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The podcast episode with Stefan, an entrepreneur with a keen eye for design and innovation, delves into his remarkable journey in the business world. He shares his experiences, from his early ventures in contemporary furniture to his groundbreaking work with POC, a company focused on enhancing safety in gravity sports. Stefan's narrative is about creating successful businesses and infusing them with a deeper purpose and commitment to sustainability.

Key Highlights:

Entrepreneurial Journey: Stefan's entrepreneurial path began in the furniture industry, where he developed a keen interest in contemporary design. He founded several companies, including CNBI Interior and CVI, and worked on significant projects like IKEA PS. His journey reflects a constant evolution towards more meaningful and impactful business ventures.

Founding POC and Cake: Stefan founded POC to save lives in gravity sports, emphasizing the importance of safety and innovation. Later, he ventured into electric mobility with CAKE, focusing on electric motorcycles and showcasing his dedication to innovative, environmentally friendly transportation solutions, even toward zero emission.

Focus on Sustainability and Quality: Throughout the episode, Stefan stresses the importance of sustainability and high-quality products. He criticizes the fast consumption model and advocates for products that last longer and are better for the environment. This philosophy is evident in his approach to both POC and CAKE.

Navigating Business Challenges: Stefan discusses the challenges of balancing innovation with market realities, especially in the context of investor expectations and the need to maintain quality and ethical practices.

Conservation Initiatives: The episode also highlights Stefan's involvement in conservation efforts, such as providing electric motorcycles to rangers in Africa to combat poaching. This project underscores the potential of new technology and clean energy in conservation efforts.

Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive look at Stefan's entrepreneurial career, his approach to business, and his commitment to creating products and ventures that are not only innovative but also sustainable and purpose-driven.

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Chris Bangle, renowned for his transformative work in the automotive design world and former BMW Chief of Design, is an authority in Design. His consultancy, Chris Bangle Associates (CBA), is based in Italy and has been a beacon of innovation.

Now, taking another bold step, Bangle has launched Inanimatti Inc., a production business set to debut its first project at Mipcom.

During his 17-year tenure leading Design for BMW, Bangle was celebrated for reimagining iconic brands such as Mini, Rolls Royce, and BMW designs.
 
His early influences trace back to hands-on experiences, like working in a printing shop, which instilled a tangible sense of creation in him. Educated at ArtCenter, Chris imbibed a rigorous design philosophy, emphasizing meticulous craftsmanship. His passion extends to comics, using them as tools to communicate sustainability in Design.

One of the most poignant examples of his empathetic approach is the Design project RED, which delves into the needs of the car's occupants, which stands over 90% still, and into pregnant women's unique needs and challenges. Such an empathetic approach ensures that products resonate on a deeply personal level with their users. Chris champions design, emphasizing sustainability, empathy, and the importance of collaboration, as seen in the "Deep Blue" project.

However, he's not without concerns, notably about the car design industry's current trajectory. A fun anecdote he shared was the "Great Horse Manure Crisis" of the 1800s, highlighting how innovation can tackle unforeseen challenges.

But Chris's innovation doesn't stop at cars or comics. His company is creating an animation series titled "Arky Arch Adventures," promising to be a delightful experience for kids and adults. This series, infused with the same ethos of empathy and innovation, is touted to be unlike anything we've seen before, marking the debut of Chris Bangle's production company, Inanimatti Inc.

Throughout his career, Chris has consistently advocated for continuous learning and challenging the status quo.

Links:
Linkedin Chris Bangle
www.chrisbangleassociates.com
www.arkyarch.com

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Joe Foster is a British businessman and co-founder of the sportswear company Reebok. Born into a shoemaking family, Foster and his brother Jeff started Reebok in 1958. Under Foster's leadership, Reebok grew from a small running shoe company into a global sportswear brand, known for its innovative designs and marketing strategies. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovation have significantly influenced the sportswear industry.

What did we talk about:
In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with Joe Foster, the co-founder of the sportswear giant, Reebok. Joe shares his journey, starting from his early life in a family that was already immersed in the shoe business, J.W. Foster and Sons, a company credited with the invention of the spiked running shoe.

Despite not being a running enthusiast himself, Joe was deeply involved in the shoe business from a young age. He and his brother Jeff found themselves in the midst of a failing family business, marred by constant feuding between their father and uncle. This led them to make the bold decision to leave and start their own venture, which would eventually become the globally recognized brand, Reebok.

Joe provides insights into the evolution of shoes, from performance-based footwear to versatile designs that could be worn on the street, expanding the market for their products significantly. He also shares an interesting anecdote about basketball player Shaquille O'Neal, who switched to Reebok simply because they offered a shoe in his size (22), which Nike did not.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Joe reflects on the rapid pace of technological change and its impact on business and society. He candidly admits his struggle to fully comprehend concepts like the metaverse and cryptocurrencies, despite understanding what they are.

Joe also shares his experiences during World War II, his time in the scouting movement, and his national service, all of which he believes instilled in him discipline and confidence. Towards the end of the episode, he discusses the challenges of running a company amidst internal conflict, drawing from his experiences with his father and uncle. He leaves us with the important lesson of looking towards the future and adapting to change.

Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into the life of a man who has been at the heart of the sportswear industry and has witnessed its evolution firsthand.

Links: 
- https://www.reebokthefounder.com
- https://www.instagram.com/reebokthefounder
- https://onegoldennugget.com/reebokthefounder

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"Don't be a team of Stars, but a Star Team!" - Dr. Dennis Vogt

Who is Dr. Dennis Vogt

Dr. Dennis Vogt is an esteemed marketing and consumer behavior expert, currently serving as a lecturer at the University of St. Gallen. In addition, he is a Managing Partner at The Transformation Group, where he guides businesses through strategic and organizational transformations. Some of his prestigious clients are brands such as Porsche, MIGROS, BMW, KIND, STIHL, and many others.

Previously, he led the Center for Innovation at the University of St. Gallen, focusing on successfully commercializing innovative products and services. In addition, he completed his doctoral thesis on the perception of innovations at the Institute for Customer Insight at the University of St. Gallen. Dr. Vogt is also the founder of the housekeeping startup Jeffrey.

What we talked about

Introduction: In this episode, host Roberto sits down with Dennis Vogt, to explore the complex aspects of innovation and brand positioning. Dennis shares his business, aeronautical engineering, and psychology expertise, providing valuable insights into creating successful innovations that capture people's attention in a noisy market while maintaining meaningfulness. In addition, they discuss the importance of showcasing unique features and specific benefits to differentiate a brand and effectively communicate its value to customers.

Episode Highlights:

- The importance of balancing novelty and meaningfulness in innovation

- Understanding the need for innovations to be perceived as innovative by customers

- Case study: Dyson's successful differentiation through cyclone technology and effective communication of benefits

- Challenges in the innovation process and the concept of "Emerging Nature Consumers" as valuable contributors

- Involving customers with open minds, visual thinking skills, and high empathy levels in innovation processes

- Prioritizing star teams that work well together and emphasizing the importance of collaboration

- The role of shared values and a clear mission in fostering a thriving company culture

- Skepticism towards generational research and the importance of individualism in understanding the Generation Z

- Being critical of research methodologies and market insights before making decisions

Conclusion: This engaging conversation with Dennis Vogt sheds light on innovation, brand positioning, and decision-making nuances. Listeners will gain valuable insights into balancing novelty and meaningfulness, involving customers effectively, building star teams, and being critical of data and research methodologies. 

Follow Dr. Dennis Vogt:

Website: https://www.drdennisvogt.com
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dennis-vogt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdennisvogt

The Transformation Group: https://the-transformation-group.ch

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Who is Iain Thackrah

Iain Thackrah is a creative mentor to entrepreneurs, with over a decade of experience in the creative industry. As a writer, speaker, and creative generalist, he has worked with a wide range of clients and has a unique perspective on how to succeed in the creative world.

