Fear & Clients Almost Killed His Billion-Dollar Designs - With Robert Brunner

Listen to the episode on your favorite platforms:

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A

In this episode, I sit down with Robert Brunner — the design mind behind Beats by Dre, former Apple design director, and founder of Ammunition — to unpack what it really takes to build enduring, emotional, and market-shifting products. We explore the tension between risk and restraint, the power of story in industrial design, and what separates mediocre products from cultural icons.

Robert shares hard-won wisdom from 40+ years in the field, working with legends like Jimmy Iovine, Paula Scher, and the teams behind Apple and Beats — and how he now helps startups design with both craft and business outcomes in mind.

Timestamps:

() – The Fascination of Objects and Their Stories

() – Navigating Client Relationships in Design

() – The Evolution of Design Partnerships

() – The Rise of Beats by Dre: Origins and Inspirations

() – The Evolution of Design and Craftsmanship

() – The Challenge of Perfection in Design

() – Design Perspectives and Personal Favorites

Check out today's guest, Robert Brunner:

Robert's Website: https://www.ammunitiongroup.com/

Robert's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbrunner

Check out The Futur: