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Growth Design Podcast
Emmanuel Omole and Ini Abiodun
31 episodes
4 days ago
Explore growth design with insights from industry-leading designers. Gain actionable best practices and tools to fuel your design journey.
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Technology
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All content for Growth Design Podcast is the property of Emmanuel Omole and Ini Abiodun and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Explore growth design with insights from industry-leading designers. Gain actionable best practices and tools to fuel your design journey.
Show more...
Technology
Episodes (20/31)
Growth Design Podcast
Non-Traditional Growth in the Age of AI | Tuhin Kumar

What happens when product design meets generative AI, and the rules keep changing week by week? In this episode, we sit down with Tuhin Kumar (Head of Design, Luma AI) for an open conversation on what it takes to design, build, and grow breakthrough products in an era defined by AI.

Tuhin shares:

  • Why “done” in AI products means leaving room for both user creativity and machine intelligence, and how this rewrites the old playbook for product design

  • How to navigate the chaos of rapid AI advances without losing focus on the people you’re building for

  • Practical ways to balance iteration speed, craft, and real user impact, even as the ground keeps shifting under your feet

  • Lessons from Luma’s explosive Dream Machine launch: why not all growth is good growth, and how segmenting your true users can be a superpower

  • How to futureproof your design career: curiosity, hands-on experimentation, and letting go of “old rules”

Plus: behind-the-scenes stories, Tuhin’s take on “character design” for AI, and candid advice for anyone trying to chart a course through the noise.

Episode highlights:

  • Designing for unpredictability in AI products

  • From free users to product-market fit: growth loops that work in creative AI tools

  • Craft, personality, and the role of feeling in modern design

  • Advice for designers navigating the new AI landscape

Whether you’re a designer, PM, engineer, or just curious about how world-class AI tools get built, this episode is packed with tactical insight and inspiration.


Connect with Tuhin:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuhinkumar/


Connect with us:






If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review or share it with someone curious about the future of design and AI!

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3 months ago
1 hour 2 seconds

Growth Design Podcast
Designing for the Unknown: Influencing Decisions in Complex Organisations | Tom Kerwin

In this episode of Growth Designcast, we sit down with Tom Kerwin — co-founder of Trigger Strategy and creator of the Innovation Tactics PIP Deck — to explore how design can influence not just features, but direction. From mapping multiverses to prioritising uncertainty, Tom shows us how impactful design thrives in messy, complex organisations.


We dive deep into:

- Why most A/B tests don’t teach you anything — and how to design experiments that do

- Multiverse Mapping: a framework to visualise what users could do, not just what you want them to

- How Tom helps orgs decide what not to build — and why design should shape focus, not just outputs.


Whether you’re designing in a giant org, mapping your next MVP, or just looking for a better way to navigate complexity, this one will reshape how you think about experimentation, prioritisation, and product strategy.

🔗 Explore Innovation Tactics: pipdecks.com
📬 Subscribe to Tom’s newsletter: triggerstrategy.substack.com
📚 Join a Multiverse Mapping workshop: triggerstrategy.com

—

Chapters:
0:00 Cold Start, Baby Crying & Intros
4:00 Tom’s “Comic Sans” Epiphany
10:00 Why A/B Testing is Broken (and What to Do Instead)
15:00 Data vs Intuition — It’s All Stories
22:00 What is Multiverse Mapping?
29:00 Visualising Drop-Offs, Misalignment, and Friction
34:00 Antifragile Prioritisation — Using Uncertainty to Your Advantage
38:00 Speed-to-Signal: Learn Faster Without Doing More
44:00 The Pain X-Ray & Emotional Insight
51:00 Product-Led vs Sales-Led: Don’t Copy Context
58:00 Working with Stakeholders Who Just Want Their Bonus
1:05:00 Strategic Design vs Feature Factories
1:10:00 Risk ≠ Uncertainty — and Why It Matters
1:13:00 Lightning Round: Coffee Rituals, Refocus Apps & Monty Python

—

🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on design, growth, and product strategy.


#GrowthDesign #ProductStrategy #ComplexityThinking #MultiverseMapping #ABTesting #PIPDecks #DesignPodcast #GrowthDesigncast #DesigningForImpact

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4 months ago
1 hour 13 minutes 19 seconds

Growth Design Podcast
The Accidental Launch That Built Design-Led Powerhouse, Flodesk | Rebecca Shostak

What happens when a designer, a visionary operator, and a genius engineer come together to fix the broken world of email marketing?

In this episode of Growth Designcast, we sit down with Rebecca Shostak, co-founder and Chief Design Officer of Flodesk — a beautifully designed email platform that's redefining small business marketing and has grown past $30M+ in revenue and hundreds of thousands of users, without traditional venture capital.

We dive deep into:

  • 🎨 Rebecca’s early life growing up in Silicon Valley with a Mac at age 3

  • ✨ The aha moment that sparked Flodesk (from angry template buyers to founding a company)

  • 🧪 How brutal user testing reshaped her entire approach to design

  • 🚀 The unexpected virality that broke their servers and how they built trust by being radically transparent

  • 🧠 Moving from IC to design leader — and how coaching helped her manage anxiety, feedback, and team building

  • 🌱 How product-led growth, community, and creative brand loops fuelled Flodesk’s success

  • 🔍 What she looks for when hiring designers — and how she balances craft, leadership, and culture

Whether you're a designer dreaming of building your own product, a founder curious about growth loops, or just love a good origin story — this one’s packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.

🔗 Explore Flodesk: https://flodesk.com📩 Follow Rebecca (IG): @rebeccashostak🧑‍💻 Apply to join the team: flodesk.com/careers

—

Chapters:
0:00 Intro2:30 From Templates to Tech Startup10:00 Meeting Her Co-Founders13:00 The Viral Launch That Broke the Internet17:30 Transparency, Trust & Early Growth21:00 User Testing That Humbled Everything26:00 Product-Led Loops & Referral Flywheels34:00 From IC to Design Leader38:00 Coaching, Anxiety, and Emotional Growth45:00 Building a Global Design Culture52:00 Hiring for Taste, Clarity, & Craft58:00 Rebranding Flowdesk1:03:00 AI in Email: What’s Next1:06:00 Advice for Designers Who Want to Build Products1:10:00 Lightning Round

—

🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on design, growth, and product strategy from founders and designers building the next big thing.

#GrowthDesign #ProductLedGrowth #Flodesk #Founders #StartupStories #DesignLeadership #DesignPodcast #GrowthDesigncast

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4 months ago
1 hour 10 minutes 38 seconds

Growth Design Podcast
Navigating Design: Career Strategies, Side Quests and Finding Your Lane | Ryan Scott | Drop 03 Ep 3

In this episode, Ryan Scott, designer, business leader, and educator, joined us on the podcast.

We explore what it really means for designers to thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape. Drawing from his experience at DoorDash, Airbnb, and Salesforce, Ryan breaks down the difference between tactical and strategic skills, and why focusing only on craft is no longer enough.

We dive into how designers can start thinking like product leaders, communicate the value of their work in business terms, and build careers that are resilient, flexible, and fulfilling.

Whether you’re navigating a tough job market, thinking about a pivot, or trying to scale your impact within a team, this episode offers clear, practical advice. Ryan also shares lessons from his popular ROI of Design course and gives a behind-the-scenes look at his new offering focused on career strategy.

If you’ve been asking yourself “what’s next?” — this conversation is your starting point.

---------------------------------------------------

Guest:

Ryan Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanscott/

Ryan's Maven Course: https://maven.com/ryan-scott

Get $100 off any of his courses by using our code "GROWTH".

--------------------------------------------------

Host:

Emmanuel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/

IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun


Production by ⁠- https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0

⁠⁠For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@growthdesigncast.com

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7 months ago
1 hour 13 minutes 32 seconds

Growth Design Podcast
From Zero to One: Building Market-Ready Products | Nick McEvily | Drop 3 Ep.02.

In this episode of the Growth Design Podcast, we hosted Nick McEvily, seasoned entrepreneur and product Leader, to uncover the secrets behind building impactful businesses. Nick shares his battle-tested insights on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship—from cracking the code on product-market fit to mastering the art of business pivots. They dive into avoiding bias in customer interviews, creating a powerful MVP (Minimum Viable Product), and the tools every founder needs to validate ideas effectively.But that’s not all—this conversation goes deeper, covering:⚡ The fractional work model and how it’s changing the game for startups⚡ The art (and struggle) of hiring and building great teams⚡ Why delusion and curiosity are the ultimate entrepreneurial superpowersPacked with actionable advice, hard-earned lessons, and fresh insights, this episode is a must-listen for designers, founders, and anyone building something extraordinary.Guest:Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmcevily/Host: Emmanuel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun Production by ⁠- https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0 ⁠⁠For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@growthdesigncast.com

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7 months ago
47 minutes 14 seconds

Growth Design Podcast
The Human Element of User Experience | Jeremy Miller | Drop 3 Ep.01

In this episode of the Growth Design Podcast, we had the privilege of chatting with Jeremy Miller, a former freelance designer turned full-time UX manager, to explore the human side of UX design. Jeremy shares his journey and emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with stakeholders and teammates to create meaningful design outcomes. 


Jeremy illustrates how interpersonal dynamics can shape user experience results and offers practical advice on navigating challenges like low design maturity in organizations. The conversation highlights the value of collaboration, communication, and leveraging soft skills to align design goals with business priorities and advance in a design career.


Jeremy also discusses strategies for managing VUCA  (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) in the workplace, effective networking in the digital age, and coping with burnout in a rapidly evolving industry influenced by AI.


Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you thrive in the dynamic design world.


Key Topics Discussed

- Navigating Growth Design and Marketing

- The Human Element in UX Design

- Beyond UX Design: Building Relationships

- Navigating the Challenges of Freelancing

- Cultivating Alliances in Design Teams

- Understanding Design Maturity in Organizations

- The Importance of Collaboration in UX

Key Takeaways

- Importance of relationships in UX design.

- The human element in UX is critical for successful outcomes.

- Design is more than just creating deliverables; it's about understanding users and their needs.

- Cultivating alliances within teams is essential for effective collaboration.

- Designers should treat their colleagues as humans to foster better relationships.

  • - Navigating low-design maturity companies requires patience and advocacy for design.
  • - Building relationships is key to influencing design processes.

  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background of Jeremy Miller

    07:20 Transitioning Between Full-Time and Freelancing

    12:05 The Human Element in UX Design

    16:10 Beyond UX Design: The Importance of Relationships

    21:17 The Allegory of Fred and Amy

    25:45 Cultivating Alliances in Design

    32:25 Navigating Low Design Maturity Companies

    32:55 Building Strong Stakeholder Relationships

    38:08 Navigating Business Priorities in Design

    46:45 Leveraging Relationships for Career Advancement

    54:50 Networking in the Digital Age

    01:00:01 Understanding Business for Designers

    01:05:08 Coping with Burnout in a Rapidly Evolving Industry

    01:10:50 Navigating Burnout in the Design Industry

    01:11:04 Book Promotion and Accessibility

    01:12:40 Collaboration and Creative Ideas

    01:13:23 The Human Element in UX Design

    01:15:41 Building Genuine Relationships

    01:16:30 The Importance of Effective Communication

    01:16:56 Lightning Rounds


    Guest:Jermey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmillspaysbills/Beyond UX Book Podcast: https://www.beyonduxdesign.com/Host:

    Emmanuel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/Production by ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/⁠⁠For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@growthdesigncast.com

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    7 months ago
    1 hour 19 minutes 35 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    Empowering Marketers with Growth Design | Dan Foster | Drop 2 Ep.04

    Dan Foster, co-founder of MakeBuild, a London-based Webflow specialist agency, joins us for a fascinating conversation. Dan shares his journey from teaching UX design to building high-performing marketing websites, revealing the power of no-code tools, the importance of user-centric design, and the MakeBuild approach to growth design for a special niche, marketers. Discover how their HOP framework (Hunt, Order, Prove) helps marketing teams identify, prioritise, and validate growth ideas, and learn how MakeBuild empowers clients to manage their websites while providing strategic support. Dan also shares insights from his Webflow conference talk, "20 Tactics to Optimize Growth on Your Marketing Site," and offers advice for designers interested in specialising in marketing-focused growth design. Dan introduces the Flow Growth Library as a valuable resource and advocates for the power of no-code tools to democratise design. Key Topics Discussed - Navigating Growth Design and Marketing - Why Webflow is the Future of Design - Empowering Clients with Webflow - Understanding Client Needs in Marketing - Challenges in the Marketing Landscape Key Takeaways - Growth design blends design and marketing - Data-driven design is essential - Specialization and visibility are key to success - Continuous learning and open communication Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Ground Rules 01:20 Exploring Growth Design and Marketing 03:26 The Story Behind MakeBuild 07:20 Why Webflow? The Tool of Choice 10:14 Client Engagement with Webflow 13:13 Types of Clients and Industries 16:37 Challenges Faced by Marketers 21:41 The Dangers of Copycat Approaches 24:43 Low Code Tools and Growth Design 27:07 Standing Out in a Saturated Market 31:45 The Importance of Processes in Agencies 32:37 Introducing Flow Growth Library 34:23 Inspiration and Growth Practices 39:05 User-Centered Design in Marketing Workshops 41:49 Data-Driven Decisions in Growth Design 45:20 The Shift from Product to Marketing Focus 50:38 Visual Development and No-Code Tools 55:57 Advice for Aspiring Growth Designers

    Guest: Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfoster29/ MakeBuild: https://www.makebuild.studio/ Flow Growth Library: https://www.makebuild.studio/flow-growth Webflow Conference Talk: https://webflow.com/webflowconf/session/20-tactics-to-boost-your-websites-growth-presented-by-makebuild-london Host: IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/ Production by ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/ ⁠⁠ For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@growthdesigncast.com

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    12 months ago
    59 minutes 24 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    An Alternative Career Path: A Growth Designer’s Solopreneur Guide | Kristina Volchek | Drop 2 Ep. 3

    Kristina Volchek is a Senior Product Designer who shares her journey from being a Chief Marketing Officer to a successful solopreneur. The conversation delves into essential skills for designer solopreneurs, the importance of personal branding, strategies for finding clients, and effective pricing techniques.


    She emphasizes the significance of time management and the challenges faced in solopreneurship, while also discussing the benefits of building a support network and creating an impactful portfolio. The episode concludes with practical advice for aspiring freelancers and solopreneurs.


    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Personal Branding and its elements

    • What’s in a Solopreneur's Toolkit?

    • Creating an Ideal Work-Life Balance

    • Time management and how to scale.

    • How to Niche Down to Stand Out

    Takeaways.

