Christopher Lochhead Follow Your Different™

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, the script is flipped and we listen to Christopher Lochhead explore the critical theme of customer obsession, especially within startups on the Building with Buyers podcast, hosted by Anna Furmanov. This conversation focuses on the importance of empathy, both for customers and within teams, and advocates for breaking down departmental silos to foster collaboration and drive sustainable growth. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   CHRISTOPHER LOCHHEAD ON UNDERSTANDING THE “EXISTING MARKET TRAP” Christopher Lochhead explains that many startups fall into the “existing market trap,” where they build something new but compare it to existing products. This approach stifles innovation and fails to create new demand. Instead, startups should focus on understanding their customers deeply and innovating based on their needs. Christopher introduces the concept of “super consumers,” who are passionate individuals at the edges of the bell curve. These customers are not just users; they are evangelists who can help shape and define categories. He suggests that you look for customers who are highly engaged with your product and vocal about their experiences. You then create exclusive communities or programs for these super consumers to gather feedback and encourage them to spread the word about your product.   THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTHENTIC DIALOGUE Christopher discusses the decay of civil discourse in society and its impact on authentic dialogue. He believes that healthy debate and the exchange of differing viewpoints are essential for a functioning society and fostering innovation in business. Christopher also shares his personal experiences with being de-platformed on social media for promoting free speech. He argues that the ability to engage in civil discourse is crucial for personal expression and fostering innovation.   CHALLENGES IN STARTUPS Anna and Christopher discuss the common pitfalls startups face as they grow, such as shifting focus from customer feedback to product development and sales. Christopher shares examples of companies that have thrived by prioritizing customer relationships and adapting their offerings based on customer needs. Some of the things they could do are to analyze how successful companies maintain their customer focus and apply similar strategies to your business. They should also be willing to pivot your strategies based on customer feedback and market changes. To hear more from Christopher Lochhead and Anna Furmanov, download and listen to this episode.   LINKS Like what you hear? You can check out Anna Furmanov’s podcast, Building with Buyers [https://podcast.furmanovmarketing.com/].   We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], X (formerly Twitter) [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochhead-follow-your-different/id1204044507?mt=2] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1DEYi0U8XGMQTvIMfP0nul]!

On this special 400th episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, Christopher and guest Al Ramadan discuss their new book, “The Existing Market Trap.” They explore the pitfalls businesses face when trying to innovate within established market categories, emphasizing that fitting new ideas into old frameworks stifles innovation. They advocate for category design, which involves creating new market categories rather than competing within existing ones. They also introduce the “13 deadly sins” that entrepreneurs often commit, offering insights to help avoid these common mistakes. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   AL RAMADAN ON UNDERSTANDING THE EXISTING MARKET TRAP The “existing market trap” refers to the tendency of businesses to try to fit new ideas into old categories. This approach often stifles innovation and growth, as companies focus on competing for market share rather than creating entirely new markets. Al and Christopher argue that this mindset is fundamentally flawed and that true innovation comes from redefining problems and opportunities rather than fitting new solutions into outdated categories. Some of the consequences of the market trap include financial loses, Constantly competing in saturated markets can lead to exhaustion and disillusionment among founders, and loss of strategic direction by the company.    AL RAMADAN ON THE POWER OF CATEGORY DESIGN Category design is a business strategy that focuses on creating new market categories rather than competing within existing ones. This approach allows businesses to escape the constraints of established market definitions and pursue groundbreaking innovations. Why is Category Design Important? Category design is essential because it empowers companies to reshape the market landscape rather than simply compete within it. Instead of fitting into existing frameworks, successful businesses create entirely new categories that address previously unmet needs, unlocking fresh opportunities for innovation and growth. This strategic approach also plays a critical role in building belief, both internally and externally, in a company’s vision. By shaping perception and defining a unique space, category design helps generate demand, positioning the business as a leader rather than a follower.   THE 13 DEADLY SINS OF CATEGORY DESIGN Al and Christopher introduce the concept of the “13 deadly sins” that entrepreneurs often commit when scaling their businesses. These sins serve as cautionary tales for founders who may be tempted to chase after existing market demand rather than focusing on creating new opportunities. Several common pitfalls can hinder a company’s success in the market. One is the Engineer’s Dilemma, where teams become overly focused on technical features instead of addressing broader market needs. Another is the Obviously Better Fallacy—the mistaken belief that having a superior product alone guarantees market success. Finally, the Horizontal Tool Illusion occurs when a company tries to serve everyone, rather than honing in on a specific market segment. These missteps can dilute value, confuse customers, and ultimately prevent a product from gaining traction. To hear more from Christopher and Al Ramadan about the existing Market Trap, download and listen to this episode.    BIO Al Ramadan is a co-founding partner of Play Bigger Advisors and coauthor of the book, Play Bigger. He also co-founded Quokka Sports, which revolutionized the way people experience sport online. Al then joined Macromedia and Adobe, where he spent almost ten years changing the way people think about great digital experiences. At Adobe, Al led teams that created the Rich Internet Applications category and helped develop the discipline of experience design. In the early ‘90s he applied data science to Australia’s Americas Cup — an innovation in sports performance analytics. His work in sailing led directly to the idea for Quokka. He lives in Santa Cruz, California. LINKS Connect with Al Ramadan! Play Bigger [https://www.playbigger.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alramadan/] | Category Contenders [https://www.playbigger.com/contender-list] | The Science Behind Category Design [https://www.playbigger.com/science] We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], X (formerly Twitter) [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochhead-follow-your-different/id1204044507?mt=2] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1DEYi0U8XGMQTvIMfP0nul]!

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we have a Dude conversation with the chief Dudes of DUDE Wipes to talk about how they wiped their competition and became the leader in their category. This episode is part of the Creator Capitalist Conversations, a mini-series spotlighting real-life legends who have rejected traditional career paths and built lives around what makes them different. These are stories of people who didn’t wait to get picked. They picked themselves—and started building careers that pay them to be radically them. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   LINKS Learn more about Dude Wipes! LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/spriles/] | Dude Wipes [https://dudewipes.com/]   We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], Twitter [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochhead-follow-your-different/id1204044507?mt=2] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1DEYi0U8XGMQTvIMfP0nul]!

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we are treated to an inspiring conversation with Carylyne Chan, a startup founder, investor, and advocate for autonomy and entrepreneurship. This episode is part of the “Creator Capitalist Conversations” miniseries, which emphasizes the importance of taking control of one’s career and life. Carylyne’s journey from a challenging upbringing in Singapore to becoming a successful entrepreneur in various sectors, including AI and blockchain, offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to carve their own path. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   GETTING TO KNOW CARYLYNE CHAN Carylyne’s story is one of choosing herself rather than waiting to be chosen. As we go further into the episode, we dive into the emotional and psychological aspects of making significant life changes, particularly the leap from traditional employment to entrepreneurship. Carylyne begins her story by recounting her upbringing in Singapore, where she faced significant challenges, including a turbulent family life. At the age of 14, she took her first internship at the National Environment Agency, which sparked her interest in understanding how people work and the importance of teamwork. This early experience laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit.   CARYLYNE CHAN AND HER LEAP TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP As Carylyne transitioned from high school to college, she continued to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. She participated in hackathons and collaborated with friends who shared her interests. This led to the creation of a startup focused on AI chat summarization before it became a mainstream concept. Their journey took them to an accelerator program in Hawaii, where they worked tirelessly to grow their business. Carylyne then discuss the emotional challenges that accompany the entrepreneurial journey. She highlights the importance of recognizing when one has outgrown their current situation and the courage it takes to make a change. She believes that the biggest risk is not quitting a job that no longer serves you but rather staying in a life that feels unfulfilling.   DISCOVERING HER SUPERPOWER The conversation shifts to the concept of identifying one’s unique strengths or “superpowers.” Carylyne acknowledges that her path to self-discovery has been complex and filled with trial and error. Initially, she viewed herself as an operational person, someone who gets things done. However, as she navigated through her first formal startup, she realized that her skills extended beyond operations to include marketing, design, and leadership. Christopher and Eddie discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in Carylyne’s success. They highlight her ability to remain calm amidst chaos, a skill that has been honed through her upbringing and experiences. Carylyne’s capacity for rapid synthesis—quickly learning and distilling complex information into actionable narratives—has been a cornerstone of her work as an advisor and entrepreneur. To hear more about Carylyne Chan and her entrepreneurial journey, download and listen to this episode. Subscribe to Category Pirates [https://www.categorypirates.news/] today and join the crew in our Category Design journey on the business seas!   BIO Carylyne Chan is a Singapore-based entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and former CEO of CoinGecko, a leading global cryptocurrency data platform. With a background in psychology and marketing from Carnegie Mellon University, she blends analytical thinking with strategic vision to drive innovation in Web3 and fintech. Carylyne is also a startup advisor and frequent speaker on blockchain, digital assets, and entrepreneurship, recognized for her role in advancing transparency in the crypto space.   LINKS Connect with Carylyne Chan! Website [https://carylyne.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carylynechan/?originalSubdomain=sg] | X (formerly Twitter) [https://x.com/carylyne]    We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], Twitter [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on iTunes [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochheads-legends-losers/id1204044507?mt=2]!

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we engage in a riveting conversation with Mike Maples Jr., co-founder of Floodgate and a prominent venture capitalist. This episode, which is a part of the “Creator Capitalist Conversations” miniseries, goes into the themes of entrepreneurship, personal capital, and the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in the ideation process. The dialogue offers a wealth of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals alike. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   MIKE MAPLES JR.’S JOURNEY: FROM ENTREPRENEUR TO VENTURE CAPITALIST Christopher Lochhead sets the stage by introducing the miniseries “Creator Capitalist Conversations,” which celebrates individuals who have carved their own paths in the business world. The episode features Mike Maples Jr., who shares his journey from a successful entrepreneur to a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley. This transition, marked by risk-taking and self-discovery, offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to forge their own path in business. Mike Maples Jr. recounts his significant career shift from being a well-respected founder and head of marketing for a successful software company in Texas to starting anew in Silicon Valley as a venture capitalist. This transition, he notes, is daunting for many, especially for someone who had already achieved a level of success and recognition. Mike’s approach to risk-taking involves viewing new ventures as opportunities to explore interesting ideas rather than potential failures. This mindset allows him to gradually escalate his commitment as he gains confidence.   MIKE MAPLES JR. ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-AWARENESS Mike shares that the journey to discovering one’s superpowers is often a gradual realization rather than a single defining moment. He emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s time and using it to share one’s unique gifts with the world. This perspective aligns with the Japanese concept of “ikigai,” which represents the intersection of what one loves, what the world needs, what one can be paid for, and what one is good at. Mike then discusses the distinction between deep work—discovering new knowledge—and harnessing pre-existing knowledge. He notes that many high-paying jobs rely on established knowledge, which may become commoditized in the age of AI. By integrating the insights of others with his unique perspective, Mike has developed a robust intellectual framework that guides his investment decisions.   EXPLORING AIRBNB’S SEED DECK: A CASE STUDY IN INNOVATION Mike Maples Jr. shares an intriguing case study involving Airbnb’s original seed deck from 2008. Using a software tool he developed, the “Pattern Breakers Insight Stress Test,” he analyzes Airbnb’s business model. This analysis reveals that everyday people would rent their private homes to strangers, creating a new category of accommodation that transcends traditional hotels. This insight is underpinned by several inflection points, including the growing comfort with online transactions and the rising consumer preference for authentic experiences. Encouraged by the insights gained from Airbnb’s seed deck, Mike explores further possibilities, including creating a business model canvas, potential logo designs, and a narrative framework for Airbnb. This exploration leads him to realize that similar analytical techniques can be applied to various mental models, facilitating ideation and refinement. To hear more from Mike Maples Jr. and his thoughts on careers that withstand the test of time and tech, download and listen to this episode.   BIO Mike Maples Jr. is an entrepreneur turned venture capitalist. He’s co-founder of Silicon Valley based, early-stage VC Floodgate. And the host of the popular “Starting Greatness” podcast. [https://greatness.substack.com/] Investments include Twitter, Lyft, Bazaarvoice, Sparefoot, Ayasdi, Xamarin, Doubledutch, Twitch.tv, Playdom, Chegg, Demandforce, Rappi, Smule, and Outreach. LINK Connect with Mike Maples Jr.! Floodgate [https://www.floodgate.com/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/m2jr] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maples/] | Starting Greatness Podcast [https://greatness.substack.com/] Check out Mike’s new book, Pattern Breakers! Amazon Books [https://www.amazon.com/Pattern-Breakers-Start-Ups-Change-Future/dp/1541704355] | Porchlight Books [https://www.porchlightbooks.com/product/pattern-breakers-why-some-start-ups-change-the-future--mike-maples/isbn/9781541704350] | Starting Greatness [https://greatness.floodgate.com/] | Pattern Breakers Newsletter [https://patternbreakers.substack.com/] We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], X (formerly Twitter) [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochhead-follow-your-different/id1204044507?mt=2] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1DEYi0U8XGMQTvIMfP0nul]!