Podcasts about experience design

Maybe you've already heard, but we're in the midst of significant global and technological change. It will be a struggle for many businesses to adapt, but IBM is a company that's no stranger to change. Time and again, they've reimagined, restructured, and refactored their business to stay relevant. Our guest today, Shani Sandy, is playing an important role in IBM's current transformation as VP of Experience Design. Welcome to a live episode of Design Better recorded at THiS Connect presented by UserTesting in New York. We're talking with Shani today about how her team stays connected to users to design great products, design's role in the new era of AI, and how IBM is evolving. *** Learn more about UserTesting *** Bio Shani Sandy is a visionary design executive whose ethos—DESIGNING FORWARD—reflects a career dedicated to propelling businesses, communities, and cultures through intentional, people-centered innovation. With a powerful blend of strategic leadership and creative insight, Shani has led transformative initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, including pioneering roles as the first Executive Creative Director at S&P Global and the first Design Executive at IBM Systems. Her expertise lies in integrating multidisciplinary design, AI, and emerging technologies to elevate user experiences, drive measurable business outcomes, and cultivate design maturity across organizations. Known for aligning design strategy with C-suite objectives, Shani excels at translating complexity into clarity and forging collaboration across functions to deliver lasting impact. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, having shared her insights at premier conferences including 3% Conference, AIGA National, and Adobe Creative Jam. A passionate mentor and advocate for underrepresented creatives, Shani is equally committed to shaping the future of design leadership as she is to delivering on today's innovation. Whether guiding enterprise transformation or nurturing the next generation of designers, Shani leads with bold vision, strategic execution, and an unwavering focus on outcomes.

Aujourd'hui, je reçois, Alexis Boyer, Head of Design chez Finary. De basketteur pro à entrepreneur, Alexis partage un parcours atypique, forgé par la curiosité, le craft et une vraie culture produit. Il nous plonge dans les coulisses de Finary, entre design system, stratégie produit, et design augmenté par l'IA.

On the fifth episode of our APS Reform in Action series, we hear from Laure Yassine and Lisa Jansen from Services Australia, and Carly Harrison from the Australian Public Service Commission, on the development of Services Australia's APS Experience Design Principles – and how you can apply them, even if you're not a design expert.These seven principles – simple, inclusive, tailored, connected, transparent, safe, and trustworthy – help the APS design and deliver people-centred, inclusive services across all channels. Developed through extensive consultation and research, they offer practical guidance for improving both policy and service delivery.Laure Yassine, acting national manager, Business and Customer Architecture Branch, Services Australia, Lisa Jansen, national manager, Digital Product Design Branch, Services Australia, and Carly Harrison, assistant director, Partnership and Engagement, APS Commission, join host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to explore how these principles are being embedded across the APS to improve outcomes for all Australians.Key tips:1. Start with simplicity – clear communication and plain language make services more accessible for everyone2. Focus on outcomes. You don't need to be a design expert to apply these principles effectively3. Use the principles as a guide. They're a practical checklist to evaluate and improve services across government.Show notesAPS Experience Design Principles | agaGet in touch with the Design Experience Team at Services Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Boyer and Reed Smith break down one of the industry's most misunderstood trends, separating the headline-worthy buzz from the meaningful, strategic work that marketing teams should actually be focused on. The cover:  AI-Experience Design - defining what it is and why other industries are framing it differently than healthcare. The Urgency Gap – Most healthcare marketing teams haven't laid the foundational work (data hygiene, journey design, content mapping) required to even get to AI-experience design. Consumer Experience Convergence – How AI-experience design will eventually blur with consumer and service design strategies—and what that means for your MarTech roadmap. AI in the Real World – Why AI tools are only as useful as the systems, standards, and use cases you build around them. Matt Cyr founder and president of LoopAgency, joins to unpack the concept of AI-experience design and what foundational steps to take today that set the stage for success tomorrow. Mentions from the Show:  Matt Cyr on LinkedIn Loop Agency Marc Needham on LinkedIn: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the AI Teri Sun on LinkedIn: Websites not dead in the age of AI Carrie Liken on Substack: This Week Google Changed Search Forever Harnessing AI to Transform Consumer Healthcare Experiences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could test drive your entire customer experience — before even writing a line of code? Agility isn't just about reacting fast — it's about thinking ahead, designing deliberately, and testing before committing. In an age where customer expectations shift by the minute, businesses can't afford to just “build and hope.” Today we are here at PegaWorld 2025 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and we're exploring how Generative AI-powered prototyping can help organizations visualize and refine the full customer journey before it's built — and why tools like Pega's Customer Engagement Blueprint are changing how brands think about strategy, customer-centricity, and innovation.To walk us through this, I'd like to welcome back to the show Tara DeZao, Sr. Product Marketing Director at Pega. About Tara De ZaoTara DeZao, Director of Product Marketing, AdTech and MarTech at Pega, is passionate about helping clients deliver better, more empathetic customer experiences backed by artificial intelligence. Over the last decade, she has cultivated a successful career in the marketing departments of both startups and Fortune 500 enterprise technology companies. She is a subject matter expert on all things marketing and has authored articles that have appeared in AdExchanger, VentureBeat, MarTech Series and more. Tara received her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. RESOURCES Pega: https://www.pega.com https://www.pega.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsOnline Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrandDon't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

What if you could test drive your entire customer experience — before even writing a line of code? Agility isn't just about reacting fast — it's about thinking ahead, designing deliberately, and testing before committing. In an age where customer expectations shift by the minute, businesses can't afford to just “build and hope.” Today we are here at PegaWorld 2025 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and we're exploring how Generative AI-powered prototyping can help organizations visualize and refine the full customer journey before it's built — and why tools like Pega's Customer Engagement Blueprint are changing how brands think about strategy, customer-centricity, and innovation.To walk us through this, I'd like to welcome back to the show Tara DeZao, Sr. Product Marketing Director at Pega. About Tara De ZaoTara DeZao, Director of Product Marketing, AdTech and MarTech at Pega, is passionate about helping clients deliver better, more empathetic customer experiences backed by artificial intelligence. Over the last decade, she has cultivated a successful career in the marketing departments of both startups and Fortune 500 enterprise technology companies. She is a subject matter expert on all things marketing and has authored articles that have appeared in AdExchanger, VentureBeat, MarTech Series and more. Tara received her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. RESOURCES Pega: https://www.pega.com https://www.pega.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsOnline Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrandDon't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