Iain is a jack of all trades but a master of some, with a deep understanding of the creative process and how to turn passions into a thriving career. As a creative specialist, he is dedicated to helping other creatives build successful businesses and careers.

In his role as a mentor, Iain offers guidance and support to those looking to take their creative careers to the next level. He is a strong believer in the importance of continual learning and growth in the creative field.

Follow Iain Thackrah:

Website:https://www.iainthackrah.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-thackrah/

Take his Workshop:
https://www.3point175.com/turning-pro

Join the Community:
https://www.3point175.com

What we talked about

Join us for an excellent episode of our Podcast as we dive into the world of written words, coaching, and building better brands with the wonderful Iain Thackrah, co-founder of 3point175 and renowned coach for creative entrepreneurs. Get inspired and motivated as Iain shares his insights and actionable advice, drawing from his vast experience. First, discover the power of writing with a pencil and Iain's meticulous process using Grammarly and Hemingway. Next, explore the unique experience of writing a conversation on paper and Iain's journey of distilling his thoughts into a book. Finally, don't miss the discussion on the iconic Blackwing pencil and its resurgence in the creative world.
Learn the importance of paying attention to details and selecting the right tools.
Hear about Iain's plans for Errol's book and the upcoming milestones. Next, reflect on parenting challenges and creating a supportive environment for children, especially his girls. Finally, dive into the delicate balance between optimism and realism and be inspired to pursue your dreams. Tune in for this captivating episode filled with wisdom and empowering insights from Iain Thackrah, the coach for creative entrepreneurs and co-founder of 3point175.

Recommendations and tools mentioned in this episode:

• Grammarly: An AI-powered writing assistant.
• Hemingway App: An app that helps make your writing more clear and engaging.
• Blackwing Pencils: High-quality pencils favored by Iain and notable writers.

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 Who is Dorothy Fulop: 

On this show, we are joined by Dorothy Fulop, the founder of Pitchcamp Agency. Dorothy is a Level C Certified Brand Strategist and Brand Specialist, with a passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed. 

Whether it's an investor pitch or a new brand launch, Dorothy is the guide that founders can rely on to navigate the often-difficult terrain of brand development. In her role as the founder of Pitchcamp Agency, Dorothy works with founders to create and build successful brands. 

When she's not working with founders, Dorothy can be found enjoying the great outdoors as a weekday hiker. She is also an avid startup admirer, always on the lookout for the next big thing. In her downtime, Dorothy loves to spend time with friends and family, playing board games and having a good time. 

Follow Dorothy Fulop: 

Website:https://pitchcampagency.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothyfulop
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dorothy_fulop 

What We Discuss with Dorothy Fulop: 

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Who is José Ochoa 

José Ochoa is an award-winning Mexican-American entrepreneur, engineer and business innovation evangelist. He started multi-million-dollar companies in the US and Mexico, including Global Containers & Custom Packaging Inc., a logistics and packaging company, and Reikoku LLC, a consulting company. He has an Engineering degree from Instituto Tecnológico de Chihuahua II, and worked as a Packaging Engineer for Delphi, and as a Global Packaging Engineer for Siemens. He won the Bridge Accelerator, an intensive, highly specialized program sponsored by Microsoft, that selects local suppliers from the border region and ramps up their operations to international business standards. He also won the City of El Paso, Texas’ ‘Exporter of the Year’ award. He is a graduate of the Stanford University Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, a member of its Latino Business Action Network, and a native Spanish and English speaker. He provides growth solutions and guidance for entrepreneurs looking to start a business.
 
 He is also an author and wrote a business book, "GET IN THE RING: AN ENTREPRENEUR'S GUIDE FOR THE F*****G REAL WORLD.
 
“I want to change the entrepreneurial paradigm from going after what you want, to focusing rather on who you need to become to get there.” -José Ochoa. 

Follow José Ochoa: 

Website:
https://consulting.reikoku.com
https://globalcontainers.net/

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

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/joseochoaofficial

Book:
- Get in the Ring

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