Summary
In this conversation, Daniel shares his experiences living between Dubai and Riyadh, highlighting the cultural differences and unique aspects of each city. He discusses the importance of embracing diversity and learning from global experiences, particularly in the context of design and technology. Daniel emphasises the evolving design landscape in Saudi Arabia, the significance of mentorship, and the role of service design in enhancing customer experiences. He also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by technology adoption in the region, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritises human interaction alongside technological advancements. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of service design, the impact of AI on design careers, and the essential skills needed for success in a competitive job market. They discuss the importance of reflection, mentorship, and resilience, while also exploring how to identify top talent and the role of influence in leadership. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the nuances of influence in decision-making, the evolving role of AI in leadership, and the importance of adapting leadership styles to meet team needs. They discuss the challenges of managing direct reports, fostering a collaborative design community, and the significance of a holistic design perspective. The conversation culminates in reflections on the future of service design leadership and the skills necessary for designers to thrive in strategic roles.
Takeaways
Keywords
Dubai, Riyadh, cultural insights, design evolution, mentorship, technology, customer experience, service design, Saudi Arabia, global experiences, Service Design, AI Impact, Design Careers, Job Market, Reflection, Mentorship, A-Players, Skills Landscape, Influence, Leadership, influence, decision making, AI, leadership, team dynamics, service design, collaboration, design community, holistic perspective, leadership styles
In this engaging conversation, Darren Hood shares his extensive journey in the UX field, discussing the evolution of user experience design, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the challenges faced in UX leadership. He emphasises the need for humility and understanding within the discipline, while also addressing the misconceptions that persist in the industry.
The discussion highlights the significance of UX maturity and the role of effective leadership in advocating for user experience. In this conversation, Darren Hood discusses the complexities of UX maturity, the misconceptions surrounding UX/UI, and the importance of gatekeeping in the field. He critiques the effectiveness of boot camps in preparing individuals for UX roles and emphasises the need for a solid educational foundation. The discussion also delves into the implications of AI in UX, highlighting the necessity for human expertise in navigating the evolving landscape of user experience design.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In this episode, Johannes Robier discusses his unique approach to UX design, emphasizing the importance of creating 'wow moments' that focus on user enjoyment rather than mere efficiency. He explores the evolving expectations of users, the role of personalization, and the impact of AI on human-centered design. Robier advocates for the need for accreditation in UX to establish professional standards and highlights the significance of networking within the UX community. He also shares insights from the World UX Tour and his future initiatives aimed at promoting human-centered design.
Links:
Get your tickets to World Usability Congress
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Johannes Robier
01:05 The Concept of WoW Creation
03:58 Designing for Experience vs. Efficiency
06:54 The Evolution of Wow Moments
09:34 The Role of AI in UX Design
13:47 Human-Centered Design in an AI World
17:23 The Future of UX and AI
20:27 Valuing UX in Organizations
24:25 The Importance of Research in UX
28:20 Bridging the Gap Between UX and Management
42:44 Bridging the Gap Between Management and Design
46:58 The Evolution of UX Roles and Responsibilities
51:02 The Role of Product Managers in UX
54:50 The Importance of Standards in UX
59:51 Creating a Professional UX Community
01:07:03 The Future of UX Accreditation
01:13:34 The World UX Tour and Creating Experiences
In this episode, Amber Jabeen shares her journey from Pakistan to becoming a design leader in the banking and FinTech sectors. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the financial design space, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence in design, the need for empowerment and psychological safety within teams, and the significance of diversity in leadership. Amber also highlights the role of mentorship, the impact of remote work on team dynamics, and the necessity of creating a culture that encourages innovation and risk-taking. She concludes with insights on upcoming design events and community-building initiatives.
Links:
DesignOPS Mena Youtube Channel
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Amber's Journey
02:49 Transitioning into Banking and FinTech
05:49 Challenges in the Financial Design Space
09:09 Empowering Design Teams in Banking
11:51 Creating a Safe and Creative Environment
15:03 Navigating External Challenges in Design
17:50 Building a Strong Design Culture
20:51 The Importance of Collaboration in Design
23:50 Remote Work and Team Dynamics
27:08 Leadership Insights for Women in Design
29:52 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership
33:07 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
36:01 The Need for Diversity in Leadership
38:48 Intentional Hiring Practices
41:48 Learning Through Failure
44:54 Encouraging Innovation and Risk-Taking
47:50 The Role of AI in Design
50:54 Upcoming Design Events and Community Building
In this episode of Beyond the Interface, Vy Alechnavicius shares his extensive journey in UX design, discussing the evolution of the field, the importance of self-learning, and the challenges faced by junior designers in today's job market. He emphasizes the role of design leaders in shaping careers and the insights from his book 'Get Into UX'. The conversation also touches on the significance of demonstrating evidence in interviews, the impact of personal branding, and the future of UX in the age of AI.
