Hi all,
Last year at Paradigms, in Marrakesh, I had a front row seat to Nu Goteh’s talk. Nu is one of those speakers who drops so many gems that you feel a bit dizzy after the talk. He’s philosophical, funny and just really delightful to listen to.
We get into learning in public, where his fearlessness comes from (Liberia, a refugee at three, a tribe of storytellers), why sitting in discomfort is the ultimate superpower.
If you’re starting your career, navigating change, thinking about the future, or are a keynote speaker in the making and want some thinking from someone that does it on the regular, this one is for you.
Enjoy!
Nu Goteh is a designer, strategist, and educator who envisions conditions for communities to thrive. A recipient of the 2025 National Design Award (Emerging Designer), Goteh is the Co-Founder, Managing Partner, and Creative Director of Deem Journal and the Founder and Principal of ROOM FOR MAGIC.
Nu is at the forefront of an emerging generation of designers who integrate design, culture, art, community, and social practice. He has partnered with influential clients, including nonprofits such as the Art for Justice Fund, the Ford Foundation, and the World Peace Foundation; cultural institutions such as the National Memorial for the Underground Railroad; and global brands like Nike and Google.
He serves on the board of SEGD, and his work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Wallpaper, Design Miami, Monocle, and The Architect’s Newspaper. Influenced by his Liberian heritage and passion for counter-culture, he also presents keynotes globally on design as an invitation for communities to reclaim their futures.
02:54 — WISDOM AT PARADIGMS // Chris saw Nu give one of the most soulful talks of the whole conference and knew Kirsten would love him.
04:45 — THE PERFORMANCE // Lessons on keynote speaking. The first person you need to satisfy is yourself.
08:23 — ROOM FOR MAGIC // Meaning-making meets form-making.
12:17 — LEARNING IN PUBLIC // His talks open with vulnerability, not authority. “Come along while I figure it out.”
17:49 — WHERE IT COMES FROM // Born in Liberia, a refugee at three. What his tribe taught him about storytelling, emotion, and ‘facts’.
20:14 — “WHAT’S AN INSIGHT?” // An insight is a hidden human truth. Who does it best? Comedians.
25:25 — THE WOBBLY SPEEDBOAT // The ambiguous space is the one that’s increasing in value.
28:31 — NOBODY DOES IT ALONE // A shout out to his wife, and killing the myth of the single person doing it all.
32:48 — DISCOMFORT IS THE SUPERPOWER // Sitting in discomfort is the biggest one there is.
35:43 — SHROOMS IN THE HOT TUB // His monthly practice in accepting discomfort.
44:55 — NOBODY’S COMING TO SAVE US // So step forward. The universe tends to meet you when you do.
48:23 — QUICK FIRE // Three things every brand should do. The trend that excites and scares him. And what brands keep getting wrong.
Huge thanks to Nu for taking us on this one. Find him on Instagram, follow him on LinkedIn, and learn more here.
That’s all, folx. – Chris
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