Seth Godin on Strategy, Consistency, and What It Really Means to Be Remarkable

In a riveting conversation on the Remarkable People podcast, marketing legend Seth Godin shared raw, reflective insights that cut through entrepreneurial noise and zero in on what truly moves the needle — not just in business, but in life.

A “Purple” Path to Remarkability

Back in the early 1980s, Godin was just 23, tinkering on a Macintosh at Spinnaker Software when a chance meeting changed the trajectory of his life. “I met Guy [Kawasaki], Jay Levinson, and Tom Peters all in the same year,” Godin recalled. “It made me believe I could evangelize ideas that matter.”

That idea — evangelizing meaning instead of merely managing brands — would eventually lead to the iconic concept of the Purple Cow: creating something so genuinely worth talking about that it markets itself.

Godin clarified, “Being remarkable doesn’t mean having a gimmick. It means being worthy of a remark — being of service in a way that helps others feel good talking about you.”

Why Authenticity Is Overrated

In an era where “authenticity” is treated like gospel, Godin offered a refreshing — and controversial — take: “This pitch that you should be authentic is baloney. No one wants you to be authentic. They want you to be consistent.”

From musicians to surgeons, the people we trust most are those who reliably deliver, regardless of how they feel on a given day. “I've played the role of Seth Godin, the professional, for over 40 years,” he said. “That role demands innovation, boldness, and clarity — even if I’m feeling shy.”

Strategy Is Systems + Games + Empathy + Time

Godin's new book, This Is Strategy, introduces a deceptively simple four-part framework:

• Systems: Understand the invisible structures shaping your world.
• Games: Know the rules and resources of your context.
• Empathy: See things from others' perspectives.
• Time: Plant seeds today that will bloom tomorrow.

“Strategy isn’t about grand openings,” he said. “It’s about worthwhile openings.”

His example of Netflix’s pivot from DVDs to streaming? It was bold, strategic — and successful precisely because they excluded the DVD execs from the streaming meetings. “That decision let them win twice.”

The Smallest Viable Audience Beats Mass Appeal

Godin urges founders to “pick your customers, because that picks your future.” Instead of scaling prematurely or chasing everyone, he champions building trust with the smallest group of people who care deeply.

“Society keeps pushing us to make something for everyone. But it’s more powerful — and profitable — to be specific. If you’re specific, you’re on the hook to truly serve.”

Quitting Early Beats Quitting Late

A recurring theme in Godin’s philosophy: embrace the courage to quit.

“I quit more than most people. That’s why I wrote The Dip. The cost of quitting too soon is tiny compared to quitting too late. You don’t get tomorrow over again.”

Final Word: Don’t Chase the Masses — Start Something That Matters

Whether you're starting college, launching your first business, or staring down retirement, Godin’s advice is consistent: “Start something. It doesn’t have to be for money. Just be generous, brave, and earn a reputation by creating goodness.”

And when it comes to social media?

“Walk away. Don’t play a game you can’t win. Focus on the people who actually matter.”