    • Freelancing for the first time can be challenging.

    • Running a business requires understanding financial management.

    • Personal branding is crucial for solopreneurs.

    • Clients often find you through your personal brand.

    • Questioning pricing can indicate a problematic client.

    • Time management is essential for maintaining work-life balance.

    • Starting as a generalist can provide valuable experience.

    • Networking is a proactive effort that pays off.

    • Visual appeal is critical in a designer's portfolio.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Grow Design Podcast

    02:24 Christina's Journey: From CMO to Solopreneur

    11:17 Essential Skills for Solopreneurs

    16:59 Building a Personal Brand as a Solopreneur

    25:20 Finding and Landing Clients

    34:56 Pricing Strategies for Freelancers

    47:33 Time Management Techniques for Solopreneurs

    52:15 Challenges Faced in Solopreneurship

    57:31 Niche Down or Generalist: Finding Your Path

    01:01:13 Building a Support Network

    01:07:26 Creating an Effective Portfolio

    01:10:54 Conclusion and Key Takeaways


    Where to find Kristina Volchek:

    - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-digital/

    - ⁠Website - https://kristi.digital/


    Co-hosts: Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/ IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/ Production by ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/ ⁠⁠For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@growthdesigncast.com

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    1 year ago
    1 hour 11 minutes 15 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    Product Strategy Beyond Buzzwords | Zachary Bolton | Drop 02 Ep. 02

    Zachary Bolton is a product strategist with over 15 years of experience navigating the triumphs of product development. He is a partner at Other Land, a design studio that helps B2B product leaders decide what needs to change to improve growth. Zach shares insights from his career, including his transition from advertising to founding the agency, Otherland.

    He challenges traditional strategy frameworks, emphasizing the critical role of understanding customer value. The discussion explores practical strategies for aligning teams within organizations, fostering a growth-oriented culture through leadership, and providing actionable advice for designers looking to launch their practices.Key Topics Discussed

    • ​Deconstructing Traditional Frameworks.
    • ​Uncovering True Customer Value
    • ​Growth Mindset in Established Companies
    • ​Bridging Customer Insights and Product Strategy
    • ​Facilitating Cross-Department Collaboration

    Key Takeaways-

    • ​Product strategy is about understanding unique value.
    • ​Frameworks should serve the strategy, not hinder it.
    • ​Customer insights are crucial for an effective strategy.
    • ​Collaboration across departments is key to success.
    • ​Simplicity in communication enhances understanding.
    • ​Mistakes are part of the learning process.


    Referenced Resources:-

    • ​No Bullsh*t Strategy by Alex M H Smith https://a.co/d/c3pkKTD
    • ​Running Lean by Ash Maurya - https://a.co/d/a6BpApW
    • ​House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds - https://a.co/d/17pFCB9

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    02:52 Zachary Bolton's Journey and Background

    05:50 Understanding Product Strategy

    11:45 The Complexity of Strategy

    18:02 Challenges in Traditional Product Strategy

    24:02 Bridging Customer Insights and Product Strategy

    30:12 Facilitating Cross-Department Collaboration

    36:07 Leadership and Growth Mindset

    42:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for DesignersWhere to find Zachary Bolton

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbolton/

    Agency Website: https://www.otherland.studio/



    Co-hosts:

    Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/

    IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/


    Production by

    ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/⁠⁠


    For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@growthdesigncast.com

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    1 year ago
    53 minutes 53 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    Exploring Founder-Focused Growth Design | Adi Kujal | Drop 02. Ep. 01

    Adi Kujal, a seasoned growth product designer shares his insights on applying growth design principles within the fast-paced world of early-stage startups. He discusses his transition from traditional design to a growth-focused approach, emphasizing the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, a deep understanding of user psychology, and navigating the unique challenges of the startup environment. He delves into the power of emotionally driven user research, exploring the balance between persuasive design and ethical considerations. He also examines the evolving role of designers in startups and offers practical advice on identifying red and green flags when considering joining an early-stage company. He offers valuable insights into recognizing red and green flags when joining early-stage companies and addresses the pervasive experience of imposter syndrome among designers.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Expectations for Designers in Founding Roles.
    • Approaching Conversations with CEOs About Design's Influence.
    • Setting Up Experiments and Working with Limited Data.
    • Incorporating Sales Psychology and Behavioural Science into Design Work
    • Sharing Personal Experiences and Stories From Working With Startups

    Takeaways.

    • Connecting psychology with design enhances user experience.
    • Proactivity is key in early-stage startups.
    • Small wins can lead to bigger opportunities.
    • Experimentation is necessary in the absence of data.
    • Emotional user research can yield deeper insights.
    • Qualitative data is essential when quantitative data is lacking.
    • Experimentation should be fun and engaging for teams.
    • Sales psychology can enhance design effectiveness.

    Referenced Resources:

    • Sera Tejima’s Growth Playbook
    • The Creative Act - Rick Ruben
    • Creative Confidence: Tom Kelley, David M. Kelley


    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Growth Design and Adi’s Background 02:47 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Mindset in Design 06:03 Aha Moments in Growth Design: Psychology and Sales 08:53 Challenges of Working in Early Stage Startups 12:13 Misconceptions About Founding Designer Roles 15:02 Navigating Responsibilities in Sensitive Fields 17:48 Essential Skills for Designers in Startups 21:00 Communicating Design Value to Founders 23:53 Proactive Design Strategies and Small Wins 27:11 Validating Design Decisions with Limited Data 35:32 Emotional User Research 36:52 Navigating Growth Design with Limited Data 39:11 Fun and Impactful Experimentation 40:36 Integrating into Team Structures 43:02 Sales Psychology in Design 46:12 Balancing Persuasion and Ethics 48:06 Applying Behavioral Science Principles 50:58 The Evolving Role of Designers 55:46 Generalists vs. Specialists in Design 01:00:08 Lessons from Startups 01:04:29 Identifying Green and Red Flags in Startups Where to find Adi Kujal - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-kuja - Website: https://www.rootdesign.net/ Co-hosts: Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/ IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/ Production by ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/ ⁠⁠For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@growthdesigncast.com

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    1 year ago
    1 hour 11 minutes 1 second

    Growth Design Podcast
    The Future of Design is Business | Mindaugas Petrutis | Drop 01. Ep. 04

    Mindaugas Petritis, founder of Coho, joins us to discuss the future of design and its crucial intersection with business. He shares his unconventional journey from hospitality to community building and entrepreneurship, emphasising the importance of authentic relationships and understanding the challenges designers face in aligning their work with business objectives.


    We explore the evolution of Coho, from a fellowship to a platform focused on peer learning and unlocking hidden knowledge within organizations. Mindaugas also shares his insights on the evolving nature of work, the power of curated peer groups, and why more designers should consider the founder path.


    The conversation delves into the impact of AI on the design landscape, the need for designers to develop broader skills like communication and critical thinking, and practical advice for aspiring design founders.


    Key Topics Discussed:

    • The future of work and the increasing importance of peer groups
    • The benefits and challenges of designers becoming founders
    • Bridging the gap between design and business objectives
    • The impact of AI on the role of designers and the need for new skills
    • Practical advice for building relationships within organisations

    Takeaways:

    • Building authentic relationships is crucial for career growth and understanding the business context.
    • Designers can gain valuable business insights by proactively engaging with other departments.
    • Peer groups offer a powerful way to navigate the changing work landscape and share knowledge.
    • Designers should consider the founder's path and experiment with side projects.
    • The future of design requires strong communication, critical thinking, and adaptability.
    • Don't outsource your thinking to AI; focus on developing core skills.

    Referenced Resources:

    • Business Thinking for Designers by Ryan Rumsey


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    01:58 From Hospitality to Community Building

    08:16 Understanding the Challenges of Designers

    12:30 Transition from InVision to Coho

    22:22 The Importance of Curated Peer Groups

    29:16 The Future of Work and the Role of Coho

    35:05 Designers as Founders

    38:20 Challenges Faced by Growth Designers

    48:23 The Impact of AI on Design

    49:26 Developing Skills Beyond Design

    59:47 Building Relationships and Collaboration

    01:10:06 Advice for Designers Who Want to Be Founders

    01:12:18 The Importance of Side Projects and Experimentation

    01:14:38 The Role of Sales and Marketing in Entrepreneurship

    01:18:03 Founder vs CEO: Understanding the Difference

    01:26:34 If Not a Founder, Then a Restaurant Owner

    01:27:44 The Books, Movies, and Profession That Inspire Mindaugas


    Where to find Mindaugas:

    - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindaugaspetrutis/

    - Website: https://www.joincoho.com/

    Co-hosts: Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/

    IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/

    Production by ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/

    ⁠⁠For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@growthdesigncast.com

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    1 year ago
    1 hour 14 minutes 19 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    The Growth Equation: The Power of Design in Solving Business Problems | Andy Budd | Drop 01. Ep 03

    Andy is a design leader, speaker, investor, coach and founder, many times over. From ClearLeft to Seedcamp, always a designer at heart, Andy believes design is powerful in transforming companies, teams and customers' lives for the better.

    Andy joined us to discuss the importance of design in startups, particularly growth design's role in driving business growth and solving problems.

    Together, we explore practical strategies for acquiring early customers, including leveraging networks, attending industry events, and utilising outbound sales.

    Andy highlights the importance of growth designers in these early stages, particularly for customer discovery and research. He introduces the concept of "language-market fit," stressing the need to understand the target audience's specific language and needs.

    He concludes by discussing the need for adaptability and quick iterations in early-stage startups and the future of design, including the merging of roles and new tools.


    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Finding early users and achieving product-market fit.
    • The importance of founder-led sales and marketing.
    • The role of growth designers in customer discovery and research.
    • Understanding the language and needs of potential customers ("language market fit").


    Takeaways

    • Growth design focuses on improving existing capabilities and solving business goals, rather than just adding new features.
    • Outbound sales and personalized outreach can be valuable strategies for acquiring early customers.
    • Language market fit is important in effectively communicating the value of a product to potential customers
    • Designers in early-stage startups need to be adaptable and willing to experiment with different approaches.
    • The future of design involves the merging of roles and the use of new tools

    Referenced Resources:

    • The Growth Equation: How Early Stage Startups Can Build a Powerful Engine for Growth by Andy Budd
    • Turn the Ship Around by L. David Marquet
    • Never Split the Difference by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz
    • Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim


    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:13 Andy's Journey into Design

    07:38 Shift from Building Design Companies to Supporting Startups as an Investor

    13:02 Defining Growth Design and Its Importance

    20:13 The Biggest Design Challenges for Startups in the Early Stages

    27:46 Effective Tactics for Acquiring Early Customers

    37:59 Finding First Customers and Founder-Led Sales and Marketing

    38:45 The Role of Growth Designers in Startups

    46:20 The Importance of Language Market Fit

    41:34 Designers in Early-Stage Startups: Adaptability and Experimentation

    56:54 Utilising Behavioural Science to Drive Growth

    01:14:04 The Role of Growth Design in Startups

    01:15:24 Building a Small, Independent Team for Growth Design

    01:19:18 Understanding Business Partners and Applying Empathy

    01:23:18 The Future of Design: Merging Roles and New Tools

    01:36:10 Lightning Questions with Andy


    Where to find Andy:

    - LinkedIn: https:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andybudd/

    - Website: https://www.andybudd.com/

    - Read a free chapter of his book here: https://www.andybudd.com/book

    Co-hosts: Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/

    IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/

    Production by ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/

    ⁠⁠For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@growthdesigncast.com

    Show more...
    1 year ago
    1 hour 34 minutes 9 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    How to Build Great Product Teams Through Effective Collaboration | Jeff Callan | Drop 01. Ep 02

    Jeff Callan, author, product management consultant, and CEO of Tyghtwyre, joins us to discuss strategies for effective collaboration in building great product teams.

    Jeff shares his journey from building toys as a kid to working with cutting-edge technologies and now helping startups scale their products.

    He emphasises four key steps for high-performing teams: hiring the right people, clear roles and responsibilities, providing resources, and measuring results.


    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Clear communication, transparency, trust, and respect are important in team collaboration.
    • The evolving role of product managers and the need to leverage the expertise of designers and other team members.
    • Common pitfalls of collaboration, including misaligned goals, siloed thinking, and ego.
    • The importance of data-driven decision-making and shared KPIs.

    Takeaways

    • Defining a North Star metric and breaking it down into actionable goals and OKRs for different teams.
    • Building a feedback-rich environment and establishing effective feedback loops.
    • Prioritisation techniques, such as the value versus effort matrix, to focus on the most impactful tasks.
    • Encouraging a culture of collaboration and appreciation, celebrating wins, and learning from failures.

    Referenced Resources:

    - What Makes Great Products Great: A Product Management Bootcamp by Jeff Callan

    - The Right Thing by Ryan Holiday

    - The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

    - Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

    - Lenny's Newsletter and Podcast (Lenny Rachitsky)

    - Continuous Discovery Habits by Teresa Torres


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:30 Introducing Jeff Callan and His Achievements

    06:20 Jeff's Journey into Product Management

    12:45 Defining Effective Collaboration

    16:10 Key Steps to Building High-Performing Teams

    20:25 The Role of Data in Decision Making

    24:40 Misaligned Goals and Communication Pitfalls

    30:55 The Importance of a North Star Metric

    36:15 Creating a Feedback-Rich Environment

    41:00 Prioritization in Product Development

    46:35 Building a Culture of Collaboration

    52:10 Celebrating Wins and Acknowledging Effort

    57:30 Jeff's Book and Resources for Product Leaders

    01:02:00 Lightning Questions with Jeff

    Show more...
    1 year ago
    45 minutes 12 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    Data-Driven Design: Bridging Qualitative and Quantitative Insights | Sara Gattoni | Drop 01. Ep 01

    Sara Gattoni shares her journey from being a mathematician and academic researcher to leading growth at tech companies. Known for her unique insight into data, Sara discusses the importance of balancing quantitative and qualitative data, her career transitions, and the role of data in product development.


    Key Topics Discussed:

    - Sara’s transition from academia to startups.

    - The role of quantitative and qualitative data in design.

    - How to avoid common traps when relying on data.

    - Strategies for designers to integrate data into their workflows.

    - Building a centralized data system at Localized.

    - The origin and significance of her nickname, "Data Witch."


    Takeaways:

    - Balance between data-driven and data-informed approaches is crucial.

    - Centralising data from various departments enhances accessibility and efficiency.

    - Designers should maintain qualitative insights alongside quantitative data.

    - Effective communication and collaboration between designers and data scientists are key to product success.


    Referenced Resources:

    - Airtable and Productboard for data management.

    - The importance of having a glossary for shared language within teams.

    - Use of AI tools to facilitate access to centralized data.


    Where to find Sara Gattoni:

    - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-gattoni/


    Referenced:

    - Outcome-driven innovation (ODI) as a framework.

    - Books: "Alice in Wonderland" for personal and product development insights.

    - "Atomic Habits" and "Ikigai" as recommended reads.


    Co-hosts: Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/

    IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/

    Production by ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/⁠

    For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email ⁠hello@growthdesigncast.com

    Show more...
    1 year ago
    1 hour 12 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    08. Designing Effective User Onboarding | Ben Shih, Lead Product Designer

    In this episode, we sit down with Ben Shih, Lead Growth Designer at Localize, to discuss all things user onboarding. Ben shares his journey into design and his current focus on growth design.


    Here are some Key Takeaways:


    - Growth design is about using data, experimentation and testing to optimize getting users to a product's core value as quickly as possible. It differs from core product design.


    - When analysing onboarding, look at both qualitative data (user feedback, observations) and quantitative data (drop-off points in funnels) to identify problems and opportunities.


    - Common onboarding mistakes include overusing tooltips, landing users on empty states with no guidance, and asking for payment before demonstrating value.


    - Personalisation is key in onboarding to match the user's needs and get them to the "aha moment" faster.


    - Advice for growing as a designer


    This episode is a must-listen for any designer, product manager or growth marketer looking to level up their user onboarding and drive better user retention.



    Resources: - ⁠Growth Design School Spring Cohort, use GROWTHDESIGNPOD10 to get 10% off - https://www.growthdesigners.co/school

    - ⁠Mobbin, get 20% off here - bit.ly/49dX8H6 ——

    Where to find Ben Shih

    • LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hbshih
    • Website: ⁠⁠https://bento.me/hbshih

    —— Where to find the Growth Design Podcast and co-hosts: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-design-podcast/ - ⁠Website - https://growthdesigncast.substack.com/ - ⁠Instagram - https://instagram.com/growthdesignpod - ⁠Emmanuel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/ - ⁠IniOluwa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/ —— Production by Damilola Ilesanmi - https://damilolailesanmi.com/


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    1 year ago
    1 hour 10 minutes 26 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    07 - Getting Started as a first growth hire and PLG as a Designer | Alicia Cressall, Senior Growth Designer.

    Meet Alicia Cressall, a Senior Growth Designer and Mentor at DesignLab. She joins us in The Growth Designer's Career Playbook to discuss her journey as a growth-first hire and how a designer can get started with product-led growth. ----

    Here are a few highlights & areas we discussed.

    — Discovering & defining growth design as a first-hire

    — Building Trust & experimentation culture.

    — Lessons learnt as a growth designer

    — Getting comfortable with failure & experimentation.

    — PLG is putting data-driven design into practice

    — PLG thrives in a cross-collaborative working environment.

    — Common challenges designers face when designing for PLG.

    —— Resources: - ⁠Growth Design School Spring Cohort, use GROWTHDESIGNPOD10 to get 10% off - https://www.growthdesigners.co/school

    - ⁠Mobbin, get 20% off here - bit.ly/49dX8H6 —— ——

    Where to find Alicia

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-cressall/
  • Website: ⁠aliciacressall.com ⁠
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliciacressall

    —— Where to find the Growth Design Podcast and co-hosts: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-design-podcast/ - ⁠Website - https://growthdesigncast.substack.com/ - ⁠Instagram - https://instagram.com/growthdesignpod - ⁠Emmanuel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/ - ⁠IniOluwa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/ —— Production by Damilola Ilesanmi - https://damilolailesanmi.com/


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    1 year ago
    1 hour 3 minutes 23 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    06 - Staying Ahead in Your Design Career | Christian Vasile (Snr Growth Product Designer, ZOE)

    Christian is a Product Designer with 15 years of experience designing both enterprise software and consumer products. Over the past 7 years, he’s focused on Growth roles and has helped different companies move key metrics through the power of Design. Christian believes in simple design, working closely with engineers, testing products often, and building relationships to help Design thrive. Throughout his career, he designed for many household names, including British Gas, KPMG, Uptime, DFS, McLaren, HSBC, and Google. Continuing our conversation on the series, “The Growth Design Career Playbook”, we discussed how to stay ahead in our design career. Here are some highlights from our conversation:

    — Continuous learning is crucial for staying ahead in your design career.

    — Building a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

    — Staying up to date with industry trends helps you stay relevant and adaptable in a fast-paced field.

    — The importance of taking on challenging projects to grow as a designer.

    — Setting clear goals and having a long-term vision can guide your career progression.

    — Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams.

    — Understanding the global design landscape can give you a competitive edge in the industry. --------- Where to find Christian Vasile - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrvasile/ - ⁠Website - christianvasile.com —— Where to find the Growth Design Podcast and co-hosts: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-design-podcast/ - ⁠Website - https://growthdesigncast.substack.com/ - ⁠Instagram - https://instagram.com/growthdesignpod - ⁠Emmanuel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/ - ⁠IniOluwa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/ —— Production by Damilola Ilesanmi - https://damilolailesanmi.com/


    Show more...
    1 year ago
    1 hour 17 minutes 38 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    05 - How to Recognise Growth Design Opportunities in Your Current Role | Olusegun Adebajo (Product Designer, Rocket Homes)

    Olusegun Adebajo is a Growth Product Designer at Rocket Homes, a real estate tech platform and homeownership company. He has been on the Growth team, working on optimisation and experimentation. He enjoys the interplay between design, data, and user psychology—to effectively inspire user behaviour change, moving them forward in their journey and towards their goal, while driving desired business outcomes. He has been involved in nearly 200 experiments at Rocket Homes.


    In our conversation on the series, “The Growth Design Career Playbook”, we discussed How to Recognise Growth Design Opportunities in Your Current Role.


    ---------


    Where to find Olusegun Adebajo - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamsegun/ - ⁠Website - https://iamsegun.com —— Where to find the Growth Design Podcast and co-hosts: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-design-podcast/ - ⁠Website - https://growthdesigncast.substack.com/ - ⁠Instagram - https://instagram.com/growthdesignpod - ⁠Emmanuel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/ - ⁠IniOluwa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/ —— Production by Damilola Ilesanmi - https://damilolailesanmi.com/


    Show more...
    1 year ago
    44 minutes 27 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    04 - The Monetisation Mindset: Building Products That Sell Themselves | Shawn Gong, Product Advisor
    Shawn Gong is a product advisor and head of product growth, with background in product management. He has 12 years of experience leading cross-functional teams and launched award-winning products globally. He spearheaded international expansion for Grindr, the largest social networking app for LGBTQ. He also orchestrated GOAT's expansion into China, the largest marketplace for authentic sneakers. In addition, his team pioneered augmented reality mobile apps at Daqri, acquired by Snap. In our conversation about "Monetization Mindset: Building Products That Sell Themselves" we discussed - What is monetization & different models - Understanding the Audience for Effective Monetisation - Data-driven strategies for Monetisation - Balancing Monetisation with User Experience - Adapting to Evolving Monetisation Trends - Overcoming Behavioural Barriers. —— Where to find Shawn Gong: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gongshawn/ —— Where to find the Growth Design Podcast and co-hosts: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-design-podcast/ - ⁠Website - https://growthdesigncast.substack.com/ - ⁠Instagram - https://instagram.com/growthdesignpod - ⁠Emmanuel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/ - ⁠IniOluwa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/ —— Production by Damilola Ilesanmi - https://damilolailesanmi.com/
    Show more...
    1 year ago
    58 minutes 54 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    03 - Getting Started in Growth Design | Kristina Volchek (Sr. Product Designer, ex-SweatCoin)
    Kristina Volchek is a Senior Product Designer who transitioned from a marketing background where she had risen to become Chief Marketing Officer. She has helped build innovative growth experiences across different startups, some of which include Flooz and Sweatcoin. At Sweatcoin, she was the Growth Product Lead on the acquisition team responsible for adding 66m new users. She joins us for the first episode in our new series, “The Growth Design Career Playbook”. In our conversation, we discuss: - ⁠ Her journey into Growth Design - ⁠Key skills of a Growth Designer - ⁠Transitioning from Product Design into Growth Design - The base you need for a career in Growth Design - ⁠Storytelling as a powerful tool - ⁠Growth mindset - ⁠Showing your impact as Growth Designer —— Resources: - Starting with Growth Design Resource by Growth Design Podcast & Kristina Volchek - https://bit.ly/3OLu0yP - ⁠Growth Design School Spring Cohort, use GROWTHDESIGNPOD10 to get 10% off - https://www.growthdesigners.co/school - ⁠Mobbin, get 20% off here - bit.ly/49dX8H6 —— Referenced: - Ruined by Design by Mike Monteiro - https://www.ruinedby.design/ - ⁠Growth Design Community - https://www.growthdesigners.co/ - ⁠Win Every Argument by Mehdi Hasan - https://www.waterstones.com/book/win-every-argument/mehdi-hasan/9781529093582 - ⁠Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes - https://www.cassiemholmes.com/happierhour - ⁠Sweatcoin case study - ⁠https://kristi.digital/shots/growth-design-case-study-66m-new-users-in-a-year —— Where to find Kristina Volchek: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-digital/ - ⁠Website - https://kristi.digital/ —— Where to find the Growth Design Podcast and co-hosts: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-design-podcast/ - ⁠Website - https://growthdesigncast.substack.com/ - ⁠Instagram - https://instagram.com/growthdesignpod - ⁠Emmanuel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/ - ⁠IniOluwa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/ —— Production by Damilola Ilesanmi - https://damilolailesanmi.com/
    Show more...
    1 year ago
    1 hour 3 minutes 55 seconds

    Growth Design Podcast
    Explore growth design with insights from industry-leading designers. Gain actionable best practices and tools to fuel your design journey.