OSL Podcast: From Urban Planning to Brand Strategy: The Non-Linear Journey of Evan Larbi

Podcast

Date posted:

November 5, 2025

What do you get when a Classics grad becomes an urban planner, dabbles in futurism, manages music tech evolution, and ends up building brand strategies for startups? You get the indomitable Evan Larbi.

In this episode of the OSL Podcast, Rob sits down with longtime friend and strategist Evan Larbi to unpack a career that defies the tidy LinkedIn narrative. They talk pivots, purpose, and the surprising power of joy in brand-building.

Expect real talk about:

  • Jumping into tech with a non-technical background
  • Why architecture, urban planning, and strategy have more in common than you'd think
  • What it's really like inside early-stage startups
  • Being brutally honest (in the kindest way) with clients
  • Using AI as a tool without losing the human touch
  • And why every brand needs a little more joy

Evan’s perspective is equal parts thoughtful and grounded — perfect for anyone figuring out how to shape a career (or a company) that actually makes sense.

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