Technically Speaking with Harrison Wheeler

I'm excited to welcome Arlan Hamilton to our show. Arlan is a trailblazer in the venture capital world, focusing on helping underrepresented founders. She has a deep passion for both the business and personal aspects of her work, and she's here to share her incredible journey and insights with us. Summary In our conversation, Arlan opens up about her love for "General Hospital" and how her personal challenges, including overcoming homelessness and addiction, have shaped her mission in venture capital. She also dives into her latest book, "Your First Million," providing practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways * Arlan is dedicated to diversifying the entrepreneurial world by supporting founders who often get overlooked. * Her book, "Your First Million," is a must-read for entrepreneurs, packed with strategies on navigating the business landscape. * Arlan's story is a powerful reminder that personal struggles can fuel a mission to create positive change. * For entrepreneurs, it's vital to have a clear vision that aims to benefit more than just oneself. * Preparation and self-funding are crucial steps before seeking external investment. Let's dive into the details of our chat and learn more from Arlan's experiences and wisdom. Notable Quotes * "I only do what I want to do. I figured out those boundaries, so don't feel sorry for me." * "It's the fact that I can still bounce back." * "There's no question here. And again, it goes back to who else is it affecting if it plays out?" * "We have so much agency of our own lives. And it's hard for me... but because of the way that I built Backstage and because of the things I've been through, I know firsthand how much of our own power we have." Resources * Arlan Hamilton's Book: "Your First Million" * Arlan Hamilton’s Podcast: "Your First Million" * Event Mention: Your First Million Live in LA, April 9-12 yourfirstmillionlive.com Arlan Hamilton's journey is a testament to the boundless potential within each entrepreneur, serving as a beacon for those striving to carve their own paths in business and beyond. Don't miss out on the full breadth of wisdom shared in this episode—listen now and be part of the conversation that's shaping the future of innovation and inclusivity. Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Fonz Morris, a growth design lead at Netflix, shares his journey from working at a strip club to becoming a successful designer and investor. He discusses his role in growth design at Netflix and highlights the importance of balancing business and design decisions. He also talks about his upcoming memoir and its therapeutic writing process. He emphasizes the need for patience, self-belief, and continuous learning in one's career. He shares his speaking experiences at various events and his impact on others' lives. He encourages designers to improve their communication skills and utilize networking opportunities. He also discusses his involvement in the VC space and angel investing.  Key Takeaways: Quotes: Timestamps: (03:15) Introduction to Fonz Morris and our mutual connections through networking (05:01) His personal growth and industry impact (06:00) On Growth Design at Netflix, retention projects, and global impact (08:41) Password-sharing initiative at Netflix (11:04) How to overcome impostor syndrome (14:04) On writing his memoir, Self Design (17:28) His early career and personal challenges (19:57) Public speaking and strengthening his voice (21:07) A full-circle moment speaking at Google (26:46) His Involvement with VC and angel investing (33:02) Encouraging community engagement in VC (36:02) His final Advice for listeners (37:56) How to connect with him (39:10) How his airport habits and commitment helped with the episode About The Guest: Fonz Morris is a growth design lead at Netflix. With a background in computer science and a passion for design, he has worked on various projects at Netflix, including the password-sharing initiative. He is also involved in the VC space as an LP in a fund and is an angel investor and board member for several companies. He strongly advocates education and community building and is dedicated to helping others succeed in their careers. Connect with Fonz Morris: Website LinkedIn Twitter Email Referenced Links/Episodes:

Krislam Chin, a designer and educator based in West LA, shares her journey in the design industry and her passion for teaching. She discusses the importance of travel for creative individuals and the need for designers to experience the world. Her studio, Hello World Studio, aims to provide opportunities for emerging designers. She emphasizes the importance of not defining success based on external factors and encourages emerging designers always to acknowledge opportunities. Key Takeaways: Quotes: Timestamps: (02:27) Introduction to Krislam Chin, how she met Harrison, and the benefits of traveling to creative individuals (04:53) How she achieved her ultimate dream of being submerged in education as a student, educator, and studio owner (07:04) The interplay between teaching and being a student running a studio and the importance of providing experience for emerging designers (10:41) Acknowledging the challenges and responsibilities of students, making dreams come true for emerging designers and companies through Hello World Studio, and her motivation to move to Downtown LA (15:25) What we can learn from Gen Z, reflecting on the stress and toxic culture in design, and the responsibility of Millennials to prepare the field for future design workforce (24:48) From What If to Why Not: Success Tips for Emerging Designers (31:01) Why the individual, not external factors, define success (34:12) How she radically accepted herself as a fun teacher using rubber duckies (37:44) How to get in touch with Krislam and collaboration with small businesses (38:48) Her appreciation for the podcast and community-building efforts About The Guest: Krislam Chin is a designer and educator based in West LA. With a passion for teaching, she has pursued a career in graphic design and recently launched Hello World Studio. She is dedicated to providing opportunities for emerging designers and helping them gain the experience they need to succeed in the industry. Connect with Krislam Chin: Website Hello World Studio LinkedIn Referenced Links: Michael Dahms Two Backpacks Book What's Next: Please leave us a rating and a review on Apple... Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

We will be diving into the fascinating story of the rise and fall of InVision. In this episode, join host Harrison Wheeler and special guest Jay Demetillo as they take you on a journey through the history of InVision and discuss the impact it had on the design industry. They explore the evolution of design tools, from the days of Photoshop and Dreamweaver to the emergence of Sketch and the game-changing introduction of InVision. Join us as we reminisce about the challenges designers faced, the joy of collaborative work, and the race to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving design tool landscape. About The Guest(s): Jay Demetillo is a design practitioner with extensive experience in the industry. He has traveled the world giving talks on design and has a deep understanding of the importance of inclusive design and bringing value to design through business. Key Takeaways: Show notes: 00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebration 00:29 The Rise and Fall of InVision 02:04 The Evolution of Design Tools 02:23 The Emergence of Collaborative Work 02:51 Insights and Anecdotes 03:52 Jay's World Tour and Talks 06:39 The Rise and Fall of Envision: A Discussion 10:10 The Challenges of Designing for Multiple Devices 11:39 The Emergence of Sketch 17:01 The Role of Zeppelin in the Design Process 18:13 Discussing Envision's Early Days 18:41 Introduction to Envision's Features 20:22 The Impact on User Testing 22:14 Marketing and Community Engagement 24:30 Investment and Funding 25:17 Product Updates and Innovations 27:32 The Downfall of InVision Studio 33:17 Reflecting on InVision's Missteps 35:10 Final Thoughts on InVision's Journey Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Chris Do, a personal branding coach and host of The Futur podcast, discusses the importance of personal branding and standing out in a changing market. He emphasizes the need to show up authentically and express your unique perspective and the value of thought leadership and writing in building your personal brand. He also shares his experience with coaching and the benefits of investing in mentorship. He encourages listeners to start now and act toward their goals, reminding them that their future selves will thank them. Key Takeaways: Quotes: Timestamps: (03:01) Introduction to Chris Do (04:17) Icebreaker: Why he's currently obsessed with luxury goods and brands (07:57) Icebreaker: How AI replaces designers and why it's essential to shift and explore options (08:54) Icebreaker: The 2 projects that stood out in his 20-year career (12:19) What it means to show up and brand yourself (15:01) How your social media presence can either make or break your personal brand (20:16) Building an audience through writing (22:46) Product development in 2 steps (25:41) The 2 types of learners, why it's essential to apply what you've learned, and how to navigate plateaus through development (29:41) What he would do if he could travel back in time About The Guest: Chris Do is a personal branding coach, renowned designer, and the host of the successful podcast The FuWhat'sth Chris Do. He is also the CEO and Founder of The Futur, a platform providing creative professionals education and resources. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he has worked on various projects, including music videos and 360 campaigns. He is passionate about helping individuals and businesses build their personal brands and achieve success in their creative endeavors. Connect with Chris Do: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Podcast Referenced Links: Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Adekunle Oduye, a Design Engineer at Plaid, discusses his journey from art to design to engineering and how he became a design engineer. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both design and code and communicating and collaborating effectively. He also talks about his podcast, "Code & Pixels," which aims to provide practical guidance and insights for those interested in design engineering. He encourages listeners to try new things and not be afraid to fail to learn and grow. Key Takeaways: Quotes: Timestamps: (01:20) Introduction to Adekunle Oduye and his experience in design and engineering (01:54) Icebreaker: His current obsession with going to museums (03:23) Icebreaker: His interest in incorporating AI into his work (05:29) Icebreaker: His preference for lo-fi hip-hop music while working (06:54) His background in art and transition to design and engineering (11:32) Evaluating the role of a design engineer based on project needs (15:28) Core competencies of a design engineer: ambiguity, project management, communication (21:05) "Code & Pixels Podcast and its impact (24:58) His upcoming speaking engagements (26:31) Why you should try new things and not be afraid to fail About The Guest: Adekunle Oduye, a design engineer at Plaid, is based in Brooklyn, New York. With a background in art and design, Adekunle has a unique perspective on the intersection of design and engineering. He is passionate about using AI in his work and constantly explores ways to leverage it in design systems. He is also the co-host of the podcast "Code & Pixels," where he discusses various topics related to design engineering. Connect with Adekunle Oduye: Website Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Code & Pixels Referenced Links: That Conference Converge US What's Next: Please leave us a rating and a review on Apple Podcast. Support Technically Speaking by being a Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse, a Senior Designer, Illustrator, and Musician, discusses his design journey, which started with creating artwork for his music projects that eventually led to him freelancing full-time. He shares his passion for Dungeons & Dragons and its evolution to becoming a more inclusive and cooperative game. He emphasizes the importance of community and inclusivity in design and shares his experiences advocating for diversity and equity in the tech industry. He also encourages slow progress and reevaluation of solutions to create meaningful change. Key Takeaways: Quotes: Timestamps: (01:28) Introduction of the multi-talented Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse (02:24) Icebreaker: How playing Dungeons & Dragons impacts him as a designer (06:31) The history of his nickname "Boo Boo" and why he sought out alternative culture as a kid (10:02) Feeling isolated after the Murder of George Floyd, the transformation of his music from despair and frustration to hope and encouragement, and the self-made CEO myth (17:39) His path into design, freelancing, and how he almost lost his home (24:03) ERGs and Bay Area Black Designers: His career in tech and inclusion (26:29) The importance of allyship to get through marginalization and isolation and how to make a meaningful impact in the workplace (31:04) How to measure systemic change and the importance of knowing the differences between no progress, slow progress, and false progress (32:21) Ways to get in touch with Kendall About The Guest: Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse is a Senior Designer, Illustrator, and Musician based in Oakland, California. With a background in DIY punk rock bands, he developed a passion for design and visual communication. He has freelanced for various clients and worked in-house at CoreOS, later acquired by Red Hat and IBM. He also actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the tech industry by helping companies form ERGs, co-chairing Bay Area Black Designers, and facilitating Frame Shift Consulting. Connect with Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse: Email Instagram Referenced Links: Dungeons & Dragons Mass Arrest Zulu Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Eso Tolson, a Memphis-based designer and brand strategist, shares his journey as an artist and how he developed his unique style. He reveals his passion for uplifting and inspiring people through his work, including his art projects. He also talks about finding safety and comfort in different spaces and the impact of his trip to Hawaii. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and finding inspiration outside of work. His love for Memphis and its vernacular language has influenced his art, which resonated with the community. He encourages creatives to stay true to themselves and make a difference. Key Takeaways: Quotes: Timestamps: (01:36) Introduction of Eso Tolson, The Multi-Disciplinary Artist (03:14) Icebreaker: His current obsession with AI art and his take on new technology (06:47) Icebreaker: What he realized about adaptability during his recent trip to Hawaii and what makes a space safe and inclusive (11:15) Icebreaker: Discover your "coffee bean" and how it can help you break your creative rut (13:42) From track star to artist: His journey from East St. Louis, IL to Memphis, TN (20:49) How he developed his unique and authentic lettering style, his love letter Spectacular Vernacular to Memphis, and why Memphis embraced it (28:11) The reason he shows up online and shares empowering messages to others (31:42) How creativity isn't just for artists, and how every person is creative in their own way (32:45) Where to find Eso online About The Guest: Eso Tolson is a Memphis-based multi-disciplinary artist and creative director known for his unique lettering style and ability to uplift, inspire, and celebrate people through his work. He specializes in hand-lettering for branding, editorial, and commercial projects. He is also an accomplished speaker and shared his story and philosophy on TEDx Talks "Less Grind, More Chill." Connect with Eso Tolson: Instagram Referenced Links: Watch Less Grind, More Chill on TEDx Spectacular Vernacular: Eso’s Love Letter to Memphis What's Next: Please leave us a rating and a review on Apple Podcast. Support Technically Speaking by being a www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Donald Burlock, User Experience Designer and Author of Superhuman by Design, joins the show to discuss his book and his mission to bring authenticity and social impact to the design profession. He shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of showing up as your authentic self in a world that often pressures us to conform. He also highlights the need for unification and the power of community in driving positive change. Whether you're a designer just starting or an experienced leader in the field, his book offers valuable insights and guidance for making a lasting impact in the design world. Key Takeaways: Superhuman by Design Quotes: Timestamps: (01:26) Introduction of Donald Burlock, Author of Superhuman by Design (03:50) Icebreaker: His golfing journey, the intriguing intricacies of the sport, and his newfound appreciation for coordination and balance (08:43) Icebreaker: The importance of unification and social connection in the evolving landscape of remote work and independence (14:00) Icebreaker: How to own your image and persona amidst societal pressures to conform (24:31) Superhuman by Design, a decade of design wisdom and inspiration from Donald Burlock to creatives of all levels (35:13) His mission: To use design to enhance the human experience for the long term, looking beyond short-lived product improvements (39:08) How to purchase the book and engage with Donald About The Guest: Donald Burlock is a User Experience Designer and Author of the book Superhuman by Design. He has over 10 years of experience in the design industry, focusing on leveraging creativity to drive social impact. He is passionate about helping designers and creatives find their authentic voices and contribute meaningfully to the world. Connect with Donald Burlock: Instagram Website Referenced Links: Superhuman by Design Paperback Superhuman by Design Ebook What's Next: Please... Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Ashley Phillips and Miro LaFlaga, Founders of Six Cinquième, an award-winning strategic branding agency in Montreal, Canada, discuss their journey in starting their agency and the lessons they've learned. They discuss the importance of flexibility, adapting to change, and prioritizing personal well-being and creativity in the workplace. They also touch on the creative industry's evolving nature and the opportunities ahead. Their dynamic and forward-thinking approach sets them apart in the agency world. Key Takeaways: Quotes: Timestamps: (01:22) Introduction of Ashley Phillips and Miro LaFlaga (01:47) The new social network for designers and creatives Post.cv (sic) Read.cv (02:48) Icebreaker: How striving for fitness goals mirrors the determination and strategy in Pokémon battles (04:56) Icebreaker: The completion of their project for Will Smith’s entertainment venture company, Westbrook, and the importance of flexibility in branding (07:46) Icebreaker: Why they work in silence but listen to their preferred music while doing other things (10:49) Their excitement about the opportunities in the current industry landscape and why traditional (personalized) is still the best marketing approach compared to online (transactional) (12:54) What made them decide to start an agency (14:16) The evolution of the Ash and Miro dynamic (19:58) Six Cinquième as an agency and its unique approach to strategic branding (22:23) The two traits they consider as keys to their success that kept them going despite all the trial and error (24:13) Excitement about future projects and the importance of taking things one step at a time (26:50) Why you should take risks and put yourself in uncomfortable situations to grow and succeed About The Guests: Ashley Phillips and Miro LaFlaga are the founders of Six Cinquième. This award-winning Montreal-based strategic brand consultancy guides aspiring global brands to align with an authentic vision and supports them in scaling it. They support them in their missions to disrupt their industries and, ultimately, build a legacy that will shape a better future. Their approach is intentional and strategic because building brands that can create impactful change in a world that fears change requires careful consideration. Connect with Ash and Miro: www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

George Aye discusses his journey in design and the unique perspective he brings as an Adjunct Professor and Co-Founder of Greater Good Studio. He shares his current obsession and efforts to improve his diet and overall health. He also delves into the importance of design ethics and the need for a shared understanding and framework in the industry. He highlights the challenges and opportunities of working with different types of clients and the responsibility of tackling complex social issues through design. Key Takeaways: Quotes: Timestamps: (01:22) Introduction to George Aye, Co-Founder of Greater Studio in Chicago (02:21) Icebreaker: His current obsession with Poke Bowls and diet (07:33) Icebreaker: The lack of industry-wide ethical framework in design (15:18) Icebreaker: His surprise at the number of clients seeking their expertise (20:52) His background in design and transition to the social sector (28:22) The concept of being a "pissed-off optimist" (32:41) Overview of the types of projects Greater Studio works on (36:41) The responsibility and approach to working on diverse topics (39:21) How to find out more about Greater Studio and their work About The Guest: George Aye is the Co-Founder of Greater Good Studio... Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Isaac Hayes III, entrepreneur and music producer, discusses the peer-to-peer subscription model and the rise of subscriptions on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. He sees this as a validation of his platform, Fanbase, which aims to uplift creators of color who other platforms have underserved. He believes every social media platform has its time and will eventually be replaced by a new platform geared toward the younger generation. He also talks about the importance of persistence and questioning societal norms in pursuing success. The Fanbase app is available for download on iOS and Android. Key Takeaways: Quotes: Timestamps: (01:41) Introduction to Isaac Hayes III (02:20) What he thinks of social media platforms copying the peer-to-peer subscription model he created (03:42) His belief that every social media platform will live and die (04:39) Why Fanbase is the next logical platform for Gen Z and Gen Alpha (05:05) The importance of providing subscriptions and monetization for ALL users (05:57) His decision to pursue crowdfunding to raise capital (07:08) How equity crowdfunding offers the opportunity for everyday people to invest (08:00) Motivation to allow people to own part of a tech startup (09:57) The power of persistence and questioning societal norms (15:12) How to download Fanbase and connect with Isaac Hayes III About The Guest: Isaac Hayes III is an entrepreneur and music producer based in Atlanta. He is the Founder and CEO of Fanbase, a social media platform that focuses on peer-to-peer subscriptions and aims to uplift creators of color. Connect with Isaac Hayes III: Fanbase Referenced Links: Fanbase What's Next: Please leave us a rating and a review on Apple Podcast. Support Technically Speaking by being a Patron. Visit the website Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Alexis Cotton, a Design Lead at Meta, discusses her journey into design and her experience as a neurodivergent designer. She shares her passion for storytelling and finding her voice as a designer. Alexis also talks about the challenges of making friends during the pandemic and the importance of work-life balance.  Key Takeaways:  Quotes: Timestamps: (00:24) Introduction to the episode and guest, Alexis Cotton (01:08) Icebreaker: Rediscovering hobbies post-pandemic (02:52) Icebreaker: The place that best symbolizes her personality (05:42) Icebreaker: The challenges of making new friends (08:13) Her journey into design and the impact of the Posse Foundation on her career (11:51) Her transition from fine arts to product design (14:01) Her role as a Product Design Architect at Meta (18:04) Neurodivergence and its impact on work (20:52) The importance of storytelling and finding your voice (28:07) Her advice on work-life balance and finding what works best for you (28:48) How to reach Alexis Cotton About The Guest: Meet Alexis Cotton, a Design Lead at Meta with a fine arts and graphic design background. She has honed her skills at renowned companies like Gigster and Intuit. Alexis is passionate about storytelling and constantly strives to find her unique voice as a designer. Additionally, she is neurodivergent, which gives her a distinct perspective and helps her excel in her work. Connect with Alexis Cotton: LinkedIn Referenced Links: Learn more about Posse here. Rent your furniture here. What's Next: Please leave us a rating and a review on Apple Podcast. Support Technically Speaking by being a Patron. Visit the website here. Connect With Me: Instagram LinkedIn www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

​Reginé Gilbert, designer and author of "Inclusive Design for a Digital World," joins the show to discuss her recent award, The James Weldon Johnson Professorship, and her work in accessibility and inclusion in the XR space. She shares her journey into UX design and how she became interested in accessibility, as well as her current focus on spatial computing, including augmented reality and virtual reality. Reginé also talks about her upcoming book, "Human Spatial Computing," and the importance of considering accessibility from the beginning when building AR/VR experiences. Key Takeaways: Timestamps (01:33) Introduction to the episode and guest, Reginé Gilbert (02:46) Winning the James Weldon Johnson Professor Award (05:17) Reflecting on the importance of doing the work and being recognized (07:50) Icebreaker: Her obsession with Peloton (11:19) Icebreaker: The kindness she has witnessed in New York City during the pandemic (13:51) How life-changing encounters with Nefertiti Matos and Thomas Logan shifted her perspective on UX and accessibility (20:04) Her focus on spatial computing and teaching a class on it (23:38) The concept of spatial computing and her upcoming book explained (30:04) Accessibility and building experiences in AR/VR (33:23) A look into her second book in collaboration with Doug North Cook About The Guest Reginé Gilbert is a designer, author, and professor at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. She is the author of "Inclusive Design for a Digital World" and was recently awarded the James Weldon Johnson Professorship. Reginé is passionate about accessibility and inclusion in the XR (extended reality) space, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Connect with Reginé Gilbert: Website Twitter LinkedIn Referenced Links: Inclusive Design for a Digital World - Designing with Accessibility in Mind NYU James Weldon Johnson Professor Appointment Article Subway Map of Development Tools in XR Stanford Talk About XR Tools Join the Conversation About Accessibility Nefertiti Matos’ Work on Halftime What's Next: Visit the website here. Support... Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Natalie Nixon, Ph.D., is a creativity strategist, keynote speaker, and author. She is the CEO of Figure 8 Thinking and known as the Creativity Whisperer for the C-Suite. She has been recognized as one of the "Top 50 Keynote Speakers for 2022" by Real Leaders and her book, "The Creativity Leap: Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation, and Intuition at Work," received an award at Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Awards in 2021. In this episode we discuss various aspects of creativity, including building curiosity and empathy, productivity solutions, work-life integration, creativity in executive roles, and intuition in business. About the Guest: A creativity strategist, keynote speaker, and author, Natalie Nixon, Ph.D., CEO of Figure 8 Thinking, is the Creativity Whisperer for the C-Suite. Through wonder and rigor, she helps leaders amplify growth and business value through transformation. Real Leaders named Natalie one of the "Top 50 Keynote Speakers for 2022". In 2021, Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Awards honored her book The Creativity Leap: Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation, and Intuition at Work. In 2021, Core 77 named Figure 8 Thinking one of the Top 20 Women-Led Innovation Firms. Natalie is a trustee of the Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, Vassar College, and Leadership+Design. She holds a BA (Honors) from Vassar College and a Ph.D. from the University of Westminster in London. She is a Foresight Practitioner certified by the Institute for the Future. Quote of the episode “As my mom used to tell us as we were growing up, all learning is interconnected. Everything that we do, whether it's waiting tables or leading a team, is relevant, and we can interweave it into our current work and outlook." Connect with Natalie Nixon: https://www.figure8thinking.com/https://twitter.com/natwnixonhttps://www.linkedin.com/learning/lead-with-inquiry-improvisation-and-intuition/the-power-of-inquiry-improvisation-and-intuition?autoplay=truehttps://www.fastcompany.com/90721653/your-invisible-work-is-key-to-your-most-productive-self Timestamps (00:13) - Icebreaker: Natalie's current obsession that helps build curiosity and empathy. (02:32) - Icebreaker: The best yet counterintuitive approach to productivity and solution to burnout. (05:02) - Icebreaker: How to turn work-life balance into work-life integration with daydream breaks, timed walks, and dancing. (09:04) - Being The Creativity Whisperer in the C-Suite and creativity's role at the executive level. (12:05) - Natalie's diverse and loopy background in cultural anthropology and fashion. (13:37) - Common misconceptions about fashion, what it's really about, and how her career in fashion taught her everything about business. (15:30) - Building a business using intuition and prototyping. (16:32) - How to gain confidence in your intuition by toggling between wonder and rigor. (19:30) - Coming up with the name Figure 8 Thinking for her business and the types of projects they work on. (24:34) - Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation, and Intuition at Work through The Creativity Leap book. (26:15) - How her podcast guesting for The Creativity Leap book promotion on... Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Melvin Hale has undergone a remarkable evolution in his life. He has 25 years of experience in the design industry and has worked at the biggest names in tech like LinkedIn, Meta, YouTube, RGA, and Google. We'll delve into his journey of finding happiness, reflections on leadership style, and coping with personal challenges. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation. About the Guest: Melvin has 25 years of experience in the design industry and has worked at the biggest names in tech like LinkedIn, Meta, YouTube, RGA, and Google. He has established himself as an artist who pushes boundaries. The best thing about him is his uncanny ability to connect with people from all walks of life. By building meaningful relationships through mentorship and positive reinforcement, he reminds us that leadership comes from peace, not might. His success can be attributed to his perseverance, failures, redemptions, and fresh starts. Timestamps (01:26) - The two elements that contributed to his evolution and what knowing where he's at now allows him to do (03:37) - Icebreaker: Why he is currently obsessed with his credit score and credit utilization (04:51) - Icebreaker: Melvin dreams of retiring in this Asian country and what he finds most appealing about its culture (06:43) - Icebreaker: How he and Bender “Bending” Rodriguez of Futurama are both “lovable *ssholes” (08:26) - How his search for happiness led him to discover joy, evolve, and begin his second journey in life (10:09) - The differences between Mel Then and Mel Now (13:09) - How he was never satisfied despite having everything and what was missing in his life (14:37) - Where his mercenary mindset came from and his desire to be a missionary instead (16:25) - How he coped with his personal challenges and what prompted him to get his sh*t together and seek help (19:57) - Why it's important to be kind to yourself and why he took a break from social media (24:50) - How his daily morning affirmations turned into action steps and why he sees it as an embodiment of him continuing to move forward (26:45) – What's cooking, Melvin? Launching soon: How his app will bring joy through food for foodies like him (28:10) - Dispelling startup requirements myth and why he picked startup in the first place (30:22) - The best song to express his last thoughts for all of us Resources: https://www.technicallyspeakinghw.comhttps://www.patreon.com/technicallyspeakinghw?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creatorhttps://www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/resources/glossaryhttps://www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/shop Connect With Me: Website: https://www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/technicallyspeakinghw/ YouTube: Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

I'm joined by Kristy Tillman, Director of Design at Netflix, as she shares invaluable insights on career growth and the pursuit of creative opportunities. Kristy challenges the traditional emphasis on job titles, urging listeners to prioritize personal growth and learning. Drawing from her experience as a Director of Design, she highlights the diverse scopes and possibilities that each role can offer. Furthermore, Kristy emphasizes the importance of designers developing strong business acumen to thrive in their roles. The conversation then delves into expanding one's horizon of opportunities. Kristy emphasizes the significance of building connections and making oneself open to different people and experiences. By broadening networks and creating opportunities for others, individuals can unlock unforeseen collaborations and pathways to success. Kristy addresses the ongoing question of designers' presence at the decision-making table within businesses, stressing the importance of fostering relationships and making a lasting impact. The episode also explores the concept of personal detachment from work and the value of pursuing side projects. Kristy shares a valuable lesson: the work done at one's job ultimately belongs to the company, but side projects offer a realm of personal freedom and creativity. By taking charge of these projects, individuals can craft their own opportunities, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and lay the foundation for future endeavors. Kristy highlights the importance of networking by giving back and creating opportunities for others, as it serves as a gateway to entering new networks and expanding professional horizons. About the Guest: Having worked across industries for over 15 years, Design Extraordinaire Kristy Tillman is currently the Product Design Director at Netflix. Through her experience as Head of Global Experience Design, Head of Communication Design, and Design Director, she acquired a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be equipped for a variety of design challenges and development. As part of MICA's Flexible Design Studio workshop, she teaches a module on social impact design. She studied design at Kansas City Art Institute and is a proud HBCU alum of FamU - Florida A&M University. As a design leader, she has built design teams from scratch and transitioned talent from entry level to design leadership. She is an Advisor for Designer Fund and sits on the board of Design Advisory Council for the University of Texas at Austin. A designer, investor, and cultivator of a different kind of tomorrow, one that harnesses the exponential addition of talent in the gaps, she's learned a lot along the way around growing her own talent and those around her in the realm of design. Connect with Kristy Tillman: https://twitter.com/kristyt https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristytillman/ Timestamps (02:28) - Icebreaker: Kristy's current obsessions from work and personal perspectives (03:43) - Her journey from nervousness to excitement over the size and scope of her organization and role within Netflix (05:22) - What makes each of her job titles as a director unique and the end goal in mind that’s being set up by her current role (07:58) - Understanding the multiple layers in Web3, why it is considered Wild West, and how it can be improved and made safer through UX and Design (11:24) - Icebreaker: Her current playlist and how visualizing music can change your experience (12:47) - Icebreaker: The two obvious problems about the design industry that's worth turning around. And no, it's not the D word or having Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Aastha, Director of Product Design at Google, joins us again in this engaging podcast that covers the world of AI at the intersection of customer engagement. In this episode, we cover valuable insights into its definition, the reasons behind its current hype, and the crucial distinction between consuming and creating AI-powered products. We explore the societal shift from initial resistance and fear towards new technologies to their eventual acceptance and integration into daily life. Drawing from her experience leading the customer engagement team at Google, Aastha explores the differences between the technology-forward approach versus the customer-back approach strategy in user experience, emphasizing the importance of research, personalization, and AI principles in achieving full-on experience design. She also sheds light on Google's North Star, the overarching goal that ensures the optimal use of technology, and discusses the pros and cons of the technology-first approach. Tune in to hear Aastha's deep dive into understanding what is real when it comes to today’s latest tech buzz - Artificial Intelligence! Get ready to be inspired by all that she has shared. About the Guest: Aastha Gaur is Google's UX Leader for Customer Engagement. Her team uses sales, support, and marketing for advertisers to elevate the customer experience for Google's business. As a designer, she has worked at boutique design studios and big corporations. Through Leading with Mindfulness, Intuition, Creativity, and Compassion, she brings her experience designing for consumers and enterprise into her passion. Her values are: Invest in people since focusing on each unique individual makes for a stronger, more connected team; inspire through craft because practicing their art with obsessive attention to detail and deep knowledge of the business earns them the trust and respect of their partners; and Xfn team first since their goals and their PM+Eng partners' goals are the same: No walled gardens. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Anurag, and their two dogs, Gustave and Rumi. She is a trained yoga and fitness instructor who used to co-own a yoga and fitness studio. Her favorite photography subjects are humans together, badass women doing badass things, and bloopers. A total Jungalow fan, she loves to decorate with plants. Her favorite way to de-stress is to play with her boys, Gustave and Rumi, who enjoy learning new tricks. Connect with Aastha Gaur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aasthagaurhttps://aasthagaur.com/aasthagaur@gmail.comhttps://instagram.com/astahearts Timestamps (02:26) - Past and current obsessions: A quick update on her pole-dancing studio, the language she's trying to teach herself because of a reality TV show, and her unique approach to photography (04:57) - What AI is, why there is so much hype around it now, and the difference between consumption and creation of products using the power of AI (07:45) - The shift from initial resistance and fear towards new technologies into acceptance and daily life integration and its natural progression that starts with younger generations as early adopters (10:15) - Real talk: AI as a threat to livelihood vs. a tool to help enhance work (14:03) - How she leads the customer engagement team at Google by doing sales, support, and marketing for advertisers, and the difference between AI... Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

Join us on an insightful journey with Leslie Miley, a tech industry veteran and advisor to the CTO of Microsoft. In this episode, we explore topics of leadership, courage, representation, and the unique perspective of an introverted business influencer. Leslie shares his remarkable career path, spanning from diverse experiences of privilege to marginalization, providing valuable insights into the tech industry. Discover how he hacked his way to success and gain thought-provoking perspectives on leadership, oppression, and navigating marginalization in the tech world. Don't miss this engaging conversation with Leslie Miley, where we challenge conventional norms and explore the untold stories of the tech industry. About the Guest: Leslie Miley (he/him), The Complicated Man Who Risks his neck for non-binary peeps, trans folk, women and men, currently works as a Partner Technical Advisor to Microsoft CTO. Empathy, self-awareness, and coffee are three of the things he's trying to get better at. He has extensive experience building, motivating, and managing globally-distributed teams with different cultural backgrounds. He's an expert at designing and implementing development best practices to manage geographically-distributed teams. An amazing technologist who worked as the 1st CTO at The Obama Foundation, he also held leadership roles at Google, Slack, Twitter, and Apple. He also invests in a number of start-up companies around the world. Connect with Leslie Miley: Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaft Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliehm/ Medium: https://shaft.medium.com/ Timestamps (01:03) - How Leslie's engineering background helped him keep up with his physical activities, maintain his fitness level, and track his progress during the pandemic (04:34) - Icebreaker: The groundbreaking intro song he would play upon entering an arena or walking onstage (06:05) - Icebreaker: The subject he would instantly become an expert in if he’s given a chance and how he’d use it to solve problems (07:54) - Icebreaker: His current obsession: How to inspire leaders to be courageous; and why he thinks voter suppression contributed to Roe v. Wade getting overturned (09:46) - Voter suppression, lack of representation, how leaders use their current position as a stepping stone to higher office instead of serving their people, and what they should focus on instead (13:13) - Why the public sector lacks experts in technology (15:10) - Taking the cue from Dave Chappelle about the need for grace and space to grow and the importance of acknowledging that people can change (17:00) - Hacking systems and access as a hallmark of his career, and charging his own adventure and career in tech as a person of color (22:25) - The experiences that almost made him quit his tech job, the two reasons why he chose to stay, and the constant battle between changing the world vs. trying to survive through tech (24:54) - How tech jobs are transformational for women and people of color, why it’s okay for white people to quit tech, and what reverse friends and family round means in meeting BIPOC hierarchy of needs (27:41) - What it means to be a leader (how to pick good model leaders and how to spot the a*****e ones), and the challenges he faced in his leadership journey and transformation (31:53) - His inspiration for his leadership style and why he took a step back from leadership roles (33:19) - Working through trauma by forgiving himself and accepting he's a work-in-progress, the difficulties in being an authentic human... Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe

What does it take to start a business? Is it by having the money or by having investors? Does it depend on having social capital? Or both? Would you believe that it all starts in your head? It all starts with ONE idea that solves a problem. And it's not impossible that 3,000 miles away, someone will pay for that solution you came up with. By taking that first baby step, you're choosing to embark on your journey, from which you'll learn a lot, whether it becomes successful or not. Listen to this episode with Stephen Green to learn about how he started his career in finance and as an entrepreneur. Learn how he uses his background to support Black-owned businesses in Portland through PitchBlack, and how he helped A Kids Book About to start challenging, empowering, and important conversations with kids. About the Guest: Stephen Green (he/him) from Portland, Oregon is a Blatino who has spreadsheets as his super power and sneakers as his kryptonite. As a result of living in Portland his whole life, he's become a person that gobbles up relationships and community. Like most entrepreneurs, his journey began with his parents who were both entrepreneurs while he was growing up. While his mom started a tech company, his dad worked for Intel for a long time before starting his own HR company with Intel as their main client. And he’s now passed this on to his oldest daughter, who also started a business during the pandemic and now takes him out to dinner. A husband, father, recovering banker, and VC, he’s also the founder of PitchBlack, a pitch competition he started in 2015 that highlights black founders in regions across the country who strive for community over competition. It has expanded to include events in Seattle, Austin, and Philadelphia. And to date, 100 founders have pitched their ideas, more than 1,000 people have attended the combined events, and more than $100,000 has been awarded directly to the winning companies. In addition, the Portland winners have raised an additional $40M in funding since 2015. A startup mentor and advisor to portfolio firms at Backstage Capital, he also held positions at these companies: Director of Operations at PENSOLE, COO at A Kids Book About, and Community Director at WeWork. He co-authored A Kids Book About Family and he's a contributor to A Kids Book About Public Speaking by TEDxPortland, a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization, where speakers and performers share ideas on a wide range of topics to bring people together and spark deep discussion and connection. Connect with Stephen Green: https://www.pitchblackpdx.com/https://akidsco.com/ Timestamps (02:33) - Icebreaker: How Stephen Green became "The Guy Who Knows Everybody" (04:06) - Icebreaker: What America looks like through the eyes of immigrants (04:53) - Icebreaker: His sneaker collection and his three Grail shoes (07:25) - One of the few things that can give you true gratification (08:07) - The two kinds of people in the world (08:44) - His educational background, career in banking, and working with founders (10:18) - What being part of a community is all about and how you can participate in yours better (12:16) - PitchBlack's success story (13:54) - How PitchBlack started and what to watch out for next (16:53) - Being a Blatino while having his own identity in and out of the home (19:34) - Why he thinks now is the easiest, cheapest, and quickest time to start a business (20:45) - The over-glamorized world of entrepreneurship and what you should be focusing on instead before raising money for your business (23:55) - The core tenets of starting and/or running a business (25:45) - Ways your Mission, Vision, and Values Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe