Exchanging Ideas with Thad Cox

Thad Cox
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION

A good conversation is just two people exchanging ideas. This podcast is about exactly that. I chat with people I admire to find out how they think and what's on their minds, and I hope that these insightful and diverse chats will give creative people the tools and confidence to challenge conventional thinking to go after what they want.

  1. MBJ Process Walk

    04/07/2025 · BONUS

    MBJ Process Walk

    (00:00) Chapter 1 - Introduction (02:03-03:12) Chapter 2 - How to use this material (03:13-07:03) Chapter 3 - Observing in McDonald's (07:04-08:28) Chapter 4 - Ordering in McDonald's (08:29-12:28) Chapter 5 - The Speedee System (12:29-14:15) Chapter 6 - Observing in Starbucks (14:16-15:50) Chapter 7 - Ordering in Starbucks (15:51-21:06) Chapter 8 - The LATTE System (21:07-23:05) Chapter 9 - Improving Our Process (23:06-25:16) Chapter 10 - Reflective Questions (25:17-26:38) Chapter 11 - Conclusion & Next Steps

    27 min

  2. 05/30/2024

    The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #13

    In this engaging episode, Thad Cox discusses the art and challenges of copywriting, the irreplaceable value of storytelling and impactful ways to connect with your audience. The Power of Simplicity in Copywriting: Why Tony Malcolm's famous Economist ads are celebrated for their straightforward yet powerful text-only approach. Human Touch vs. AI in Writing: While AI is a great research tool, it lacks the ability to capture human stories and emotions, which are essential for meaningful writing. Authenticity in Messaging: Authenticity shines through when writers are direct and honest. Tommy's advice to a personal trainer to speak plainly about her motivations leads to a highly resonant newsletter. Quality Over Quantity in Content Creation: The pressure to produce massive amounts of content, advocating instead for well-crafted, thoughtful pieces that truly engage audiences. The Value of Mentorship: The importance of mentoring and investing in others and how authentic communication can lead to personal and professional growth. Enjoyed the episode? Send us your questions, share with friends, and subscribe for more insights and stories in design and creativity! www.thadcox.co.uk

    56 min

  3. 05/18/2024

    Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #12

    In this episode of Community Chat, Thad dives into the world of design, branding, and creativity through candid conversations and nostalgic stories. Discover how early experiences shape creative journeys and how personal anecdotes can enrich professional practices. The chat also covers balancing storytelling with practical outcomes and the importance of clear client communication. Takeaways: Harness Nostalgia: Use nostalgic memories to make your designs more relatable and emotionally impactful. Tell Engaging Stories: Integrate personal stories into your branding to stand out and connect with your audience. Combine Creativity and Results: Ensure your designs not only look good but also deliver tangible outcomes. Master Client Communication: Set clear expectations and enforce timelines to keep projects on track. Reflect on Influences: How reconnecting with what inspired your passion for design can fuel your creativity. Enjoyed the episode? Send us your questions, share with friends, and subscribe for more insights and stories in design and creativity! Follow Thad: thadcox.co.uk

    1h 16m

  4. 04/25/2024

    The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #11

    Alright, creative minds and freelance designers, let's dive into the energising insights from our latest episode of "Community Chat with Thad." This week, we explored how our environments—from the pulsing streets of urban art districts to the serene vibes of suburban life—affect our creative flow and artistic outputs. It's not just about where you are; it's about how the space around you sparks that creative magic. Key Takeaways: Discover Your Creative Sanctuary: Whether it’s a bustling city corner or a quiet suburban nook, find out how different settings can fire up your creativity. Connect and Collaborate: Utilize your community, both online and in person, to enhance your creative endeavors and find new inspiration. Stay Inspired Anywhere: Learn techniques for keeping your creative juices flowing, no matter how stimulating (or not) your environment is. Harness Digital Inspiration: Embrace podcasts, digital galleries, and more to fill your inspiration tank when your immediate surroundings don't do the trick. Learn from Experience: Hear how other creatives adapt to their environments and the profound impact these spaces have on their work. Get out there and mold your environment to best suit your creative spirit! Take a leaf from our discussions and enrich your workspace and habits for optimal artistic production. Share your experiences with finding the perfect creative spot or how a change of scenery has sparked a new project. Follow Thad: Thad Cox's Website Instagram @mrthadcox LinkedIn

    58 min
  5. The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #10

    04/09/2024

    The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #10

    Alright, creative minds and freelance designers, let's wrap up the latest juice from our Community Chat. This week we hit a gold mine discussing Studio Ghibli's unique charm and their cold shoulder towards AI. It's not just about animation; it's about what tickles the creative bone in all of us. Key Takeaways: Embrace Your Uniqueness: Your personal touch is what sets you apart in a sea of AI-generated perfection. Don't shy away from those idiosyncrasies in your work. Quality Over Quantity: In the rush to deliver, don't lose sight of what matters – the heart and soul poured into each project. Sometimes, taking it slow can lead to more meaningful work. Legacy Matters: Think about what you're leaving behind. Each project is a brick in the legacy you're building, not just as a designer but as a creative force. Get out there and make your mark, folks! Let's take a cue from Studio Ghibli and focus on the depth and soul of our work. Share your projects that you believe truly embody the human touch. Who needs AI when we've got a world of imagination at our fingertips? Let's show 'em what we've got! Follow Thad: https://www.thadcox.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/

    52 min
  6. The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #9

    04/02/2024

    The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #9

    Alright, fellow freelance designers and creative minds, let's dive into a discussion that's as real as it gets in our world – the curious case of designers over 40. Have you ever wondered where they all vanish to? It's like there's this mystery zone where seasoned designers seem to disappear. But hey, let's get real. They're not hiding under a pile of outdated MacBooks or fading into the backdrop of design history. They're very much here, bringing a wealth of experience and creative firepower that's just too good to ignore. Key Takeaways: Experience is Gold: Being over 40 in the design industry doesn't mean your creative spark has fizzled out. It means you've got a treasure trove of experience, insights, and skills that can elevate any project. It's about blending this wisdom with the fresh, dynamic energy of younger creatives to create magic. Evolving with Time: The digital landscape is ever-changing, and staying relevant means continuously learning and adapting. For all you seasoned pros, it's not just about keeping up with the latest design trends but also mentoring the next gen on the nuances of design thinking and problem-solving. Breaking Stereotypes: There's this myth that once you hit a certain age, your design ideas are outdated. Let's shatter that! Your work can be as fresh and relevant as any hotshot designer straight out of school, if not more. It's all about perspective and how you market your skills. Embracing Independence: If the traditional job market seems to undervalue your expertise, consider the vast opportunities in freelancing or consulting. Many designers over 40 thrive by building their own brands, offering specialised services, or consulting for firms that appreciate the depth of their experience. Your network is your net worth, especially in the creative industry. Keep those connections strong and continually expand your circle. You never know when an old colleague or a new acquaintance might lead you to your next big project. Got any stories or insights about navigating the design world post-40? We're all ears! Share your experiences, tips, or even challenges you've faced. Let's create a dialogue that empowers and inspires designers of all ages to push the boundaries and redefine what it means to be a 'seasoned' creative professional. Together, we can prove that creativity knows no age limit. Follow Thad: https://www.thadcox.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/

    1h 3m
  7. The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #8

    03/26/2024

    The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #8

    In this episode, we dove deep into the art of handling conflict, the double-edged sword of our digital lives, and how the younger crowd is managing (or struggling) to debate and disagree without losing their cool. It was a real eye-opener on how navigating our professional and personal worlds is changing, especially with technology gripping us tighter every day. Takeaways & Highlights: Conflict Isn't Always the Enemy: Turns out, a bit of conflict isn't the worst thing. It can actually push us to do better, think harder, and come out stronger on the other side. It's all about keeping it professional and not personal. When you know you're aiming to boost your work or business, a little heat in discussions can lead to better outcomes. Debating Skills Are on the Decline: Is the art of agreeing to disagree is getting lost in the shuffle, making workplaces a bit more tense than they need to be. Are Our Digital Bubbles Are Trapping Us? The digital world, for all its perks, is making us feel lonelier and more isolated. We're more connected than ever but feeling the pinch of real, meaningful interactions. Professionalism Is Evolving (Or Is It?): This whole shift to digital has us rethinking what being professional means. From ghosting jobs to struggling with direct communication, it seems like the rules of the game are changing. Or maybe, we're just seeing a new side of the same dice? Finding Your Footing Amidst Change: With all these shifts, especially for the Gen Z crowd stepping into their careers, it's about finding that sweet spot. How do you stay true to yourself, make the most of digital tools, and still keep those human connections strong? Got any stories of your own about wrestling with these modern conundrums? How do you keep your cool in a heated debate, or find real connections in a swipe-right world? Drop us a line, share your thoughts, or just let us know what's on your mind. Follow Thad: https://www.thadcox.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/

    1h 13m
  8. The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #7

    03/19/2024

    The Thad Cox Podcast - Community Chat #7

    Navigating Career Challenges with Strategic Moves Welcome back, everyone, to our cherished community discussions, where we dive deep into the real talk about careers, the hustle for work, and making those pivotal moves that define our paths. Today's chat revolved around a truth many of us face: the ongoing struggle to secure work and how to navigate these challenges with savvy and strategy. We explored the reality that for most of us, being in high demand is more the exception than the rule. The conversation highlighted a strategic approach to career growth that involves leveraging unique advantages by making lateral or even unconventional moves to gain new experiences. This includes stepping into roles at prestigious companies or entirely different industries to add an intriguing edge to our resumes, thereby increasing our appeal to future employers and broadening our skill sets. Takeaways & Highlights: The Struggle Is Real (And Normal): Most of us aren't turning down work; we're searching for it. Understanding this can alleviate some of the stress associated with job hunting. Strategic Moves Pay Off: Transitioning to a role in a less conventional or smaller setting can lead to significant career advancements, provided it offers a new perspective or skill set. The Value of Working for 'Free': Offering services without charge to gain unique experience can open doors that otherwise might remain closed, especially when trying to break into prestigious companies or industries. Networking Is Crucial: Leveraging new roles to expand your network and signal your availability to headhunters and industry contacts can significantly enhance your job prospects. Always Be Planning: Even while in a current role, strategise your next move. Being proactive about where you're heading next is essential, leveraging each position as a stepping stone to further your career. We're eager to hear from you! Have you ever made a bold career move that paid off? Or are you contemplating a significant change and seeking advice? Share your stories, insights, or questions with us. Your experiences could inspire or guide someone in a similar position. Let’s continue to support and learn from each other. Drop your comments below or send in your questions. Let's tackle these career challenges together! Follow Thad: https://www.thadcox.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/mrthadcox https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthadcox/

    41 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A good conversation is just two people exchanging ideas. This podcast is about exactly that. I chat with people I admire to find out how they think and what's on their minds, and I hope that these insightful and diverse chats will give creative people the tools and confidence to challenge conventional thinking to go after what they want.

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