531 COLIN COWIE: Retaining Longevity & Relevance Through Reinvention

Andy is excited to be bringing back returning guest Colin Cowie to the show this episode! A celebrated event designer and producer, Colin has created some of the most talked about parties and events around the world with a roster of clients including Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, heads of state, and foreign dignitaries. He is also a celebrated television personality, having spent eight years on the CBS Morning Show, eight years on NBC's Today Show, seven years on HSN Network, and even hosted his own show for five years on the WE Network. Colin is also a published author, having written several books including his latest, The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted!

Join Colin and Andy as they discuss what it really takes to stay relevant in a saturated, ever-evolving industry, with Colin reflecting on forty years in business and sharing why standing still is not an option for him. From his early days in traditional media to embracing the nuances of the digital landscape, Colin reflects on the constant recalibration that it takes to remain visible in this crowded market.

Colin and Andy also talk about the shift from static branding to perpetual reinvention and how staying relevant today depends on your ability to rethink, reposition, and realign at every possibility. Colin shares not just philosophy but also real-world examples of reinvention in action such as how canceled weddings led to a pivot into hospitality consulting and how he has turned creative instincts into partnerships with major developers.

They also explore the creative decision-making process and what it means to test ideas without overcommitting – as well as how to spot the difference between a passing whim and a sustainable direction. Colin highlights the importance of having a strong team, of thoughtful customer experience, and of proactive service and smart design.

Andy, as always, had such a great time chatting with Colin and hopes that you enjoy this conversation! If so, please don't keep it to yourself. Andy asks that you please share it with at least three people who would also enjoy it. Please also leave a top review of the podcast wherever you listen as that really helps Andy and the show out!

Time Stamps

 

[0:18] - Andy announces that today’s guest is returning guest Colin Cowie!
[2:16] - Colin argues that remaining relevant today demands nonstop reinvention across things like branding and social media.
[5:38] - Taking on too much too quickly taught Colin to test ideas before scaling.
[7:27] - Hear how, by revamping a tired beach club, Colin kept his team working through the pandemic.
[9:36] - Colin launched Thrive Hospitality to create immersive experiences for hospitality and real estate.
[13:25] - The 2008 crash taught Colin the meaning of resilience, highlighting that you sometimes wipe out, but you learn.
[16:23] - Listen as Colin highlights teamwork and collaboration, believing that success comes from listening to and learning from others.
[18:40] - Colin rejects burnout, sharing that he remains passionate, curious, and excited about his work even after 40 years.
[19:55] - Colin recognizes AI's potential to revolutionize work, with big changes coming in the near future.
[21:45] - Hear about a partnership to streamline w