ABOUT JAIME SCHWARZ:BIO: Jaime Schwarz is an award-winning copywriter and creative director, having worked with over 100 brands at NYC agencies before starting his entrepreneurial journey.In 2017 he authored the world's first NFT-focused patent and launched BrandTherapy.coach, a product market fit-focused consultancy built on the technique of letting the brand speak for itself. After co-founding seven startups and consulting for dozens more, in 2022, Jaime pivoted into the web3 world by using AI to literally teach brands to speak for themselves and co-founding The TeamFlow.Institute using team intelligence to maximize the momentum of decentralized teams to create the Company Betterment Industry. He also co-founded ParallelWorlds.us and positioned it as the world's first spatial transformation company. Since then, once his patent was granted, he has been building MRKD as an IP-founded venture focused on empowering the IP economy through co-creationism. He serves on the board of Wayfinders on the Hudson, is an advisor to XRSI.org, and lives in Hastings on Hudson with his wife and two boys.Jaime's LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/jaimeschwarzWebsites:brandtherapy.coach (Company)jaimeschwarz.com (Portfolio)calendly.com/getbrandtherapy/30min (Other)Email: jaimeschwarz@gmail.comSHOW INTROWelcome to the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast EPISODE 79 … and my conversation with Jaime Schwarz an award-winning copywriter and creative director, founder of Brand Therapy and a number of other ventures.On the podcast our dynamic dialogues based on our acronym DATA - design, architecture, technology, and the arts crosses over disciplines but maintains a common thread of people who are passionate about the world we live in and human's influence on it, the ways we craft the built environment to maximize human experience, increasing our understanding of human behavior and searching for the New Possible.    he NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD Magazine part of the Smartwork Media family of brands.VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. The IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing the discourse forward on what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience. SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.orgJaime Schwarz spent years work in the fast-paced world of New York advertising agencies where he came to deeply understand brands. Since then, his entrepreneurial journey has led to patent awards, and a few business ventures that truly bring things to the NXTLVL. We'll get to all of that in a moment but first though, a few thoughts…                 *                                  *                                  *OK so where to start on this one...You know… I try to lead teams by being authentic and transparent. Candid when it matters to get to the heart of the matter and circumspect when sharing the whole story it might not be appropriate. But thinking about my interview with Jamie Schwarz makes me sit back in my chair and consider what I think I know.I think I know a little about a lot and I say that not lacking humility, but I've been always compulsively curious about stuff. All kinds of stuff.I like to know why things work the way they work, how people got to the places they got to in their careers, how history unfolds and the story of culture is our told and retold. And all sorts of other stuff. I like reading about quantum physics but will confess I still get confused about how traveling at the speed of light and coming back to your origin will mean that you come back years in the future while the passage of time for you may only be a few moments. I loved the movie interstellar. I don't know things like that just sort of confused me, but they fascinate me nevertheless.I digress.I think I probably know a little bit about enough and in some cases it just might be that I know enough to be dangerous as the saying goes. One of the motivations to doing the podcast is that I get to speak to lots people who are just way smarter and tuned in than me…and I generally add here that the bar is actually set pretty low because there are so many really smart people in the world.I like studying about the things that I try to engage in conversations about. I'll read books, watch hours of online content – presentations, speeches and interviews. I'll dig up articles and make sure that I show up ready to go for a conversation.Early on in the podcast series I had someone thank me for showing up well prepared. I just sort of thought that that was my responsibility to make sure that if someone was offering their time to have a discussion that I would have done my necessary background preparation to make it worth their while. Some interviews I sort of set as stretch goals - people who I want to talk to because they have deep insight on areas that I am interested in but in which I may not have more than an intermediate or novice education. My wife, a veteran of print and television journalism, a multi-book author, strong advocate of radical listening and who also has the uncanny ability to see way beyond the immediate conversation would always say to me that when in discussion you need to leave the interview questioning whether you know more about the person at the close of the conversation than you did when it started. That's an interesting starting point when entering a conversation because it sets the basic premise for who's doing the talking - how much listening is going on and how you listen not to simply add your own opinions, solve the problem or give advice, but to dig deeper in your understanding, resulting in better attunement.I will confess that sometimes I am fully aware that my enthusiasm for subject matter leads to jumping in, offering personal experiences and contributing ideas. Conversations can chase multiple ideas, but I also think that's a result of what I consider as associative thinking - one idea connects to another and sets off a cascade of related or interdependent subjects. And then a whole array of rabbit holes lay before us. Each one leading to a delightful journey. Oh now which one to choose – why not all – let's go!I have come to use these introductions to podcast interviews as replacements of a sort for a blog I used to write for VMSD magazine called “Brain Food.” I take the time to consider what the conversation with my guest is about and set to musing on ideas that emerged in the conversation. Some of them are personal, stories that resonate deeply with personal or professional experiences. Others are thought bubbles that I offer up for further investigation. I think that most of this episode is like thought bubbles. It covers the nature of branding and relationships with consumers, trust in marketing and storytelling, NFTs and creating derivative works and related IP legal issues, Web 3.0, Deconstructivism, co-creation in a digital mediated world, Ai and collective intelligence, the pace of change, art and digital twinning and the inherent value of co-creative works, quantum computers and hacking bitcoin, object permanence in the digital space… and, and, and you get the idea. There is so much here that you might say it lacks focus, but I think it actually offers up the idea of complexity in our fast-paced digitally mediated world where interdependencies reign, everything is connected to everything in one multi-dimensional system and to what end it is sweeping us along. We can come to these various rabbit holes of conversation because Jaime Schwarzis an award-winning copywriter and creative director, having worked with over 100 brands at NYC agencies before starting his entrepreneurial journey.In 2017 he authored the world's first NFT-focused patent and launched BrandTherapy.coach, a “product market fit-focused” consultancy (about which he speaks in our talk) that is built on the technique of letting the brand speak for itself. After co-founding seven startups and consulting for dozens more, in 2022, Jaime pivoted into the web3 world by using AI to literally teach brands to speak for themselves and co-founding The TeamFlow.Institute using team intelligence to maximize the momentum of decentralized teams to create the Company Betterment Industry. He also co-founded ParallelWorlds.us and positioned it as the world's first spatial transformation company. Since then, once his patent was granted, he has been building MRKD as an IP-founded venture focused on empowering the IP economy through co-creationism. I could have prompted Jaime with any of these subjects and just sat back and taken it all in.ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites:  https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com.  The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

Aujourd'hui, je reçois, Marc Pinel, Advanced Experience Design Director chez Renault. Avec plus de 20 ans de carrière dans l'industrie automobile, Marc revient sur l'évolution du design chez Renault, entre maquettes physiques, infographie 3D, interface homme-machine et recherche utilisateur.

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Mark Stern, founder and CEO of Custom Box Agency, an award-winning boutique specializing in bringing digital offers to life through innovative offline ‘box experiences.’ Today, he’ll share how he made the leap from corporate to startup life, offer practical tips for integrating physical touchpoints into a digital world, and discuss the secret sauce behind building high-impact customer journeys. I can’t wait to dive into his wealth of knowledge. KEY TAKEAWAYS When I mixed physical and digital together with my publication called ‘Entrepreneur Elements’ I people started posting unboxing videos, which a digital-only product can do. Everyone who received the product became an ambassador and lots of organic traffic was being created as a result. During Covid the virtual event game became bloody red, in terms of competition, because everyone became a virtual event expert overnight. But the boxes, and how we were approaching this to get results faster, was an unknown, exciting realm which I went 100% in on and the business skyrocketed from zero to a million in the first year just by pivoting and focussing on this opportunity. What we include inside our boxes is a welcome note, a getting started guide – which, for me is the most powerful sales pieces to orient people on the journey that they’re about to start and see your universe, a journey map – a visual depiction of the recipe that’s going to get you the result, then all the tools and resources. This isn’t SWAG (Stuff Without A Goal), think of it a product development and who we can truly get into your programme and give people the incentive structure to want to take one step at a time. I love data, so I can engineer feedback loops to say, once you’ve hit a certain milestone, how can I get you to provide me with the information I need so 1, I can celebrate you, but 2, it also gives me good intel to make the product you’re making better. BEST MOMENTS ‘In the online space done beats perfect. I approach the standards of the online realm in a corporate way; the client’s either ready or not ready at all.’ ‘If you have a digital product, you have to compliment it with something physical because physical can tap into other modalities and senses that digital can’t.’ ‘It’s not about you, it’s truly about your customers and their needs.’ ‘Boxes can be a tool to take what you’re already talking about/teaching, or the service you’re providing and making it easier for people to have the breakthrough in the tangible way the a digital-only product just can’t.’ ABOUT THE GUEST Mark Stern is an accomplished serial entrepreneur and the visionary behind Custom Box Agency, an award-winning experience design firm headquartered in Austin, Texas. Leveraging his background as a top-ranked strategy consultant at Deloitte, Mark has guided major retail and lifestyle brands through transformative growth initiatives. He holds an MBA from Duke University and has been recognized as a Forbes Next 1,000 Entrepreneur, as well as featured in Joey Coleman’s bestselling book Never Lose an Employee Again.Mark’s passion for merging the physical with the digital underpins his signature approach of crafting “offline-meets-online” experiences. By moving beyond standard swag and focusing on strategic box campaigns, Mark’s team has successfully launched 100+ direct mail initiatives—boosting conversions, slashing churn, and extending customer lifetime value. As a mentor at SXSW, sought-after keynote speaker, and champion for innovative entrepreneurship, Mark remains dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes adopt experience design as a powerful lever for growth. Email ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Aujourd'hui, je reçois, Alexia Buclet, ex-Head of Design chez Opuscope, pour un échange passionnant autour des interactions innovantes et de la construction de produits dans des domaines encore émergents : robotique humanoïde, réalité virtuelle et réalité mixte.

Aujourd'hui, je reçois, Adrien Laurent, Head of Design chez Edenred France.Nous revenons sur la transformation du design au sein d'une entreprise B2B historique : du focus UI à l'intégration progressive de l'UX, du design system harmonisé à l'usage pionnier de l'IA générative pour optimiser la production visuelle. Un échange riche sur la conduite du changement, l'innovation et l'impact concret du design au service de l'expérience utilisateur.Vous avez laissé votre manteau au vestiaire… Bienvenue dans le club !

Aujourd'hui, je reçois Alexandre Rivoallon, Head of Product Design chez Combo, ex-Oodrive. Ensemble, nous revenons sur son parcours entre agences, consulting et scale-ups, pour comprendre comment il a pu structurer dans un contexte de cloud souverain et sécurisé.

Aujourd'hui, je reçois, Maxime Delcher, VP UX & Product Design chez CEGID. Ensemble, nous revenons sur l'évolution d'un designer autodidacte devenu leader d'une équipe de 35 personnes, et sur les leviers pour installer une culture design forte dans un contexte B2B global.

Send us a textWhat happens when one of the world's biggest drinks brands gets seriously innovative? In this episode of Marketing in the Madness, our host Katie Street is joined by Benjamin Lickfett, Global VP of Breakthrough Innovation at Diageo - the global drinks giant behind brands like Guinness, Johnnie Walker, and Seedlip.From AI-powered brand concierges to AR cocktail mixers and personalised whisky labels, Diageo is rewriting the rules of brand experience — and we get into all of it in this episode!Together, they explore:- How AI & AR are making drinks smarter – From personalised whiskey labels to glass-recognition cocktail tutorials, discover how Diageo is reinventing product experience.- Why “drink less but better” is shaping marketing strategy – We explore how changing attitudes (especially in Gen Z) are driving the boom in low/no alcohol and brand storytelling.- The real innovation mindset behind Diageo's success – Learn how they test fast, fail smart, and use tech (plus smaller brands) to stay ahead without risking heritage names like Guinness.This is one for anyone in FMCG, marketing, brand strategy, or just obsessed with how digital is changing the way we buy, drink, and connect with brands.

Aujourd'hui, je reçois Pierre-Éric Boulland, Directeur de l'Expérience et du Design chez Sonepar.Un échange passionnant sur son parcours atypique entre dessin, UX design et management international, mais aussi sur les défis d'organiser, de structurer et d'aligner le design dans une entreprise B2B industrielle présente dans plus de 30 pays.Un regard sans filtre sur la transformation digitale, le rôle clé du Design dans l'omnicanalité, et la transmission d'une culture produit forte.Vous avez laissé votre manteau au vestiaire… Bienvenue dans le club !

This episode features legendary designer and leader Maria Giudice, who shares her journey from Staten Island art kid to founding Hot Studio, navigating Facebook's acquisition, and using design to shift culture, leadership, and the C-suite._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay_______About Maria:Maria Giudice is a trailblazing designer, creative leader, and author who has spent over three decades redefining what it means to lead with empathy. She's the founder of Hot Studio, one of the first woman-led digital design studios in the country, which was acquired by Facebook in 2013. Maria went on to become Director of Product Design at Facebook and later VP of Experience Design at Autodesk, helping bring people-centered thinking into the heart of tech culture. She's the co-author of Rise of the DEO and Changemakers, two influential books that empower designers to lead change. From painting in Staten Island to reshaping Silicon Valley—Maria's story is as bold as it is inspiring.Follow Maria:Instagram: @mgiudiceLinkedIn: Maria GiudiceRise of the DEOChangemakers  ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

Dans cet épisode de Head of Design, Paul Menant reçoit Éric HETROY Head of Design chez AXA France. Ensemble, ils explorent comment structurer une équipe de 40 designers dans une grande organisation, avec des enjeux de Design systémique, inclusion, et impact environnemental.

It's time for puppets and Shakespeare (?!) as Cheryl Platz joins us to talk about her journey into live streaming. She shares how her background as a professional actor and improviser led her to stream with her puppet Sprinkles, initially performing Shakespeare as part of a Twitch creative competition. While she didn't win the contest, she developed a loyal community that encouraged her to continue, adding video gaming to the mix. Cheryl reveals her background working at a Sesame Street theme park as a teenage puppeteer, explains how Sprinkles developed a distinctive personality of "hyper confidence”, and shares how maintaining this community has renewed her faith in the internet.Guest BioCheryl Platz (she/her) is an internationally renowned interaction designer, game designer, teacher, writer, and actress best known for her innovative work in a variety of industries ranging from video games to B2B cloud platforms and from consumer products to global philanthropy. Her design work has empowered billions of customers with fun, creativity, immersion, and sometimes just a little less friction at the office thanks to her work on some of the world's biggest products, including Amazon's Alexa and Echo Look, Microsoft Windows and Cortana, the Disney Parks PhotoPass system, the Sims family of games, and Microsoft's Azure platform. Her recent roles include Director of Experience Design for Marvel Strike Force at Scopely and Director of User Experience for the Player Platform at Riot Games. Through her design education company Ideaplatz, Cheryl has delivered talks and workshops on 5 continents and over a dozen countries. Her first book, Design Beyond Devices: Creating Multimodal, Cross-Device Experiences, is the “manual for those who aspire to design the starship bridge of their dreams," and her newest book, tentatively titled Enduring Play: Creating Video Games that Thrive, is the design manual for anyone looking to build engaging video games with a holistic understanding of player needs, basic game design, the production process, and modern business considerations in the video game industry. Cheryl can be seen streaming most weeks on Sunday mornings answering game development and UX design questions at her Twitch channel.LinksCheryl on Twitch: https://twitch.tv/funnygodmotherCheryl on Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/funnygodmotherCheryl's first book: https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/design-beyond-devices/Cheryl's second book: https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/enduring-play/Cheryl's website: https://cherylplatz.com/Cheryl on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/funnygodmother.bsky.socialCheryl on Instagram: https://instagram.com/@funnygodmotherCheryl on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylplatz/Cheryl's Medium articles: https://cherylplatz.medium.com/CreditsCover design by Raquel Breternitz.

Aujourd'hui, je reçois Marco Pellegrini, Head of Product Design chez Renault Group.Ensemble, on va répondre à la question suivante :

What if your potential clients aren't lazy, unmotivated, or inconsistent—what if your brand just isn't making them feel like they belong? In this episode, we challenge one of the fitness industry's most toxic assumptions and reveal why people aren't saying yes to your studio (even when your workouts are amazing). We'll share real stories, client examples, and a practical breakdown of how to build emotionally intelligent experiences that convert. You'll learn: – Why “just show up” messaging is doing more harm than good – The difference between selling and converting – How small acts of hospitality lead to long-term loyalty – What your brand might be missing if your classes aren't full 1. Ready to attract more aligned clients and build a brand people feel connected to? Book a free North Star Strategy Session and let's map it out together: https://www.fitcarma.com/northstar/ 2. Want to dig deeper into this right away? Get access to our free mini-training: “Why Your Classes Aren't Selling Out (& What To Do About It)” Get it here → https://minicourse.fitcarma.com/

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Dave Norton, and Joe Pine discuss the evolution of the podcast, introduce new co-hosts, and explore the concept of experiential retail through the lens of Scheels, a successful retail store. You might have seen in The Washington Post that Scheels is conquering middle America. During a downturn and with tariffs on the way, how will people shop at retailers like Scheels. They emphasize the importance of community, trust, and contextual design in creating meaningful experiences for customers. The episode wraps up with key takeaways for strategists looking to enhance their experience strategies. Takeaways The podcast has an additional co-host! Joe Pine The Washington Post did a great article about marketing experience retailer, Scheels. Scheels is a successful example of experiential retail. Experiential retail can drive sales for surrounding stores. Community involvement builds trust with customers. Charging for experiences can turn marketing into a profit center. Design experiences with the customer's context in mind. Companies that reinvest in communities earn sustainable trust. The importance of creating third places for community gathering. Experience strategies should focus on customer systems. Engaging in local experience excursions can provide valuable insights. This episode brought to you by The Experience Strategy Collaboratives. Enter to win a free one-person membership in the Collaboratives —a $35,000 value! Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back to Experience Strategy Podcast 03:22 Introducing the New Format and Co-Hosts 05:24 Exploring the Scheels Experience 11:01 The Importance of Context in Experience Design 18:06 Building Trust Through Community Engagement 21:11 Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways

Aujourd'hui, je reçois,  Quentin Brière-Bordier, Head of Design chez CDiscount, du documentaire expérimental à la structuration d'équipes design au sein de grandes organisations tech, le parcours de Quentin est tout sauf classique. Dans cet épisode passionnant, il revient sur ses débuts dans le cinéma, ses années d'apprentissage autodidacte du design, et comment il a progressivement pris des rôles de leadership.On parle de :• Comment un projet de refonte de site pour des joueurs de poker l'a fait basculer dans le digital• Sa vision du design comme partenaire stratégique au sein des organisations• L'évolution et la structuration de son équipe (passée de 10 à 35 designers !)• La manière dont il pense les recrutements, entre soft skills, portfolios et fit d'équipe• La mise en place d'un modèle mixte entre équipes plateformes et équipes distribuées• L'importance de faire émerger une vision et une mission collective, “de la première intuition aux derniers pixels”Vous avez laissé votre manteau au vestiaire… Bienvenue dans le club !

Transcripts available at diceexploder.comHere near the end of Dice Exploder's larp series, I wanted to have on Caro Murphy (Galactic Starcruiser) to talk about experience design, and specifically how to think about curating all those parts of an experience bigger and larger than most of us at home will ever have access to. How do you design the set a game is played on? How do you design something for hundreds if not thousands of participants?And Caro delivered so much more: we get into bleed and empathy and how Caro sees games as an inherently educational medium. Let's get into it!Ad LinksVesta Mandate by Story Games ChicagoSign up for the Spectacula pre-release newsletter from Jeremy MelloulFurther readingMeghan Gardner at Guard Up AdventuresClub DrosselmeyerCaro on Imaginary Worlds and then AgainGalactic Starcruiser on WikipediaSocialsCaro's websiteSam on Bluesky and itchThe Dice Exploder blog is at diceexploder.comOur logo was designed by sporgory, our ad music is Lilypads by Travis Tessmer, and our theme song is Sunset Bridge by Purely Grey.Join the Dice Exploder Discord to talk about the show!Dice Exploder on Patreon

In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with experience designer Geoff Thatcher about how AI is transforming storytelling and the future of immersive experiences. Geoff shares how tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Grok are already changing how experience designers create, but the real revolution is just beginning. We dive into the new GAME ON! AI Experience at the College Football Hall of Fame, which puts guests directly into the story as players, coaches, and fans across 775 college football teams. Geoff explains how AI allows experiences to become more personal, interactive, and human, unlocking levels of immersion never before possible and shaping the next era of storytelling in theme parks, museums, and beyond.

In an era where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of our lives, the intersection of healthcare and technology has given rise to innovative solutions that are transforming how we manage and interact with our health. Highmark's Digital Front Door is a prime example of such innovation, and it's reshaping the way millions access health services. * Jonathan Kersting, of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, welcomes Stacey Byers, Senior Vice President of Experience Design at Highmark to delve into the groundbreaking work being done to revolutionize healthcare access through Highmark's Digital Front Door app.  Imagine an app that acts as a personalized health companion, one that simplifies scheduling appointments, unearths hidden benefits, and provides secure data handling. Byers details how Highmark's Digital Front Door does just that, merging healthcare with cutting-edge technology to create a comprehensive health ecosystem. This innovation connects members to mental health services, virtual care solutions, wellness programs, and personalized recommendations, all within a seamless digital interface. By emphasizing user-centric design, Highmark has managed to onboard 1.2 million users within just a year. This rapid adoption highlights the pressing need for simplicity in healthcare access and underscores the app's ability to cater to a diverse user base, from tech-savvy professionals to seniors needing extra support. Byers reveals the challenges of modernizing healthcare experiences, which often involve different apps, login credentials, and fragmented experiences. By leveraging their living health strategy initiated in 2020, Highmark decided to create a comprehensive digital solution that combines these disparate elements under a single digital front door. Highmark aims to streamline experiences, from discovering medical benefits to accessing virtual care, reducing administrative headaches, and empowering users to take control of their health journey. It's about making healthcare less burdensome and more accessible, enabling members to focus on wellness rather than paperwork. 

Jason Bloomfield didn't learn change in an MBA program—he learned it through real life. As a teenager, he became the de facto head of household. Now, as Global Head of People Change and Experience Design at Ericsson, he leads transformation across 180 countries. In this episode, Jason shares how active listening, design thinking, and human-first systems have helped him move organizations from dysfunction to alignment. From M&A integrations to HR tech failures, from -83 NPS scores to user-designed wins, his work proves one thing: change only sticks when it's built with—not for—the people it's meant to serve. For Gen Xers who've lived through chaos and are now leading through it, this episode is a blueprint in action.>>From Family Collapse to First Acquisition“I was the only one with income. So I had to figure it out.”Jason opens up about his early years, navigating a broken home while building stability from scratch—and how that experience shaped his instincts in business.>>Career by Constraint“They asked if I'd move to 1 Madison Avenue. I said yes—and just kept saying yes.”From wiring cables to managing a global acquisition across 13 countries, Jason shares how constraints—and curiosity—turned into growth and global opportunity.>>Change Starts with Listening“Active listening sends a signal: you care.”Jason breaks down why empathy is not a soft skill—it's the hardest one. Especially when leading transformation across 100,000 employees and 180 countries.>>Turning a -83 NPS into a Shared Win“The tool was hated. But people started feeling heard.”He recounts how a globally despised HR tool became usable—through co-creation, honesty, and building feedback loops that actually changed things.>>From Paper to Trust“They didn't hate digital. They didn't trust institutions.”Jason explains how assumptions kill adoption—and how design thinking and diverse input helped his teams shift deeply entrenched behaviors.______________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Jason Bloomfield  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.12 Million+ All-Time Downloads.Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.Global Top 3% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>140,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.

Welcome back from our mid-season break! In today's pod, I chat with Jennifer Andrews, who leads the Experience Design team in Digitas' New York office. We chat about web1, her personal origin story, Japanese culture, her work in the Accessibility Center of Excellence and AI's impact on design.And afterwards I highlight recent episodes and share how you can support A76.Recent free episodes:030: The path to a carbon neutral A76 with Matt Saip029: Personalized micro-interaction fails with Noel ChildsRecent Patreon episodes:NoelAI Series  One / Two / ThreeKeep designing. Keep growing. And keep making a positive impact.~NoelA76 was created by Noel ChildsSeason 3 on Scale is produced by Noel ChildsSeason 2 on Change was produced by Noel ChildsSeason 1 on AI was produced by Casey Hudetz and Noel ChildsOur theme music was composed and performed by Stella Solveig and mixed and mastered by Abbey NettletonOur outro was read by Kari Childs If you like what you hear, please give us a rating.Or become a member of the A76 Patreon at patreon.com/A76designpodHave a question or comment, email noel@A76pod.comand connect with us on Bluesky

Anthony Owosekun ist Sozialunternehmer, Erlebnispädagoge und Gründer von EMPOCA – dem ersten Outdoor-Programm Europas, das gezielt Schwarze Kinder und Jugendliche in ihrer Verbindung zur Natur stärkt. Seine Vision: Eine gerechtere Welt, in der alle jungen Menschen Natur erleben, Nachhaltigkeit mitgestalten und Selbstwirksamkeit erfahren. Mit EMPOCA entwickelt er transformative Bildungsprogramme an der Schnittstelle von Umweltgerechtigkeit, Empowerment und diskriminierungskritischer Pädagogik. Seine Arbeit fördert Zukunftskompetenzen wie Resilienz, kritisches Denken und Gemeinschaftssinn – dort, wo junge Menschen sich sicher, gesehen und gehört fühlen. Sein unternehmerisches Wirken versteht er als Beitrag zu einem systemischen Wandel: tiefgreifend, strukturell und langfristig wirksam. Es geht um nachhaltige Veränderungen in Bildungszugängen, Umweltverständnis und gesellschaftlichem Miteinander hin zu einer inklusiven, gerechten Zukunft.. Er studierte Soziale Arbeit an der Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin, absolvierte eine berufsbegleitende Weiterbildung zum Erlebnispädagogen und gründete 2019 EMPOCA. Praxiserfahrung sammelte er zuvor als Lehrkraft (2018–2019) und Schulsozialarbeiter (2020–2024) an Berliner Schulen. Als gefragter Speaker bringt er auf Konferenzen und in Unternehmen Impulse zu Future Skills, Nachhaltigkeit sowie Klima- und Bildungsgerechtigkeit ein.

Agentic AI isn't coming — it's here and already changing everything.Irina Gutman, Global Leader of AI Professional Services at Salesforce, breaks down what agentic AI really is and why it's a huge leap beyond predictive and generative AI. We get into why your first AI agent should be boring (and repeatable), and why building the tech is easy compared to rewiring your people, processes, and leadership models.Irina shares why businesses need strong guardrails, real operating models, and why AI adoption without organizational readiness is a recipe for disaster. We also talk about the skills humans actually need to stay relevant, how to spot hidden risks, and why the future belongs to companies who rethink their structure — not just their tools. Key Moments: 00:00:  Irina Gutman Explains Salesforce's AI Agents03:03: Predictive, Generative, and Agentic AI — What's the Difference?05:20: How Agentic AI Thinks and Acts08:32: Chatbots vs. AI Agents: Why It Matters14:22: The 5 Building Blocks of an AI Agent18:13: Organizational Readiness: New Skills, New Roles22:26: The Right Way to Start with AI Agents26:27: Future-Proof Your AI Strategy29:53: Rethinking the Operating Model for AI32:45: Upskilling is Non-Negotiable35:14: Vendors Can Help You Be AI-Ready36:25: Rethinking Change Management for Agentic AI42:38: What's Next: Multi-Agent Collaboration48:09: Building AI Responsibly: Guardrails and Risk51:39: Real-World AI: A Standout Customer Experience  –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org

It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guest is Digi Edwards, Vice President, Business Development, Strata Information Group (SIG)YOU cohost is Lacey Gerard, Director of Experience Design, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney⁠, Principal Strategic Specialist, ⁠Ellucian⁠How does SIG support educational institutions without selling products?What does winning Ellucian's Partner of the Year 2024 mean for SIG?How does optimization & modernization impact student experience & enrollment?Why is change management critical when implementing new technologies?How should institutions approach AI implementation thoughtfully?Topics include:Navigating 35 years of technological evolution in higher educationUnderstanding Software as a Service (SaaS) as a subscription modelAddressing fears about AI replacing jobs through proper communicationIdentifying if institutions are "using, abusing, or refusing" their softwareSupporting institutions through comprehensive understanding of technological landscapesListen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY⁠⁠ - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want YOUR org to cover costs? Email: EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The EdUp Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!We make education YOUR business!

It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, recorded LIVE from Ellucian LIVE 2025 in Orlando, Florida,YOUR guests are Lacey Gerard, Director of Experience Design, & Bill Blackford VP of Global Talent Management, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Chris Moloney⁠, Principal Strategic Specialist, ⁠Ellucian⁠How is the JMU-Ellucian internship program reimagining workforce development?Why is student career readiness critical for successful transitions to employment?How are ethicist & storyteller roles transforming software development teams?What role does AI play in developing innovative administrative tools?How is the program accelerating student skill development and professional growth?Topics include:Bridging the gap between college & the workforceTransforming classroom learning into practical experienceCreating a cohort-based internship modelDeveloping both technical & soft skillsAI-powered skill gap analysis toolsLearn more from this crew at #elive25 this Monday April 7, 2025 at 4:30pmET at their track session: “From the Classroom to the Boardroom"Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BECOME AN #EdUp PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TODAY⁠⁠ - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want YOUR org to cover costs? Email: EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The EdUp Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!We make education YOUR business!

In this month's podcast, Helen is joined by Jeremy Todd, Head of Research & Insight at Air New Zealand, Trish Roberts, Experience Management Director, and Tom Magill, Associate Director of Ipsos New Zealand.This episode celebrates the success of the Air New Zealand CX programme, delivered by Ipsos with Medallia. At the 2024 Research Association Awards NZ, our exceptional Ipsos team won the 'Most Effective Agency' award among 10 nominations, winning in 7 awards. Alongside Air New Zealand, we jointly received the Gold Award. Tune in to learn about the award and discover the insights from our experience of how the teams collaborated to deliver an impactful CX programme. Air New Zealand, one of the nation's most loved brands, identified Customer Experience as the Number 1 driver of Corporate Reputation. The challenges brought on by COVID-19 grounded airlines, and when the world began to reopen, customer expectations rebounded to pre-COVID levels, while the airline was still rebuilding. Performance scores were not meeting the anticipated standards. The Ipsos team was commissioned to "look under the hood" of the programme at the wealth of data collected, to pinpoint exactly where the business needs to invest to meet and exceed expectations, ensuring the maintenance of their loyal customer base. Our Global data science and analytics team modelled the data to identify the key drivers of the experience and developed a simulator to demonstrate the Return on CX Investment (ROCXI) if changes were implemented. This shifted the research from a retrospective view to a forward-focused, fact-based programme that identified where Experience Design investments were required. Tune in to discover how the team designed an award-winning programme which tuned into stakeholders' needs to reorient the business around the customer once again.#ipsos #airnewzealand #cx #medallia #researchassociationNZ

Send us a textJoin us for a new episode featuring Suman Siva, the CEO of Marco Experiences, as he shares his inspiring journey from consultant to entrepreneur in the dynamic world of experience design with Kaleem Clarkson and guest co-host Jeff Frick! With a robust background that includes his tenure at Bain & Company and significant investment experience with SoftBank, Suman's unique blend of consulting, investing, and passion for consumer experiences has shaped his approach to building meaningful connections in the workplace.We dive deep into Suman's transition to entrepreneurship, sparked by his early experiences with startups like Scoop Technologies. His enthusiasm for technology and direct-to-consumer ventures set the stage for the creation of Marco, a platform dedicated to organizing retreats and offsites that foster genuine employee connections.Initially launched as a consumer-focused experience marketplace, Marco had to pivot to virtual events as businesses sought ways to connect remote teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions were lifted, Marco shifted back to in-person events, where Suman emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for employee connection. With 80% of companies now operating in a hybrid model, he believes that intentional in-person interactions are crucial for building trust and camaraderie among remote teams.The significance of intentionality in designing impactful offsite experiences does not go under the table! Drawing from research conducted by industry experts like Brian Elliott and insights from the Future Forum, Suman shares with us how brief quarterly in-person interactions can significantly enhance productivity and employee engagement.As remote work continues to shape workplace dynamics, the ongoing challenges of loneliness and collaboration faced by remote employees stay present: 60% of remote workers experience connection issues!Discover more about the vital role of experience design in enhancing employee connection, the concept of a "social connection strategy," and building community within organizations. Suman's insights challenge traditional notions of workplace relationships, advocating for a community-centered approach that promotes respect and collaboration while acknowledging the diverse tapestry of individuals within the workforce.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on how to foster genuine connections in today's remote and hybrid work environment and learn how thoughtful experience design can transform your organization's culture and performance. Whether you're a leader seeking to enhance your team's dynamics or an employee striving for deeper connections at work, it's time to put on your headphones and equip yourself with the insights and strategies needed to thrive in the modern workplace!Learn more about Suman:Suman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suman-siva-64b0712b/Marco Experiences' Webpage: https://www.marcoexperiences.com/ More about us: Remotely One's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One's Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne interviews Wendy Porter, founder and chief events officer at Wendy Porter Events. Wendy shares her journey from corporate event management to founding her own agency, discusses her advocacy work with the Live Events Coalition, and offers insights on creating memorable experiences through detailed planning. She also addresses current challenges and future trends in the events industry.

Season 8 of Experience Imagination is here, and our first episode focuses on the importance of diversity when designing successful themed experiences. Join Audrey as she leads the conversation with influential women in the themed entertainment industry and what they've learned through their careers. It's an honor to welcome special guest Jenefer Brown, EVP and Head of Global Products & Experiences at Lionsgate, whom we had the pleasure of working with when The Hunger Games was brought to life at MOTIONGATE Dubai. Also joining is our EVP of Marketing and Branding, Toni Caracciolo, who brings over 30 years of experience in the themed entertainment space.    ABOUT THIS PODCAST: "Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: x.com/falconscg   The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

I always feel a bit bad complaining about getting older, because getting older is not a privilege afforded to everyone. At the same time, getting older does present certain challenges. I was able to get a glimpse into aging the other day when I went to get my eyes examined. Turns out that the middle of the day at the eye doctor is peak time for those who are, shall we say, of a demographic much more advanced than I. It definitely was a glimpse into a future that I am steadily approaching, and makes me reflect on what it will be like to be older then. There are so many things that have increased accessibility for those who are older, designs that make life more manageable and easier to negotiate. At the same time, a lot of challenges remain, especially in a society in which technological change is fast enough to make even the most savvy feel left behind. So, clearly there is a lot of work to be done. And that is why we welcome our guest today on Experience by Design. Sheng-Hung Lee is a Doctoral student at MIT. There he is involved in the AgeLab, where they have the aim “to improve the quality of life of older people and those who care for them.” Sheng-Hung has been involved in a wide range of service design initiatives, and has a list of awards and recognitions to prove it. He also has worked at companies like Ideo as well as Continuum, and is part of organizations such as the World Design Organization and the Industrial Designers Society of America. We talked about a range of topics related to designing, systems, and aging. He talks about what brought him to the field of design out of his background in engineering. Sheng-Hung describes how we have to move from the idea of designer as hero, and work more collaboratively to address complex challenges. Part of that is the need to go beyond siloed thinking and integrate ideas from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. And we talk about the need to move beyond focusing on tangible stuff as a primary motivation, and have the space to explore, learn, and synthesize.Sheng-Hung Lee Website: https://shenghunglee.comMIT AgeLab: https://agelab.mit.edu/

Navigating the Power Core: A Strategic Approach to Customer Experience Join us as we dive deep into the world of customer experience with Shelly Chandler, a seasoned CX strategist with 25 years of experience across B2B and B2C industries. In this eye-opening episode, Shelly shares her journey from banking to diverse sectors, offering unique perspectives on leading CX transformation from within the product realm. Discover why aligning with your organization's "Power Core" is crucial for CX success, and learn how to navigate C-suite expectations by connecting CX initiatives to business objectives. Shelly also addresses common pitfalls in the CX profession and provides invaluable advice for practitioners looking to make a lasting impact. Shelly answers these questions: What is considered "product" in different industries, and why is it important? How has the role of customer experience within organizations changed in recent years, particularly in relation to the "Power Core"? What advice does Shelly give to CX professionals when starting in a new role or trying to drive change? Whether you're a CX novice or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your CX game and drive meaningful change in your organization. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's most versatile experts!   Meet Shelly Shelly Chandler is a senior customer experience strategist and leader delivering proven results that increase revenue, reduce costs and solidify customer loyalty. In the specialized profession of Customer Experience that that spans all organizational functions, her career as a customer catalyst has helped companies to drive action within organizations that are ready for customer growth. Shelly especially enjoys transforming blue-sky visions into tangible, executable programs, creating strategic change with others to enhance customer experience. Shelly has worked in many different industries, adding strategic value and broad understanding of the CX profession over the past 25 years. Key verticals include B2B and B2C, Hospitality, Retail, Automotive, Transportation, Manufacturing, SaaS, and Financial Services, with brands such as PNC Bank, Wells Fargo, Moen, Penske, Walmart, Forsta, and American Tire. Specialized Skills: CX Strategy, Insights Development and Metrics, Customer Journey Mapping/Orchestration, and Experience Design are Shelly's areas of expertise, along with public speaking, coaching and volunteering. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-chandler-cxleader/ shelly@evolvecxconsulting.com 704-995-7939

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne interviews Yvonne McNair, an Emmy-nominated event producer and Chief Experience Officer at Captivate Productions. Yvonne discusses the element of surprise and delight, creative marketing approaches, and her experiences working with high-profile artists like Prince. She offers practical insights on balancing creative vision with budget constraints while creating memorable experiences.

Change isn't just a business buzzword—it's a way of life. Jason Bloomfield, Global Head of Change and Experience Design at Ericsson, has spent over 20 years navigating the twists and turns of M&A, corporate transformations, and direct-to-consumer strategies. But his most valuable lessons didn't come from boardrooms—they came from life itself. From childhood challenges to corporate shake-ups, Jason shares how resilience, adaptability, and a little bit of humor can turn even the toughest transitions into opportunities.Key Highlights of Our Interview:0:36—It's All About Giving Back4:02—From Upper Middle Class to Crash Course in Adulting: Why Unwanted Life Experiences Can Be Your Best Teachers“I was in the middle of high school, where focus on study really needs to ramp up. Instead, I was learning home economics by necessity and dealing with my parents' rapidly deteriorating relationship.”14:04—Building Resilient Relationships: Navigating Anxiety and Fear During Mergers & Acquisitions17:26—Being human: How is it possible to scale empathy to 100,000 people across 180 countries?24:44—Navigating Company Pride: When Heritage Turns into Hurdles“It's quite a thing to come into a company that has 140, 150 years behind it. Pride can at times obscure a line of sight on the way forward.”31:11—Asking the Right Questions: The Surprising Reasons Retirees Didn't Want to Go Paperless“We thought retirees were less digitally comfortable, but it turns out it was a trust issue—without something physical, they feared companies might alter their records behind the scenes.______________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Jason Bloomfield______________________--**Chief Change Officer**--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.Global Top 3% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.

In Part 4 of our mini-series, 'How to Shape a Legacy'  we wrap up the season with a story about legacy at work. In Part 1 we started to define legacy, in Part 2 we talk what it means for business, in Part 3 we discuss legacy in culture....in Part 4, we're taking a look at the creative legacy BRC enjoys.    In this episode, our host, Maya Guice, talks to BRC Founder, Bob Rogers, about what he thinks defines legacy and how he thinks about his own legacy.  Author, speaker, filmmaker, inventor, magician, mentor, entreprenuer, thought leader....Bob understands that legacy is inheritanace. It's like they say in the musical Hamilton: Legacy is planting seeds in a garden you'll never get to see.    To learn more about Bob, visit: www.bobrogers.com    To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com    Special thanks to the sponsors of this miniseries, The World Experience Organization, a global institution dedicated to promoting the experience economy, improving the quality of experiences, and enhancing the opportunities for experiential creators worldwide. Learn more: www.worldxo.org 

ABOUT NATALIA OLSZEWSKA:NATALIA'S LINKEDIN PAGE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-olszewska/COMPANY WEBSITE: improntaspace.com EMAIL: gardener.natalia@gmail.comNATALIA'S BIO:Natalia is a versatile professional with a foundation in medicine and neuroscience, dedicated to applying neuroscientific principles to architectural design. She adeptly connects these two realms, striving to improve our built environment by making it more human-centered and conducive to well-being. Furthermore, Natalia is an accomplished researcher and practitioner in the field of neuroscience applied to architecture, specializing in evidence-based and neuroscience-informed design. She garnered invaluable experience during her tenure at Hume, a pioneering architectural and urban planning firm founded by Itai Palti, where she led the 'Human Metrics Lab.' Natalia lent her expertise to design projects for prestigious clients such as Arup, Skanska, HKS Architects, EDGE, the Association of Children's Museums, the Harvard University Center on the Developing Child, Google, as well as numerous individual clients.Her interdisciplinary approach transcends boundaries, allowing her to craft built environments that foster individual well-being across various dimensions - social, psychological, and cognitive. Natalia's co-founding role at IMPRONTA, a consultancy specializing in health and well-being design, underscores her commitment to leveraging neuroscience and applied sciences in architecture. Since 2020, she has also been contributing to the NAAD (Neuroscience Applied to Architecture) course at IUAV University in Venice.Natalia's educational journey is characterized by a distinctive blend of backgrounds, encompassing medicine from Jagiellonian University and Tor Vergata, neuroscience from UCL, ENS, Sorbonne, and neuroscience applied to architectural design from Università IUAV.SHOW INTRO:Welcome to the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast.EPISODE 76… and my conversation with Natalia Olszewska. On the podacast our dynamic dialogues based on our acronym DATA - design, architecture, technology, and the arts crosses over disciplines but maintains a common thread of people who are passionate about the world we live in and human's influence on it, the ways we craft the built environment to maximize human experience, increasing our understanding of human behavior and searching for the New Possible.    The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD Magazine part of the Smartwork Media family of brands.VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. The IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing the discourse forward on what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience. SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.orgOn this episode I connect with Natalia Olszewska is a versatile professional with a foundation in medicine and neuroscience, dedicated to applying neuroscientific principles to architectural design. We'll get to all of that in a moment but first though, a few thoughts…                 *                                  *                                  *For a while now I have had a fascination with the connection between buildings and brains. While I loved psychology, and studied it before getting into architecture school, it occurred to me in the middle of the 20-teens that buildings, or the environments we design and build, have a direct effect on our psychology. There are places in which we feel good or bad or uneasy or exhilarated, or a sense of awe or agitation. There are places where we feel calm, and others that make me feel ill at ease. And all of those feelings have a body sense to them as well. Heart rises or decreases. I sweat more or less. My chest feels tight or relaxed.  Cortisol, adrenaline, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and other neurochemicals and hormones are released and coursing through my body as I experience places. And many of these hormones and neurochemicals being released into my blood stream I have little control over. My brain-body reacts to environmental stimuli and biochemistry does its thing.Buildings may make me feel certain way, induce certain emotions, that we may think are just about your thoughts, brain activity, but at the core, our body too is in a relationship with conditions in the environment.We feel architecture with our bodies, we don't just intellectually experience them in our heads. The experience of buildings, and our emotional reactions to them, is as much a ‘bottom-up process' - our body's sensory processes taking in stimuli from the environment - as a ‘top-down' process – our brains processing that sensory information and making decisions about who we should behave in response to them.Our bodies and brains are in continual dialogue with the world around us. In fact, through a process of neuro plasticity, our brains are wired partly in response to our experiences. Yes we are hard wired through our millions of years of evolution to have what we consider innate responses to the environment and then there are those neuronal connections that area direct result of experiences in the here and now. As you listen to this podcast, your brain is creating new wiring shaping the neural pathways that allow for learning and behaviors.And as we repeatedly experience something, those pathways are reinforced facilitating understanding. Those pathways recognize patterns in our experiences, and they are codified so that when we experience them again our brains are not continually trying to decipher every element anew. If it weren't for our brain's ability of recognize patterns and anomalies in them, we would live a life of extreme ground hog day and would likely be immobilized with the processing necessary to analyze every element we encounter every moment of every day. Over millions of years some of these patterns have become deeply ingrained in our neurobiology. They are part of our brain structures that allow us to react instinctually. You might say that some of them operate ‘below the radar' of our conscious awareness. But because they are not front row center in our awareness doesn't mean that they don't have an influence of our mindbody state.Colors, lighting, materials, geometries, visual patterns and spatial arrangements, to name of few, have an effect on us. We might not necessarily pay attention to these elements of our environment as we move through it, but they have an effect on us. We may not consciously feel the influence of these things, but the effects are there, nevertheless. Acute angles, loud sounds, bright fluorescent lights, certain colors and texture patterns, repetitive and banal patterns, things devoid of detail and out of scale with our human body all have an effect on our sense of well-being. University of Waterloo cognitive neuroscientist Colin Ellard has worked for more than three decades in the application of psychology and neuroscience to architectural and urban design. His work illustrates the impact of ‘boring buildings' on how we feel and our sense health and well-being. We humans, it turns out, function and feel better in environments of physical and visual intricacy. We seek our variety and complexity, layered environments that pique our curiosity and sense of intrigue. And yet…far too many of our built environments at simply banal.Ellard says the  - “The holy grail in urban design is to produce some kind of novelty or change every few seconds,” “Otherwise, we become cognitively disengaged.”Imagine for a moment what is happening inside our mind-bodies when we live 8 + hours in a sea of detail-less white cubicles under a blanked of fluorescent lights. We might think this is an efficient office space, but we are creating brain numbing environments and at the same time asking people to reach optimal performance in the workplace. We may wish hotels guests a good night sleep on a heavenly bed and then we fill the room with light that completely counteracts the production of melatonin telling our brain that it is still daytime and to stay alert.And… we have built city block after city block of repetitive, banality. Efficient to build, very economical yes, but a boredom inducer for the brain.Now this doesn't mean that every environment needs to be a rollercoaster for the senses nor be pristine and bucolic. In fact, some environments are better because they are well…messier. Charles Montgomery, author of Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design suggest that successful design is about “shaping emotional infrastructure.” Montgomery argues that some of the happier blocks in New York are “kind of ugly and messy.” The energy of New York can be both energizing and exhausting.It would be perhaps unfair to heap the responsibility for inhabitants' psychological and physical well-being entirely on buildings but given that we now spend the overwhelming proportion of our days enclosed in them, it stands to reason that they have a clear effect on how we feel. For whatever it's worth, Aarhus, Denmark is the world's happiest city, according to the London-based Institute for Quality of Life's 2024 Happy City Index. The Institute for the Quality of Life identified five categories it believes have the most direct impact on happiness, including citizens, governance, economy, mobility and environment.Based on these factors, Aarhus, Denmark, achieved the highest score, particularly excelling in governance and the environment. I think Copenhagen also held the title at some point I believe due to its building stock being human scale, detailed and varied engendering intrigue and visual delight.And this is where this episode's guest Natalia Olszewska comes into the story.Natalia went to medical school but always had a fascination with architecture. When on a trip to the Venice Biennale it clicked for her that she could combine both of these interests considering that neuroscience could be linked to how buildings make us feel.The rest as they say is history…Natalia adeptly connects these two realms, striving to improve our built environment by making it more human-centered and conducive to well-being. Natalia is an accomplished researcher and practitioner in the field of neuroscience applied to architecture, specializing in evidence-based and neuroscience-informed design.Her interdisciplinary approach transcends boundaries, allowing her to craft built environments that foster individual well-being across various dimensions - social, psychological, and cognitive. Natalia's co-founding role at IMPRONTA, a consultancy specializing in health and well-being design, underscores her commitment to leveraging neuroscience and applied sciences in architecture. Since 2020, she has also been contributing to the NAAD (Neuroscience Applied to Architecture) course at IUAV University in Venice a city that is most definitely not boring…                 *                                  *                                  *ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites:  https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com. The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too. The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

"If you have a dream, it you can't just kind of follow it and expect it to happen. You have to chase it aggressively." Notable Moments 00:46 Collaboration between creative visionaries and operational experts creates a magical experience. 05:33 Guests seek unique experiences and heartwarming stories. 06:37 Imagineers need curiosity, collaboration, teamwork, and business acumen. 10:38 Imagineering offers diverse creative opportunities across 115 disciplines. 13:18 Unexpected delights and special gestures enhance the experience. 17:43 Embracingo new opportunities as an author and speaker. Bob Weis, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering, knows a thing or two about blending creativity and operations to create everyday magic. He joins to talk about transforming dreams into reality through teamwork, storytelling, and surpassing guest expectations. Read the blog for more about blending operations and experience design to create everyday magic. Connect with Bob Weis www.bobweis.com Order the book – Dream Chasing Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Jody Maberry Travel Guidance Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.  

In this episode of AI, Government, and the Future, host Max Romanik is joined by Geoff Thatcher, Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Creative Principals and author of The CEO's Time Machine, to explore how AI is transforming experience design and storytelling in government and public spaces. They discuss practical approaches to integrating AI that prioritize meaningful connections over technological novelty, while examining the challenges and opportunities in creating personalized, scalable experiences.

Did you know that you are hard-wired to experience different spaces and design in your own way? On today's podcast, Richard Fleming shares how designing to the five senses provides the ultimate design experience, and how to design spaces for productivity, comfort and inspiration. BACK STORY Richard Fleming is a neuro-architect, innovator, and entrepreneur for 20+ years creating transformative, people-centric environments that engage all the human senses. He is committed to creating user experiences (UX) that challenge traditional paradigms and lead to innovation and positive human approach. He designed over 10K built projects for international powerhouse brands such as the Walt Disney Company, Apple, Starbucks, Ferrari, the City of London, UCLA, and real estate developer the Irvine Company. Richard is an awarding winning innovator and, as Principal Architect for Walt Disney Co, received the prestigious Spirit of Disney Award, recognizing his outstanding business contributions to the company's innovations, values, and culture. Richard co-founded Ryzzz, a wearable/portable device that uses AI to gamify cognition/neuroscience and circadian rhythms, earning him recognition as one of the Top 8 Tech Stars and advisory member of IntelliTwin, a healthcare and information technology product recognized as a Top 5 Finalist in the Innovations in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AiMed) International Conference. He is a member of the Salk Institute: Cognitive Sciences, the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. Richard is also an author, keynote speaker, and frequent media commentator, working on his new book exploring the intersections of architecture and neuroscience. Richard's boundless enthusiasm and talent for science and design innovation hones his experience working in diverse cultural hubs such as California, London, Milan, and Paris.   Website: richardflemingarchitect.com Instagram: @fleming.neuroarchitect LinkedIn: Richard T. Fleming, Neuro Architect     SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.  

Being creative ain't easy. There is something about putting yourself into your work that can be hugely rewarding, but also massively exhausting. Doing something without putting your heart and soul into it can come with its own drawbacks, but at the end of the day the results of your work are not tied directly into how you see yourself. For people who consider themselves to be creative and work in creative roles, the sense of burnout can be real. At the same time, creative work can be invigorating and rewarding in the right context, giving the right leadership, and working for the right clients.This is what Mack Garrison was trying to create when he founded Dash Studio, where they make videos that matter.  Dash is a ‘high-end animation and motion design studio that believes in the power of creativity and community.' This is one of the lessons that he learned in the 9 plus years that Dash has been doing business. A big part of their success comes from community: communities of creatives, communities of partners, communities of supporters, and frankly communities of communities. In fact, you could say that creativity either comes from, or at least is enhanced, by community. As part of their effort to create community, they have their annual Dash Bash event, June 11-13, 2025. If you are interested in motion design, or just interested in meeting some great people in Raleigh, NC, check it out. Great speakers, workshops, and social events. Dash Studio - https://www.dashstudio.net/Dash Bash - https://www.dashbash.net/Mack Garrison LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackgarrison/

Get ready for a conversation that goes beyond boardrooms! Jason Bloomfield, Global Head of Change and Experience Design at Ericsson, brings over 20 years of experience from roles at M&G PLC, Prudential Financial, and MetLife. From navigating M&A integrations to reshaping direct-to-consumer strategies, he's seen it all in organizational transformation. In this episode, Jason shares deeply personal moments—like how his parents' separation shaped his resilience—and how he transforms challenges into opportunities. Whether you're facing change at work or in life, Jason's insights will resonate and inspire. Key Highlights of Our Interview: 0:36—It's All About Giving Back 4:02—From Upper Middle Class to Crash Course in Adulting: Why Unwanted Life Experiences Can Be Your Best Teachers “I was in the middle of high school, where focus on study really needs to ramp up. Instead, I was learning home economics by necessity and dealing with my parents' rapidly deteriorating relationship.” 14:04—Building Resilient Relationships: Navigating Anxiety and Fear During Mergers & Acquisitions 17:26—Being human: How is it possible to scale empathy to 100,000 people across 180 countries? 24:44—Navigating Company Pride: When Heritage Turns into Hurdles “It's quite a thing to come into a company that has 140, 150 years behind it. Pride can at times obscure a line of sight on the way forward.” 31:11—Asking the Right Questions: The Surprising Reasons Retirees Didn't Want to Go Paperless “We thought retirees were less digitally comfortable, but it turns out it was a trust issue—without something physical, they feared companies might alter their records behind the scenes. Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Jason Bloomfield ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries

As we've discussed a lot on this show, a story is many things at once. But a story does not exist without a storyteller. Today's episode is about the stories we tell ourselves, about ourselves, that in turn, define who we are.   How we show up in the world has a big influence on whether the world hears us. And if they can't hear us, how could we possibly make them care? Put differently, the stories we tell ourselves have a direct influence on the ideas that live in the world. Each of us, every day, in our own way, tell the world if we matter, and together, we shape a collective narrative of what matters. What would happen if we did that more consciously?    Samara Bay believes that how we share our vision matters as much as what it is. She's actively redefining what power and authority sound like, teaching people how to use their voice to move their audience & change the world. In addition to coaching television & film actors, she's prepped clients for Broadway & LA theater, UN speeches, televised award show presentations, academic talks, tech pitches, and political ads. She also runs trainings and delivers keynotes across industries including for Women @Google, MAC Cosmetics, SXSW, Telemundo, Warner Brothers Discovery, Princeton University, Compass, and Emerge America. She's a professor of practice at USC's Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism.   Samara is also the author of a fantastic book and podcast by the same name, Permission to Speak: How to Change What Power Sounds Like, Starting With You. It's a #1 bestseller in Women & Business and Public Speaking and the perfect holiday gift!    In this episode, our host, Maya Guice, sits down with Samara Bay to explore how traditional perceptions of authoritative voices influence our communication, the ways our voice stories shape the narratives we share, her personal journey writing Permission to Speak, and practical tools we can all use to cultivate a voice that feels both authentic and powerful.   Ultimately, this episode is meant to be a holiday gift to you—an audience of amazing, creative, intelligent people. If the sound of your voice is the only thing holding you back, we hope this episode causes you to share your story in 2025.    For more information about Samara, connect with her: https://bit.ly/3OT3zHf    To purchase Permission to Speak: How to Change What Power Sounds Like, Starting With You, visit: https://bit.ly/4g8SIES    For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

When Aarron was in college studying painting and drawing, he had an absolute certainty about the path my career would take. He was going to move to New York, make it big as an artist, and never look back. And Eli, as an undergrad in product design, wasn't sure what a career in his field even looked like. The skillset wasn't clearly defined yet. The outdoor product companies he was eyeing wanted me to conform to a neat little box: “Are you an industrial designer, or a mechanical engineer?” He wasn't sure how he fit in. Did our careers unfold as we expected? Absolutely not. Life and careers rarely go according to plan. There's so much beyond our control. But, despite the unexpected twists, there are lessons that can guide us in the right direction. And that's what we're here to explore today in this special live episode of Design Better, recorded right here at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Today, we'll be speaking with four design leaders who took a winding path but all found their way to significant work. Bios Kate Aronowitz is a design executive who has built her career empowering teams at some of Silicon Valley's most iconic companies. In addition to her role leading GV's operations team, Kate coaches GV portfolio companies on cross-functional design processes, scale, product development, and management strategy. Kate has built world-class design teams at eBay, LinkedIn, Facebook (now Meta), and Wealthfront. She joined the first user experience team at eBay before taking her experience to LinkedIn, where she started the user research team. As Facebook's first design executive, Kate grew the organization from 20 to 200, establishing multidisciplinary design teams in front-end engineering, user research, content strategy, and communication design. Steve Johnson, VP of Design at Netflix, leads a diverse, multidisciplinary, Emmy-award-winning Experience Design organization. His team's commitment to discovery, product innovation, brand development, and personalization has set the standard for streaming media platforms across the world. Prior to Netflix, Steve also led design teams at LinkedIn and Adobe. Jaime Lopez, Chief Design and Marketing Officer at Flatiron Health, Jaime Lopez is the Chief Design & Marketing Officer at Flatiron Health. She has over 15 years of startup product, design and marketing experience with a passion for creative problem solving and building and mentoring teams. In her role at Flatiron Health, Jaime uses her background to create and deliver high-quality experiences to oversee the company's entire marketing and design suite.  Kat Holmes is EVP and Chief Design Officer at Salesforce where she's driving the future of AI, Data, and CRM experiences. As the author of the best-selling book Mismatch: How Inclusion Shapes Design, Holmes works with multidisciplinary teams to set a foundation for why designing with excluded communities drives better solutions for everyone. Her work has been featured by NPR, BBC, Fast Company, Forbes, The Economist, and many more. Visiting the links below is one of the best ways to support our show: Wix Studio: With Wix Studio, agencies and enterprises can create, develop and manage exceptional web projects with hyper efficiency. And if you're worried about the learning curve eating into time you don't have, don't be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running. For your next project, check out wixstudio.com. Wine Access: We love wine, but often feel overwhelmed by the options out there. But we recently joined Wine Access who not only ship to your door some of the world's most inspiring wines, they also educate subscribers with full color information cards that accompany each bottle. You should totally join The Waitlist Wine Club. Just visit wineaccess.com/waitlist and use Promo Code: DESIGNBETTER for $25 off your first shipment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices