Debbie Millman has an ongoing project at PRINT titled “What Matters.” This is an effort to understand the interior life of artists, designers, and creative thinkers. This facet of the project is a request of each invited respondent to answer ten identical questions and submit a nonprofessional photograph.
Gush Mundae is a proud immigrant, serial entrepreneur, obsessive collector, and founder of Bulletproof, a 400-strong brand agency with eight studios globally.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
Breaking bread with those I love the most. Good food, great people and questionable conversations. Belly laughs guaranteed.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
Painting a picture of a unicorn when I was seven, and the teacher putting it pride of place within the classroom.
What is your biggest regret?
Not having more children. I love my family and nothing makes me happier than my children. I was so obsessed with setting up the business and pouring my time into it that I didn’t consider much else in the initial years.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
I have experienced heartbreak through losing someone I loved more than I can express. I will live with this heartbreak for my entire life. The love and support of my family and friends is the only thing which helps heal my soul. Physical exertion and being outdoors helps calm my mind.
What makes you cry?
I don’t cry much anymore. When I experienced the loss I mentioned I cried every day for almost two years – I couldn’t control it. Now, I don’t find much else brings me to tears.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
Less than 24 hours. I’m not very good at celebrating accomplishments, but can beat myself up for days at mistakes I’ve made.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I believe we are all energy and that energy does not die. It is released back into the ether. I walk a fine line between science and spirituality.
What do you hate most about yourself?
I don’t hate anything, but I dislike how hard I can be on myself. This leads to overthinking which leads to restlessness, which in turn leads to never switching off. I rarely relax and make time for myself. I’m working on it.
What do you love most about yourself?
I am a man of my word. If I say I will do something then I absolutely will no matter how difficult. I never let anyone down.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
The lamb koobideh from Berenjak, Soho. Accompanied by the kashke bademjoon and generous amounts of taftoon flat bread while sitting at the counter. All washed down with a spiked sharbat and finished off with their baklava ice cream sundae.