Going From Identity Design to Brand Strategy-A Deep Dive w/ Melinda Livsey Ep. 12

What does a brand strategist do? How does someone use words to help unlock someone who is stuck because they are inside the bottle and can't read the label? Chris and fan favorite Melinda Livsey have a deep conversation to uncover her true passion.
03:40 What does a brand strategist do according Melinda? #branding. How is this different than what she used to do?
13:45 What's the temperature of the lead? Are you mistaking a "cold" lead from a "hot" lead?
13:52 - 🔑 - To unlocking a client versus a customer
16:00 Selling is not convincing.
19:00 What is the alternative to hiring more employees to grow?
21:50 Lifestyle business
23:37 - 💎- Lifestyle business VS building big and scale. The exit strategy of scale allows for a multiplier of impact and income.
24:18 What is Melinda real passion?
25:49 - 💍- Following your mission requires monogamy. Put a ring on it.
25:50 The Dan Sullivan Question-
26:50 What is your life's work? What do you really want?
27:30 Self-realization moment. We go beyond the surface.
29:00 #GoMelindaGo
32:15 Is Chris a hypocrite?
33:20 The difference between art and work Seth Godin
33:55 Einstein quote on Imagination is more important than knowledge
36:50 Jen Bilik Knock Knock founder to treat OCD- turned an illness into a business that is thriving
39:40 Summary and check in. "Gettin Stuck" in her routine thinking.
41:30 Strategy demonstrated
43:29 What is your 3 year goal?
#MelindaLivsey #ChrisDo #bizOfDesign #Brand #Branding #Brandstrategy #strategy
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[@elliotxyz7612]

This channel scares me, it's incredibly accurate to the questions I ask myself daily. Thank you again!

[@AbodidSahoo]

Literally the same thoughts.

[@melindalivsey1]

I'm so happy you can relate.

[@AmandaJuneHagarty]

@@melindalivsey1 So true. Just last week I was thinking about how I wanted to grow my business just to a certain point, but that I didn't want to grow so much that I had to hire people. It's spooky!

[@melindalivsey1]

Amanda June Hagarty crazy!

[@nurtured-channel2953]

Same here ....it means they are living life on Purpose"👌👌👌💖

[@brunoharari6454]

More of Melinda! please!

[@thefutur]

Count on it.

[@melindalivsey1]

Aww thanks Bruno!!!!

[@suza7383]

Oh yeah, more Melinda please..

[@ThisDesignLife]

If I was a coach, I’d be watching this over and over to see how Chris asked amazing questions throughout and never really settled on the surface level answers. Also, well done to Melinda for being so coachable. It’s a great trait.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thank you :)

[@clairechtan9012]

Very well said!

[@ThisDesignLife]

Claire CH Tan thank you

[@giaenergia]

Melinda, your questions have been spot on. Chris, your ability to embrace your customer is astonishing.

[@NGH99999]

Phenomenal episode. I just turned 50, and for years I've stressed and strained under the yoke of the old "work for an hour, get paid for an hour, and you're very fortunate if you actually love your work" paradigm born of the last century. I grew up watching adults around me engaged in work that was drudgery. But the content in this episode, and presented in this interactive, conversational format (love your role plays, too), is helping me to get to the bottom of what my best life / professional life looks like in the future - and to NOT feel guilty when I create a work life that actually enhances my overall life. For me, that's revolutionary. My three year plan? Continue developing my brand strategy chops, helping a select number of clients through my design, and begin building a passive income platform through designing and selling typefaces. I want to build a work / life paradigm for myself that's so good, I don't stop until my time here is done!

[@DavidTorresArt]

I just finished watching this and it got me self reflecting about my own goals and my own mission statement. This is, dare I say, your deepest video yet. As a fellow Motion Designer, I find The Futur's content amazing on business development, but you're tapping into something deeper here. Thank you Chris for wanting to help people grow and find their own path. Thank you Melinda for following own curiosity and staying hungry for more.

[@thefutur]

And thank you for watching and commenting. Appreciate it!

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks David. :)

[@vaishnaviv7676]

This is the kind of Insight you could never get from Design Schools .This is probably the most valuable Channel for designers. Period.

[@thefutur]

Thank you

[@antneybodean]

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have you two as mentors. Thank you both for sharing!!!

[@thefutur]

You’re very welcome.

[@melindalivsey1]

You are very welcome!

[@intcomaz]

Chris Do, you are our Sifu!

[@JanneWolterbeek]

Appreciate to actually see someone evolve, it surely motivates the rest of us!

[@thefutur]

anything is possible if you work at it.

[@bobbyandjenny1]

The best thing about this talk is that it’s unscripted. It nice seeing the “RAW” nature of the discussion. 🤩

[@thefutur]

Most of our content is unscripted.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Bobby!

[@rhemabethany5329]

Chris this is amazing! I feel like I am Melinda and you are speaking to me, your conversation is giving me life right now. I'm an advocate of your channel! keep 'em coming!

[@thefutur]

good to hear Rhema. glad we can help you too!

[@jonathangonza]

To add to the last part Chris said. Now he has the possibility of converting one of us, viewers, into buying a session with Chris. I definitely would after watching this video. Jesus, Mr. Do, this video was GOLD!

[@thefutur]

Thank you.

[@Pompnumber]

Thank you for having Melinda again, she's such an inspiration. :-)

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Lawrence

[@AlexDingley]

This was actually so cool to see how far Melinda has come 😊😊 love how proud Chris is! Amazing work guys!!! I’m getting so much value out of this channel

[@melindalivsey1]

Awesome!! Thanks for watching my journey. =)

[@nurtured-channel2953]

Literally...I was looking " for a High level Mentor in the area of Design Communications ... and literally found this channel two days ago. I love the channel and Chris's mission his mind and how he conveys it to those assigned to him. SEEK AND SHALL FIND".

[@thefutur]

Welcome to the Futur

[@robertvidaure6746]

These talks with Melinda and her journey are still my favorite videos. To see things change so much in just a short amount of time is inspiring and gives me courage for my own path.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thank you for the kind words, Robert.

[@kayaquintana]

Love it when Melinda is on, because it seems like only guys run agencies if you look at channels like this. Which is not true, cos I'm running a marketing and pr agency. And although I don't care about gender, it is nice to see how women handle things. Because they do often do things differently. So more ladies please! 💕

[@thefutur]

more women it is. we have had Rebecca (as a regular), Dina, Karin, Ashley, Bonnie, and we'll have more.

[@kayaquintana]

@@thefutur Great, and if you ever need a Europe based woman: I'm here, haha! Because I live in Holland and I know a lot of Dutch people watch your channel, but the market here is very, very different. So it would be interesting to see how some of the techniques you guys use in the US, really don't work here and vice versa.

[@kayaquintana]

@@khesesian Good question, I'm just going of what I see around me. By no means am I saying this is how I do it. I have a different mindset all together. But for instance, I see many women worry a lot more. They take longer to make decisions and don't always grow their companies as fast as male entrepreneurs. Most of them are not good at holding their own in a sales conversation. They ask for other peoples opinion a lot, before they make their own decisions. I've also seen women struggle in their businesses because they're not in the business mindset. They often don't have systems in place and they often don't have clear goals and services. So in that context I think a lot of women I see in my network, do things different than men do. I see a lot of men make decisions faster, being straight to the point and take bigger risks. Not saying that it always goes well, but many of them seem to do better as a result. Hope this answers your question. 👍🏻

[@kayaquintana]

@@khesesian I agree, I never said that in general we aren't the same. Like I said I don't care about gender or pay much attention to it. But I can't deny that I see women in my network behave different in business than the men. Just an observation and I think it's interesting to look at. Because why are there fore instance less women with agencies in my country than men? Just curious about that. Scaling my business is going pretty well, thanks for the book recommendation. I'll check it ;)

[@kayaquintana]

@@khesesian No, I can't put a percentage on that. I'm not into statistics, like I said I'm just observing what happens around me. About your question: I personally don't care about how many women and/or men in fields or branches. I think you can't and should not want to dictate that. 👍🏻 But if there are let's say less male ballerinas and it's because they think they can't be a dancer because they are male. Than that should be something we should change. Equal chances for everyone is my motto.

[@UniquedesignzNetHMKGroup]

Love watching the maturity and growth of Melinda. Reminds me of someone else that went through a similar transformation Chris!! 😉😉😉😉😉

[@melindalivsey1]

:D

[@christinawillis4361]

@@melindalivsey1 I have to say that watching you is like I'm literally watching myself. I'm going through a similar situation and transition from a Pinterest Strategist to a Brand Strategist. I thank you for being open & honest as it provides me with so much clarity. I'm rooting for you sis! 💛

[@melindalivsey1]

@@christinawillis4361 thank you so much ❤️🙏🏻

[@fongdimbulator]

Graphic Designer recently laid off due to Covid here; I'm watching your videos to help get guidance on permanently leaving the salaried lifestyle behind and committing to working for myself. I've been in the game since 2006 working as an in-house designer for well-established companies for the majority of my career, but I'm now in my mid 30's and feeling like I'm falling behind the creative curve after so many years of strictly branded design and being in a comfortable space where I didn't feel the urgency to push the boundaries. Your videos have been hugely insightful to help me identify what experience I have developed which may be useful for solving problems - beyond being an Adobe monkey that can push out logos and ads when summoned.

[@wfhliving]

"The other big shift we need to walk away from solving other people's problems and solving our own problems." This resonated with me on a deep level as I'm in this space right now. I've been a wedding planner for 5.5 years now and I'm just not happy doing it anymore. I have been slow churning out ideas to create a business that I can play in every day and make a ton of money!!!

[@MatthewAndreusNarca]

3 years from today, I am a brand strategist working with athletes, fitness coaches, and anyone in the sports industry helping them achieve their goals. I am now a good communicator who is able to go deep into someone's thoughts and uncover insights that are just waiting to be discovered.

[@stevedilley5866]

The person pretending to be the smartest person in the room never learns anything. The internet is the great equalizer between the experts and non-experts. With that said, no matter how much I've learned about being entrepreneurial I still have deficits and deficiencies. You're hitting blind spots (i.e., on the business side) and shedding light on aspects of the business side that seem basic and obvious but are hidden in the cracks. Huge asset to have you both broadcasting the crucial, essential elements and mindset needed to move forward in a way that helps us thrive and not just survive. Thanks, Chris and Melinda for sharing and the great insights to help fill/bridge those gaps.

[@maxgoodwin8496]

Thanks for bringing Melinda on and allowing us to follow her journey! Best case study and I find her the easiest to relate too!!! Cheers

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Max! That's very kind of you to say.

[@mallikgraphics5044]

I'm relating to this episode a lot, I quit my job that was paying real good to become a freelance Designer/Digital Marketing because many chances passed me by sitting my **s down whole day. Though I was still designing but for me I felt like a zombie. Just immediately after quitting I landed my 1st job in Events company and it's really great. Thank you Chris... Mallik here from Kenya

[@krystalini_yoga]

I took the leap a few months ago and transitioned from my draining agency job to do what I love to do, which is creating corporate branding identity and design, and working with incredible like-minded clients - and I started my own company. I also have another big (separate) vision I would like to work on which is following my passion in yoga and mindfulness, and I am now able to delegate my time according to the goals I want to achieve, whereas before, I was working on projects that didn't stimulate me at my full-time job, and the majority of the time I needed to work overtime and miss out on all the tasks I wanted to do that evening. I am a born leader and I like to be in control of my time and I just could not do it anymore. In a way, I am grateful for the pandemic as it allowed me to work from home and structure my time for my job better so that I could build up my freelance basis on the side. The universe just worked perfectly with me in this and brought all the right people I needed at the right time - I am truly blessed! I have not looked back for one second, and I am so grateful for these resources to help me and for me to relate to! I am across the world - from South Africa - and it feels like I have a massive team (theFutur) to learn from right beside me. It is incredible, thank you for what you do! Truly inspiring.

[@wisedigitaldesigns1193]

I love these episodes with Melinda, they're extremely thought provoking and clarifying.

[@conors8233]

This is one of my favorite talks on The Futur. Melinda is so relatable, it's easy for me to imagine having the same exact conversation with Chris.

[@melindalivsey1]

I'm so happy you can relate.

[@deniserafaeli]

That punched my soul. I've been struggling to hold on to the things that doesn't spark joy to me... What a wake up call.

[@tonmoykarmoker1900]

One of the best episodes. It will teach more knowledge to watch again and again. Love from the other side of the world. ❤❤❤

[@thefutur]

Thank you 🙏

[@ThisDesignLife]

I’ve wanted to hear this conversation for ages.

[@melindalivsey1]

Ohhh??

[@tatyanalomakina]

Melinda, I love your journey! Chris, you're awesome!

[@thefutur]

Thank you

[@melindalivsey1]

tatyanalomakina thank you!

[@RicoAlencar]

I cannot stress enough how much this channel is helping me through my career. Thank you so much

[@thefutur]

Thank you Rico

[@melindalivsey1]

That's awesome, Rico!

[@RuanndaSilva]

I'm on that road too now, from graphic designer to brand strategy focusing on sustainability. Thank you so much The Futur team and Melinda, for all the effort you guys put in sharing knowledge!

[@melindalivsey1]

You're very welcome!

[@chrisgerrardcastro]

This channel is a gold mine. Thanks Chris, Melinda and the futur team. Amazing content as always.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Chris

[@BruceColthart]

You two hit it outta the park! A transcendent arc. Great show, both of you

[@thefutur]

Thanks Bruce.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thank you Bruce!

[@sumianaseem601]

Chris do thank you for always being busy in unlocking the blocks in our minds! ❤️

[@thefutur]

Happy to.

[@pringlepost1401]

As someone who is currently building her own business based in branding and design, your videos are absolutely fueling my fire and igniting fresh, inspiring ideas. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Much love, Ailea

[@zabglz]

definitely listening to your videos with instrumental house is the best productivity tool ever.. Melinda's voice + Chris voice + when the beat drops is the best..

[@r.j.slagter3112]

What you guys were discussing here is a confirmation of what I tell myself every morning. “Why wait for tomorrow, if it can be done today”. Chris, Melinda, Thank you for inspiring and help me and others understand 'Why' we do the things we do in life. We can design our life the way we want to, by understanding what it is we desire or want to create and start taking action, today.

[@melindalivsey1]

So true!

[@shinobichee]

Note for future me (3 years). Be happy that you have finished architecture school and started a business in graphic design and architecture. :)

[@melindalivsey1]

That's great!

[@acostaisasmendi]

This must have been the most inspiring Futur video I've watched so far. Truly touching. Thank you, Melinda and Chris.

[@thefutur]

Thank you Marcelo!

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Marcelo!

[@dankschang]

Melinda can explore the visual sensor community that don't like to read but love to see through ideas through visual. It can be a very powerful proposition...where so many topical subject matter require visualisations to help individuals, business and organisation to think forward.

[@biancagalanguzman]

Such an important conversation! Love the honesty and mentorship coming from Chris...love the tenacity and boldness coming from Melinda.

[@thefutur]

Thank you. We plan on producing a bunch more.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thank you Bianca!

[@KassaSmall]

I feel like I stumble upon a new conversation between you and Melinda right when I need to in life, just the perfect video for the perfect time. My favourite series on TheFutur!

[@adokat]

Hey Chris and Melinda! Seeing the your growth is an extreme motivator. I'd love to see more shows with you! My three year plan is to be out of college (by graduation or withdrawal!) and do design as a livable profession. I think this channel is really helping make that possible.

[@melindalivsey1]

That's so great to hear!

[@AdanneO]

Really great episode❣ I like Melinda have many arcs, but I do consider myself an artist. My 3 year plan is: 1- Keep my current job, continue applying for art grants and fellowships, and continue exploring my arcs 2- Join a program that teaches me coding and guarantees job placement and continue exploring my arcs 3- Finish the 2 year mandatory job placement and either stay with job, get another job, or return to old job all while I continue exploring my arcs

[@melindalivsey1]

Great goals!

[@AdanneO]

Thanks! Your segments are always informative and entertaining.

[@carriebrito9324]

Oh wow!!!! This is the part of my business I LOVE and watching this feels like it gives me "permission" to pivot my business. It inspired me to pivot! I have a background in design/animation and later received my masters in psychology and use the combo to dive really deep into someone brand during their creative-kick off. I have been designing for over 20 years and really feel like I want to serve in a different way now. THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!!

[@iamrajatsinghpatel]

Chris, Seriously Melinda is the second best thing in this channel for me after listening to you. I can relate so much to melinda. She is so real, so vulnerable and yet trying to hold on and be strong at the same time. I know that is what most of the people relate to with Melinda. I want melinda more and more on the show... Pleeeeeeeaaaasssssseeee!!!!!

[@thefutur]

She’s going to be appearing more regularly.

[@iamrajatsinghpatel]

@@thefutur Wohoooooo......

[@melindalivsey1]

Thank you!

[@beunlimited5997]

This was a timely episode as I near the annual assessment of my 1st official year in business. Been wanting to discover if there's any shifts I would welcome in my current business model, what trends directly affect the next 3-5 years of that model, and whether or not I want to continue to manage a team. I'm always seeking fulfillment, especially as I get closer to age 40; but I want to live comfortably as well.

[@erroltiozon]

And I just got back from Hiatus because of Paypal paperworks and stuff. Damn it feels so good to be back watching shows like this.

[@thefutur]

Welcome back.

[@youlikeanh]

This video series have been the best. Thank you! My other suggestions to help in learning strategy: 1. Practicing public speaking 2. Creative writing classes 3. Being curious in everything on top of what you're already good at 4. Maybe some improv. 5. ASK MORE THAN ANSWER. Listening is imperative. Being a great strategist and consultant to the person you are helping requires curiosity, empathy, understanding, and being able to communicate your ideas on the fly.

[@thefutur]

Good suggestions.

[@youlikeanh]

in these explorations...like Chris said...be self aware about what turns you on. I think it comes natural because to be conscious of other needs, in your speech and language, and your curious learnings; your true self and loves surface. Now the next step is the Futur talking about how to start doing those passion projects for a living and exploring those without feeling like an imposter haha. James Victore vids are good for that too. There's always somebody out there doing what you love, but you know you can do it better.

[@maitreyeek9906]

Imagine giving this information 31:31 to younger (in college) generation. This will forever change the perspective of life and business as we know it. The clarity will be met soon and new entrepreneurs will have the access to a different approach of business.

[@melindalivsey1]

So true!

[@AmandaJuneHagarty]

ok. This is great! A couple years ago, when I was in a bad place financially and was slaving away for a bad job, in marketing and web design, for low wages just to get the bills paid (somehow allowing 2 people to survive on less than 20k in a year in a city where the cost of living is high and the poverty line for two people is considered to be about double that) I filled out a questionnaire that asked me "If you could do absolutely anything, what would you be doing five years from now" and without even thinking about it I wrote down an answer that involved me getting back to my passion and writing novels. It was only a few days later that I suddenly realized that my work with design and marketing hadn't even been in my head. Now that we are doing a smidge better financially my husband keeps trying to get me to quit the design and marketing biz and write my novels. But I still want to do my work, only pivot to brand strategy and he doesn't understand why. First when I answered that question I was so burnt out of my work at the time I am not surprised I wanted nothing to do with it. I am in a better place now and excited about branding. But how can I justify this to myself and my husband? Right? Watching this video I had a revelation, and found the answer. My passion is story telling and helping people understand things. When I am not burnt out, this resonates with my work both as a designer and marketer, as well as a novelist. So now as I rethink everything I am doing I have a piece of information that I didn't have before. THanks so much!

[@melindalivsey1]

Amanda June Hagarty that’s an amazing realization!

[@KerrieRedgate]

Excellent. Capricorn-types make great strategists - it’s in their DNA. And thank you, Melinda, that was very courageous of you to be put on the spot like that for our benefit! 👏👏

[@davidmarkson6459]

Decided to start designing three months ago, for fun. I can not get enough of this stuff. The content, the guests the team and most of all Chris himself inspire me so much. Make me believe that i can take this hobby further. Not only that but become a better person in the process. Thanks to all the team at the Futur.

[@thefutur]

Glad to hear David.

[@melindalivsey1]

That's awesome David.

[@thejonasonstyle]

I always say that "I create identities through style" and now I stumble upon your so great videos! Thank you so much!

[@janelf.9442]

I live for this series with Chris & Melinda!! So happy I get to learn from you both :)

[@melindalivsey1]

Janel FitzSimmonds thank you!

[@facundogimenez1679]

by far, the best series on the channel! and the after hours videos are gold as well

[@thefutur]

Appreciate it

[@itajac80]

The Melinda series just gets better and better. Lots to think about. My three year plan is to build and implement a business that makes a difference in children's lives. Build for community, inclusivity and mental and health well-being. Service and product based. Just wanna say thank-you to both Melinda for her time and vulnerability and TheFutur for making this channel possible.

[@thefutur]

That’s a worthwhile goal.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Mariela.

[@EruditeDM]

Clients self-diagnose all the time. They might be right or wrong but as the strategist, we should help them look upstream, as Dave Trott calls it, to understand the root of the real problem, not just the symptoms. That’s the intrinsic value you offer as the expert. Great video you two. Thanks.

[@KJAnderson]

Like many others that have commented, these discussions are changing my life. Not only did you answer questions I've been struggling with, but you've also answered "Futur" questions I would have, lol. Thank you! - Ok, now that I got that off my chest, let me answer your question - 3 years from now I've also successfully transitioned from a designer taking orders to a high paid brand strategist / creative director, but specializing in the entertainment industry. I know that industry is extremely competitive, but because it's my passion I'm believing I'll figure it out and how to use that to my advantage.

[@thefutur]

Good goals to have.

[@melindalivsey1]

I was told by a friend that "if you care enough, you'll find a way." I believe you will find a way.

[@KJAnderson]

@@melindalivsey1 Thanks! I appreciate your kind words and also sharing your journey with Chris

[@snappykaka]

Three years from now? Maybe running my own bakeshop which I did the branding and everything to making art through baking. And maybe still watching videos in this channel.

[@opster01]

Love these videos with Melinda! Glad to see an update on how she is doing a year after the last video 😁

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Olivia!

[@LeoPlaw]

Love your coaching sessions. There's so much value in the dialogue between the two of you.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Leo!

[@LeoPlaw]

​@@melindalivsey1 I've been following the series. There are so many pivots of thought that I wish I had mentoring with years ago when I was in media design / web development. While Chris has the experience, you have the challenges that motivate you to ask the questions that many of us also have had. This in turn forces Chris to ponder not only your preconceptions but his own also. Thus the conversation is flipped over many times from different personal perspectives until between the two of you, the succinct essence can be distilled. The honesty of the discourse is pure gold. There are still applicable gems of knowledge and wisdom for my now chosen incarnation as a fine artist. Brand and business solutions are relevant for a creative business (artist), where oneself is positioned not only as a purveyor of aesthetics, but also ideas / thought or stories. I am learning from both you and Chris. Thank you both. I look forward to the next conversations.

[@warkidtee1]

Hi Melinda, you said: "I heard Seth say 'I can make a connections out of noticing things' and I looove that! I think that's why I love brand strategy. I can get informations, filter it and then make connections. I love that. I think that is what I WANT TO DO THAT ALL THE TIME, whether it's in brand strategy or whether it's just like Seth said "make a living noticing things". I think if you dig a bit deeper you will find one of your aspirations and maybe even your goal. Why do you love that so much? Is it the way you get these informations? (1 on 1 with the a client) Are there other ways to make connections/notice things that you would like even more? Is it the sort of connections/things you notice? The sort of stuff we notice can differ greatly based on the informations we receive and the context we receive it in. A big problem with a client's website, identity stuff (who you are, what you want), or general stuff such as how humans work. What exactly do you like about the things you notice and the insights you create.

[@melindalivsey1]

Great things for me to think about. =) Thank you!

[@craigcordeiro8530]

This episode put a smile on my face from start to finish. It really spoke to me.

[@martacalado4034]

I just don't have words to explain how the futur help me in the past few months. I came here because i want to learn more about the business of design, and make my own company, and now after so many videos and books i just want to do what makes me happy, and that is illustration. Wow, i'm like melinda right now! ahahah great video :) #gomelinda !!!

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Marta!!

[@erickdavid4257]

I deeply relate to Melinda. This interview is full of insights.

[@DesignLead]

Thank for sharing. This is so true, we designers need to become great listeners to identify business problems & learn to communicate clear. Chris thank you for creating this new wave of designers, designers who can create businesses.

[@joshnolan722]

I'm thankful for you guys! Happy thanksgiving, and keep up the amazing content!

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Josh! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@marekgrajczynski3524]

Well Done! We need more Melinda on this channel.

[@melindalivsey1]

Ask, and you shall receive. ;)

[@diegoamendoza734]

I'm in November 2020 and this conversation connect with me like it was a directed to just me, I just wish I had found this channel at least 3 years ago. Thank you so much!

[@nicklewis9203]

Glad I found this video. Personally I'm working toward being a strategist and designer rather than just a design mercenary. Whether I'm illustrating or creating a brand identity, I want to be taking a message or story that previously didn't have a visual life to it, and be a part of planning and bringing that message to life. That's what excites me about design and art

[@tomasnones]

Chris is much more than a graphic designer. He’s like an honest Guru.

[@gracefullymaddy]

This is so valuable. Can't express how helpful it is to be challenged and inspired in the first steps of my career.

[@pabli7o]

I understood perfectly what Melinda meant to say around 20:00. I got you girl!

[@melindalivsey1]

Thank you!!!!

[@Ur0n]

I need to keep track on what melinda is doing. I can relate so much to her, and I feel like she is steps ahead from me. Many thanks for this kind of videos.

[@BuHaidar]

I think asking questions to client giving you close understating for his project. It’s just first step before going to one to one conversation. And more practical in terms of time and effort, specially if your client far away from you. Brief questions giving the client the impression of professionalism and systemically work you have.

[@ziolp]

Yay! Melinda's back. I'll watch this after my exercise!

[@melindalivsey1]

Yay!!! :D

[@felipepontael]

Wow, this episode totally astonished me as I totally relate to Melinda´s situation there to what it comes to having this flexibility to do Identity as an expert (which´s also my kind of thing) while you set the terrain to do other things (also related to design, automotive/product design and also 3D/VFX/CGI in my case) you also love. "Building one business to create the business you want to have", accordingly to Chris, but my answer to his next question "why aren´t you doing what it is that you want to do?" would be partially close to Melinda´s, as I love graphic design and brand design (as a niche) and their limitless creative possibilities, so I want to explore that as a living for now to "pay the bills" and save some $, while I develop my skills enough to pursue a career on the other ones. Thank you for bringing such golden content in conversations to which we could relate and start moving our bones to achieve our goals!

[@melindalivsey1]

I'm so happy you can relate to my journey, Felipe.

[@felipepontael]

Keep sharing your experiences with us, Melinda! We want this to go till episode 50 hehe.

[@saral3920]

wow. im so happy i found this channel. I just graduated with my degree in branding and starting off doing freelance brand strategy ---- but what about my OWN brand? ***manifesting 3-year plan!***

[@djinnwheeler]

Chris, man. You definitely inspire me. I'm not in design, other than fooling around with photoshop, but I'm definitely in the part of my career where I need to make some big decisions especially for my next phase of my life. So I really wanted to thank you for these types of videos even though it's from 2018, I think this advice is timeless. Cheers :)

[@Exnihilo37]

great video! I just graduated college and I'm working as an in house designer. My 3 year plan is to learn more Ui design and move toward that market. I've had this goal for the past 4 months sense I download the focus work book on your site! love the content

[@thefutur]

Excellent.

[@melindalivsey1]

That's great! Congrats on graduating.

[@artkeologo3863]

Great video, again! I. Enjoyed how you tapped into her "life desire"! Thank you Chris!

[@daliagarza]

WOOW when Melinda said “I can get information, filter it, and make connections” i felt that. Gonna have to do something with that quote.

[@pablodelmares2207]

I want Melinda to be my older sister right now. Hahahaha 3 years from now I want to be a social media Strategist. Strictly making plans and strategy aaaand having a space with a lot of materials to create content so people with low budget and resources can come to create social media content and get advised.

[@melindalivsey1]

Great goal! And thanks for the kind words. :)

[@aweadeyinka]

I always love episodes with Melinda. More!!!

[@melindalivsey1]

Thank you!!

[@Cubannerd]

Well, this video, in particular, has been truly helpful in many ways. Melinda's journey is very relatable, encouraging and positive for the rest of us who are trying to find our place in the marketplace or a purpose. The futur keeps delivering great real-life stories for us to study and take ideas from. It is very uplifting. Thank you.

[@thefutur]

You’re very welcome.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks for watching, Cuban.

[@areefakhan8032]

This was amazing to watch, as usual. I like the thought of evaluating yourself on the premise of what you're going to be doing and who you're going to be in 3 years from now. Thank You Chris & Melinda

[@wiliamelomaloma5990]

Another great video that helps the many. Really clarified a few things for me. thanks Chris Do

[@kevinbishop_]

Real life magic! Wasn’t expecting that from this episode but to see it all played out in real time was just like a step above role playing for the simple fact it was just so raw and real 🙌🏼

[@thefutur]

Thanks Kevin.

[@melindalivsey1]

Thanks Kevin!

[@carlraetzsch]

3 year plan... this conversation helped me realize I need to think about it completely differently.

[@melindalivsey1]

Then this episode has done its job. :)

[@chelsiew6131]

3 year plan - My design studio is booming to helping women entrepreneurs and brands that do good. The charity side of my business has given a million dollars to at-risk youth and survivors of abuse. Also I'm living in France, married and maybe have a little one on the way. :) yep that sounds like a the perfect life for me

[@andreimerisca4942]

Mind. Blown!

[@melindalivsey1]

Same here!

[@stephanieangers9702]

Thank so much for this EP! I'm loving it and learning soooo much. I appreciate all the effort you guys are going to put out this info for the world to see !!

[@melindalivsey1]

Thank you!!

[@laviniam7742]

Wow this was a great episode! Super relatable, and - as always - Melinda was genuine and honest (and funny!). I can’t at this point talk about my 3 year plan as I am one of those people that very recently “woke up” from auto-pilot - so these kinds of talks are helping me start to scratch the surface of what that ideal long-term vision is for me. But, a good take away from this video for me was the idea of solving problems for yourself, which you can then potentially turn into a product or somehow market to others. Chances are that if you are faced with a problem, other people out there are too - and you can help them by sharing your experience or designing a tangible solution. Lastly, spend more time noticing things VS trying to think of new things… if that makes any sense :)

[@melindalivsey1]

Great recap. Thank you!!! And thanks for the kind words.

[@justinroy499]

I really love talks like this that go deep and really makes you think in a way to reflect on where you are currently. Talks like this just always gets me pumped to design. Thanks Chris and Melinda you both are awesome. :)

[@melindalivsey1]

Justin Roy thank you!

[@justinroy499]

You're welcome :)

[@thefutur]

These kinds of conversations happen every day. It’s just that we sometimes capture them for you to see.

[@justinroy499]

@@thefutur that's why I religiously watch your channel. :)

[@alaeddinezaoug]

Wow putting everything aside ( this episode was indeed epic ) the last question was so deep made me realize that I don't use my time efficiently to achieve my goals, Thank you Chris you are a Wizard, you master the art of talking and shaping thoughts using your voice and I like how strong Melinda's personality is, to speak what she think with such a clarity in her mind she make this conversation more interesting to watch, in every episode she is in I watch in a flow state and can not feel the time passing, keep those episodes coming guys

[@melindalivsey1]

Wow, thank you for the kind comment.

[@roland3698]

I can't believe I found out about this channel just now. If only I had known sooner. Keep up all the great work!

[@thefutur]

Thanks