This episode dives deep into creativity, identity, and how to stay grounded when life keeps changing. Jake shares lessons from Instrument, Google, cycling, fatherhood, and co-founding Apogee Bikes.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
In this conversation, Christopher sits down with Jake — Creative Strategy Lead at Google Brand Studio, early strategist at Instrument, longtime cyclist, and co-founder of Apogee Bikes.
They talk about:
• Finding identity again after becoming a parent
• Staying grounded in a noisy digital world
• Building a strategy career at Instrument and Google
• Learning leadership and protecting people’s time
• Building Apogee Bikes and launching a small brand today
• Community, cycling culture, and what needs to evolve
• Why provenance matters and how brands build meaning
• The emotional weight of losing old versions of yourself
• How to keep showing up creatively even when life gets hard
• The one belief that keeps Jake centered: Assume good intent.
This one is full of wisdom, honesty, and perspective.
ABOUT JAKE
Jake is a Creative Strategy Lead at Google Brand Studio, former Strategy Director at Instrument, cyclist, dad, and co-founder of Apogee Bikes. His work spans brand strategy, product vision, community building, and the intersection of creativity and the outdoors.
Apogee Bikes: https://apogeebikes.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakeszy/
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outside is Magic is hosted by Christopher San Agustin.
Produced by Broken and Coastal.
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