Agitate to Stimulate – How Successful Brands EMBRACE A DOSE of Good Friction

Since the moment the first human-invented the wheel, we have been on the hunt to do more with less effort. This has accelerated in recent years with a ruthless focus on creating frictionless experiences. But have we gone too far?

Indeed, not all friction is created equal.

In the quest to reduce bad friction, have we neutered all the good friction? Good friction is essential to induce the much-needed happy chemicals like Adrenaline, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins (A DOSE). Good friction that leads to creating Exclusivity, Meaning, Belonging, Rapport, Assurance, Competence, and Engagement (EMBRACE).

About Soon Yu:
Soon Yu is an international speaker and best selling author on innovation and design who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine and New York Times.

His book, Iconic Advantage®, challenges businesses, from Fortune 500 to venture-backed startups, to refocus their innovation priorities on building greater iconicity, and offers deeper insights on establishing timeless distinction and relevance. He regularly consults business leaders on developing meaningful Iconic Signature Elements, Signature Moments and Signature Communication.

He most recently served as the Global VP of Innovation and Officer at VF Corporation, parent organization to over 30 global apparel companies, including The North Face, Vans, Timberland, Nautica and Wrangler. While at VF, Soon created a $2 billion innovation pipeline, established 3 global innovation centers, and initiated industry-leading design best practices.

Prior to this he worked at The Clorox Company and Chiquita Brands, where he won company-wide awards for best advertising, best promotion and best new product, and gained industry recognition from the Webby Award, Favorite Website Award and Dope Award. He has also been a consultant at Bain and Company, and a founder and CEO for numerous venture-backed startups (including Gazoontite, Promeo Technologies and TWRL) and was recognized as a Northern California finalist for the prestigious Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award.

http://www.soonyu.com

He is a highly sought after speaker on innovation, design and entrepreneurship, and teaches at Parsons School of Design and often guest lectures at Stanford University (where he received his MBA and is active with the GSB Asian Alumni Association).