Dear readers -
Each Christmas, I make a trifle. In the past, making the custard has been a catastrophic failure, so I’ve opted for an easy powder mix. This has not sit well with me, because I am better than that.
"Custard: A detestable substance produced by a malevolent conspiracy of the hen, the cow, and the cook". Ambrose Bierce.
So this past December, I perfected making custard from scratch using incredible patience and focus. It transformed the trifle - fresh berries and pound cake covered in homemade custard, chilled over night and then topped with fresh whipped cream.
If I can figure out custard, we’ve got this year!
I write all of these issues directly in Substack. I’ll start, take a break, come back, do some editing, come back and so on. As I type (first week of Jan) I am eager for the business world to get going. 2023 ended with some compelling meetings around potential opportunities. I’m waiting (patiently) for them to come home to roost.
I’m also mentioning my custard story in every interview.
Let’s jump in.
Designing my 2024
Attribute it to getting old and embracing my mortality. Or a growing frustration that I could be living a richer life. Or I am simply ready for change or a mid-life crisis. Regardless, I wanted to approach 2024 in a new manner.
I sketched out some ideas and realized I was quickly building out my own model for approaching the year by theme, sub-themes and by month/quarter/H1.
My year is all about Accountability. Simply put, I am responsible for everything and I wanted to approach this year in a way that would support this theme, but allow me to grow, become healthier, smarter and experience life in new ways. It was a rewarding exercise and an example of it is below.
I quickly realized this might be a model that could help others, so I approached it in a way that could be a blank and usable template. You can access it directly below.
And because the entire world is always talking about passive income streams, I uploaded a PDF, PowerPoint and Google Doc version to Etsy so I can become an overnight millionaire. Why are you laughing?
Enjoy the template and let me know what your word for the year is!
Happy Birthday Podium Life!
Today is Podium Life’s first birthday. What a year it has been. 344 stories, 250 different brands and we reached 169 countries!
You can read more about my thoughts on this, including the origin story, here. It also includes this awkward photo of me (with my dad).
And here’s a highlight reel.
Brand Love: A Bathing APE
I’m writing to celebrate one of my favorite brands, one you may not know yet. A Bathing Ape 🐒 (BAPE) celebrates its 30th anniversary, and I wanted to dissect the five core elements that have defined the triumph of this Japanese streetwear powerhouse.
Let's delve into the top 5 principles that underpin the success of this iconic brand. And along the way, you get to discover more about them.
1️⃣ Hype & Exclusivity: BAPE's journey began with scarcity, producing only 50 screen-printed shirts a week. This scarcity-driven model, coupled with the brand's commitment to exclusivity, laid the groundwork for the modern streetwear phenomenon. This reminds me of Daymond John's start with #FUBU.
2️⃣ Word of Mouth Magic: BAPE's ascent in Tokyo wasn't fueled by conventional marketing but by word of mouth. The brand's ability to organically generate buzz speaks volumes about the authenticity that resonates with Gen Z, proving that genuine connections drive lasting success. Even today, they generate immense buzz from their community of followers. Kinda like I'm doing now.
3️⃣ Hip-Hop Fusion: The marriage of streetwear and hip-hop has been pivotal for BAPE. Collaborations with major US hip-hop artists like Pharrell and iconic brands like Adidas have solidified BAPE's status as a global force, showcasing the power of cultural fusion. Furthermore, I don’t think we give #hiphop enough credit when it comes to the evolution of fashion.
4️⃣ Global Collaboration Powerhouse: BAPE's strategic partnerships extend beyond fashion, spanning American and European brands. From Adidas and Casio G-Shock to Inter Miami CF, BAPE's ability to merge Japanese aesthetics with global influences amplifies its appeal on a grand scale. Collaborations have become ‘the’ thing and we should give BAPE considerable credit for this.
5️⃣ Digital Edge and Web3 Integration: As we look to the future, BAPE's collaboration with Yuga Labs' Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) aligns with web3 trends. This exclusive digital partnership showcases BAPE's forward-thinking approach, bridging the gap between physical and digital realms. All brands can learn from this. How do you remain relevant? And how can you align your brand values to the emergence of next technology and trends?
In essence, BAPE's success is a testament to the convergence of hype, authenticity, cultural fusion, global collaboration, and a keen eye on emerging trends. As we navigate the marketing landscape, let's draw inspiration from these core principles that define the enduring legacy of A Bathing Ape.
Consumption
All things going into my head.
Links
Girl, 8, says it was 'amazing' to be picked up by Jason Kelce to see Taylor Swift
A Visual History of School Desks
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Adds Five New Faces to Star-Studded Cast
A Lip Balm That Tastes Like Ranch Dressing Sold Out In Just A Few Hours
Reading/listening
The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck: This book has changed my life. Fantastic.
How I Built This: Sir Kensington:
I love a good #brand story. Which is why I am such a fan of How I Built This with Guy Raz.
I just finished the Sir Kensington's episode and my goodness is it good. Founders Mark Ramadan and Scott Norton are incredible storytellers and approach this episode with vulnerability and humility
I also churned through interviews with the founders of Harry’s, and interviews with Gary Vaynerchuk and Thomas Keller.
Movies/TV
Lupin Season 3: Finally finished this season. They kinda jumped the shark but if a S4 happens, I’ll watch. What an Air Jordan collection though. (Netflix).
Love and Monsters: What fun, lovely movie. (Netflix).
Obliterated: Crazy, wild show that could have been better but I still watched the whole thing. Vegas, action, and fun. (Netflix).
Succession Season 1: Starting to understand what all the hype was about.
Jack Ryan, Season 4. Gonna miss this show.
That’s a wrap for the first issue of 2024. I am wishing you all nothing but success. Thank you so much for reading.
Much love, Daniel