Links:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to V and UX Journey
04:41 The Evolution of UX and Self-Learning
11:37 The Changing Landscape of UX Education
18:06 Challenges for Entry-Level Designers
24:09 Advice for Breaking into UX
31:10 The Role of Design Leaders in Shaping Careers
38:43 Insights from 'Get Into UX' Book
43:15 The Importance of Evidence in Design
46:19 Navigating Portfolio Case Studies
50:36 Standing Out in a Competitive Job Market
54:06 The Role of Personal Branding
01:00:33 The Future of UX in an AI-Driven World
In this episode, Lisa D Dance shares her journey from a young age, where her passion for improving customer experiences began, to her current role as a UX researcher and author. She discusses her book, 'Today is the Perfect Day to Improve Customer Experience,' which highlights the importance of understanding customer needs beyond just technology. Lisa emphasizes the significance of effective feedback loops, the cost of poor customer experiences, and the concept of unpaid customer labor. She introduces her frameworks, including the 3Q Do No Harm framework, aimed at helping organizations proactively identify potential harms in their products. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of technology in customer experience and the future challenges that lie ahead.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldance/
https://serviceease.net/
Lisa's book: https://serviceease.gumroad.com/
3Q-Do No Harm Framework: https://serviceease.net/3q-do-no-harm-framework
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to UX and Customer Experience
01:10 The Early Signs of a UX Advocate
04:26 Transitioning to User Experience Research
06:45 The Book: Improving Customer Experiences
10:47 Understanding Organizational Blind Spots
14:34 Bridging Feedback Loops in Organizations
17:26 Incentivizing Customer Experience Improvements
20:32 The Cost of Poor Customer Experiences
24:25 Measuring Customer Experience Value
27:23 The Importance of Basic Customer Service
29:57 Unpaid Customer Labor and Its Implications
40:12 Navigating Customer Experience in a Tech-Driven World
43:23 Addressing Unpaid Customer Labor
48:45 The Importance of Customer Feedback and Testing
49:12 The Power of Storytelling in Customer Experience
52:34 Introducing the 3Q Do No Harm Framework
59:07 Implementing Ethical Frameworks in Design
01:03:26 Future Challenges in Ethical Design
01:10:03 Target Audience and the Impact of Storytelling
In this episode of Beyond the Interface, Laura Baker shares her journey from industrial design to becoming a leader in UX and service design. She discusses the challenges and rewards of accidental leadership, the importance of adaptive management styles, and the need for a thriving team environment. Laura emphasizes the significance of hiring practices in building a strong culture and the necessity of creating a shared vision within design teams. The conversation also touches on the future of design operations, the value of collaboration, and strategies for securing budget and resources for design initiatives.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahbaker
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background of Laura Baker
02:50 Accidental Leadership Journey
05:58 Transitioning from IC to Leadership
08:49 Finding Balance in Management Styles
11:50 Learning from Leadership Experiences
14:40 Adapting Leadership as You Grow
17:54 Creating a Thriving Team Environment
20:54 The Importance of Hiring for Culture
23:52 Visioning and Moving Beyond Feature Factories
26:28 Crafting a Collaborative Vision
29:49 Empowering Team Members to Contribute
32:40 Strategic Thinking in Design Leadership
41:51 The Role of Strategic Thinking in Design
43:57 Defining Success in Design Projects
46:26 Managing Design Operations Effectively
49:33 Visioning and Leadership in Design
51:18 The Future of Design Operations
54:14 Investing in Design: Expected Outcomes
57:15 Building Advocacy for Design
01:01:04 Navigating the Future of Design in 2025
In this episode of Beyond the Interface, Jacalin Ding shares her journey from designer to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of business acumen for designers. She discusses the challenges of side hustles, the necessity of resilience, and the synergy between design and business. Jacalin also highlights the importance of understanding stakeholders, gaining a seat at the strategic table, and the qualities that make an A-player in design. She provides insights into networking, especially for introverted designers, and encourages broadening one's network.
Links to Jacalin's channels:
https://subscribepage.io/5fnCLH
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacalinding/
Substack: https://substack.com/@jacalinding?utm_source=profile-page
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUPHxnuMXrkgPobAA5wHKg
Learn from Jacalin:
4 weeks Maven Course: "Strategic Design Career Accelerator" - 3 cohorts per year (Next cohort: FEB 28th)
10% OFF Course Code for Listeners: BeyondPodcast
Self-paced course Launching SOON:
"Strategic Business Acumen for Designers"
Join waitlist now:
https://subscribepage.io/5fnCLH
00:00 Introduction to Jacqueline Ding and Her Journey
02:21 The Entrepreneurial Spark: From Designer to Business Owner
04:57 The Reality of Side Hustles and Entrepreneurship
07:19 Building Resilience Through Life Experiences
11:15 The Intersection of Design and Business Acumen
15:12 Understanding When to Invest in Design
19:13 The Importance of Strategic Thinking for Designers
24:40 Course Overview: Empowering Designers with Business Skills
30:20 Getting a Seat at the Table: Influence and Relationships
38:20 Maintaining Influence and Contribution in Business Strategy
42:13 The Essence of A-Players46:22Networking Beyond Events
54:16 Introverts in Design
59:20 The Future of Design: Strategy and Business Acumen
01:10:06 Making a Difference: Education and Empowerment
In this episode, Warren, Jay and Indi Young delve into the world of qualitative data science, exploring the importance of listening deeply to understand user experiences and the evolution of data science that listens.
Indi shares her journey from computer science to qualitative research, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in design. The conversation covers the significance of identifying patterns in qualitative data, the concept of saturation in research, and the future of research methodologies. Indi advocates for a shift towards empirical knowledge and cognitive empathy in understanding user needs, ultimately aiming to create better products and services.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/indiyoung
https://indiyoung.com/
https://indiyoung.com/training/#courses-list
https://indiyoung.com/resources/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Qualitative Data Science
08:12 The Evolution of Data Science That Listens
22:48 Finding Patterns in Qualitative Data
40:22 Framing Studies and Understanding Stakeholder Needs
53:51 Knowledge Creation Over Research
01:04:23 Framing Studies and Listening Sessions
01:11:26 Tactical Approaches to Research
01:19:20 The Role of Research Teams
01:26:44 The Future of Research
In this episode of the Beyond the Interface podcast, we sit down with Felix Lee, Co-founder and CEO of ADPList, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Felix has reshaped how mentorship is accessed, creating a global platform that connects mentors and mentees from over 140 countries. Felix shares his unconventional journey from Singapore to Silicon Valley, detailing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He discusses the inception of ADPList during the pandemic as a response to the need for mentorship and support in the design community. Felix emphasizes the importance of leadership principles, hiring A-players, and maintaining a strong community. He also delves into his competitive mindset, the future aspirations for ADPList, and the significance of building a supportive network through ambassador programs.https://adplist.org/https://adplist.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/felixleezdChapters:00:00 Felix Lee's Journey: From Singapore to Startup Success09:10 The Power of Personal Branding on LinkedIn15:42 Guiding Principles for Building ADPList21:28 Hiring A-Players: The Key to Success29:41 The Impact of A-Players on Growth35:02 Can B-Players Become A-Players?40:33 The Role of Company Mission in Motivation49:50 Maintaining Mentor Engagement and Quality01:01:31 Ensuring Quality Among Mentors01:09:22 The Transformative Power of Mentorship01:19:36 Navigating Competition: A Contrarian Approach01:26:29 The Mentality of a Founder: Nature vs. Nurture01:37:26 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Projects
In this episode of Beyond the Interface, Will Thomas shares his extensive experience in user experience design, discussing his career journey across various industries and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape. He emphasizes the significance of team culture, the challenges of managing diverse teams, and the impact of AI on the future of design. Will also highlights the need for continuous learning and the development of interpersonal skills to thrive in the evolving design environment.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-thomas-0356492/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Will Thomas and His Background
05:14 Professional Growth and Key Experiences
10:23 Diversity in Industries and Its Impact
14:39 Building and Maintaining Team Culture
27:38 Navigating Toxic Cultures and Team Disruptions
38:59 Managing Rapid Growth and Hiring Challenges
46:38 The Evolving Role of Design
54:47 Skills for Designers in the AI Era
01:01:46 Building Influence and Leadership
01:15:25 The Future of User Experience and AI
In this episode of Beyond the Interface, Jason Beck shares his diverse career journey in design, highlighting the evolution of UX and the importance of collaboration between design and other professions. He discusses the changing landscape of design, the significance of setting a quality bar, and how design can disrupt markets. Jason emphasizes the need for creativity within design systems and the importance of mitigating risk while fostering innovation. In this conversation, Jason and Warren explore the intricacies of design leadership, the importance of understanding problems before jumping into design systems, and the balance between speed and craft in product design.
Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-beck-6a68557/
Chapters:00:00 Jason Beck's Career Journey04:23 The Evolution of UX Design10:57 The Changing Landscape of Design15:29 Collaboration Between Design and Other Professions21:45 Setting the Quality Bar in Design25:24 Design's Seat at the Table33:55 Disruption Through Design39:27 Mitigating Risk in Design45:38 Balancing Design Systems and Creativity47:05 The Role of Design Systems in Problem Solving50:22 Balancing Speed and Craft in Design55:13 Fostering Creativity and Mentorship in Design Teams01:00:41 Leadership Styles and Team Protection01:05:06 The Importance of Hiring and Team Dynamics01:25:41 The Future of Design in the Age of AI
In this episode of the Beyond the Interface podcast, Stephen Gates shares his extensive journey in the design industry, discussing his experiences from working with major brands like Apple and American Airlines to leading design teams and mentoring emerging designers. He emphasizes the importance of leadership evolution, the challenges faced in navigating corporate culture, and the role of design systems in fostering creativity. Stephen also delves into the significance of mentoring, the impact of layoffs on mental health, and the future of design in the age of AI. His insights provide valuable lessons for both aspiring and established designers.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stepdgat/
https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates
https://thecrazy1.com/
https://crzydesign.com/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Stephen Gates and His Journey
03:37 Career Highlights and Key Projects
06:23 The Evolution of Leadership in Design
09:33 Navigating Leadership Challenges
12:26 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership
15:33 Adapting to New Environments
18:29 Creating Organizational Change
21:20 Strategies for Overcoming Resistance
24:26 Final Thoughts and Advice for Designers
28:22 Challenging Mediocrity and Embracing Risk
30:35 Cultivating New Leaders in Design
34:40 Leadership Lessons from Sports and Culinary Arts
38:24 The Balance of Systems Thinking in Design
41:33 Navigating Design Systems: Flexibility vs. Rigidity
48:47 The Passion for Mentoring and Its Impact
58:54 The Power of Vulnerability and Self-Reflection
01:01:14 Navigating Job Loss and Redefining Success
01:05:35 Building a Supportive Community During Tough Times
01:10:32 Creating Accountability and Momentum
01:13:27 Lessons from InVision: The Importance of Adaptability
01:20:53 The Future of Design: Embracing Change and Creativity
In this conversation, Jason Mesut shares his journey from industrial design to coaching, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and the dynamics of coaching. He discusses the challenges of finding the right coach, the common scenarios he encounters in coaching sessions, and the development of his Shaping Design series, which aims to help individuals understand their unique skills and growth paths in the design field. In this conversation, Jason Mesut discusses the unexpected applications of design frameworks, the debate surrounding designer skill sets, and the challenges leaders face in navigating the evolving landscape of design. He emphasizes the importance of allowing designers to explore their creativity without the constraints of traditional roles, while also addressing the issue of role dilution and the need for organizations to support individual designers in their career growth. In this conversation, Jason Mesut discusses the importance of embracing constraints in design to foster creativity, the evolving landscape for new designers, and the significance of building relationships and empathy in the design process. He shares insights on how curiosity and active listening can enhance design practices and emphasizes the need for designers to navigate their roles in a rapidly changing industry. Jason also talks about his future projects, including a podcast focused on creativity and resilience in a capitalist world.
Episode Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmesut/
https://medium.com/@jasonmesut
https://medium.com/shapingdesign
Chapters:
00:00 Episode Intro
00:32 Introduction to Jason Mesut's Journey
06:21 Transitioning to Coaching and Personal Growth
11:17 The Dynamics of Coaching and Accessibility
18:24 Finding the Right Coach
24:10 Common Coaching Scenarios and Insights
25:12 Exploring the Shaping Design Series
31:15 Exploring Unexpected Uses of Design Frameworks
36:34 The Debate on Designer Skill Sets
41:48 Navigating Leadership Challenges in Design
47:04 The Individual Designer's Journey and Role Dilution
01:00:37 Embracing Constraints for Creativity
01:08:51 Navigating the Future of Design
01:18:33 Building Relationships and Empathy in Design
01:21:19 Jason's Future Endeavors and Insights
Keywords
coaching, design, career development, personal growth, leadership, UX design, mentoring, shaping design, designer skills, team dynamics, design leadership, role dilution, creativity, nurturing designers, empathy, career growth, humanity-centered design, constraints in design, future of design, designer skills
Sham shares his extensive journey through the customer service and experience landscape in this conversation, highlighting the importance of data-driven insights and cross-functional collaboration. He discusses the evolution of customer experience roles, the significance of strategy, and the challenges of defining customer experience in today's business environment. The conversation also delves into the future of AI in customer service, exploring its potential to enhance customer interactions while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human touch in complex situations. In this conversation, Sham from Sentisum discusses the integration of AI in customer experience, the challenges faced during career transitions, and the importance of networking and personal branding. He shares his journey through redundancies, emphasizing resilience and the power of relationships in securing job opportunities. Sham also highlights the significance of building partnerships in the B2B landscape and offers practical advice on finding one's voice and establishing a personal brand.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamasaziz/Chapters:00:00 Reunion and Career Journey02:53 From Customer Service to Customer Experience06:06 Data-Driven Insights in Customer Experience09:14 Identifying and Solving Customer Issues11:56 Cross-Functional Collaboration for Customer Experience15:09 The Evolution of Customer Experience Roles17:55 Understanding Customer Experience Definitions21:08 The Role of Strategy in Customer Experience24:13 Talent and Product Market Fit26:56 Attracting Talent in Customer Experience29:57 The Future of AI in Customer Service32:56 AI's Role in Solving Customer Queries35:54 The Balance of AI and Human Interaction41:13 Harnessing AI for Enhanced Customer Experience45:16 Navigating Career Challenges and Redundancies51:04 The Power of Networking and Personal Branding01:02:21 Building Partnerships in the B2B Landscape01:11:42 Finding Your Voice and Building a Personal Brand
In this conversation, Ube Urban shares his extensive journey into the design world, discussing his academic background in industrial design and computer engineering and how these experiences shaped his career. He reflects on the challenges faced in agency life, including navigating client relationships and internal politics. Ube emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the workplace, particularly for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and how this impacts their professional identity. He also introduces his entrepreneurial venture, Ube's Ice Cream Shop, as a representation of his creative expression, personal values, and the learnings he took when running this business.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ubeurban/
https://www.ubeurban.com/
Chapters:
00:00 Ube's Journey into Design
09:05 Navigating Agency Life and Client Relationships
22:25 Authenticity in the Workplace
43:43 Ube's Ice Cream Shop: A New Venture
48:25 The Essence of Authenticity in Art
51:43 Creating a Personalized Design Framework
55:08 The Journey of Customization and Client Interaction
57:39 Bridging Personalization in Digital Experiences
01:01:45 The Importance of Hyper-Empathy in Leadership
01:12:59 Navigating Tough Leadership Decisions
01:19:40 Learning from Pain: The Path to Authentic Leadership
Summary
In this conversation, Amanda shares her extensive journey in the design and tech industry, discussing her experiences in contracting, transitioning to in-house roles, and her current position in the banking sector. She emphasizes the importance of a learning mindset, user testing, and stakeholder engagement in design processes. Amanda also talks about building an innovation hub and the future of design in the context of AI and evolving roles within the industry.
Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-cano-252bb03/
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Amanda's Journey in Design and Tech
09:57 Contracting vs. In-House: Insights and Experiences
18:37 Transitioning to Banking: Challenges and Learnings
26:58 The Importance of User Testing and Stakeholder Engagement
35:22 Building an Innovation Hub: Strategies and Impact
43:40 The Future of Design: AI and Evolving Roles
In this conversation, Nada shares her extensive journey in design, spanning over 15 years, highlighting her transition from consulting to in-house roles. She discusses the evolving landscape of design, the importance of building partnerships within organizations, and the need for designers to take on more strategic roles. Nada emphasizes the significance of community building in the design space, particularly in the Middle East, and the essential skills for leadership, including empathy and a growth mindset. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by product managers and the continuous cycle of maintaining high-performing teams.
Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katral/
https://design.alraedahdigital.sa/
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Journey into Design: A 15-Year Odyssey
05:01 Consulting vs. In-House: The Designer's Dilemma
09:58 Building Partnerships: The Key to Successful Design Teams
15:02 Squad Models: Balancing Integration and Design Soul
19:49 Design Thinking Workshops: Bridging Gaps Across Departments
24:56 Community Building: Elevating Design in the Region
30:12 The Future of Design: Strategy and Leadership
34:57 Navigating Relationships: The Role of Design Leaders
39:48 Empathy and Growth: Essential Skills for Leadership
44:47 The Continuous Cycle of High-Performing Teams
50:09 The Role of PMs: Redefining Responsibilities in Design
55:05 Personal Projects and Future Aspirations
Batsi shares his career journey, which started with founding a design studio in Zimbabwe and eventually led him to his current role as a design leader. He emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand and leveraging cultural values in design. He discusses the concept of the Ubuntu Framework and how it can shape design and leadership. Batsi also shares his approach to hiring, focusing on mindset and authenticity. He highlights the need for a fair and value-driven recruitment process. In this conversation, Batsirai Madzonga discusses the importance of cultural diversity and representation in design, the challenges young designers face, and the power of social media in shaping the design industry. They also talk about Batsirai's personal projects, including creating children's books celebrating African culture and developing the Sankofa typeface in collaboration with Google. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of design and the potential impact of AI and human connection.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/batsi/
Ubuntu Framework: https://a.co/d/4wBZvN7
Sankofa font: https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Sankofa+Display
Batsi's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C1DMH223
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Batzy's Career Journey
08:12 Leveraging Cultural Values
15:28 The Ubuntu Framework
19:14 Mindset and Authenticity in Hiring
27:29 The Power of Diversity in Teams
43:09 Addressing Exploitation in Design Recruitment
54:33 Cultural Diversity and Representation in Design
55:00 Challenges Faced by Young Designers
57:30 The Power of Social Media in Shaping the Design Industry
59:21 Personal Projects: Celebrating African Culture and Making a Positive Impact
01:12:38 The Future of Design: AI and Human Connection
Parminder shares his journey from working in a corner shop to becoming a VP of Product and Design at Africa's biggest FinTech. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, communication, and prioritization in building successful products. Also, he discusses the need for open and direct communication in teams and how he encourages others to adopt this approach. He highlights the value of structuring communications, the power of following up with outputs, and collaborating effectively with executive stakeholders. Parminder advises aspiring leaders to create a development plan focused on personal growth and leverage their team members' expertise. Parminder shares his insights on developing as a leader in product and emphasizes the importance of focusing on just a few critical areas for improvement at a time to level up. He also discusses the value of feedback from colleagues and family members for faster growth and the benefits of reading books in navigating the leadership transitions at different stages of his career. Parminder highlights the need for adaptability in leadership, especially in remote work settings, and the challenges of managing product and design teams. The conversation also touches on the conflict between designers and product managers and the importance of demonstrating the value of design to stakeholders. In this conversation, Parminder discusses the role of product management and design in the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the diverse skill sets needed in product development. Parminder also explores the evolving nature of product management and the impact of big technologies like AI and machine learning. He advises individuals entering the field to choose their craft, be collaborative, and focus on fundamentals like communication and organization.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
05:12
The Power of Curiosity and Communication
11:44
Prioritization and User Experience
18:31
Building a Culture of Open Communication
23:40
Creating a Personal Development Plan
33:17
Developing as a Leader: Creating a Development Plan
35:19
Seeking Feedback: Insights from Colleagues and Family
37:42
The Value of Reading: Books on Leadership
45:29
Adapting to Remote Work: Challenges and Strategies
49:59
Managing Product and Design Teams: Hiring and Collaboration
56:28
Demonstrating the Value of Design: Showing the Work
01:01:27
The Importance of Collaboration and Diverse Skill Sets
01:04:23
The Evolving Role of Product Management
01:08:09
The Impact of AI and Machine Learning
01:17:24
Advice for Individuals Entering the Field