Business X Design is MODA's event series that explores how design fuels innovation, solves complex challenges, and shapes the world we live in. We invite boundary-pushing creatives to share the bold ideas and design thinking behind their work.
About the Event:
Join us for an evening with Olajuwon Ajanaku—Atlanta native, professional golfer, and founder and creative director of Eastside Golf—in conversation with Wade Thompson, founder of global brand growth agency Son&Sons.
Ajanaku grew up on Atlanta's Eastside and took that identity straight to the golf course—first as a Morehouse College national champion, then as the founder of a brand redefining what golf can look like. From a one-bedroom apartment to Jordan Brand collabs and fans like President Barack Obama, Eastside Golf is proof that every business decision is a design decision.
Come for the vision. Stay for the game.
What to Expect:
- Discover how a personal story becomes a brand identity—and why authenticity is a design strategy
- The thinking behind Eastside Golf's visual language, from logo to apparel to high-profile collaborations
- What it takes to build cultural credibility while scaling a global business
- How design opens doors—to partnerships, retail, and communities the sport has never reached
- Lessons for anyone building something that challenges the status quo
About Olajuwon Ajanaku
Olajuwon Ajanaku is the founder and creative director of Eastside Golf. A native of East Atlanta and graduate of Morehouse College, he co-captained the golf team to its first-ever national championship before pursuing professional golf and a career in commercial finance. In 2019, he launched Eastside Golf to bring culture, style, and authenticity to a sport long overdue for both. The brand has since grown into a global force—with Nike and Jordan Brand shoe collaborations, NBA and MLB licenses, retail presence in major chains and pro shops worldwide, stores in Detroit and Tokyo, and a mission rooted in community and access.
About Wade Thompson
Wade Thompson is the founder of Son&Sons, a global brand growth agency behind strategy and identity work for Coca-Cola, Patagonia, Sonos, Etsy, Merrell, and FreshBooks, among others. An avid golfer and lifelong student of brands, culture, and markets, Wade believes that great brands don't just grow businesses—they expand human capacity. He brings that lens to every conversation he facilitates.
Registration: $15 | $11.25 for MODA members
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Accessibility: Designers with different styles of learning or special needs are welcome in MODA public programs. We will be able to most effectively help everyone learn and enjoy this experience if we know about those needs in advance of the program. Please email miranda@museumofdesign.org with questions or information.
Questions About This Event: Felicia E. Gail, MODA Public Programming & Membership Manager at felicia@museumofdesign.org
Cancellation Policy: MODA reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment requirements are not met, but don't worry: should MODA have to cancel, we will gladly issue a full refund to all registrants. If you need to cancel your plans for any reason, we kindly request that you notify us at least 7 days prior to the event start. By doing so, we can process a refund for the ticket cost (minus a small $10 processing fee per class). Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations made less than 7 days before an event.
Photo Disclaimer: Pictures and videos will be captured during MODA public programs and may be published on the official website, social media, and newsletters of the Museum of Design Atlanta. If you do not wish to appear on these platforms, please write to felicia@museumofdesign.org.
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