Giant Thinkers Podcast

It’s a pleasure to have your company on episode #43! Our guest is the founder of NOSHU – Australia’s first food brand to be truly sugar free. Time Out Sydney included her as one of the top Forty Under 40.

The International Anti-Additive Awards recently recognised her company NOSHU as one of the Asia Pacific winners for the 2016 Best of the year award.

The judging panel included Michelin Star Chefs, Nutritionists, Dieticians, Professors and Food Editors. Criteria involved presentation, taste, production and cooking process.

• Advice when struggling to decide to stop pursuing something or to keep going

Rachel's LinkedIn: click here

Rachel's Twitter: @RachelBajada

Rachel's Instagram: @MadameRach

NOSHU's Twitter: @NoshuFoods

NOSHU's Instagram: @NoshuFoods

NOSHU website: Noshu.com.au

Are you a designer or creative struggling to navigate your way?

If you haven’t already, I invite you to sign up for the mailing list, where you get occasional emails from me on new episodes, articles and events.

But if email isn’t your thing, add me on Instagram or snapchat, my handle is @TheGiantThinker -- it’s the fastest way to reach me and see my day-to-day activities.

It’s a pleasure to have your company on episode #42! Our guest is a formally trained designer who previously worked at IDEO and with startups including Mailbox, Medium, and Uber – then a few years ago she made a brave pivot and transitioned into spending more time painting, writing and creating. She is the author of a book many of you may have or heard of, titled; 'The Crossroads of Should and Must'. 

• The job vs the career vs the calling


LinkedIn: click here

Twitter: @ElleLuna

Instagram: @ElleLuna

Personal website: ElleLuna.com

The Bulan Project: click here

Elle's book: The Crossroads of Should and Must

Are you a designer or creative struggling to navigate your way?

If you haven’t already, I invite you to sign up for the mailing list, where you get occasional emails from me on new episodes, articles and events.

But if email isn’t your thing, add me on Instagram or snapchat, my handle is @TheGiantThinker -- it’s the fastest way to reach me and see my day-to-day activities.

Welcome to episode #41! Our guest today is a graduate of RISD and has flourished into many amazing things. A few titles under her humble belt include her being the former Creative Director of The White House, currently Design Exponent at Automattic – side note here: Automattic are the people behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Simplenote, Longreads, VaultPress, Gravatar, and many more online, open source publishing tools. Our guest is also an Editorial Board Member for Design Observer, National Board Member for AIGA and an International Speaker. 

Some of the topics we spoke about include:

• The responsibilities behind the role when CD at the White House

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/AshleighAxios

Twitter: @AshleighAxios

Instagram: @AshleighAxios

Automattic website: automattic.com

Personal website: ashleighaxios.com

Subscribe to The Giant Thinkers Podcast on iTunes.

Are you a designer or creative struggling to navigate your way?

If you haven’t already, I invite you to sign up for the mailing list, where you get occasional emails from me on new episodes, articles and events.

But if email isn’t your thing, add me on Instagram or snapchat, my handle is @TheGiantThinker -- it’s the fastest way to reach me and see my day-to-day activities.

Welcome to episode #40! Our guest today is truly a Graphic Design legend. An icon of the industry. He’s had a 45-year stint at Herman Miller, and was in fact hired as their first ever Graphic Designer in 1970, working his way up to Creative Director and now still with them as an advisor. His work is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and is also an AIGA Medalist.

This interview was recorded in person at Grand Rapids, West Michigan in December last year. Take note, there were a few photographs sent to me by today’s guest which complement a particular segment of the interview – it’s a rare Herman Miller artefact. So be sure to take a look at it on this episodes blog post at GiantThinkers.com.

Some of the topics we spoke about include:

• The two types of internal politics

AIGA 2010 Medalist article: www.aiga.org/medalist-stevefrykholm

Subscribe to The Giant Thinkers Podcast on iTunes.

Struggling to decide which email marketing platform to use?

Are you a freelancer, work full-time and have a side hustle, or run a large company? MailerLite are the best when it comes to affordable email marketing software. They currently have 200,000+ customers in over 72 countries, including BMW, GoPro, FWA, Typeform and IKEA. A testament to their world-class platform.

MailerLite offer a free plan for up to 1000 subscribers – with no expiry date. You can use all the features, including drag and drop, autoresponders, landing pages, tracking and the mobile app.

Click here to start.

Welcome to episode #39! As the first episode of 2017 it’s only fitting that I wish you all a very happy new year, and that we kick off the show with a jaw-dropping guest. She is an icon and a pioneer in the design, education and podcasting world.

Named “one of the most influential designers working today” by Graphic Design USA, our guest is also an author of six books, a brand strategist – formerly the President of the design division at Sterling Brands for 20 years, and host of the podcast Design Matters; the first and longest running podcast about design. She has interviewed nearly 300 design luminaries and cultural commentators.

And when you thought it couldn’t get any more juicy, she is also the Chair and Co-founder of the Masters Program in Branding at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Speaking of, this was recorded in NYC in November last year and am excited to finally let this one out of the bag.

Some of the topics we spoke about include:

• How to deal with challenges and heartbreak on our career path

Twitter: @DebbieMillman

Struggling to decide which email marketing platform to use?

Are you a freelancer, work full-time and have a side hustle, or run a large company? MailerLite are the best when it comes to affordable email marketing software. They currently have 200,000+ customers in over 72 countries, including BMW, GoPro, FWA, Typeform and IKEA. A testament to their world-class platform.

MailerLite offer a free plan for up to 1000 subscribers – with no expiry date. You can use all the features, including drag and drop, autoresponders, landing pages, tracking and the mobile app.

Click here to start.

Giants, welcome to episode #38! I’m officially back home in Sydney, Australia, after a whirlwind 2-month USA tour as part of launching my second book; how to get a mentor as a designer. I couldn’t of done it without the AIGA chapters that hosted me and of course all of you that participated. In short, I visited 15 cities, delivered 20 talks and met over 1500 attendees. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it was truly an honor – do checkout my instagram for all the pictures of that journey, my handle is @TheGiantThinker.

Today’s guest is the Chief Creative Officer of VaynerMedia – an advertising, social-media led marketing and communications agency founded by Gary Vaynerchuk with over 800 employees and counting. We know a lot about Gary, but to hear from the CCO of VaynerMedia is a rare gem, so rare in fact that this guest has never been interviewed on any podcast, ever. I’m truly grateful to be the first and I know you’re going to find this both informative and entertaining.

Some of the topics we spoke about include:

• Advice on how to generate better ideas faster

I present to you, the man leading VaynerMedia’s creative team of titanic proportions … Steve Babcock!

More on Steve can be found via the links below:

Twitter: @stevehappens

Are you building your mailing list?

Are you a freelancer, work full-time and have a side hustle, or run a large company? MailerLite are the best when it comes to affordable email marketing software. They currently have 200,000+ customers in over 72 countries, including BMW, GoPro, FWA, Typeform and IKEA. A testament to their world-class platform.

MailerLite offer a free plan for up to 1000 subscribers – with no expiry date. You can use all the features, including drag and drop, autoresponders, landing pages, tracking and the mobile app.

Click here to start.

Hey Giants welcome to episode number 37 – I’m recording this from my hotel room in Manhattan, NYC as I’m two-thirds through USA speaking tour. The podcast lives on – no excuses. I still have around 8 events to go across South Carolina, Kansas, West Michigan and Seattle. All part of launching my second book; How to get a mentor as a designer, guaranteed.

If you’re struggling to find a mentor, this book was written for you – you can grab it at GettingaMentor.com – it’s available in paperback, ebook and audiobook versions.

Another quick announcement, if you’re a Snapchat or Instagram stories user, I’m doing my best to document my day to day journey on those platforms, so if you’d like a sneak peek into my travels, you can add me on my handle: TheGiantThinker.

Now, to introduce today’s guest, she is the Executive Director of AIGA – the American professional association for design. She is known for her passion and ability to bring big ideas to big audiences, through her hybrid capabilities as an experience designer, educator and practicing innovator. But as you’ll hear in this interview, she encompasses all those things and more.

Some of the topics we spoke about include:

• Advice to those struggling to find meaning and fulfilment in their design career

I present to you … the multi-faceted, warm-hearted, Julie Anixter!

More on Julie can be found via the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janixter

Do you want to cut the guess work, see the blind spots and succeed faster?

I invite you take a look at my latest book 'How to get a mentor as a designer, guaranteed' – you can even get the first 50 pages as a PDF and in audio format for free if you want to know more about it first before purchasing. Click here to check it out!

G’day Giants you are listening to episode number 36 – as I’m recording this I’m about one-third through my 2-month USA speaking tour. So far have covered Las Vegas, LA, San Fran, Jacksonville, Orlando and even a side trip to Mexico. I still have New York, South Carolina, Kansas, West Michigan and Seattle to visit. All part of launching my second book; How to get a mentor as a designer, guaranteed. The full list of my tour can be seen on GettingaMentor.com click the events page and if I’m my visiting your city or am nearby – please come along, I’d really love to see you there.

I’m also doing my best to document my day to day journey via Snapchat and Instagram stories, so if you’d like a sneak peek into my travels, you can add me on my handle: @TheGiantThinker

Now, to introduce today’s guest, he is the Managing Director of Landor, Australia. He’s had over 20 years experience in marketing, branding, and communications. He started his career in advertising with Clemenger BBDO, then McCann-Erickson where his clients included Unilever, Nestle, and Bacardi. He’s also held leadership positions at Blue Marlin and Interbrand.

Some of the topics we spoke about include:

• Advice on becoming a great leader

I present to you … the highly proficient and modest, Dominic Walsh!

More on Dominic can be found via the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-walsh-aa06354

Subscribe to The Giant Thinkers Podcast on iTunes.

Do you hate having that awkward conversation with your clients about pending payments they need to make?

I highly recommend you checkout Freshbooks. The #1 cloud-based, invoicing software for small businesses. Especially if you’re a freelancer. 5 million people already use FreshBooks to painlessly send invoices & estimates, track time and capture expense receipts. Thankfully, they automates late payment email reminders too, so you can spend less time chasing payments and more time working your magic.

Tina Roth-Eisenberg, Founder of Creative mornings, aka swiss-miss, said “it saves me a huge amount of time.” Forbes said it is “Incredibly user friendly”.

FreshBooks is offering a month of unrestricted use to all Giant Thinkers listeners, totally free right now.

To claim your free month, go to FreshBooks.com/Giant and enter Giant Thinkers in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section.

Hey Giants welcome to episode number 35 – as I’m recording and releasing this, I’m actually in California – well and truly settled into my 2-month USA speaking tour with a side trip to Mexico as well. But for the most part, I’ll be speaking in various cities from the West coast to the East and many places in between. All part of launching my second book; How to get a mentor as a designer, guaranteed. The full list of my tour can be seen on GettingaMentor.com click the events page and if I’m my visiting your city or am nearby – please come along, I’d really love to see you there. 

Now for those of you that were at the Annual AIGA Conference hosted at The Mirage in Las Vegas, congratulations for attending, investing your time and making the event such a huge success. It was my first time at an AIGA conference and I’m sure you can all agree that it was buzzing with energy and inspiration. And for those that attended my 3-hr workshop, titled Win The Job You Want – thank you for your curiosity and engagement, it will be an event I will always remember.

Alrighty, let’s get this episode underway… our guest is the Chief Creative Officer at Squarespace, and has been there for almost 4 years. Prior to that he’s held Creative Director leadership positions at TBWA, Wieden + Kennedy and AKQA. If I read his long list of accolades and awards, we’d be here for hours, but his recognition spans broad and deep -- from Cannes, to One Show, D&AD and Webby.

What I’m sure you’ll all appreciate is that his passion lies in telling compelling stories at the intersection of product, design and marketing. He’s masterminded two Super Bowl commercials, led the successful launches of Squarespace Logo and Squarespace 7, and worked with clients including Nike, Nokia, Microsoft and Xbox.

Some of the topics we spoke about include:

• How to standout when showing your portfolio

I present to you … the super enlightening and honest, David Lee!

More on David can be found via the links below:

Website: https://dmklee.com

Subscribe to The Giant Thinkers Podcast on iTunes.

Do you hate having that awkward conversation with your clients about pending payments they need to make?

I highly recommend you checkout Freshbooks. The #1 cloud-based, invoicing software for small businesses. Especially if you’re a freelancer. 5 million people already use FreshBooks to painlessly send invoices & estimates, track time and capture expense receipts. Thankfully, they automates late payment email reminders too, so you can spend less time chasing payments and more time working your magic.

Tina Roth-Eisenberg, Founder of Creative mornings, aka swiss-miss, said “it saves me a huge amount of time.” Forbes said it is “Incredibly user friendly”.

FreshBooks is offering a month of unrestricted use to all Giant Thinkers listeners, totally free right now.

To claim your free month, go to FreshBooks.com/Giant and enter Giant Thinkers in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section.

Episode #34 is now up! I interviewed an award-winning, highly-acclaimed photographer who has been a big part of the photography world for over 20 years. A renowned Vogue cover photographer (amongst many other magazine) and the main photographer for Victoria’s Secret, he has worked with the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Bill Clinton, Halle Berry, Rihanna, Tyra Banks, Giselle Bündchen, Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, and more!

Some of the topics we spoke about include:

• How he stayed in-front and relevant as an originally film-based photographer when the digital age exploded

More on Russell can be found via the links below:

Website: http://russelljames.com

Subscribe to The Giant Thinkers Podcast on iTunes.

Do you hate having that awkward conversation with your clients about pending payments they need to make?

I highly recommend you checkout Freshbooks. The #1 cloud-based, invoicing software for small businesses. Especially if you’re a freelancer. 5 million people already use FreshBooks to painlessly send invoices & estimates, track time and capture expense receipts. Thankfully, they automates late payment email reminders too, so you can spend less time chasing payments and more time working your magic.

Tina Roth-Eisenberg, Founder of Creative mornings, aka swiss-miss, said “it saves me a huge amount of time.” Forbes said it is “Incredibly user friendly”.

FreshBooks is offering a month of unrestricted use to all Giant Thinkers listeners, totally free right now.

To claim your free month, go to FreshBooks.com/Giant and enter Giant Thinkers in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section.