He designed a flag to unite the world. Instead, he was accused of working with the Illuminati. In this episode, Oskar Pernefeldt — Creative Director at Oatly and the designer behind the International Flag of Planet Earth — opens up about how a simple graduation project turned into a global movement… and a conspiracy theory nightmare. We talk about fame, fear, purpose, and the insane power of symbolism in a divided world.
Watch if you’re curious about the hidden forces that shape culture — and what happens when one idea captures the whole planet.
00:00 Introduction
03:03 Oscar's Background and Nonprofit Work
05:31 The Design and Symbolism of the Planet Earth Flag
09:49 Public Reception and Conspiracy Theories
20:29 Challenges and Goals for the Planet Earth Flag
22:15 Global Unity and National Identity
32:26 Comparing Sweden and the US
33:51 Reflections on American Society and Governance
36:38 Discussing Taxes and Military Service
37:56 Healthcare Systems: Sweden vs. America
38:23 Insurance Woes in America
39:39 Education in Sweden: Beckman's College of Design
43:20 The Creative Industry and Nepotism
46:25 The Privilege of Being in the Creative Industry
54:58 Childhood Experiences and Their Impact
57:34 The Importance of Forgiveness
01:02:02 The Flag of Planet Earth and NASA Involvement
01:13:45 Creative Ecosystem at Oatly
01:14:18 Trust and Decision-Making
01:17:09 In-House Agency vs. External Agency
01:18:10 Pitching Ideas and Taking Risks
01:19:52 Balancing Boldness and ROI
01:22:52 Competition and Market Strategy
01:25:37 Challenges of Passion Projects
01:39:18 Future of Flags and Identity
01:43:01 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion
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