The Cost of Ambition No One Talks About - Francis Odeyemi | S3 Ep 2

In this episode of The Hungry Creative Podcast, Mo sits down with Francis Odeyemi - designer, founder, and storyteller behind Ninth Grid - for a conversation that explores creativity, fulfilment, and faith.

Francis shares his journey from humble beginnings in Ile-Ife to building a design career that spans storytelling, branding, and community building. Together, we talk about the pursuit of more, the emptiness of unchecked ambition, and the peace that comes from finding purpose beyond success.

He also breaks down his creative philosophy, how AI, exposure, and intentionality can expand our imagination if we learn to stay grounded in faith and humanity.

This episode is a reminder that life, much like design, is about solving problems, not just making things look good.

Key Takeaways:
- “The pursuit of more can lead to emptiness.”
- Fulfilment is found in presence, not pressure.
- Faith and curiosity can fuel creativity.
- AI can amplify creativity, but not replace it.
- Exposure shapes perspective more than talent does.

Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Francis Odeyemi and His Work
04:34 — The Pursuit of Fulfilment Beyond Material Success
09:40 — Cycling as a Metaphor for Mindfulness
14:44 — Challenges and Triumphs in the Creative Process
24:36 — Building the Ninth Grid Platform
34:44 — Navigating AI’s Impact on Creativity
47:28 — The Role of Design Tools and Process
49:58 — The Importance of Exposure in Design
54:05 — Spirituality, Faith, and Personal Growth
59:26 — Practising Transformation and Building Relationships

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

More episodes to inspire you
Here's how you show up - Obasola Akintola - https://youtu.be/Ts6L3OGzn0s
Working at Pentagram & Closing Dá Design - Seyi Olusanya - https://youtu.be/_FgvpPlCO0U
The Art of Collaboration - Niyi Okeowo’s Secrets to Creative Success - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu5YeaqBfiA&t=1884s
From Physiotherapy to Design, Finding Purpose - Tunji Ogunoye - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiY0hOIy8iE&t=56s

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