Shows
Futurecrafting™ FridaysFF#08 — Clashing Worlds with Joanna GarnerSummaryIn this conversation with Patrick Kizny, Joanna Garner shares her journey with Meow Wolf, a creative company that has grown rapidly while navigating the challenges of maintaining creativity within a corporate structure. We discuss the tension between artistic freedom and business demands, the importance of creating supportive environments for artists, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the valuation of creativity in a capitalist society. The conversation also touches on the role of art in society, the impact of technology on creativity, and the need for genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world.Takeaways2025-02-1358 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysFF#07 — The Sunset of Cluster VFX with Marc MorissetteIn this conversation, Patrick Kizny and Marc Morissette explore Marc's extensive journey in the VFX industry, discussing his early experiences, the transition to entrepreneurship with his studio Cluster, and the challenges faced in managing a creative team. They explore themes of perfectionism, the impact of external factors like the pandemic and AI, and the emotional toll of closing a business. The discussion highlights the differences in how failure is perceived in the tech versus creative industries, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment for creative professionals. In this conversation, Patrick Kizny and Marc Morissette delve...2025-01-2851 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysFF#06 - Chris DuBois - Adapting to market saturationIn this conversation, Patrick Kizny and Chris DuBois discuss the evolving landscape of the agency space, focusing on the challenges posed by market saturation, technological advancements, and the need for agencies to adapt their strategies. They emphasize the importance of problem-focused messaging, the role of AI in enhancing efficiency, and the necessity of defining success and value in business. The discussion also touches on the significance of building trust and differentiation in a crowded market, as well as the future of agency business models in light of these changes.TakeawaysThe agency market...2025-01-1648 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysFF#05 - Web3 and the trends in creative industry with Érada SvetlanaSummaryIn this conversation, Patrick Kizny and Érada Svetlana discuss the transition from corporate roles to creative positions, the implications of Web3 for businesses, and the challenges faced by creative studios in a changing landscape. Érada shares insights on the importance of business operations in creative firms, the role of advisory positions in supporting startups, and the need for education in adapting to new technologies. They also explore the significance of value chain mapping, differentiation in a saturated market, and emerging business ideas in the context of Web3 and personal data security.TakeawaysTh...2024-12-1149 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysFF#04 - The Downfall of Innk with Vicente NumpaqueWhen I met Vicente Numpaque back around 2021, Innk was at the peak with clients such as Apple and the likes. It’s not just his or my studios that were peaking. The entire industry was blooming in the post-COVID boom like no others. Little did we know about what was coming.Around the turn of 2021/2022 Innk crashed beautifully. We met with Vicente to talk about this experience.The battles we fought and the scars we have, are invaluable. And so are the lessons from them. Unfortunately, too often they are swept under the rug....2024-11-0845 min
Agency Forward029 Patrick Kizny: The Value MethodHey everyone, today I’m joined by Patrick Kizny.Patrick is the founder of Futurecrafting™ and a creative entrepreneur with over two decades of experience leading firms in digital marketing, branding, and Hollywood-grade CG & VFX. He’s worked with clients all over the globe and now helps creative firms unlock value and scale their impact with his Value Method.I brought Patrick onto the show to share his insights on how marketing agencies can create value, communicate it effectively, and position themselves strategically in the value chain. If you’ve ever struggled with positioning, pricing, or just...2024-11-0539 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysFF#03 - Early Abandoners Club with Bobby GillespieWe met with Bobby Gilespie of Propr to discuss how to, and how is it, to join the “Early Abandoners Club”. Now I got you curious… SummaryIn this conversation, Patrick Kizny and Bobby Gillespie explore the evolution of marketing and agency models, emphasizing the importance of adapting to change and focusing on strategy over mere execution. They discuss the challenges of client relationships, the shift towards instant gratification in the industry, and the necessity of defining personal success. Bobby shares his journey from being a creative director to a strategic consultant, highlighting the si...2024-10-2538 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysFF#02 - Stop Selling Services — Start Delivering Outcomes with Jeff MeadeThe fastest way to lose your agency’s edge is to try to be everything to everyone.The host, Patrick Kizny and Jeff Meade (Creative Friction) discuss the critical role of positioning and accountability in creative agencies, breaking down the most pressing challenges for agencies today and offering actionable advice on how to create long-term value for clients.Questions we sparred over:⇀ How can creative agencies design a positioning strategy that naturally draws clients to them instead of constantly chasing leads?⇀ What are the dangers of offering too many services, and how ca...2024-10-1747 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysFF#01 - Practicing and Selling Strategy | Rob EstreitinhoSummaryWhat does it really mean to be a strategist in today's business landscape? In this conversation Patrick Kizny and Rob Estreitinho, the founder of Salmon Labs and former global strategy director at VCCP, explore the world of practicing and selling strategy. Together, they challenge traditional notions, discussing why the era of hefty decks and rigid methodologies is fading and how a more conversational, adaptable approach is taking center stage. From the art of balancing thinking and doing to the power of genuine relationships over transactional interactions, Patrick and Rob explore how flexibility and a multifaceted skill...2024-10-1156 min
Inspiring Futures - Lessons from the Worlds of Marketing and AdvertisingThe Future of Creative Services- Joe Nash and Patrick KiznyThe latest Inspiring Futures podcast is a discussion with Joe Nash and Patrick Kizny about the current and future state of creative services and creative studios. Joe was formerly the Director of Business Strategy at Buck and the co-founder of Slate. Patrick runs Futurecrafting which provides strategic advisory services to brands and companies and has an extensive background as a creative director, art director, and technical/software specialist. In our chat, we talk about the evolution/revolution that is taking place and how companies need to think about and prepare for the future. 2024-09-231h 04
Futurecrafting™ FridaysThe Illusion of Trust and the Secret Business EngineAre you relying on trust to close deals or understanding the real driver behind decision-making?Join Patrick Kizny as he shares insight into why trust might not be as crucial as you think for business growth and how risk management can be the secret engine of success.Key Takeaways:Trust vs. Risk: Discover why trust is often an illusion and how risk assessment plays a more significant role in business decisions.Binary Trust: Understand why trust is a binary gateway, not a continuum, and what this means for your client relationships.2024-08-0707 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysYour Opportunity — Confident Leadership in Uncertain TimesPatrick Kizny shares insight on how creative firms can navigate uncertain times by embracing visionary leadership. Instead of fearing market fluctuations, learn how to leverage uncertainty to make bold, strategic moves that resonate with clients and secure your firm's future.𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆: Understand the true challenge isn't uncertainty itself but our reaction to it. Learn how to use uncertainty as a strategic advantage.𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Explore the importance of leading with vision and confidence, and how it can attract and retain clients even during market downturns.𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: Discover how focusing on deeper, strategic client relationships can be more beneficial than merely seeking better-paying clients.𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Gain insights into bolstering your leadership confidence and navigating your firm through volatile periods.𝗣𝗿...2024-07-1704 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysElevating Case Studies - Process & Impact"If your work doesn't speak for itself, how do you ensure it gets heard?"In this episode of Futurecrafting™, Patrick Kizny dismantles the myth that creative work can speak for itself, emphasizing the need for context and packaging to convey its true impact. Drawing parallels with the unnoticed pavement slabs at the Great Pyramids of Giza, Patrick argues that without proper guidance, clients may overlook the real value of your portfolio. He discusses the common pitfalls in how creative firms present their work, often failing the "So what" test, and underscores the importance of demonstrating the business im...2024-07-0907 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysHope is not a strategy: future-proof your creative firm in uncertain times"I hope the business will be back soon." — heard this from creative firm owners more times than I can count. If you're relying on hope and tightening the belt to survive this downturn, it’s time to rethink. The reality? The markets have been down for 18 months, and studios are closing. So, what's your move? There are only two approaches: feed-back and feed-forward.In uncertain times, the instinct is to retreat and protect what you have. Sure, cutting costs and optimizing processes keeps the lights on. But is that a strategy? It's a prol...2024-06-2504 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysThe Value Method - Part 2: Imagine The PossibilityGreat clients are not found—they're nurtured. Great relationships are not found—they're forged. How can shifting to a value-centered mindset transform your creative firm's impact and profitability?Summary: In this episode of Futurecrafting™, Patrick Kizny delves into the crucial concept of value alignment in the creative industry. He discusses how shifting to a value-aware and value-centered mindset can unlock immense potential for creative firms. This episode is a continuation of the previous discussion on the lack of value alignment in the industry and explores practical steps to foster better team dynamics, efficient production, stronger client...2024-06-1208 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysThe Value Method - Part 1: The Creative Industry is Broken.Introduction:We kick off the series of articles on The Value System. Patrick Kizny discusses the fundamental issues plaguing the creative industry, focusing on the significant disconnect between creatives and their clients. He emphasizes the need for a revolution in how value is understood, communicated, and realized. All that, to come up with a picture of a better world, and tools to charge ahead.Key Takeaway:The Creative Industry is BrokenThe current ecosystem suffers from a misalignment in recognizing, communicating, and realizing value. This hampers the effective flow of value...2024-06-0720 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysThe way you lose tonightEver wonder why you lost that project to a bigger competitor who outpriced and outperformed you? It's not just about being creative—it's about systems, processes, and mindset.In this episode, Patrick Kizny dissects the reasons why smaller creative firms lose out to bigger competitors who not only beat them on price but also on creative execution. He explores the importance of robust systems, strategic mindset shifts, and leveraging external advice to ensure sustainable growth. Don't get stuck in the struggle—streamline, elevate, and evolve.Key Takeaways:Price vs. Profit: Some firms may lowe...2024-05-3006 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysYour success. Designed by Meta.Is your vision of success older than your car?Patrick Kizny reflects on the evolving concept of success and its influences from societal and technological pressures. Through personal stories and analysis, he challenges listeners to rethink their definitions of success.Key Takeaways:Reassessing Success:Patrick shares a story about realizing his excessive smartphone screen time, highlighting the need to define success personally rather than through digital consumption.Ambition and Aggression:Ambition often ties to power dynamics and societal expectations, leading to psychological aggression. Patrick explores the need...2024-05-2808 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysFrom Compliance to Guidance: Elevating Client Relationships in Creative StudiosIn this episode of Futurecrafting™, Patrick Kizny challenges the common belief that creative firms need more clients to grow. He dives into the misconceptions around client acquisition and emphasizes the importance of visionary leadership in building meaningful, profitable client relationships.Key Takeaways:More Clients vs. Better Clients: Patrick explores the difference between simply acquiring more clients and seeking better ones. He argues that better clients, who respect and pay well, are not the ultimate solution either. Instead, the focus should be on designing and nurturing client relationships.Five Truths of the Creative Sector:...2024-05-2110 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysMastering Understanding of Value ChainUnderstanding where your creative studio sits in the value chain is crucial for effective business positioning and pricing strategies.In this episode, we break down the concepts of value creation and value-based pricing, exploring how your position — whether as an execution-focused firm or a strategic partner — shapes your opportunities and approach.Key Points Discussed:Value Chain Mapping: Visualizing the hierarchy from client to subcontractors, and understanding the impact of each role.Strategic vs. Operational Roles: The difference between high-impact strategic positions and hands-on execution roles.Value-Based Pricing: Criteria for when...2024-05-1614 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysWhy is 10% growth a path to failureLet's challenge the traditional benchmarks of success in the creative sector. Why is 10% growth often seen as enough, and what might we be missing by sticking to this 'safe' number?Let's question everything and dare to aim higher. Join us as we explore the necessity of ambitious thinking in leadership—because effective leadership is about daring to ask the right questions. Stay tuned and rethink your growth strategy with us. Get full access to Futurecrafting™ at www.futurecrafting.express/subscribe2024-05-1406 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysStrategic Over-delivery: When more is moreIn "Strategic Over-delivery: When More Is More," we explore the art of exceeding client expectations without overshooting the mark. Ever wonder if all that extra effort is truly recognized or if it just drains your resources? Let's unpack the true costs of over-servicing and explore smarter ways to add value that clients will actually notice and appreciate.Let's rethink over-delivery—smarter, not harder.Tune in to shift your approach and truly align with your client's values. Stay prolific and craft your future wisely!To access full archives, subscribe and take part in the di...2024-05-0907 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysThe end of fishmarket"The fish market is dead. There's just the fishing market now. Should you buy a rod and a fishing course though?"Let's look into the evolution of the creative industry, and the threat of abundance. How can businesses future-proof themselves in a world overflowing with content but starved for connection? Tune in and let's discuss the critical need for reimagining business models in the face of an oversaturated market. Get full access to Futurecrafting™ at www.futurecrafting.express/subscribe2024-05-0708 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysWhy we hurt our business over-servicing our clients?In this episode of Futurecrafting™, Patrick Kizny tackles the often-overlooked issue of over-servicing clients in the creative industry. While striving for excellence is a hallmark of creatives, Patrick explores why this drive can sometimes harm your business rather than help it.Key Takeaways:The Pursuit of Excellence vs. Client Service: Creatives have a unique drive for excellence, but great craft doesn't always translate to great client service. Handling clients and processes with business savvy is crucial for delivering excellent service and maintaining a healthy bottom line.Over-Servicing and Confidence: Patrick shares insights from a...2024-05-0208 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysThe illusion of the no-cost service expansionIn this episode of Futurecrafting™, Patrick Kizny dives into the deceptive allure of expanding your service list without considering the hidden costs. While it might seem beneficial to offer more services, Patrick argues that this approach can dilute your focus and jeopardize your business’s profitability.Key Takeaways:The No-Cost Illusion: Adding more services to your portfolio might appear cost-free, especially during slow market periods. However, this expansion often comes at the expense of clarity and focus.Client Variety and Challenges: Offering a wide array of services attracts different client groups, each with uniq...2024-04-3005 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysGranny manners & The Future of MarketingIn this episode of Futurecrafting™, Patrick Kizny tackles the future of marketing, at least in the near-term. He explores why unpolished, personal, and casual approaches are gaining traction in a world saturated with overly engineered content.Key Takeaways:The End of Playbooks and Best Practices: Patrick asserts that traditional marketing playbooks and best practices are obsolete. Today’s effective marketing is unscripted, personal, and relational.Trend #1: Embracing Imperfection: Patrick highlights a growing preference for unpolished, human-centric marketing. Polished, brand-like content is losing trust, while rough, authentic content resonates more with audiences.Tren...2024-04-2508 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysThe End of Undifferentiated Creative StudiosIn this episode of Futurecrafting™, Patrick Kizny takes a hard look at the evolving landscape of the creative industry. He discusses why traditional business models centered around specific services ("We're a PR firm," "We're a social media agency") are becoming obsolete, and what creative firms need to do to stay relevant and thrive.Key Takeaways:Past and Present: The past two decades were a golden age for small creative firms, with abundant opportunities and easy access to capital. However, those days are over. Today’s market is characterized by higher inflation, cautious investors, and a satu...2024-04-2308 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysDeciphering "Collaborative Spirit"Let's dissect a trend that’s sweeping through the creative industry: the buzzword “collaborative.” While on the surface, promoting a collaborative spirit might seem like a positive attribute for your creative business, Patrick Kizny explains why this can sometimes be detrimental. Through a compelling narrative and personal anecdotes, Patrick unpacks the pitfalls of positioning your firm as overly collaborative.Key Takeaways:The Pitfall of Servilism: Drawing from experiences working with clients in China, Patrick highlights how a servile attitude—putting clients' demands above strategic expertise—can undermine your business.Service vs. Expertise: There's a fine lin...2024-04-1905 min
Futurecrafting™ FridaysPositioning is not a copywriting problemIn this episode of Futurecrafting™, Patrick Kizny shares his frustrations with the common misconceptions about positioning in the creative industry. He argues passionately that positioning is a strategic business issue, not just a matter of clever copywriting. Patrick highlights the current challenges creative firms face and why relying on outdated methods won't suffice.Key Takeaways:Positioning Misconceptions: Patrick explains why treating positioning as a copywriting issue is fundamentally flawed. Effective positioning requires a deep understanding of the market, client motivations, buying processes, and identifying a distinct market position.Economic Shifts and Challenges: Following th...2024-04-1804 min