Want to keep your team focused on what matters most?
When Jeff Bezos built Amazon, he kept an empty chair in every meeting to represent the voice of the customer.
It’s easy to get lost in the details of day-to-day business, but this gesture keeps the team’s focus on what truly matters.
I recently saw this in action while leading a leadership team offsite—we gave the “customer” in the empty chair a name, and it fundamentally shifted our discussions.
Consider doing the same at your next meeting: keep a chair open and let it remind you who you’re really working for.
Get a little wild.
History remembers those who weren’t afraid to push boundaries, from Billie Eilish in music to Sam Altman in tech. In business, it’s the unconventional thinkers who make the greatest impact.
That’s why keeping an open mind to ideas that may seem wild initially can drive profound progress.
What “crazy” idea do you have that could unlock new possibilities?
Don’t shy away from it.
The real risk isn’t breaking the rules, but failing to take the creative leaps that could propel you—and your customers—forward.
Patagonia’s customer-centric “worn-wear.”
Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, understood something critical: customers aren’t just buying products. They’re buying into values.
Patagonia’s “Worn Wear” program, which encouraged customers to repair rather than replace their gear, was a radical departure from the retail norm.
Yet, by listening closely to his customers and aligning with their desire for sustainability, Chouinard cemented Patagonia’s reputation as a brand that truly cares.
The result? A doubling of revenue and rock-solid customer loyalty.
What successful people don’t do.
What do top performers not do?
They don’t play it safe, compare themselves to others, or get comfortable.
Instead, they double down on progress, making bold moves that push them—and their businesses—forward.
But here’s what they never skip: putting the customer first.
If you want to drive meaningful results, trim your list of distractions and make sure to keep your customer’s needs at the center of every conversation.
To your creative success…
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About Josh
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally recognized innovation expert. To learn more or to explore a collaboration, visit JoshLinkner.com
