Made For Us

Help shape the next season of this podcast! Please answer a few quick questions and tell us how we can make this show better for you: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod---What if navigating the world didn't rely on sight at all? In this episode, Kevin Yoo, the CEO and founder of Haptic, joins us to tell the story of one of the world's first haptic navigation apps. Kevin shares how he was motivated by his friend's experience of becoming blind, how haptic technology is shaping a more accessible future and the challenges that come with rethinking how we move through the world.This episode dives into: - Why the sense of touch has been underutilized in tech and how Haptic is trying to change that- What guiding a blind runner at the New York City Marathon revealed about the potential of haptic technology for blind and visually impaired runners- Kevin's experience of putting himself in the shoes of a blind person for a few weeks and the lessons that came from it ⭐️Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and help more listeners discover the show!You might also like: Be My Eyes: the app powering a global volunteer movement for accessibility | Hans Jørgen Wiberg'I don't need fixing - the world does.' Lucy Edwards on redefining disability ---About Kevin Yoo Kevin is the CEO and Founder of Haptic, a technology company creating a universal language of touch. Haptic is developing products and experiences that communicate information through vibrations. Kevin's mission is to redefine the way we intake information through technology, especially for people with disabilities. Haptic's flagship product, HapticNav, made history by guiding the first blind runner in the NYC Marathon without sighted or audio assistance. Learn more about Haptic: https://haptic.works/Download HapticNav on IOS and AndroidFollow Haptic on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Kevin Yoo on Instagram---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Social media: LinkedIn and InstagramNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

Help us make this podcast better for you! Our quick listener survey is your chance to shape the next season: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod---When science journalist Layal Liverpool was finally diagnosed with eczema as a teenager, it came as a shock. Not because of the condition itself, but because only one doctor had recognized it on her skin tone.Pediatrician Tessa Davis had a similar wake-up call: she noticed that a Google search for common skin conditions only returned images of white patients. So she started collecting images of conditions on diverse skin tones, and launched a movement in the process.In this episode, Layal Liverpool, author of Systemic: How Racism is Making Us Ill, and Tessa Davis, a consultant at the Royal London Hospital, shed light on how racial inequities show up in diagnosis, treatment and outcomes — and how more inclusive care can lead to better health for all. We discuss:How racial health inequities harm not just marginalised communities, but all of usThe alarming disparities in maternal health in the UK and US that can't be explained by income aloneThe lack of diversity in medical textbooks and efforts to diversify the medical curriculumIf you found this episode as eye-opening as we did, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to spread the word!---About Layal Liverpool:Layal Liverpool is a science journalist and author of SYSTEMIC: How Racism is Making Us Ill,' a book exploring the health harms of racism. She was a reporter for Nature and New Scientist and worked as a biomedical researcher at University College London and the University of Oxford. She holds a PhD in virology and immunology from the University of Oxford.Learn more about Layal Liverpool: https://layalliverpool.com/Follow Layal Liverpool on InstagramAbout Tessa Davis:Tessa is a Paediatric Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Royal London Hospital, and an Honorary Clinical Reader at Queen Mary University of London. She is also an interview coach helping doctors in the UK prep for their NHS Consultant Interviews.Learn more about Skin Deep: www.DFTBSkinDeep.comFollow Tessa on Instagram---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Social media: LinkedIn and InstagramNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

This week, we're rewinding back to one of our most popular episodes from Season 1, with Rayouf Alhumedhi, creator of the headscarf emoji. (The episode was also shortlisted for last year's International Women's Podcast Awards in the ‘Moment of Insight from a Role Model' category.) Rayouf launched the Hijab Emoji Project at the age of 16 to push for digital representation for Muslim women around the world. She was named one of Time magazine's most influential teens and also featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Rayouf has a Bachelor's degree in Product Design and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. She currently works as an investor at Bessemer Venture Partners. In this episode, Rayouf shares:Her motivation for creating the headscarf emojiWhat it takes to design a brand new emoji and get it approvedThe praise and backlash she received during her campaignHow Gen Z is pushing inclusive design to the forefrontKnow someone who'd be inspired by this? Why not share it with them - and help even more people discover this show by leaving a 5-star rating or review wherever you listen! You might also like: The emoji puzzle: how to fit everyone in---Learn more about Rayouf Alhumedhi: https://www.rayouf.com/Follow Rayouf on Instagram---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/Social media: LinkedIn and InstagramNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

Help us make this podcast better for you! Our quick listener survey is your chance to shape the next season: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod---What happens when women aren't considered in car safety design? For decades, crash test dummies have been modeled on the average male, but studies now show that women are more likely to be injured or killed in certain types of crashes. As the data mounts, so does the urgency to fix the gender gap in car safety.This week, we're joined by Emily Thomas, PhD, Associate Director of Automotive Safety at Consumer Reports, and Astrid Linder, Professor of Traffic Safety at the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute, who developed the world's first crash test dummy representing an average woman. Together, we'll explore what it will take to design truly inclusive and safe cars.The conversation covers:Why women face higher injury risks in car crashesWhat's involved in designing a female crash test dummyHow the shift to driverless cars presents a chance to correct past biases---ResourcesAstrid Linder's researchUniversity of Virginia study U.S. Government Accountability Office recommendations---About Professor Astrid LinderAstrid Linder is Professor of Traffic Safety at Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute, VTI, and an Adjunct Professor of Injury Prevention at Chalmers University. She received her PhD in traffic safety from Chalmers from where she also has a MSc in Engineering Physics. Prof Linder initiated and led the research resulting in the world's first physical dummy model based on the average female, the Seat Evaluation Tool (SET 50F) and was named one of the BBC's 100 most inspiring and influential women in 2023.Learn more about Astrid Linder: https://www.vti.se/en/employees/astrid-linderFollow Astrid Linder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrid-linder-2a0b5a53/About Emily Thomas, PhDEmily Thomas leads the occupant protection and vulnerable road user safety programs at Consumer Report's Auto Test Center. Her expertise extends to crash safety, vehicular heatstroke prevention, and child passenger safety. Emily has 15 years of automotive safety experience and holds a PhD in pediatric injury biomechanics from Drexel University and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.Learn more about Emily Thomas: https://www.consumerreports.org/about-us/our-people/our-experts/emily-thomas/---Connect with Made For UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/Social media: LinkedIn and InstagramNewsletter:

