The Creative Act by Rick Rubin has transformed how I approach strategy and creativity for any project, regardless of the brand or industry. Rubin's reflections taught me to view creativity as a disciplined yet intuitive process—a journey rather than a final product. His insights on tapping into authenticity, embracing vulnerability, and fostering an open mind have enriched my strategic thinking. Now, I approach each project by leaning into the unique, organic potential of an idea and allowing it to unfold naturally. This perspective has helped me prioritize authenticity and originality, giving me a grounded, flexible approach that I can apply across all future projects.
Ogilvy on Advertising has deeply influenced how I approach strategy for any project or brand, big or small. David Ogilvy’s insights helped me see advertising as more than creative flair—it’s about using persuasive, well-researched messaging to solve real business challenges. His emphasis on understanding consumer behavior, crafting clear benefits, and maintaining authenticity has sharpened my strategic approach. Now, I prioritize knowing the audience inside out, positioning every message to drive measurable impact. This perspective will guide me as I craft future campaigns, helping me balance creativity with practical, results-driven strategy, no matter the industry.
Playing to Win by A.G. Lafley and Roger Martin has transformed how I approach strategy and future projects, no matter the brand or company. It taught me to see strategy as a series of purposeful choices rather than a vague plan. The book’s five key choices—defining my winning aspiration, deciding where to compete, figuring out how to win, identifying essential capabilities, and building the right management systems—now form the backbone of my approach. This framework has reshaped my thought process, pushing me to align every decision with a clear goal. Going forward, I feel empowered to make bold, focused choices that drive real value and elevate my strategic impact in any environment.
Competitive Advantage by Michael E. Porter has reshaped how I approach strategy for any business or brand. Porter's emphasis on building sustainable competitive advantages taught me to look beyond quick wins and focus on creating lasting value. His frameworks, especially cost leadership, differentiation, and focus strategies, now guide my decision-making. I approach each project with a keen eye on what truly sets a brand apart and how it can maintain that edge over time. Going forward, this approach helps me think strategically about positioning and profitability, equipping me to drive meaningful, long-term success in any competitive environment.
I first heard about Off-White through an artistic collective on Instagram that followed Virgil Abloh’s growth from Pyrex Vision, highlighting his relentlessly bold and authentic approach to design. From there, I became fascinated by Virgil’s journey—reading about his humble beginnings, DJing for artists like Kanye West and Travis Scott, all while building his clothing brand. But what captivated me most wasn’t just who he worked with or what he created; it was his personal philosophies and his unique approach to his craft.
Virgil once said he got to where he was by “dreaming about it,” and that sentiment deeply resonated with me. Around the time he unveiled his iconic 2019 Louis Vuitton collection, I was struggling with my own identity and the direction I wanted to take in the years following high school. I was afraid of disappointing my family, of not reaching my potential, and of feeling like I had to choose between sports, academics, and my creative passions.Seeing Virgil fearlessly navigate his journey was transformative. To this day, I strive to channel his bold energy into everything I do—even in subtle ways.