Emotion by Design by Greg Hoffman Summary
Overview of Emotion by Design
Former Nike CMO Greg Hoffman reveals how brands forge unbreakable emotional connections with consumers. Discover the creative genius behind iconic campaigns like "Find Your Greatness" and Kaepernick's controversial ad. Duke's Coach K endorses these principles that transformed Nike into a cultural powerhouse.
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Key takeaways
When Brands Speak to Our Hearts
Standing in a dimly lit room at Nike's Sebastian Coe Building during his retirement celebration, Greg Hoffman watched his initials "GH" styled like the athlete logos he once created for sports icons. This full-circle moment brought tears to his eyes. The evening's highlight came when a colleague presented him with a framed portrait of Colin Kaepernick from his final Nike campaign - embodying his core philosophy that great brand marketing is art that forms emotional connections. What makes certain brands transcend mere commerce to become cultural touchstones? Hoffman's "Emotion by Design" approach doesn't just sell products - it creates stories and experiences that make people feel their most audacious dreams are achievable. The most powerful marketing doesn't just showcase features or benefits; it speaks to our deepest aspirations and connects with us on a human level. When done right, these emotional connections transform customers into passionate advocates who see the brand as an extension of their identity and values. Growing up as a Black child adopted by white parents in nearly all-white Minnetonka, Minnesota, Hoffman often felt like an outsider. Art became his refuge from racism, eventually becoming his identity and path forward. While focused on securing an internship at a prestigious art center, a friend suggested applying for Nike's minority internship program. Initially dismissive, Hoffman discovered Nike's revolutionary design world through a magazine feature showcasing the team behind the Jordan "Wings" poster hanging in his apartment.
Finding Your Creative Voice in Community
Cultivating Inspiration by Design
Taking Meaningful Creative Risks
Creating Identity with Purpose
Building Cultural Icons Through Authenticity
Using Brand Power for Positive Change
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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