reviving Banana Republic's Brand Through Strategic Decisions9:32 Imagined Worlds and Functional Maximalism in Banana Republic11:23 Balancing Brand Vision and Designer Creativity in Fashion Marketing17:39 Defining New American Sportswear Through Urban and Creative Lenses21:22 The Intersection of Performance Marketing and Brand Marketing28:49 The New Rules of Brand Marketing in a Changing Landscape32:21 The Evolution of Technology and Its Impact on Perception35:07 The Interplay of Technology, Culture, and Society in Innovation45:05 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:Ana Andjelic | NewsletterAna Andjelic | InstagramAna Andjelic | LinkedInAna Andjelic | Online PortfolioRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.