In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, to talk about suffering, creativity, and what it really takes to find meaningful work. We dive into the paradox of avoiding pain, why some struggles are worth it, and how Mark discovered that writing—not music—was his true calling. We also geek out on content creation, the power of differentiation, and the business of being a creator. Mark opens up about the mistakes he made, the detours he took, and how he found his way back to what he truly loves. If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, self-doubt, or figuring out your path, this conversation is packed with insights that just might change the way you think about success.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:45) - The paradox of suffering

(02:05) - Finding meaningful struggles

(06:13) - The “shit sandwich” you don’t mind eating

(09:30) - Discovering your natural talents

(14:25) - When to push through vs. when to quit

(18:09) - Mark’s journey from music to writing

(24:21) - The myth of “finding your passion”

(28:47) - Secrets to creating engaging content

(33:19) - The power of being a “correct contrarian”

(37:14) - Social media as media, not social

(42:25) - Business model shifts & the future of online media

(48:08) - AI’s role in personal development

(50:12) - Closing thoughts

Check out today's guest, Mark Manson:

Mark's Website: https://markmanson.net/

Mark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markmanson

Mark's New Community: https://findmomentum.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:

Chris Do is coming to Singapore! 🇸🇬

Over the course of one unforgettable week, join Chris for three transformative workshops on personal branding, conversational selling, and an exclusive VIP experience designed to unlock your full potential as a creative professional or entrepreneur.

🗓 June 2–7, 2025

📍 Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore

👉 Secure your spot on the waitlist: https://chrisdo.asia/waitlist

In this high-impact episode, Chris Do sits down with Victoria Dior Wang—CEO of Goldzone Group and a trailblazer in experiential leadership education—to unpack why most professionals, especially in Asia, are selling all wrong. From cultural beliefs rooted in Confucian values to a widespread fear of self-promotion, Chris and Victoria explore why talented people keep playing small—and how to break free.

They dive deep into why traditional sales methods feel manipulative, the shame that comes with self-promotion, and how personal branding can help you sell with confidence (and integrity). This conversation is a must-listen for creatives, consultants, entrepreneurs, and anyone struggling with visibility, pricing, or imposter syndrome.

Timestamps:

(00:00) The Nature of Creative Struggles

(03:45) The Power of Branding in Business

(07:54) Cultural Preservation and Modernization in Japan

(19:22) Changing the Sales Mindset

(24:33) Cultural Perspectives and Personal Growth

(31:40) The Value of Experience

(35:16) Understanding the Value of Money

(39:51) Understanding the Value of Money (duplicate – consider editing or removing)

(46:15) Overcoming Fear in Business Decisions

(51:43) The Importance of Staying on Track

Check out today's guest, Victoria Dior Wang:

Victoria Dior Wang's Website: http://victoriadior.com/

Victoria Dior Wang's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriadiorwang/

Victoria Dior Wang's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriadiorwang/

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:

Welcome to part two of my conversation with Tom Bilyeu! If you haven’t heard part one yet, go check it out—we covered the realities of making millions, the impact on relationships, and why money doesn’t change who you are at your core. In this episode, we dive deeper into why so many talented people never succeed. Tom breaks down the mindset traps that keep people stuck and the hard truth about what it actually takes to win in business. We debate the role of impact, money, and personal growth, and Tom shares why he believes mindset alone isn’t enough—execution, skill acquisition, and timing matter just as much. He also opens up about his emotional journey trying to change lives at scale and why he’s now focused on shaping the next generation through storytelling and entertainment. If you're looking for real, unfiltered insights on success, this is a must-listen.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:17) - Why talented people stay stuck

(01:12) - Money as a scorecard for impact

(03:00) - The myth of "good people" winning in business

(04:50) - The hard truth about entrepreneurship

(07:17) - Mindset vs. skill acquisition

(10:45) - Business success is about timing

(14:20) - The brutal emotional journey of trying to help people

(20:10) - Why Tom gave up on helping adults

(25:46) - Teaching personal growth through entertainment

(32:10) - The pursuit of truth vs. utility

(40:37) - How Tom rewired his mindset for success

(49:16) - The moment that changed Tom’s self-esteem forever

(52:30) - Fun rapid-fire questions with Tom

Check out today's guest, Tom Bilyeu:

Tom's Website: https://impacttheory.com/

Tom's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu

Tom's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomBilyeu

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:

In this episode, I share my personal philosophy on parenting and how I raised my two sons to be independent, creative, and entrepreneurial. I reflect on my upbringing as a first-generation immigrant, the parenting styles I observed, and how I deliberately avoided helicopter parenting to foster self-sufficiency in my children.

I discuss the importance of setting firm boundaries while allowing freedom, why letting kids fail is crucial to their development, and how I instilled values of respect, decision-making, and responsibility. I also explore the long-term impact of parenting styles, how wealth and privilege affect children's behavior, and the consequences of overprotective parenting. If you're a parent, thinking about becoming one, or reflecting on your own upbringing, this episode offers valuable insights into raising resilient and capable kids.

