Seth Epstein is a creative entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Los York, a global creative company of self-described “global nomads of the arts.” In this conversation, Radim and Seth skip the business talk and follow the story behind it. ~
It starts with a furious client phone call in the mid-’90s, in the early days of Fuel, one of the first Mac-based motion design studios in LA. Inspired by the Zen parable “Emptying the Cup,” Seth asked to come in and simply listen. That meeting became the basis of how he listens, leads and wins work to this day.
Seth talks about growing up between a hippie philosopher father and a disciplined, self-improvement-driven mother. He sold Fuel to Razorfish at 31 and then spent nearly a decade lost, without purpose. At one low point, his family couldn’t afford groceries.
A small passion film made with one camera, about his hero Shawn Stüssy, opened the door back into the industry. It led to taking over Stardust and eventually to Los York, whose name, ethos and clothing label all trace back to Stüssy’s International Tribe. The episode ends with a reflection on why creatives keep returning to their hands, and on the universal urge to grow towards the light.
Key takeaways
You can’t have a breakthrough without a breakdown. Breakdowns are a signal that growth is around the corner, so go looking for them.
Empty the cup. Let people say everything, don’t defend yourself, then repeat back what you heard so they feel fully heard.
There are three kinds of listening: distracted, listening to respond (the cocktail-party default) and listening to recreate. The last one wins work and builds relationships.
Write your own notes. Seth handwrites his and doesn’t let AI do it, because the quality of listening is the competitive edge.
Money without purpose leads to misery. The “someday my prince will come” story falls apart without community and meaning.
When everything is stripped away, go back to home base. Ask what you’re good at and what you’d do for free.
Constraints create great work. One camera, no crew and nothing to lose made a hero-level ask feel easy.
Comfort kills. Comfort is when we start trimming our dreams and ignoring the “wouldn’t it be cool if” urge.
One meeting can change your life. Stay open and available, because a throwaway comment can change your direction.
Find your North Star. Look for people living the life you want and let them pull you forward.
Be a multi-hyphenate. Keep finding new ways to create, including being bad at ceramics.
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