In this episode of Nodes of Design, we sit down with Andy Budd to explore his fascinating journey from being a designer to thriving as a venture capitalist. Andy shares how his design and product expertise shape his investment strategies and help founders build impactful startups.

We dive into the seven key factors that drive growth, the common mistakes founders make with their early products, and the challenges of being the first design or product hire in a startup. Andy also unpacks where growth design fits in today’s landscape and sheds light on why most early-stage growth advice misses the mark. Plus, he tackles one of the most misunderstood strategies in the startup world product-led growth (PLG) and reveals the mistakes he sees founders making time and time again.

Whether you're a designer, product enthusiast, or aspiring founder, this episode is packed with insights to level up your understanding of design, growth, and venture capital.

About Andy Budd

Andy is a Design Leader turned investor, advisor and coach. He's a Venture Partner at Seedcamp, one of the top ranked seed funds in Europe. His new book "The Growth Equation" aims to help startups land their first million in revenue and reach Product Market Fit.

A product person at heart, Andy previously founded Clearleft (the first UX agency in the UK), Leading Design and UX London. He's a founding member of the Adobe Design Circle and has appeared on both the Wired 100 and BIMA 100 lists. Andy once worked as a shark diver and recently qualified as a pilot.

Andy Budd Book: The Growth Equation: How Early Stage Startups Can Build a Powerful Engine for Growth

The Growth Equation is the new book by design founder turned startup investor, advisor, and coach, Andy Budd. In it he explores the challenges most early-stage founders face; from launching your product, finding your first customers, and figuring out what to charge; to improving acquisition, onboarding, and retention; in order to land your first million in revenue and beyond.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.

This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

#design #creativity #ux #vc #business

Stan Rapp is a Ukrainian product designer who currently resides in the US. With 15 years of experience in design, including a decade in design leadership roles, Stan is currently leading a mission-critical design team at Asana. Before Asana, Stan scaled design teams at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Ford. Stan has won multiple design awards, including SF Design Week, TechCrunch Disrupt, Red Dot, and Innovation by Design from FastCompany. In this eye-opening episode of Nodes of Design, we dive deep into the world of workplace dynamics with Stan Rapp, a Ukrainian product designer leading mission-critical teams at Asana. With 15 years of experience and a track record of scaling design teams at major organizations, Stan offers invaluable insights on navigating power and politics at work.

Discover:

• Strategies for effective conflict resolution
• Tips for navigating office politics while maintaining integrity
• Real-life stories of power dynamics in action
• The impact of company structure on team dynamics
• Future trends in workplace power structures with the rise of hybrid work and AI

Whether you're a design professional, team leader, or anyone looking to advance their career, Stan's practical advice and personal experiences will equip you with the tools to thrive in today's complex work environments. Don't miss this candid discussion on the often unspoken realities of professional life.

Get a Copy of the Nodes of Wisdom: Lesson from 100 Creative Visionaries on Amazon - https://amzn.in/d/02yZPlUj

Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.

This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

We have a truly exceptional guest who has shaped the digital world as we know it. Please welcome Jae Park, a design visionary with over 25 years of experience crafting experiences that resonate with millions. He brings his design leadership to lead new business innovations and build design teams at scale. He seeks to bridge business and technology goals with humanity.

Jae has been at the forefront of innovation, leading design teams at tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. His work has redefined how we interact with technology, from pioneering the Echo Show to revolutionizing the way we collaborate with Google Workspace.

Currently, Jae is leading the charge at Ford Model e, where he's building the future of mobility. His focus on human-centered design and sustainability is inspiring a new generation of connected experiences.

Join us as we delve into Jae's inspiring journey, his insights on the intersection of design, and our topic Synergy in Design: Unpacking Collaboration.

We'll be diving deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of bringing together creative minds to build exceptional products.

Today, we'll be discussing topics such as:

• The journey of a designer and advice for those starting out
• The role of collaboration in a designer’s growth
• Building a collaborative environment with diverse teams
• The impact of remote work on design collaboration
• Balancing individual creativity with team dynamics
• Overcoming challenges in collaborative projects
• The future of design collaboration with AI

Get a Copy of the Nodes of Wisdom: Lesson from 100 Creative Visionaries on Amazon - https://amzn.in/d/02yZPlUj

Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.

This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Today, we're celebrating a milestone achievement. Thanks to you, our incredible listeners, Nodes of Design has been ranked as one of the Top 6 Design Podcasts in Brazil on Apple Podcasts charts!

And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a first in Nodes of Design history? Today, we're joined by not one, but three amazing guests from across Latin America to explore the vibrant and diverse design landscape of the region. We'll discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the future of design in LATAM.

Joining us we have Rafael Brandão, a Product Experience professional passionate about Arts and Technology. For more than 15 years I've been working in several Advertising Agencies, Design Offices, Startups, and big companies such as Globo, Telecine, Warner Bros Discovery, and iFood.

Raul Queiroz with over 25 years of multidisciplinary experience in design, art direction, and illustration,. As a seasoned creative leader and mentor known for delivering design excellence in healthcare digital products at Rede D'Or, Brazil's largest healthcare company, he leads a team of talented designers, managing quality and standards across the company's full digital product ecosystem.

Karina Tronkos (a.k.a. Nina Talks) a design mentor and content creator (+128k on @ninatalks) with a background in computer science from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She has won the Apple Swift Student Challenge from 2017 to 2021. And also a LinkedIn Top Voice Gen Z, TEDx speaker, and passionate about books, Star Wars, and a lifelong learner.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.

This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Wolfgang Bremer is a German-Canadian award-winning design veteran with 20+ years of experience and a rare combination of design & product knowledge. He currently serves as the Vice President of Design at Volkswagen Group Charging.

As a design leader in multiple Fortune 500 companies and highly funded startups, Wolfgang has managed global design teams and worked on products used by tens of millions of users in 190+ countries.

Equipped with an entrepreneurial mindset, creative problem-solving skills, and an excellent eye for detail, he drives product design & development and creates outstanding consumer & business products. In short, Wolfgang likes building products and simplifying people’s lives.

In this episode, we'll delve into the exciting world of EV charging experiences.

Wolfgang will share his insights on how consumer attitudes towards EVs have shifted, and the key trends shaping the design of these experiences. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities in creating accessible and user-friendly charging stations that stand out in a growing market.

Looking ahead, Wolfgang will share his vision for the future of EV charging – where convenience, innovation, and sustainability intersect.

But this episode isn't just about design! We'll also get a glimpse into Wolfgang's creative process, how he balances business needs with creative freedom, and how he fosters a culture of innovation within his team. We'll even hear some personal stories and lessons learned from overcoming creative roadblocks.

So, buckle up and get ready to be charged up about the future of EV charging!

Socials of Wolfgang:

https://bremer.co

https://linkedin.com/in/WolfgangBremer

https://threads.net/WolfgangBremer

https://twitter.com/WolfgangBremer

Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.

This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Gloria Osardu, Ph.D., is an industry-agnostic senior business executive with over 16 years of extensive experience driving business strategy with insights. She has successfully led UX/customer insights and analytics teams, providing the right research, data, insights, and opportunities to leaders. Gloria ensures that business decisions and product prioritizations are made with accurate information and customer insights.

Throughout her career, Gloria has built, led, and scaled research and insights teams consisting of researchers, analysts, operations managers, and UX/CX insights experts. She has driven strategy at renowned global companies including Fortune 100 organizations, public sector entities, as well as startups.

Currently serving as the head of global product experience research at Gusto, Gloria is responsible for setting and executing a compelling vision and strategy for customer and user insights. Her teams deliver insights and customer empathy programs which derisks and drive the design and build of best-in-class Payroll and HR solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Before this role, Gloria also held leadership positions in global research teams across various industries such as SaaS, Education, Finance/Fintech, and Public Sector.

Gloria firmly believes that durable business and customer insights derived from thorough research are crucial in today's era of big data decision-making processes and AI-driven innovation. This approach helps de-risk business decisions as well as expand perspectives around the user experience. Gloria is passionate about promoting fair, ethical, and accessible practices in the field of research and advocates for building technology innovation for ALL. Outside work, Gloria spends time exploring the world, building the next generation of researchers + creatives, and spending time with her family.

In this insightful interview, Gloria O-B Osardu, Ph.D. shares her journey into the field of UX research and design. She discusses how she got started and provides valuable advice for those aspiring to leadership roles. Osardu defines strong UX research leadership, highlighting key principles like fostering collaboration, managing diverse perspectives, and building high-performing teams. She delves into her decision-making process for major research initiatives and strategies for upholding diversity and inclusion. Osardu also touches on balancing business objectives with user needs, and where she sees UX research heading with the rise of AI. Finally, she shares a glimpse into her daily life as a leader, how she continues learning and growing, and recommends books and people that inspire her in this space.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.

This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Aditi Sharma is an award-winning design executive passionate about inclusive, ethical, sustainable, and human-centered innovation. She is the recipient of the prestigious 'Dr. Sarojini Naidu Award' from the Govt. of India, '40 under 40' award from Business Elite, 'Woman Who Builds' award by Globant, and was named an inspirational woman in STEM by the Authority Magazine. As a lecturer at Pratt, Aditi curated one of the top ten UX programs offered in the United States. Aditi is a published design practitioner, is regularly invited to share her thought leadership across print, keynotes, and podcasts, such as for CampaignLive, Business Insider, AI & Data Analytics Network, Interaction Design Association, Brave UX, Authority Magazine, Inclusive Design Association, Customer Experience Network, Finance Magnates, South by Southwest (SXSW), and Product-Led Alliance (PLA) to name a few. As the Head of Design & Research at Amazon, Aditi manages a global team that leads the customer experience for 30+ Fintech products to help track revenue, usage, costs, and forecasts for AWS. Previously, as the Head of Payments Design/ Executive Director of Digital Experience Design at J.P. Morgan & Chase, Aditi set up a global design practice to build intelligent enterprise Fintech platforms. Prior to that, at Accenture Interactive, she strategized and executed customer-centric design engagements for clients such as Walmart, DuPont, and Cargill. She continues to explore the dynamism of creativity to deliver customer outcomes at the intersection of human excellence, business profitability, and technical innovation. 

Today, we're diving into Scaling Design teams with Aditi Sharma. Aditi will share her journey into design, tips for scaling design teams, and her vision for the future of design. Stay tuned for insights on aligning teams, hiring strategies, and managing feedback loops. We'll also explore how Aditi approaches challenges and stays inspired in her daily routine. Get ready for an insightful conversation with Aditi Sharma on the Nodes of Design podcast!

Books Recommendations      

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari 
Find Your Why by Simon Sinek 
Think Again, Adam Grant

Creative Confidence, David and Tom Kelley

Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.

This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Keywords: Design teams, design hiring, scaling design teams, design thinking, Amazon Design, Design systems, Design leadership

With over two decades of experience in arts, design, culture, education, and nonprofit sectors, Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar brings a unique perspective and passion for reimagining the future of creative learning and practice.

A proven administrator, award-winning designer and educator, and globally respected thought leader, Ruki has served as the President & CEO of the Kansas City Art Institute, Acting Director of Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, and the Acting Under Secretary of Education at the Smithsonian Institution (at-large) in Washington, D.C.

Originally from Chennai, India, she received her MFA in graphic design from Iowa State University and BFA in the history of fine art and drawing and painting from Stella Maris College in India. She also has executive education certificates in business from Yale University and Harvard University and a certificate in museum studies from Northwestern University.

Ruki has served in multiple leadership roles for the American Institute of Graphic Arts, and in 2015, she was named an AIGA Fellow by the Oklahoma Chapter for her advocacy and leadership as a design educator. She is featured in films, podcasts, and interviews. She has won numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2021 Design Achievement Award from the Iowa State College of Design, and was the commencement speaker at Iowa State University's Fall 2023 Ceremony.

In this episode, we'll delve into how Ruki's background in design has shaped her approach to leadership, problem-solving, and societal development.

We'll also discuss the importance of teaching design as a life skill, the role of design in addressing complex social issues, and how design thinking can prepare future generations for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Additionally, Ruki will share her insights on the evolution of design thinking with AI and how design can contribute to sustainability and environmental consciousness.

We concluded the show with Ruki's recommendations for her three favorite books and the people who inspire her the most in the design space.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.

This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Keywords: Design as a life skill, Design Thinking, Design for Sustainability, Design for AI, Creativity, Industry Insights, Design Challenges

In this episode of the Nodes of Design Podcast, we were honored to have Karen Korellis Reuther, a design luminary with over 20 plus years of experience Karen Korellis Reuther is an experienced creative executive, and a Design Critic in architecture at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. From 2021-2022 she was a
Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative (ALI). Before ALI she was Vice President of Creative Direction + Future at Reebok and Global Creative Director at NIKE for twelve years where she developed major product, merchandising, and brand
strategies solidifying NIKE at the top of its industry. Karen is a practicing activist committed to “Inclusion by Design: Ending Gender Bias in Product Design”. Karen received her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Purdue University and her
Masters in Business Management from Lesley University.

In this episode Karen shared her journey into design, emphasizing curiosity, continuous learning, and resilience as key for beginners.

Karen delved into her design process, revealing a behind-the-scenes look at creating new collections, where balancing innovation with practicality is crucial. She highlighted the necessity of balancing form and function, especially when designing products that are both aesthetically pleasing and performance-oriented.

Facing challenges head-on, Karen recounted overcoming obstacles through collaboration and a solution-focused approach keeping customer at the center

Discussing the impact of fast fashion, Karen voiced concerns over sustainability and envisioned a future where emerging technologies and AI play pivotal roles in creating personalized, sustainable fashion.

We concluded the podcast with Karen recommending three books for design enthusiasts and naming her biggest inspirations in the design space. Her insights provide a treasure trove of inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of design.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.

This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Keywords: Footwear Design, Apparel Design, Design Innovation, Fashion and Function, Future of Fashion, Industry Insights, Design Challenges

Connor Moore is a seasoned design leader focused on the audio UX and audio branding space. For the last 15 years, Connor has been able to work with some of the most forward-thinking brands creating innovative sound solutions that drive functionality and build brand affinity. These clients span a range of industries and include the likes of Google, Lucid Motors, Ford, Peloton, Uber, Airbnb, and State Farm to name a few.

Connor founded CMoore Sound at a time when brands first began considering sound and music as a core part of their identity systems. During this time, he was primarily focused on creating branded audio user experiences for products, apps, and digital experiences with a focus on emerging technology. Connor is currently Executive Creative Director at Listen, an audio branding company based in New York working with a range of brands across industries. In his current role, he leads the creative team producing audio UX, sound logos, experiential audio, and branded music that spans a brand's entire ecosystem. 

Ever wondered why some apps feel intuitive while others leave you lost in a maze of beeps? The secret lies in audio user experience (UX), and this episode, we're unlocking its mysteries with expert Connor Moore.

Join us as Connor takes us on a journey from his early sound experiments to crafting immersive sonic worlds for mobile apps, voice assistants, and even virtual reality. You'll discover:

Why audio UX matters: It's not just about fancy sounds; it's about shaping how we interact with technology, building trust, and creating seamless, enjoyable experiences.

The design secrets behind the mic: Learn how Connor tackles crucial considerations like clarity, accessibility, and adapting to different platforms.

Future trends and challenges: Explore the rise of AI-powered sound and the ethical considerations shaping the evolution of audio UX.

A day in the life of an audio UX master: Get a glimpse into Connor's world, complete with fascinating anecdotes and insights.

Book recommendations and inspirations: Discover Connor's favorite resources and the people who fuel his passion for sonic design.

Get ready to have your ears opened (and maybe even your mind blown) as we delve into the fascinating world of audio UX with Connor Moore. It's time to listen up and experience technology in a whole new way!

Keywords: audio UX, user experience, sound design, accessibility, future of technology, mobile apps, voice assistants, VR, podcasts