In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Encina for an intimate look at his inspiring transition from Creative Director at renowned design studio Blind to successful YouTube entrepreneur. Following the viral success of his home office redesign video that catalyzed his independent career, Matthew shares the strategic thinking and creative courage behind his pivot.

We dive deep into his evolution as a product designer, exploring how he artfully balances aesthetics with practical functionality in everything from workspace design to digital products. You'll hear Matthew's unique insights on maintaining creative momentum while working solo, including his morning fitness routine that fuels his productivity. We also geek out over his passion for custom mechanical keyboards and explore how this hobby influences his design philosophy.

Whether you're a creative professional considering the leap to entrepreneurship or simply fascinated by the intersection of design and business, Matthew's candid discussion of risk-taking and personal growth offers valuable lessons for navigating your own creative journey.

From sophisticated workspace solutions to cultivating sustainable creative practices, this conversation delivers actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their creative game.

Timestamps:

(01:22) - Matthew Encina's Journey: From Student to Creative Director

(02:33) - Venturing into Content Creation

(03:10) - The Big Decision: Leaving The Futur

(06:07) - Success on YouTube: The First Viral Video

(11:58) - Balancing Content Creation and Product Design

(15:11) - Financial Success and Personal Freedom

(17:25) - The Transition to Independent Projects

(24:44) - Collaborating with Grovemade

(29:00) - Reflecting on Gratitude and Success

(30:16) - Diving into Mechanical Keyboards

(31:53) - The Joy of Custom Keyboards

(34:37) - Business Structure and Partnerships

(39:15) - Lessons Learned and Future Plans

(48:32) - Personal Insights

Check out today's guest, Matthew Encina:

Matthews Website: https://matthewencina.com/

Matthews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewencina/

Mod Musings Website:https://www.modmusings.com/

Mod Musings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mod.musings/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/matthewencina

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:

In this episode, I sit down with Caleb Ralston, a creative strategist who’s had an incredible journey in the digital space. From shooting powerlifting videos as a teenager to working alongside Gary Vaynerchuk and later leading the media team for Alex and Leila Hormozi, Caleb has seen it all. We dive into his experiences managing content at scale, what it was really like working behind the scenes with Gary Vee, and how he built and led a powerhouse content team for the Hormozis. Caleb also shares why he decided to step away and start his own venture, offering insights into building a personal brand and the future of content creation. If you want to learn how to grow a media empire, scale a creative team, and transition from creator to leader, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(02:16) - How Sean Cannell & Gary Vee inspired Caleb

(06:18) - From church videography to fitness content

(12:52) - Working with top bodybuilders & cold-pitching gigs

(18:35) - Joining Team Gary Vaynerchuk as a videographer

(24:15) - Managing chaos: Filming, logistics, & real-time content

(32:02) - The challenge of scaling Gary Vee’s content

(39:00) - Why Alex & Layla Hormozi reached out to Caleb

(46:22) - Building Mosey Media & growing a team from scratch

(54:10) - Why Caleb left to start his own business

(1:05:30) - The future of content & personal branding

(1:20:15) - Advice for aspiring content creators

Check out today's guest, Caleb Ralston:

Caleb's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebralston/

Caleb's Website: https://www.calebralston.com/

Caleb's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calebralston

Caleb's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalebRalston

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

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

Facebook:

In this episode, I sit down with communication coach and mindfulness expert Melanie Whitney to explore the power of emotional regulation, mindful communication, and overcoming core wounds. Melanie shares her personal journey, from struggling to find direction after graduate school to discovering her passion for helping others build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

We dive into practical strategies for self-awareness, recognizing emotional patterns, and understanding how past experiences shape our present reactions. We also break down her P.E.A.C.E. framework — a tool to help individuals identify and heal from core wounds like unworthiness, rejection, and grief.

This conversation is packed with insights on how to show up authentically, communicate with intention, and lead a more empowered life.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(02:45) - Melanie’s backstory and education journey

(08:30) - Emotional regulation and communication

(16:00) - Patterns and ego in communication

(23:00) - Emotions as records of the past

(31:45) - Identifying core wounds

(40:30) - The P.E.A.C.E. framework explained

(50:15) - The power of self-awareness

(58:00) - How attachment affects growth

(01:06:30) - Practical steps for emotional regulation

(01:15:15) - Empowerment through self-compassion

(01:25:00) - Final reflections and closing thoughts

Check out today's guest, Melanie Whitney:

Melanie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniewhitney_

Melanie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-whitney/

Melanie's Website: https://www.mindlesstomindful.com/

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

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

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign

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

Twitter:

In this engaging episode, Chris Do connects with Adrian Per, a talented filmmaker, creative director, and rising social media influencer, to unpack his journey of perseverance and self-discovery. Adrian reflects on his early creative spark—dissecting music and visualizing scenes as a child—and how that passion blossomed into a career in filmmaking.

He shares the struggles of growing up as the son of immigrant parents, dealing with societal and familial expectations, and navigating financial challenges. The conversation delves into pivotal moments, including Adrian’s move to Los Angeles, his transition from music videos to branded content, and the lessons he learned about humility, collaboration, and self-expression.

Adrian also provides a fascinating glimpse into his creative process, from scripting to self-shooting, and discusses the importance of authenticity in both personal style and professional projects. With humor, vulnerability, and practical insights, this episode is an invaluable resource for creatives and entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:42) - Meeting Adrian Per

(01:17) - Adrian’s creative journey

(07:15) - Music videos and early inspirations

(14:00) - Struggles and lessons from immigrant parents

(22:00) - Adrian’s move to Los Angeles

(28:23) - Transition to content creation

(34:10) - Networking and social skills

(41:00) - Adrian’s creative process and filming techniques

(52:00) - Evolution of personal style

(55:45) - Reflection on Instagram recognition

If you want to see the video, please check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KvUO_1lrNcQ

Check out today's guest, Adrian Per:

Adrian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omgadrian/

Adrian's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omgadrian

Adrian's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adrianper

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

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

Facebook:

In this insightful episode of The Futur, Chris Do welcomes Michelle J. Raymond, a LinkedIn strategist and B2B specialist, to discuss maximizing LinkedIn for business growth. Michelle shares her journey from sales in the chemical industry to becoming a LinkedIn expert, emphasizing the platform's potential for fostering authentic connections and community building.

Together, they explore strategies for overcoming hesitations businesses have about LinkedIn, the importance of content relevance, and innovative uses of company pages for advocacy. From tactical advice like leveraging the search bar to long-term brand-building strategies, Michelle offers actionable insights for businesses and individuals aiming to grow their influence and client base on LinkedIn.

This conversation is a must-listen for professionals seeking to stand out in an increasingly crowded digital space.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Michelle J. Raymond

(00:57) - Michelle’s professional background

(02:53) - Discovering LinkedIn’s potential

(06:00) - Shifting from secrecy to transparency in business

(10:00) - Addressing challenges in converting LinkedIn followers

(14:56) - Defining and targeting your dream client

(25:00) - Leveraging company pages strategically

(37:00) - Overcoming content creation fears

(50:00) - The energy behind content creation

(58:45) - Trends and predictions for 2025

Check out today's guest, Michelle J. Raymond:

Michelle's LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond

Michelle's Website: https://b2bgrowthco.com/

Michelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/good_trading_co/?hl=es

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

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

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign

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

Twitter:

In this quick yet impactful solo episode, Chris Do outlines the five biggest mistakes creatives make that risk losing their clients. From the pitfalls of poor responsiveness and inflexibility to the dangers of unclear processes and taking client relationships for granted, Chris offers practical advice on how to safeguard and nurture these valuable connections.

He emphasizes the importance of keeping clients informed, creating inclusive communication, and consistently engaging in dialogue to ensure alignment and trust. This episode provides essential insights for creatives aiming to build lasting client relationships and avoid common missteps.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to solo episode

(00:38) Importance of client retention

(01:00) Mistake 1: Lack of responsiveness

(01:51) Mistake 2: Inflexibility and resistance to input

(03:00) Mistake 3: Unclear process or next steps

(04:13) Mistake 4: Expecting clients to speak “creative language”

(05:39) Mistake 5: Taking relationships for granted

Check out The Futur:

➤ Website | Courses | LinkedIn | Podcasts

➤ Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube

Check out Chris Do:

➤ Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

➤ TikTok | Threads | Zaap | Clubhouse | Behance

In this episode, Chris Do talks with Finn McKenty, a marketing strategist, designer, and YouTube creator known for his unique insights on building influence and branding in the digital space. Finn shares his journey from designer to business strategist, revealing how his career pivots shaped his perspective on marketing and credibility. Together, they dive into effective communication, the power of a consistent personal narrative, and how to capture your audience's attention in today’s crowded content landscape. Chris and Finn also unpack practical tips on harnessing storytelling to build authentic brand value and explore the importance of understanding consumer beliefs to drive marketing success.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro and background

(02:00) - From design to business

(05:30) - Defining product design

(10:05) - Marketing as applied psychology

(15:30) - Consumer beliefs and branding

(20:40) - The Febreze Sport case study

(30:15) - Navigating free information overload

(35:25) - The value of credibility

(40:40) - Building a personal brand narrative

(45:30) - Key storytelling tips for creators

Check out today's guest, Finn McKenty:

Finn's Website: https://www.finnmckenty.com/

Finn's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinnMckentyPRMBA

Finn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finnmckenty/

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

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

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign

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

Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo

Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo

Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo

Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo

In this episode, Chris Do joins Sean Cannell from Think Media for a deep dive into AI, personal branding, and what it takes to stand out in today’s creator economy. Sean, a successful entrepreneur and content strategist, shares insights on AI’s disruptive potential, how to use it as a productivity tool, and the evolving landscape of content creation.

Chris and Sean break down the importance of authenticity, goal setting, and work-life balance while discussing the role of personal websites in a social-first world. They explore how creators can position themselves for long-term success by leveraging their unique voice, refining their brand, and staying ahead of industry trends. Throughout the conversation, they provide actionable steps for creators looking to elevate their content and future-proof their careers.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:28) - Meet Chris Do

(01:08) - AI’s disruptive future

(02:20) - Using AI in content

(05:00) - Productivity vs. team size

(07:46) - AI and creative ethics

(10:00) - Essential skills for future jobs

(14:00) - Elon Musk & brand loyalty

(16:32) - Staying grounded with fame

(19:00) - Foundations of personal branding

(25:00) - Brand authenticity challenges

(32:13) - Design improvements for creators

(41:30) - Chris on copying and learning

(49:00) - Value of mentorship and coaching

(54:00) - Finding your niche and ikigai

(57:23) - Content strategy & future goals

Check out today's guest, Sean Cannell:

Sean's Website: https://www.seancannell.com/

Sean's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWFavn3ym0w3myTD5OX59g

Sean's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seancannell/

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

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

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign

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

Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo

Threads: