⫹⫺ Look Back, Move Forward

Cheat Codes for Creators, Makers & Doers - CMMN WLTH 067

Andy Barr

May 02, 2022

Hello my friends,

Sportswear industry legend, Peter Moore, passed away on Friday.

Over the past few years, I regularly visited Peter at his studio in Portland.

We spent countless hours talking about athletes and consumers or reviewing upcoming products.

He would argue that Apple is no longer a design company. An example of “numbers getting in the way of creativity.”

If you wanted a raw, no-bullshit view of the world, or what you were working on, you went and saw Peter.

It goes without saying, I learned a lot from him.

I’m not going to write about his legend or his legacy. I will leave that to better writers than myself.

What I do want to tell you, however, is that whether you are just starting your career or have found mastery, dedicate time to learn the history of the company and the industry you are working in.

Seek out the legends and heroes. Ask to meet with them.

You will be surprised at how eager they are to pass on their experience and knowledge.

You will realize that none of your ideas are original and that the athlete/consumer/market hasn’t changed at all, although it seems like everything has changed.

Most importantly, understanding what came before you will help you see what is still to come.

And, if you’re really lucky, you too might create something that will live on long after you’re gone.

Thanks for everything Peter,

— Andy

Product

The future of tech is in the hands of disruptive brands like Teenage Engineering. Their latest product looks peculiarly like this stem player concept they were working on.
Most brands and creatives think about their target consumers but should they focus more on outliers? How designing for marginalized groups of people can improve innovation for all.
Last year Snap Inc. bought Fit Analytics, an acquisition that pointed towards immersive shopping experiences. It looks like the future is real-life enhanced by AR.

People

10 rules for negotiating a job offer. Negotiation is a skill that can be learned just like any other.
The Great Resignation has rebalanced the power dynamic between employee and employer. Use the opportunity to be more rigorous when deciding who to work with.
Building trust and confidence in a team starts with core values. Learning how to construct a “why” statement will help you articulate your purpose.

Process

“The long run is just a collection of short runs you have to put up with.” The first few months of this year have highlighted the importance of long term thinking, whether you’re investing or looking for new opportunities.
It’s time to rethink networking. Most things in life aren’t based on merit, but on connections.
The first half of 2022 has been a rollercoaster. Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order should bring some comfort ↓