E01: Charles Johnson, Global Director Innovation, Puma

In this first episode of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host
David Knies reconnects with long time friend and former adidas
colleague, Charles Johnson. During his 30+ year career, he has
been a footwear designer and visionary creator with adidas, Hyde,
Crocs, and, until very recently, the global head of innovation at
Puma in Germany.


Charles’ legacy is more than just designing highly commercial
products for great brands, but the empathy that design can
inspire. With the global pandemic and the rise of the Black Lives
Matter movement, Charles is even more motivated to lead a new
movement in what he terms “Humanistic Design” – using the power
of Design to promote humanity in people, and improve the world we
all live in.