Timestamps:

(00:00) – Why I’m sharing my parenting philosophy & my sons’ success stories

(02:51) – The difference between helicopter parenting and my laissez-faire approach

(06:24) – How my own upbringing shaped my parenting style

(10:42) – The two firm rules I set for my kids: Respect and Zero Tolerance for Violence

(16:02) – How affluent parents unintentionally weaken their children

(21:30) – The impact of decision-making skills on independence

(27:50) – The psychological effects of over-parenting and why kids struggle with confidence

(33:48) – Teaching kids financial responsibility and why my youngest filed taxes at 18

(40:46) – The illusion of choice: A strategy I learned from a family therapist

(47:16) – How enforcing boundaries and respect prepares kids for the real world

(53:12) – Breaking generational trauma and the dangers of repeating parenting mistakes

(58:40) – Final thoughts: How to raise kids who are capable, not coddled

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:

In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and impact-driven business leader Tom Bilyeu to discuss the journey from startup to billion-dollar exit and the deeper personal costs of ambition. Tom opens up about the moment he saw life-changing wealth hit his bank account, only to realize that money doesn’t solve internal struggles. We dive into his relationship with his wife, Lisa, and how they navigate the balance between high-performance entrepreneurship and maintaining a strong marriage. Tom shares how he defines success, why skill acquisition is the key to freedom, and how he maintains his relentless drive while keeping his personal life intact. This conversation goes beyond business strategies—it’s about mindset, relationships, and personal growth. If you've ever wondered what happens after financial success or how to maintain a healthy marriage while chasing big dreams, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:22) - Chris Visits Tom’s Studio

(01:04) - Billion-Dollar Exit: The Real Story

(02:33) - The Moment Money Hits Your Account

(03:47) - Money as a Tool vs. Self-Worth

(07:12) - The Thrill of the Chase

(08:32) - The Personal Cost of Success

(13:15) - Marriage, Relationships & Entrepreneurship

(17:03) - Prioritizing Marriage While Pursuing Success

(22:42) - The Balance Between Work & Love

(27:04) - The Importance of Understanding Your Partner

(31:55) - Making Relationships Work Long-Term

(38:08) - Chris & Tom Reflect on Ambition & Drive

(38:38) - Part Two Teaser: Creative Entrepreneurship

Check out today's guest, Tom Bilyeu:

Tom's Website: https://impacttheory.com/

Tom's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu

Tom's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomBilyeu

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:

In this episode, I challenge the common belief that you need to niche down to succeed. Many creatives look at artists like Post Malone, who seamlessly transitions across genres, and assume they can do the same. But the reality is, these people mastered one thing before expanding. I discuss why copying someone’s success without understanding their journey is a mistake and why intentional practice and depth of knowledge are key. We explore the concept of the T-shaped skill set, the risks of diversifying too soon, and how social media growth favors consistency. If you’ve ever struggled with whether to specialize or go broad, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - The problem with copying success

(00:39) - Post Malone’s career evolution

(02:12) - Why success leaves clues

(03:35) - Finding your starting point

(04:17) - The power of deep expertise

(05:00) - Social media and consistency

(06:15) - The restaurant analogy for niching

(07:01) - Outro and call to action

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, I’m joined by Hamlet Azarian, a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in scaling early-stage startups from ideation to success. Hamlet breaks down his data-driven approach to marketing, emphasizing the importance of multivariate testing, customer personas, and psychographics to deeply understand user needs.

We discuss actionable strategies, such as rapid testing of ideas through prototypes and landing pages, and leveraging tools like Hotjar and CallRail to optimize customer engagement. Hamlet also highlights the power of focusing on progress over perfection and shares insights from his journey of building an agency with a mission to educate and empower future marketers.

Whether you’re a creative professional, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about growth marketing, this episode is packed with insights to help you take your ideas to the next level.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Hamlet Azarian

(01:30) - Early-stage startup dynamics

(03:00) - Example: Scaling Camino Financial

(08:00) - Multivariate testing and audience targeting

(15:00) - Understanding customer personas and psychographics

(25:00) - Building marketing strategies through interviews

(32:50) - Optimizing landing pages and pre-launch campaigns

(38:20) - Growth mindset and startup culture

(50:30) - Tools and tech stack for data-driven marketing

(54:00) - Closing thoughts and action steps

Check out today's guest, Hamlet Azarian:

Hamlet's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamletazarian

Azarian Growth Agency's Website: https://azariangrowthagency.com/

Hamlet's Website: https://hamletazarian.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 episode, I sit down with Maria Ross, an author, speaker, and empathy advocate, to explore the power of empathy in leadership, branding, and creative work. We unpack the two types of empathy—cognitive and affective—and how understanding them can transform relationships, client interactions, and even pricing strategies. Maria shares insights from her books, The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, addressing misconceptions around empathy in business. We discuss how ego and insecurity can block empathy, the dangers of "empathy hijacking," and the balance between compassion and high performance. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this episode is packed with practical strategies to integrate empathy into your work without burning out.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Maria Ross

(00:33) - Maria’s background in branding and empathy advocacy

(01:49) - Why empathy matters for small teams and solopreneurs

(02:14) - The business case for empathy in leadership

(07:13) - Why creatives struggle with empathy

(09:03) - The two types of empathy: cognitive vs. affective

(13:33) - Ego and insecurity as empathy blockers

(20:04) - The problem with "radical honesty" and weaponized empathy

(29:07) - How to respond empathetically without "hijacking" the conversation

(36:41) - The power of curiosity in empathy

(40:15) - Empathy in pricing: charging based on client impact

(50:13) - Leadership challenges: balancing empathy and performance

(57:22) - How to build an empathetic workplace culture

(59:10) - Where to find Maria and her books

Check out today's guest, Maria Ross:

Maria's book website: https://theempathydilemma.com/

Maria's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross

Maria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria

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: