010: Frances Yllana of AIGA Dallas/Fort Worth

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Cheers & Tiers: Design Leadership Tales Retold

Chapter 2

24 episodes

1 week ago

Cheers & Tiers welcomes you into a circle of design leaders whose bonds were forged during iconic AIGA design leadership retreats and conferences. These gatherings were more than just strategic sessions with the nation’s chapter leaders—they were moments of shared growth, laughter, and camaraderie that shaped careers and lives, blending organizational development with celebratory toasts and even the occasional human pyramid. Fellow design leaders Erik and Rachel as they reconnect with friends about shared experiences, memorable lessons, and transformative moments gleaned that defined this extraordinary group. Join us as we honor the relationships and memories that continue to shape design and leadership today.

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010: Frances Yllana of AIGA Dallas/Fort Worth

Cheers & Tiers: Design Leadership Tales Retold

38 minutes

6 months ago

010: Frances Yllana of AIGA Dallas/Fort Worth

Rachel Elnar and Erik Cargill welcome Frances Yllana, a branding experience and community strategist, to this episode of Cheers & Tiers. Frances shares her journey with AIGA from the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter to her National involvement, discussing her leadership roles and the impact of community on her career. She reflects on her experiences at leadership retreats, the importance of writing for personal healing, and her involvement with Design for Democracy. Frances also talks about her transition to design operations and how AIGA has shaped her professional path and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

Leadership roles in organizations like AIGA can significantly impact personal growth.
Writing can serve as a therapeutic outlet and a way to connect with others.
Design for Democracy showcases the role of design in civic engagement.
Frances's journey illustrates the interconnectedness of design and community service.
Leadership retreats provide valuable experiences that shape future leaders.
The role of a leader is to empower others and create a supportive environment.
Civic tech is an emerging field where design can make a significant impact.
Frances's experiences highlight the importance of adaptability in leadership.
AIGA serves as a vital network for designers, fostering connections and opportunities.

Episode Chapters

01:48 Frances's Journey with AIGA

10:07 Leadership Retreat Experiences

22:20 The Importance of Writing and Community

25:42 Design for Democracy and Civic Engagement

30:03 Transition to Design Operations

34:10 The Impact of AIGA on Personal Growth

Featuring

Guest Frances Yllana, connect on LinkedIn
Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
Produced by Chapter 2 Media
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