Welcome to our second crossover episode of season 2! This week, we're spotlighting Narratives of Purpose podcast, hosted by Claire Murigande - but we'll be back next week with a new episode of Made For Us.Narratives of Purpose showcases stories of impact-driven founders. Covering diverse topics from youth empowerment to global health equity to sustainable food systems, it's one to have on your radar if you're interested in purpose-led innovation.In this conversation from their Women's Health Series, host Claire delves into the world of FemTech and women's health with Marija Butkovic, Founder and CEO of Women of Wearables, a global organisation that supports female innovators in wearable tech and health tech. Claire and Marija discuss: Challenges women face in the health industryThe role of investment in advancing women's healthThe evolution of FemTech and the untapped potential for investment and entrepreneurship in the sector Learn more about Narratives of Purpose: https://narratives-of-purpose.podcastpage.io/—Connect with Made for Us on LinkedIn and InstagramShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/

Season 2 is wrapping up and we want to hear your feedback. Loved something? Have a question you want answered? Tell us in this quick survey: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod---This week's episode:What does it take to thrive as a Black ballerina in an art form that prizes uniformity? In this episode, renowned Brazilian ballerina Ingrid Silva reflects on the professional breakthroughs and battles behind her rise in the ballet world - from spending 11 years dyeing her pointe shoes by hand to match her skin tone, to persuading the industry to prioritize inclusivity. She shares her journey from Rio de Janeiro to Dance Theatre of Harlem and how becoming a mother has impacted her career.The episode also dives into:Ingrid's childhood in Brazil and how a kind neighbour changed the course of her lifeThe unspoken emotional and financial costs for dancers of colour in balletHow her personal experience drove her to create the Blacks in Ballet movementWhat ballet still gets wrong about representation, motherhood, and belonging Enjoyed the episode? Text it to a friend and leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts to help more listeners discover the show!You might also like:Cassa Pancho on designing the future of ballet'The door is opening for us': Cira Robinson on ballet's turning pointe---About Ingrid SilvaIngird Silva is a celebrated Brazilian ballerina and changemaker with Dance Theatre of Harlem. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she began dancing at age 8 through a social project in the Mangueira favela and later earned a full scholarship to study in New York. She has performed leading roles in works by George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey, and others, and collaborated with renowned choreographers worldwide. A dedicated advocate for equity in the arts, she is the founder of podHER and co-founder of Blacks in Ballet. Her accomplishments have been recognized globally – from having her pointe shoes exhibited at the Smithsonian, to working on global brand campaigns.Learn more about Ingrid Silva: https://www.ingridsilvaballet.com/Follow Ingrid Silva on Instagram: @ingridsilva Follow Dancers and Motherhood: @dancersandmotherhoodFollow Blacks in Ballet: @blacksinballetFollow PodHer: https://www.podher.org/---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/Social media: LinkedIn and InstagramNewsletter:

Your feedback matters to us - shape the future of Made For Us by taking our quick survey: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod---This week's episode:It's been called 'a phenomenal example of inclusive design' and it's spreading across subway stations, museums and supermarkets around the world.NaviLens is a new technology designed to help blind and partially sighted people navigate cities and indoor spaces by scanning a QR code with their phone. Unlike traditional QR codes, users don't need to focus on the code or know its precise location.In this episode, we sit down with Oran McAllister, NaviLens' Client Engagement Officer, to explore this new frontier in accessibility and how it can help visually impaired people gain more independence.We also cover: NaviLens' origins in Spain and how the technology has gained traction in over 100 countries, from the US to Australia Why major transport systems from London to Tokyo and brands like Kellogg's and P&G are signing on How NaviLens makes grocery shopping more accessible for everyone, from travellers to people with autism Loved the episode? Leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and help more listeners discover the show!You might also like: 'I don't need fixing - the world does' Lucy Edwards on redefining disability 'No going back': lessons from P&G's product inclusion journey with Sam Latif---About Oran McAllisterOran McAllister is the Client Engagement Officer at NaviLens. Oran is tasked with developing new relationships and sustaining established partnerships with organisations, associations and users of NaviLens around the world. His passion in the pursuit of accessibility not only comes from his professional background but also stems from his personal experience.Learn more about NaviLens: https://www.navilens.com/en/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NaviLensLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navilens/Reach out to NaviLens:  info@navilens.com ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

We all need to protect our skin from the sun's rays, so why are so many sunscreens not formulated with darker skin tones in mind?In this episode, we sit down with Dujon Smith, founder of the inclusive sun care brand My Block Skin. We unpack the myths around sunscreen, the marketing gaps and the sobering stats, including why men of color have the lowest survival rates from melanoma.This episode also dives into:Dujon's founder journey – from ideation and testing formulations to creating a lifestyle brandHow My Block Skin became the first black-owned sun care brand stocked at the UK pharmacy chain Boots in its 175-year historyHow companies can cater to overlooked audiences through social listening If this episode made you think, laugh, or go “hmm,” leave us a 5 star rating - and text it to a friend.You might also like:Rooting for you: the men's grooming brand winning over big retailers---About Dujon Smith Dujon Smith is the founder and CEO of My Block Skin, a sun care brand redefining the industry with high-performance, melanin-inclusive formulas. Dujon launched My Block Skin in 2023 as a testament to his mission of inclusivity and innovation. Beyond My Block Skin, Dujon is a full-time investor at Accenture Ventures, where he leads the Founders Development Program, helping underrepresented entrepreneurs scale their technology businesses through access to capital, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. Learn more about My Block Skin: http://www.myblockskin.comFollow Dujon C Smith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dujoncsmith/Follow Dujon C Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dujoncsmith/Resources: Accenture Thought Leadership on the Black Founders Venture Capital Gap: https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/a-com-migration/r3-3/pdf/pdf-172/Accenture-Bridging-Black-Founders-VC-Gap.pdfSkin Cancer Study on Men of Color: https://www.aad.org/news/melanoma-study-men-skin-of-color-lowest-survival-rates---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

Welcome to our first crossover episode of Season 2! This week, we're sharing an interview from the climate design podcast Climify, hosted by Eric Benson - but we'll be back next week with a new episode of Made For Us!Climify is one of our favourite podcast discoveries this year, and we highly recommend it if you're curious about design and social impact. We hope you enjoy discovering the show through this special episode from Season 4: “Creating Cradle-to-Cradle Clothing with Heike Petersen”. In the conversation, Heike Petersen shares with Eric her multicultural global journey in creating her cradle-to-cradle sustainable, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic yoga fitness brand, Wellicious. Eric and Heike discuss: Challenges of building a sustainable clothing brandHow to make sense of sustainable certifications The crucial shift we all need to make towards slow fashion Learn more about Climify: www.climatedesigners.org/edu/climify ---Connect with Made for Us on LinkedIn and InstagramShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked disability data gap in AI, and why it matters for equitable hiring. Ariana Aboulafia, who leads the Disability Rights in Technology Policy Project at the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), joins us to share insights on designing more inclusive algorithmic systems and creating datasets that are more representative of disability. Whether you're building AI, hiring talent, or advocating for accessibility, this episode is a great starting point for understanding how to reduce disability bias in technology.In the conversation, we explore:How effective AI hiring tools are at reducing human biasThe importance of including people with disabilities at every stage of AI development The challenges of getting accurate disability dataHow understanding the different definitions of disability can improve data collection Missed last week's episode? Would Stephen Hawking get hired today? The hiden bias in AI recruiting tools---About Ariana AboulafiaAriana Aboulafia leads the Disability Rights in Technology Policy Project at the Center for Democracy & Technology, which focuses on the ways in which certain technologies impact disabled people.An attorney with a strong background in public interest advocacy, and with particular expertise in disability, technology, criminal law, and the First Amendment, Ariana has also worked as a public defender.Learn more about Ariana: https://cdt.org/staff/ariana-aboulafia/Follow Ariana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianaaboulafia/ Follow Ariana on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArianaAboulafiaRead the disability data report: https://cdt.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-23-Data-Disability-report-final.pdf ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

Could AI hiring create more barriers for people with disabilities instead of levelling the playing field? In this episode, Susan Scott-Parker, founder of business disability international, says standardised and inflexible AI hiring systems risk shutting many people with disabilities out of the workforce. She makes the case for more inclusive HR technologies that are designed for the full range of human experience. Tune in to learn more about: The unsettling truth about how AI hiring tools are screening out candidates with disabilities - and how to make them fairerHow HR leaders can challenge biases in AI hiring tools and demand more from the technology they invest inWhy Susan coined the term “disability confidence” and why it's not just about “being nice” to disabled peopleMissed last week's episode? REPLAY: Cliff Weitzman on building the 'voice of the internet'---About Susan Scott-Parker Susan Scott-Parker OBE is a creative thought leader internationally recognised for her work on how to mobilise business leadership behind disability equality. She founded the world's first business disability network, now the Business Disability Forum (UK). In 2016, she established business disability international and advises a growing global community on how to work productively with businesses as valued allies.Follow Susan Scott-Parker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanscottparker1/Learn more about business disability international: https://www.businessdisabilityinternational.org/Learn more about Project Nemo: https://projectnemo.co.uk/Follow Amit Ghose: https://www.tiktok.com/@amitghosenf1---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

This week, we're taking you back to the first ever episode of Made For Us (and the most downloaded in Season 1). It's an interview with Cliff Weitzman, the founder and CEO of Speechify, a text to speech app that has made reading more accessible for people with dyslexia, ADHD, low vision and other conditions that make reading difficult. Speechify now has 50 million users who can listen to the internet, emails and other documents with over 200 AI voices, including those of celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Gwyneth Paltrow.We also have a special announcement about a big milestone that Made For Us reached this week.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen! And be sure to subscribe to the free Made For Us newsletter to get bonus content.Also from the archives: Ade Hassan on moving beyond 'one-nude-fits-all'---Learn more about SpeechifyWebsite / InstagramFollow Cliff WeitzmanInstagram / Youtube / Medium---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

When Danish furniture craftsman Hans Jørgen Wiberg launched Be My Eyes, an app connecting blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers, he had no idea it would grow into a global movement. But 10 years after its launch, the app now boasts 800,000 blind users and over 8.5 million volunteers, more than the population of his country. In this episode, Hans, who is visually impaired himself, tells the origin story of the app, how it “spread like wildfire” and Be My Eyes' partnerships with companies like Microsoft and OpenAI.The conversation covers:The diverse and innovative ways people use the Be My Eyes appWhy microvolunteering - helping out for just a few minutes - has become such a powerful force for goodThe rapid growth of Be My AI, a new AI-powered feature providing users with quick visual assistance for everyday tasksThe challenges Be My Eyes faces in reaching underserved communitiesMissed last week's episode? Inside Adobe's mission to build more inclusive tech---About Hans Jørgen WibergHans Jørgen Wiberg is the founder of Be My Eyes, a groundbreaking app that connects blind and visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers for real-time assistance via video calls. Born in Denmark and visually impaired himself, Hans created Be My Eyes in to address everyday challenges faced by blind and low-vision people. Under his leadership, the app has grown into a global community with 800,000 users and over 8 million volunteers in 150+ countries.---Learn more about Be My Eyes : https://www.bemyeyes.com/ Follow Be My Eyes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemyeyesapp/?hl=en Follow Hans Jørgen Wiberg on LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/hans-j%C3%B8rgen-wiberg-8a16b915 ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

TB Bardlavens, Director of Product Equity at Adobe, joins us for this special edition featuring questions from Made For Us listeners. We discuss what it really means to build technology that works for everyone and how the Product Equity team tackles this challenge across all 137 of Adobe's products. TB also shares how his team shaped Firefly, Adobe's suite of generative AI tools, ensuring that its outputs truly reflect human diversity. Along the way, TB answers listeners' questions on the impact of DEI rollbacks in the US and Adobe's approach to building inclusive global products that respect cultural nuances.Other topics we explore:Why traditional product development often fails to meet human needsHow Adobe is embedding equity and accessibility across its entire product ecosystemThe human case and the business case for product equityThe role of AI in creativity and Adobe's mission to empower, not replace, creativesWant more like this? Get the free Made For Us newsletter for exclusive content and the chance to pose your questions to upcoming guests.Missed last week's episode? AI vs the gender feedback gap---About TB BardlavensTB Bardlavens is chaotic good in its purest form. He is a Gay, Black man from the Carolinas, a highly regarded social intrapreneur, and an advocate for equity in technology and design. He is a Product Executive, Cultural Strategist, Diversity, Equity, and Justice expert, Co-Founder, Writer, and International Speaker and Facilitator.For more than a decade, TB has dedicated his career to dismantling systemic barriers, building and scaling teams, and launching innovative digital products for companies like Microsoft, Meta and Adobe. Learn more about TB Bardlavens: https://www.bardlavens.com/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bardlavens Instagram: https://instagram.com/bardlavens --- Connect with Made for Us on LinkedIn and Instagram.Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

How does bias show up in workplace feedback, and can AI help fix it?In this episode, we speak with Mykel Rangel, VP of Engineering at Textio, a company that has built AI-driven tools that are reshaping the way managers give feedback and how recruiters craft job ads. We explore the hidden biases in performance reviews, how feedback impacts employee retention and pay, and what leaders can do to create more equitable workplaces.We also cover:Textio's research on workplace feedback and what language can reveal about a company's cultureWhy women tend to get more personality-based feedback than menHow AI can help managers close the feedback gapStrategies for evaluating AI tools for bias mitigationEnjoyed what you heard? Pass it on to a friend - or tell the world with a 5-star review.Missed last week's episode? Subtitles for real life? There's a pair of glasses for that---About Mykel Rangel Mykel Rangel is the Vice President of Engineering at Textio, a company using artificial intelligence to help organisations create more inclusive, effective, and engaging written communication. Starting off as a tech writer, Mykel transitioned into software before joining Textio. Learn more about Textio: https://textio.comFollow Mykel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mykel-rangel-18963322/Read the report on bias in performance feedback: https://textio.com/feedback-bias-2024 ---Connect with Made for UsNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

What if you could subtitle everyday life? That question sparked the creation of XRAI, a company developing augmented reality glasses that display real-time subtitles right before your eyes. In this episode, XRAI CEO and founder Dan Scarfe joins us to share how AI and augmented reality (AR) are making conversations more accessible - for the 1.5 billion people worldwide with hearing loss, but also for anyone who's ever struggled to hear in a noisy café, missed a detail in a conversation, or needed instant translation.In this episode, we cover:The highs and lows of building inclusive techHow XRAI's earliest users (and Dan's granddad) helped refine the productThe different use cases for the technology - benefits for the deaf and neurodivergent communities as well as global businessesThe future of AI-driven assistive technology and what's next for XRAIEnjoyed the conversation? Tell a friend - or tell the world with a 5-star review. Missed last week's episode? Listen here: https://pod.fo/e/2af77d---About Dan Scarfe:Dan Scarfe is the CEO and founder of XRAI, a company using AI and augmented reality to improve accessibility. Inspired by his grandfather's hearing loss, he developed XRAI Glass, smart glasses that provide real-time subtitles. Under his leadership, XRAI is expanding into live translation and workplace integration, aiming to make communication more inclusive worldwide.Learn more about XRAI: https://xrai.glass/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xraiglass/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xraiglass/---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

Why aren't more tech companies prioritising inclusion in product development?Research by McKinsey & Company found that only 17% of product managers ranked inclusion among their top priorities. Yet, it can be a powerful strategic advantage.In this episode, we speak with Rikki Singh, a partner at McKinsey and founder of the McKinsey Product Academy, about the critical role of product management in fostering responsible and inclusive innovation.The conversation explores:Real-world examples of companies innovating to serve underserved marketsHow generative AI is exposing biases in tech while also unlocking the ability to create a more level playing fieldActionable tips for enterprises and startups to prioritise inclusion in product developmentLove what you heard? Leave us a 5 star review - it helps more people find us, and helps us bring you more great guests.Missed last week's episode? Listen here: https://pod.fo/e/2ad6a1---About Rikki Singh Rikki Singh leads McKinsey's software product-management work, helping the world's largest software and fast-growing SaaS companies with product development and business building. She also founded the McKinsey Product Academy.Learn more: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/rikki-singh Follow Rikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritikasingh24/Read the report on responsible product management: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/responsible-product-management-the-critical-tech-challenge---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

We're kicking off Season 2 of Made for Us with Lucy Edwards, a trailblazing broadcaster, author and content creator who is redefining perceptions of disability.Lucy shares her journey of navigating life as a blind woman, from losing her vision at 17 to becoming a disability advocate and consultant to major brands to creating content that's been seen by millions. The conversation covers:Lucy's viral wedding, where she and her husband gave guests a glimpse into her worldHer book, Blind, Not Broken, a memoir and guide to overcoming loss and embracing self-acceptanceThe challenges of living in a world that often overlooks accessibilityLucy's work with global brands like Pantene and Barbie-maker Mattel, and her plans to launch a makeup line with inclusivity at its coreIf you enjoyed this conversation as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you, we'd be thrilled if you could leave us a 5-star rating! Your support means more listeners will be able to discover the show. Thank you!About Lucy Edwards Lucy Edwards is a blind broadcaster, journalist, author, and digital content creator who has become a leading advocate for accessibility and inclusivity. Lucy uses platforms like TikTok and YouTube to educate her audience about living with blindness while championing equality. Lucy is the author of Blind, Not Broken and the children's book Ella Jones vs The Sun Stealer. Learn more about Lucy Edwards: https://www.lucyedwards.comFollow Lucy Edwards on Instagram: @LucyEdwardsOfficialFollow Lucy Edwards on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucyedwards---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ ---Season 2 credits:Creator/producer/host: Tosin SulaimanGraphic design: Judith Raynault | Cover art: Valentin GrimouxAudio engineer: Justin Orive | Marketing intern: Abigail Brierley

Made For Us is back for another season!Subscribe now so you don't miss new episodes.---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

We have great news to share with you: Made For Us has been named a finalist in the 2024 Signal Awards in the 'Most Inspirational Podcast' category! The Signal Awards recognise the best creators around the world who are making ‘podcasts that define culture.'Voting is open to the public and we'd appreciate a vote for Made For Us in the Listener's Choice Award. Please head to vote.signalaward.com and search for ‘Made For Us' or click here (after voting, be sure to click the link you receive by email, otherwise the vote won't count). Voting is open until Oct 17.Thanks for being one of the earliest supporters of this podcast! Be the first to know when Season 2 drops by subscribing to the Made For Us newsletter and following us on social media.Connect with Made For UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fmNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast

Over the past few months, guests on this podcast have shared some great examples of inclusive design and innovation, but these kinds of products aren't the norm (yet). Joining me to explore some of the reasons why is Scott Berkun, author of How Design Makes the World, a book that aims to demystify design for everyone. We discuss why it's so hard to design well and what organisations can do to accelerate good ideas. If you haven't yet left a 5-star rating or review, this would be the perfect time to do so (it will help others discover this podcast while Season 2 is in the works). And did I mention our listener survey: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod. Plesdr fo share your feedback there. In today's episode, Scott and I discuss: Business and cultural reasons behind design choicesKey questions to ask early on in the design processWhy we should think twice before using words like ‘intuitive' and ‘user-friendly'The ROI of inclusivity ---About Scott Berkun:Scott Berkun is a bestselling author and popular speaker on UX design, innovation, leading teams, public speaking and other subjects. He's published eight books, including How Design Makes The World and The Myths of Innovation. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist and other media.Learn more about Scott Berkun: http://www.scottberkun.comLearn more about How Design Makes the World: https://designmtw.com/ ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ Made For Us was produced and hosted by Tosin Sulaiman. Special thanks to the following people who helped to keep this podcast running:Design & social media management: Valentin Grimoux Audio engineering: Justin Orive at Reliable Sounds, Alex Van Rose & Rishi DasPost-production & marketing intern: Soumaya El Filali

On the day makeup artist Terri Bryant learned she had Parkinson's, she returned home and raided her makeup kit and her husband's toolbox. She quickly pinpointed what was lacking in the tools she'd been using for years: grip and stability. This sparked the creation of Guide Beauty, a brand dedicated to reimagining makeup artistry and proving it can be accessible to all, regardless of skill, ability, or disability.In today's episode, we discuss: Adaptation and accommodation vs. authentic inclusion What Terri learned from launching a beauty brand in the middle of the pandemicWhy she decided to team up with the actress Selma Blair, Guide's Chief Creative OfficerHow Guide Beauty is changing the narrative around accessible beauty toolsYour feedback is important to us — shape the future of Made For Us by taking our quick survey and sharing your insights: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod. Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and drop us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to spread the word! ---About Terri Bryant:Guide Beauty's founder Terri Bryant is a veteran in makeup artistry and education with over 25 years in the cosmetics industry. She's worked behind the scenes as a celebrity makeup artist, in front of the camera as a presenter on QVC, QVC UK and HSN, and as an education executive, teaching makeup artistry for brands like Dior and Stila, and leading education departments for companies such as Smashbox and Josie Maran. Learn more about Guide Beauty: https://www.guidebeauty.comFollow Guide Beauty on IG: @guidebeautycosmetics Follow Guide Beauty on TIKTOK: @guidebeauty---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/madeforuspod

In the heart of South London, a bustling barbershop served as the birthplace for Aaron Wallace, the pioneering grooming brand dedicated to black men. Co-founders Aaron Wallace and Lina Barker share how everyday barbershop conversations about hair woes and aspirations inspired the creation of their acclaimed brand, now gracing the shelves of major retailers like Sainsbury's and Superdrug in the UK and Saks Fifth Avenue in the US. In today's episode, we discuss: How barbershop dialogues helped the founders uncover a real need in the men's grooming space The journey of turning a gap in the market into an opportunity for inclusive innovation Aaron Wallace's global aspirations and how the brand broke into the US marketWe'll soon be wrapping up our first season and we're looking ahead to bringing you more great guests in Season 2! Share your thoughts on the episodes so far and suggest potential guests in our quick 4-minute survey. Find it here or by pasting this link in your browser: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod. Your input matters to us!If you enjoyed this episode, please pass it on to someone who'd appreciate it, and kindly leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us.---About Aaron Wallace and Lina Barker:Aaron Wallace is a South London entrepreneur who opened his barbershop, Shear and Shine, in 2014. Following the success of the shop, he went on to launch his eponymous grooming brand, earning accolades from Forbes, AskMen and more as an industry innovator. Entrepreneur Lina Barker transitioned from organising events at the Houses of Parliament to co-founding the Aaron Wallace male grooming brand. Passionate about marketing and brand building, her work with Aaron Wallace has earned recognition from Forbes and Business Insider.Learn more about the brand Aaron Wallace: www.byaaronwallace.comFollow the brand Aaron Wallace on Instagram: @byaaronwallace.comFollow Aaron Wallace on Instagram: @aaronmwallaceFollow Lina Barker on Instagram: @linasbarker---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

In 2018, brown and bronze pointe shoes, tailored for dancers of colour, made their commercial debut in the UK — nearly two centuries after the introduction of pink ones. The delay begs the questions: Why? Who paved the way? What were dancers of colour doing before then? And how has the landscape changed since? Join us as we dive into these questions with Cassa Pancho, the trailblazing founder of Ballet Black, a company committed to carving out space for dancers of colour in classical ballet.In today's episode, we discuss: The question that sparked the idea for Ballet Black Ballet Black's role in changing what ballet repertoire looks likeCassa's feedback on early prototypes of the brown pointe shoesThe reaction to the launch of the shoesWe'll soon be wrapping up our first season and we're looking ahead to bringing you more great guests in Season 2! Share your thoughts on the episodes so far and suggest potential guests in our quick 4-minute survey. Find it here or by pasting this link in your browser: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod. Your input matters to us!If you liked this episode, don't keep it to yourself. Please share with a fellow podcast lover and don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. ---About Cassa Pancho: Born to Trinidadian and British parents, Cassa Pancho launched Ballet Black in 2001 after graduating from professional dance training. Her initial goal was to provide role models to young, aspiring Black and Asian dancers. Ballet Black won the Critics' Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Company in 2009 and Best Mid-Scale Company in 2022. Cassa was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Years' Honours List for Services to classical ballet. To date, she has commissioned over 40 choreographers to create over 60 new ballets for Ballet Black. Learn more about Ballet BlackWebsite: https://balletblack.co.ukFollow Ballet Black on Instagram: @originalballetblack---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

Paying with a card has become incredibly easy and safe, but for the 43 million blind people worldwide, that's not the case.Not only are blind and visually impaired people not able to see the payment terminal when making a transaction, but they also have no way of confirming whether the amount they're paying is accurate. Blind notches, braille and contrasting colors are all tools integrated in financial services to make them more inclusive. But our guest today, Frederic Martinez, believes banks can do more! His team developed a talking payment card, in collaboration with partners, and he joins us to explain how it works and the reception it's had so far.In the episode, we discuss: What prompted the development of the voice payment card and the technology behind itThe challenges banks may face in offering it more widely Other potential use cases for the voice payment cardBiometric cards: another exciting inclusive financial solutionIf you liked this episode, please share with someone who you think would enjoy it and don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. ---About Frederic Martinez: Frederic Martinez is driving the offer strategy for biometric cards and innovative payment solutions at Thales. With a passion for new technologies, Frederic is committed to helping banks bring better payment experiences to consumers and introduce new disruptive services.Learn more about Thales Banking & PaymentsWebsite: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/banking-paymentFollow Frederic Martinez on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fmartinez2---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

The struggle to find a bicycle helmet that fits is more common than you might think. People with long hair, big hair, dreadlocks, cochlear implants, turbans…the list goes on. How are helmet manufacturers addressing the needs of diverse communities and what could the latest innovations in helmet technology mean for inclusivity? Randy Swart, executive director of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, has answers to these questions and more.What we discuss in this episode:Challenges of designing helmets for different head shapes and specific needsThe tension between inclusivity and affordability in helmet designThe pros and cons of solutions such as 3D printing and airbag helmetsThis is the second of two episodes on inclusive helmets. Be sure to check out part one, an interview with Tina Singh, founder of Bold Helmets, here: https://pod.link/1711282282 If you liked this episode, please share with someone who you think would enjoy it and please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. ---About Randy Swart Randy Swart is the executive director of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI), a bicycle helmet advocacy program explaining helmet technology to consumers and working to improve helmet standards. BHSI is funded entirely by consumer donations and does not accept funds from the industry.Learn more about BHSI: helmets.org ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

What do you do when traditional bike helmets just don't work for you? Forgo a helmet altogether or choose a different sport? Tina Singh chose a third option - designing a helmet for Sikh kids who, like her three sons, keep their hair uncut. Although her company, Bold Helmets, was created with her community in mind, Tina hopes other overlooked groups could one day benefit from her re-imagining of the helmet.What we discuss in this episode:The tough choices faced by Sikh parents who want their kids to participate in helmet-mandated sportsHow Tina started with zero knowledge of helmet design and what she would do differentlyWhy she ended up pivoting the brand nameHow she coped with media attention when Bold Helmets launchedIf you liked this episode, please share with someone who you think would enjoy it and please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. ---About Tina Singh Tina Singh is the founder of Bold Helmets, an Occupational Therapist, Digital Content Creator and mom of 3. In December 2022, Tina launched the Bold Helmets brand which has created the first safety certified multi-sport helmet for Sikh kids who keep their hair. As an Occupational Therapist who worked in the area of head and brain injuries, Tina knew that a helmet was essential for her kids. When she couldn't find one to fit her kids, she made her own.Learn more about Bold Helmets: www.boldhelmets.comFollow Bold Helmets on Instagram: @boldhelmets---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/madeforuspod

For decades, dancers of colour at classical ballet companies have used makeup to dye their pink pointe shoes a darker shade to match their skin tone. My guest this week, award-winning ballerina Cira Robinson, tells me about the day she got tired of ‘pancaking' and asked the renowned shoemaker Freed of London to make a pair of brown pointe shoes for her. What we discuss in this episode:Cira's experience with the Dance Theatre of Harlem under the legendary Arthur MitchellHer move to London to join Ballet BlackThe role pointe shoes play in a dancer's life and the need for customisationHow she worked with Freed and Ballet Black to create inclusive pointe shoes and the impact they've hadIf you liked this episode, it would be great if you could leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. This is the first of two episodes on inclusive pointe shoes. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss my interview with Cassa Pancho, founder of Ballet Black, in a few weeks! ---About Cira Robinson Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cira began her ballet career as an apprentice with the Dance Theatre of Harlem's Dancing Through Barriers Ensemble. After a few months, she became a full member and danced many works from the DTH repertoire under the guidance of Arthur Mitchell.She joined Ballet Black in London in 2008 and in 2013 was nominated for Outstanding Classical Female at the Critics Circle National Dance Awards. While at Ballet Black, Cira worked with the company and with Freed of London to create the first Brown and Bronze pointe shoe for dancers of colour. After retiring in 2022, she took up a new role as Director of the Yorkshire Ballet Seminars.Follow Cira on Instagram: @ciraoslynn---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

As a gamer living with a disability, Vivek Gohil has strong opinions about the accessibility of video games. Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of nine, his muscles have become weaker over the years but that hasn't deterred him from gaming. He now uses his experience to advise game developers and console makers on improving gaming for people like himself with severe motor disabilities. In this interview, he talks about the solutions he's found, including coding accessibility features into games that lack them, and why he'd like to see more developers tapping into the expertise of gamers with disabilities. Other topics we cover in this episode:How Vivek has adapted his gaming setupHow accessibility in gaming has evolved and areas for improvementThe impact of the Xbox Adaptive ControllerThe representation of disability in gamesThis is the second of two episodes on accessible gaming. Check out part one, an interview with Mick Donegan, founder of the gaming charity SpecialEffect, here: https://pod.link/1711282282---About Vivek GohilVivek is an accessibility consultant who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He uses his lived experiences to advocate and elevate the voices of disabled gamers with similar conditions. Vivek regularly writes for the gaming website Eurogamer focusing on accessibility. Vivek's website: https://uncannyvivek.com/ Follow Vivek on Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncannyvivek ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

When it comes to improving the accessibility of video games, it's often simple things that can make a big difference, says Mick Donegan, my guest this week. Since 2007, the charity he founded, SpecialEffect, has helped thousands of people with severe physical disabilities play video games by creating bespoke setups suited to their abilities. In today's interview, Mick tells me how SpecialEffect has become a catalyst for change in the gaming industry by sharing its knowledge with game developers and hardware manufacturers, including Microsoft and Sony, the makers of the Xbox Adaptive Controller and the Playstation Access Controller.In this episode we discuss:The power of play and gaming's impact on mental healthThe most challenging cases SpecialEffect has worked onWhat's behind the drive towards inclusion in the gaming industrySpecialEffect's impact on the industryThis is the first of two episodes on accessible gaming. Look out for part two next week!---About Mick DoneganDr Mick Donegan, MBE, is the Founder and CEO of SpecialEffect, a charity dedicated to providing enhanced opportunities for people with severe physical disabilities to access technology for leisure, creativity and communication. He is also Adjunct Professor of Assistive Design at OCAD University, Toronto. Learn more about SpecialEffect: https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/SpecialEffect DevKit: https://specialeffectdevkit.info/Follow SpecialEffect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialeffectcharity---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

When pitching their inclusive eyewear brand to investors, Reframd 's co-founders Shariff Vreugd and Ackeem Ngwenya often faced doubts about whether a market existed for their product. But if you look beyond the West, says Shariff, the opportunity is massive. In the second of a two-part series on inclusive brands disrupting the eyewear industry, we talk about how Reframd is reimagining eyewear frame design to cater to communities that have traditionally been overlooked.In this episode we discuss:Why certain demographic groups have felt neglected by the eyewear industryHow Reframd had to rethink its target audience post-launchWhy Reframd believes its data and insights can have a huge impact on the eyewear industry The test to determine if your glasses fit correctly In case you missed part 1 of the series, check out Episode 11 with Athina Wang and Florence Shin of Covry. If you'd like to hear more stories like this, please support the podcast by leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify and sharing it with others via this link: https://pod.link/1711282282 ---About Shariff VreugdShariff is the Managing Director and Co-founder of Reframd, a company that crafts and manufactures eyewear products based on the unique facial measurements of each customer. Reframd's mission is to make the eyewear industry more inclusive.Learn more about Reframd: https://www.reframd.com/Follow Reframd on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reframd/ Reframd is offering 15% off eyeglasses and sunglasses to Made For Us listeners with the code 'PodcastSHRF15', valid until April 30, 2024.---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/madeforuspod

After struggling for years to find glasses that fit comfortably, Athina Wang and Florence Shin realised that it was the eyewear industry that needed to change and not them. That was the inspiration for launching Covry, an inclusive eyewear brand that came to life through an oversubscribed Kickstarter campaign. In the interview, we discuss:Why having zero eyewear industry experience proved to be an advantage for Athina and FlorenceHow they ensured a successful Kickstarter campaign Why customer feedback is an essential part of Covry's design processThe 20+ steps involved in creating a single Covry frameThis is the first of two episodes on inclusive eyewear. Tune in tomorrow for part 2 with Shariff Vreugd, the co-founder of Reframd. If you like this episode, please rate the podcast on your preferred app and share it with someone who would enjoy it via this link: https://pod.link/1711282282 ---About Athina Wang and Florence Shin Athina Wang and Florence Shin met in high school and have been close friends throughout their journey in the fashion industry. Frustrated by the lack of comfortable options for diverse face shapes, they teamed up to create an innovative approach to fit and design. Together, they built Covry to embrace diversity and celebrate faces of all different shapes and sizes.Learn more about Covry: https://shopcovry.com/Follow Covry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcovry/ ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

“Where are the plus size male models?” It's a question the Internet seemed to be asking just a few years ago. Now, a six-pack is no longer a prerequisite to grace the pages of the top fashion magazines. It's proof, says my guest, Raul Samuel, that there's demand for more realistic-looking models. Still, as we discuss in the interview, not everyone in the fashion industry is convinced. Some of the topics we cover in this conversation:Why the fashion industry has been slow to accept plus size male modelsWhat Raul has learned about body confidence since becoming a modelThe changes he'd like to see in the fashion industryRaul's favourite brands and tips for how to look good at any sizeIf you liked this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. You can also check out my conversation with Charlotte Griffiths, founder of BRIDGE Agency, in Episode 7: https://pod.link/1711282282 ---About Raul SamuelRaul started modelling in 2016 and has featured twice in both Vogue and Men's Health. He has also fronted campaigns for brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, ASOS and Boohoo Man. Raul is represented by BRIDGE Agency, which launched the UK's first men's division for bigger, broader male models in 2016.Follow Raul Samuel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raulsamuel_official —Connect with Made For UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/madeforuspod

Sam Latif, P&G's first Company Accessibility Leader, joins me this week to share how she is driving innovation to make the company's 65+ brands inclusive and accessible for the 15% of people around the globe who experience some form of disability. Sam's passion for her work stems from her personal experiences as a mother of three who is blind. In her current role, Sam is focused on embedding accessibility into P&G brands such as Pantene, Gillette, Ariel and Pampers.In our conversation, we discuss:How Sam's personal experiences helped drive innovation in accessibility at P&GSam's campaign to help P&G's leadership better understand the needs of people with disabilities The initiatives she has led to make P&G's packaging and advertising more accessible Why building a ‘disability-confident' culture is essential for inclusive innovationIf you like this episode, please leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and spread the word by sharing this link: https://pod.link/1711282282.---About Sam Latif:Sam joined P&G in 2000 and went on to have a successful IT career. In 2015, she switched her focus to helping make P&G's products, packaging and advertising more accessible. In 2019, she was promoted to Senior Director, taking on the formal title of Company Accessibility Leader. Sam is married with three children. She is a first-generation Scottish Pakistani and currently lives in Surrey.Follow Sam Latif on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/samlatif ---Learn more about P&G:Website: https://www.pg.co.uk/people-with-disabilities/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/procter-and-gamble/ ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

For many people of colour, wearing a plaster, or Band-Aid, that blends with their skin tone is a novel experience. While inclusive bandages are now widely available in countries like the UK and US, that's only happened in the last few years.My two guests share their unique perspectives on this. Intisar Bashir is the co-founder and CEO of Browndages, one of the first companies to offer bandages in a range of skin tones, before giants like Johnson & Johnson seized on the opportunity. My other guest is Dom Apollon, whose 2019 tweet about the emotions he felt wearing a skin tone bandage for the first time went viral and inspired the UK supermarket chain Tesco to launch its own line of inclusive bandages.In this episode we discuss:How Browndages has responded to competition from larger players in the first aid care industryWhat happened after Browndages' appearance on 'Shark Tank' Dom's reflections on why his tweet resonated with people around the worldIf you like this episode, please leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also spread the word by sharing this link: https://pod.link/1711282282.BiosIntisar Bashir and her husband Rashid Mahdi launched Browndages in 2018 after noticing that none of the bandages they purchased in stores matched the skin of anyone in their family. The couple live in Columbus, Ohio with their four children. Intisar comes from a family of entrepreneurs and has always aspired to follow in their footsteps.Dominique (“Dom”) Apollon is a US-based racial and social equity professional and the founder of Apollon Research and Consulting. From 2008 to 2022, Dom led the Research Department at Race Forward, one of the largest racial justice organisations in the US. Dom lives in California, where he completed his PhD in Political Science at Stanford University.—Learn more about BrowndagesWebsite: www.browndages.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/Browndages/X: https://www.twitter.com/Browndages —Learn more about Dom ApollonWebsite: https://apollonresearchandconsulting.com/ X: https://twitter.com/ApollonTweets —Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/madeforuspod

When Charlotte Griffiths' agency BRIDGE launched the UK's first men's division for bigger, broader male models in 2016, it was based on a hunch that the fashion industry was ready to embrace men of different shapes and sizes. In this week's interview, Charlotte tells me how her gamble paid off and why brands need to let go of outdated stereotypes around men and fashion.Charlotte is the owner and Managing Director of BRIDGE, a talent management agency established in 2014 that represents models and influencers internationally. The agency‘s ethos is to "bridge-the-gap" between standard and plus size models. After seeing a rise in mental health struggles for men, Charlotte recognised that to be a truly diverse agency they needed to bring men into the conversation around body positivity as well.In this episode we discuss:Charlotte's brief stint as a model and how it influenced her decision to launch BRIDGEHow she got the inspiration to start the men's divisionThe models she discovered and the campaigns they've worked onWhy she thinks some brands are reluctant to showcase larger men in their imageryIf you enjoyed this interview, please subscribe to Made For Us to be notified of future episodes and rate the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover it.---Learn more about BRIDGEWebsite: www.bridgeagency.comApplication form: https://bridgeagency.com/apply Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgemodels---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/madeforuspod

When Hector Minto joined Microsoft seven years ago, he knew it was time to bring disability inclusion into the mainstream. In this episode, Microsoft's Lead Technology Evangelist on accessibility tells me why “this is not a niche topic anymore” and why companies need to get ahead of regulation and build accessible products. Hector drives and measures the education and adoption of Microsoft accessibility features and assistive technologies across the company's customers and partners. Before joining Microsoft, he spent over two decades in the field of assistive technology and accessibility.Some of the topics we cover in the conversation:How inclusion has driven innovation and healthy competition within MicrosoftHow Microsoft assesses the impact of disability inclusionWhy companies should exceed expectations when creating accessible experiences The challenge of building more inclusive AIIf you're enjoying the podcast, be sure to hit the ‘Follow' button to be notified of future episodes and please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.If you liked this episode, check out my conversation with Maura Horton, founder of accessible clothing brand MagnaReady: https://link.chtbl.com/madeforuspodcast---Learn more about MicrosoftDisability Answer Desk: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/disability-answer-deskX: https://twitter.com/MSFTEnableFollow Hector Minto on X: https://twitter.com/hminto---Connect with Made For UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

Do you have what it takes to create your own emoji? My guest, Rayouf Alhumedhi, did just that when she launched the Hijab Emoji Project at the age of 16 to push for digital representation for Muslim women around the world. She was named one of Time magazine's most influential teens and also featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Rayouf recently graduated from Stanford University where she studied product design. In this episode, Rayouf talks about:Her motivation for creating the headscarf emojiThe praise and backlash she received during her campaignWhy she decided to major in product design at StanfordHow Gen Z is pushing inclusive design to the forefrontThis is the second of a two-part special on emoji. To learn more about emoji trends and the push for inclusivity, check out my interview with Keith Broni, the Editor-in-Chief of Emojipedia.If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to hit the ‘Follow' button if you haven't already and please do share with someone who you think would like it. ---Learn more about Rayouf AlhumedhiWebsite / Instagram ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcriptsLinkedInInstagramYouTube

As emoji usage has gone global over the past decade, demand for more inclusive emoji has soared. But how effectively can emoji capture human diversity? And what challenges does this pose from a design perspective? I'll be exploring these questions and more in a two-part special on emoji. First up is Keith Broni, the editor-in-chief of Emojipedia, the world's #1 emoji resource. Keith oversees changes to emoji sets from major vendors like Apple and Google, as well as interpreting emoji usage and trends. He received an MSc in Business Psychology from University College London, where he did his dissertation on emoji use in social media communication. In this episode we discuss:How emoji originated and what's behind their universal appealWhat sparked the move towards more inclusive emojiHow gender representation has evolved over the yearsWhether there's a limit to the number of emoji we can haveIf you liked this episode, check out my conversation with Rayouf Alhumedhi, the founder of the Hijab Emoji Project.---Learn more about EmojipediaWebsite / Instagram / X---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcriptsLinkedInInstagramYouTube

Maura Horton is the CEO and Founder of MagnaReady, a company that provides accessible apparel for those with limited dexterity. Maura developed the concept for MagnaReady after her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and struggled to dress himself independently. She invented and eventually patented a magnetic closure system that replaces buttons and has since licensed the technology to Fortune 500 Companies including PVH Corp, owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. Maura also partnered with and advised Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, the first mainstream brand to launch a children's adaptive apparel line.In this episode we talk about:The state of the adaptive clothing market before MagnaReadyHow Maura got the inspiration to infuse magnets into her husband's shirtsThe challenges she faced in the design and manufacturing processWhy Maura thinks the term ‘adaptive' is unhelpful---Learn more about MagnaReadyWebsite / Instagram / XFollow Maura Horton on LinkedInMaura's recommendations for people to follow:Keely Cat-WellsAndraea LaVantWheelchair Barbie---Connect with Made For UsTranscripts and show notesLinkedInInstagramYouTubeIf you enjoyed this episode and would like more of this, be sure to subscribe to Made For Us and give the show a 5-star review to help others discover it.

Couldn't wait for the next installment of Made For Us? Well, here's an additional episode just for launch week. My guest is Ade Hassan, founder and CEO of the lingerie brand Nubian Skin. Founded in 2014, the company brought a simple yet innovative product to the fashion industry - nude lingerie and hosiery for women with darker skin tones. In 2017, Ade was awarded an MBE for services to fashion in recognition of Nubian Skin's inclusive and innovative mission to “redefine nude.”In this episode Ade discusses:How she built the company despite having no fashion industry experienceThe huge demand for Nubian Skin products in the entertainment industryHow she thinks about the size of the market for Nubian SkinHer advice for companies looking to develop more inclusive products---Learn more about Nubian SkinWebsite / Instagram / Facebook / YouTubeFollow Ade Hassan on Instagram ---Connect with Made For UsTranscripts and show notesLinkedInInstagramIf you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more stories like this, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and show your appreciation by leaving a 5-star review.

Joining me on the very first episode of Made For Us is Cliff Weitzman, the Founder and CEO of Speechify, a text-to-speech app that uses AI to turn text from documents, websites and email to audio. Speechify has been downloaded by more than 20 million users and is the #1 rated AI text-to-speech app in its category on Apple's App Store. Among its user base are people with dyslexia, ADHD, low vision and other conditions that make reading difficult. In 2017, Weitzman made the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities.In this episode, Cliff discusses:How his dyslexia fueled his entrepreneurial driveWhy he decided that dyslexia was what he wanted to solveThe advances in AI that made a product like Speechify possibleHow Speechify has helped make reading more accessible What he's learned since transitioning from being a solo founder to having a co-founder---Learn more about SpeechifyWebsite / InstagramFollow Cliff WeitzmanInstagram / Youtube / Medium---Connect with Made For UsTranscripts and show notesLinkedInInstagramIf you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more stories like this, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and show your appreciation by leaving a 5-star review.

Introducing Made for Us, a new podcast exploring the intersection of innovation and inclusion. The weekly show tells the stories of the founders, inventors and nonconformists who've made it their mission to create products that work better for everyone. Produced and hosted by Tosin Sulaiman, a podcaster and former business journalist with Reuters and The Times.