What does it take to create a future where AI enhances creativity rather than limits it? How can design leaders leverage AI as a tool, not a crutch, while maintaining the uniquely human qualities that drive innovation? This episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of design and artificial intelligence. Inspired by insights from senior in-house design leaders featured in Aquent's InsideOut community, we’ll explore how to keep humanity at the forefront of transformational technology. We’ll examine how shifting the focus from efficiency to real value fuels meaningful innovation. Learn why cultivating critical human skills like empathy, creativity, and critical thinking is imperative for guiding the ethical evolution of AI. Throughout the conversation, we’ll discuss ways to interrogate AI outputs, embed ethical guardrails, and create processes that amplify human potential rather than erode it. Expect actionable takeaways, such as how to redefine design’s role in your organization by fostering collaboration between humans and AI, empowering the next generation of designers to thrive in an AI-driven world, and making intentional decisions to ensure ethical outcomes. We’ll also share stories of trailblazing design leaders who’ve built frameworks for responsible AI integration and championed the human-first approach in a rapidly changing landscape. Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation that celebrates the heart of design leadership in the AI era. Together, we’ll uncover strategies to elevate what humans do best and chart a bold, ethical course forward. For more insights and to connect with other senior design leaders navigating these challenges, visit Aquent’s InsideOut Design Leadership Community at aquent.com/communities/inside-out.

What role do Creative Operations leaders play in transforming workplace culture? How can they turn challenges like low morale, tight budgets, and organizational change into opportunities for connection and collaboration? This episode explores the critical influence of Creative Operations leaders in shaping company culture. Drawing from discussion insights with 41 Operations leaders in Aquent's InsideOut community, we unpack the strategic touchpoints, practical tools, and mindset shifts these leaders use to drive meaningful change. You’ll learn how they create transparency, foster creativity, and operationalize culture through intentional decision-making. Expect actionable takeaways, like how to turn meetings into cultural connections, use clear communication to align teams, and advocate for positive change even during tough transitions. We'll also share stories of leaders who’ve built thriving microcultures and found innovative ways to empower their teams in the face of resistance. Join us for this inspiring conversation that celebrates the role of Creative Operations leaders as the heartbeat of their organizations and offers strategies to help you reshape culture within your company. Discover more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community and connect with other change-makers at aquent.com/communities/inside-out.

In this episode, we explore why traditional training methods are fading and how design leaders can create a thriving learning culture instead. Modern workplaces move at such a rapid pace that conventional training programs quickly become outdated, leaving teams overwhelmed and disengaged. The solution? A culture where learning is woven seamlessly into daily routines. We discuss what it means to curate meaningful learning experiences as leaders and how tools like skills mapping can align team abilities with both immediate needs and long-term business goals. You’ll hear how visualizing skills gaps and fostering peer-to-peer mentorship can transform professional development into an engaging, organic process. Our conversation also dives into practical ways to make learning part of everyday work. From hosting lunch-and-learns and AMAs to leveraging digital platforms like Slack for collaboration and inspiration, we share actionable strategies to nurture growth without burdening busy schedules. Plus, we’ll uncover why "unlearning" old habits is just as critical as adopting new ones, and how collective buy-in can accelerate change. We conclude with a call to leaders to champion this change. By making space for learning and cultivating environments of curiosity and growth, you’re not just empowering your teams to thrive today—you’re preparing them for tomorrow’s challenges. Join us to learn how ditching traditional training can spark a culture of continuous evolution in your teams. It’s time to make learning an integral part of how we work. Looking to connect with other senior design leaders? Discover more about Aquent's InsideOut community and join the conversation at aquent.com/communities/inside-out.

What’s shaping the priorities of design leaders in 2025? This episode dives into the insights gathered from senior design leaders within the InsideOut community, revealing how they’re tackling the challenges of a fast-evolving industry. From harnessing the power of AI to fostering alignment across teams, these leaders are redefining strategies to deliver impact and innovation. Join us as we explore how design leaders are integrating AI thoughtfully into workflows, not just for ideation but as a tool to drive productivity and efficiency. Learn how they’re bridging gaps between design, business goals, and customer experiences to create seamless outcomes that delight while maintaining resilience through organizational change. We’ll uncover actionable strategies for aligning teams around a shared vision, embedding business priorities into design processes, and finding opportunities for innovation amidst constraints. From scaling rapid prototyping to reinforcing collaboration across Brand and UX, these leaders are shaping the future of design with creativity and purpose. Tune in for practical insights into balancing efficiency with innovation, fostering team alignment, and leading with responsibility in the age of AI. Plus, hear how community and collaboration remain central to navigating the challenges ahead. Looking to connect with other senior design leaders? Discover more about Aquent's InsideOut community and join the conversation at aquent.com/communities/inside-out.

How are Creative Operations leaders tackling the challenges of 2025? In this episode, we explore the insights shared by 50 Ops leaders in the InsideOut community, shedding light on their top priorities for the year ahead. Balancing growing responsibilities and shifting business demands, these leaders are focusing on alignment, evolution, and the human factor to drive success and support their teams. Discover how Creative Ops leaders are forging stronger partnerships, aligning teams with shared goals, and using storytelling and data to create synergy across departments. We’ll unpack strategies for upskilling teams with an emphasis on collaboration, infused learning, and integrating AI to enhance workflows and decision-making. From reimagining processes to supporting employee well-being, these leaders are reshaping their organizations while striving to create positive, connected work environments. You’ll gain actionable advice on aligning creative efforts with broader business priorities, improving morale amidst change, and implementing processes that foster culture and engagement. Plus, hear why focusing on people is as essential as optimizing tools and technology to drive lasting results. Join us for a practical and inspiring discussion packed with strategies to help you prioritize what matters most and lead your organization with confidence. If you’re looking to connect with other senior Creative Ops leaders facing similar challenges, discover more about Aquent’s InsideOut community and join the conversation at aquent.com/communities/inside-out.

How are design leaders navigating the pressures of evolving business priorities, disruptive technologies, and career path challenges? In this episode, we unpack the insights from six roundtable discussions with 64 senior leaders from the InsideOut Design Leadership Community. These conversations shed light on how design teams are adapting to shifts in expectations while striving to maintain their value and relevance within organizations. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the four key themes shaping the future of design today, including how business pressures are forcing teams to do more with less, and the impact of AI on both innovation and career growth. Drawing on real-world perspectives, we explore why design is at risk of losing its identity and how leaders can reframe its role to drive differentiation and innovation. Expect actionable takeaways, like how to advocate for the value of design amidst budget cuts, address stakeholder misconceptions, and create those "Oh, that came from Design!" moments that leave a lasting impression. You'll also hear strategies for how organizations and leaders alike can step up to build a competitive edge through better design integration and innovation. Join us for this insightful discussion that empowers you to tackle the challenges ahead with confidence and reimagine the future of design in a way that benefits both teams and businesses. Discover more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community and join the conversation at aquent.com/communities/inside-out.

In this episode, we explore how creative leaders can thrive in today’s challenging business environment, where fewer resources, tighter budgets, and shorter deadlines are the norm. We’ll share insights from the InsideOut community's recent roundtable discussions, where senior creative operations leaders from top brands collaborated to uncover strategies for securing what their teams need to succeed. From redefining "growth" to navigating change fatigue, these conversations offer practical guidance for breaking through the noise. You’ll hear actionable advice on building unexpected partnerships across departments, presenting multiple options to stakeholders for better buy-in, and using compelling “what if” scenarios to tell the story of your business case. By tapping into creativity, collaboration, and strategy, you can transform challenges into opportunities and set your team on the path to growth—even in tough times. Join us for insights that will empower you to lead your team with confidence, craft successful business cases, and unlock new opportunities for success. Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we dive into AI and its impact on the creative industry. We'll explore the disconnect between what businesses expect from AI and the realities creative teams face. Join us as we uncover how creative leaders can bridge this gap by harnessing AI's potential to complement human creativity and unlock groundbreaking possibilities. We'll discuss the crucial need for organizations to invest in AI as part of a comprehensive business strategy rather than just a tool for efficiency. Discover how AI can transform creative processes by automating routine tasks, enabling teams to focus on strategic, high-value work that fosters innovation and creativity. Our conversation highlights the importance of demonstrating AI's value, positioning creative teams as essential partners in driving business success and growth. You'll hear practical strategies for overcoming challenges, such as upskilling teams, experimenting with AI tools, and educating stakeholders on AI's capabilities and limitations. Join us for insights that will empower you to lead your teams into a future where AI amplifies creativity and innovation, paving the way for new levels of business success. Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we explore the detrimental effects of ghosting on authentic leadership and workplace culture. Ghosting, the act of abruptly ceasing communication without explanation, has become increasingly prevalent in professional settings. This behavior undermines respect, trust, and open communication—core qualities essential for effective leadership. We'll discuss how ghosting erodes integrity and authenticity, leading to decreased morale and productivity within organizations. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling respectful behavior, fostering transparency, and promoting accountability to combat this growing issue. We also offer actionable strategies to cultivate a culture of respect and open communication. Join us to understand the profound impact of ghosting and learn how to create a more respectful and cohesive workplace. Resources: Reframing Commitment in Authentic Leadership Culture and Communication: Building a Culture of Wellness Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we delve into the importance of cultivating workplace social capital and its profound impact on career growth and organizational success. We explore the nuances of building valuable relationships, fostering trust, and nurturing shared norms within teams. Our discussion highlights the benefits of investing in social capital, such as increased job satisfaction, better outcomes, and enhanced collaboration. We also provide practical strategies for deepening relationships, including identifying key partners, showing genuine interest in others, and actively seeking feedback. Join us for a deep dive into the world of workplace social capital and discover how it can be a pivotal factor in your professional development and overall success. Resources: Eight steps to launching a successful mentorship program Why do we care? Our mission is to connect leaders to find solutions Five proven questions to guide your sustainability program Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out"

"In this episode, we delve into the significance of business acumen within design teams. We discuss nurturing curiosity, synchronizing learning objectives with business ambitions, and the influence of leadership in design. We also provide strategies for articulating value propositions and boosting problem-solving abilities. Join us for insights on how to augment your team's business acumen and attain heightened success. *** Links to further resources: https://aquent.com/blog/design-leadership-is-vital-heres-how-to-explain-why?utm_source=aquent.com&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=AE_NA_blog https://aaronhall.com/insights/understanding-employee-happiness-the-key-to-retention-and-success/#The_Impact_of_Employee_Happiness_on_Retention_Rates https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/design-thinking-explained https://makeiterate.com/ideos-desirability-viability-feasibility-framework-a-practical-guide/ https://aquent.com/blog/bring-in-new-perspectives-to-your-design-team?utm_source=aquent.com&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=AE_NA_blog https://www.adobe.com/max/2023/sessions/na-all-ships-rise-how-vmware-brand-team-manages-a-s6152.html *** This audio blog was brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out"

In this episode, we introduce you to our new podcast, InsideOut: Design Leadership Insights. A resource created with the busy design leader in mind, this podcast brings together the wisdom and experiences of senior leaders from high-profile brands. We delve into a variety of topics, from the importance of design leadership to the automation revolution in the creative process. Hear real-world examples, advice, and innovative ideas, all selected by our community to ensure relevancy. Whether you're relaxing or on-the-go, tune in and continue your learning journey with us.

In this episode, we're exploring the essential role of design leadership in today's business world. We discuss how it shapes company futures, and why cutting these roles is a costly mistake. Join us as we delve into the value of design leaders as bridges between clients, teams, and the C-suite. We'll share insights from our InsideOut roundtables across five major cities, where senior design leaders affirmed the immense value they bring to teams and companies. Tune in for inspiration on articulating your unique value as a design leader. *** Links to further resources: https://hbr.org/2020/06/good-feedback-is-a-two-way-conversation https://www.fastcompany.com/90824420/empathy-first-leadership-being-a-boss-with-a-heart https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_bethune_the_4_superpowers_of_design *** This audio blog was brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we're discussing the potential (and overcoming the pitfalls) of creative workflow automation. Creative automation can be a game-changer when it comes to streamlining processes and boosting productivity, but there are very real obstacles when it comes to implementation. We recently brought the topic of workflow automation to our InsideOut Design Leader Community in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Join us for a summary of real-world advice from design leaders on how automating creative processes can work smoothly, the issues that may need solving along the way, and tangible ways to get going. *** Links to further resources: https://tray.io/ https://www.robohead.net/ https://otter.ai/ https://fireflies.ai/ https://aquentstudios.com/thinking/our-designers-used-ai-plugins-to-power-up-production/?utm_source=aquent.com&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=AE_NA_blog&utm_content=ai_080223 https://hbr.org/2022/02/how-to-pick-the-right-automation-project *** Brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we're delving into team rituals as a powerful way to engage and connect employees. Remote. Hybrid. No matter how your team is working, there's something missing: connection. As humans, we thrive on interaction. At work, even more so. In recent roundtables, leaders in our InsideOut Design Leadership Community brainstormed ways to create team rituals that connect their dispersed staff and foster engagement. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, successful rituals share three traits: relevance, intention, and authenticity. We highlight real-world examples from some brilliant senior leaders to spark ideas and explore with your team. *** Links to further resources: https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/rituals-at-work-teams-that-play-together-stay-together https://www.kudoboard.com/ https://miro.com/ *** Brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we navigate the journey of establishing a successful mentorship program. Uncover the eight integral steps that make mentorship accessible and beneficial for all involved. Grasp how such programs can significantly reduce turnover, boost engagement, promote diversity and inclusion, and cultivate future leaders. We dive into the profound impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth. Tune in to unearth the power of mentorship now! *** Links to further resources: https://adplist.org/ *** Brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we plunge into the heart of team dynamics, focusing on the pivotal role of morale. We explore how a positive atmosphere fuels productivity, sparks innovation, and enhances collaboration. We unravel strategies to elevate team spirit, from appreciating accomplishments to fostering knowledge sharing. Further, we delve into the art of creating a vibrant, engaging work environment that resonates with individual needs. Join us as we dissect ways to forge a renewed commitment to uplifting team morale. *** Links to further resources: https://hbr.org/2019/11/why-employees-need-both-recognition-and-appreciation https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/employers-to-retain-half-of-their-employees-longer-if-bosses-showed-more-appreciation-glassdoor-survey/ https://aquent.com/blog/create-a-new-commitment-to-team-morale https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Proven-Morale-Improve-Results/dp/0786866020 https://pizzatime.xyz/ https://goblin.tools/ *** Brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we're talking about hosting better virtual social events. While the debate continues about the best way to work, one thing is clear: human connection is essential for productivity and retention. However, hybrid work models often leave employees feeling disconnected. As leaders, we must improve online connections. From hosting hundreds of virtual sessions, I've learned a lot about improving these connections. I'll be sharing my top three tips, along with ideas from our leadership community, on making virtual social events more engaging and meaningful. *** Links to further resources: https://www.jackboxgames.com/ https://www.quizbreaker.com/ https://www.typeform.com/templates/t/trivia/ https://www.td.org/training-facilitation-courses https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/writing-survey-questions/ Recommended activities: Escape Room: Crack The Mystery Escape Room Game: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/3022220 Magic (InsideOut event: Gary Ferrar): https://www.ahrealmagic.com/ BINGO (with custom answers using BingoBaker): https://bingobaker.com/ Trivia Event (with or without a DJ): Cooking (InsideOut event: Airis the Chef or a favorite recommendation: Pasta with the Grandmas): https://www.instagram.com/airisthechef/?hl=en https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1610894 Baba Brinkman (custom rap songs based on event interactions): https://bababrinkman.com/ Cards Against Humanity (online): https://www.online-tech-tips.com/fun-stuff/4-sites-to-play-cards-against-humanity-online/ Scavenger Hunt Cheese and Charcuterie Plate Assembly or Sandwich-Making Event (provide vouchers for attendees to buy their favorite ingredients, compile, and eat together): https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1674019 Musical Happy Hour (InsideOut event: SongDivision): https://songdivision.com/ Succulent Planting (InsideOut event: KraftyLab): https://www.kraftylab.com/ Pottery Making (no kiln required!): https://sculpd.com/ Talent Show (let the staff show off their “other” skills) Wine Tasting (InsideOut events: ONEHOPE wine and Vinebox): https://www.onehopewine.com/ https://www.getvinebox.com/ Milestones and Celebrations (like baby showers, anniversaries, and birthdays—sharing life events creates real human connections) *** This audio blog was brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we're diving into the job search for design leaders. In today's challenging job market, even accomplished leaders are feeling the pinch. But with over 20 years in a creative talent agency, I've learned a few tricks on how to navigate this landscape. Tune in if you're a design leader exploring opportunities or actively job hunting. *** Links to further resources: https://www.theladders.com/static/images/basicSite/pdfs/TheLadders-EyeTracking-StudyC2.pdf https://aquenttalent.com/blog/are-you-making-the-most-of-linkedin-to-build-your-personal-brand https://aquenttalent.com/blog/top-5-free-portfolio-sites https://thegymnasium.com/courses/take5/crafting-a-concise-about-page https://thegymnasium.com/courses/take5/taking-your-portfolio-case-studies-to-the-next-level https://thegymnasium.com/courses/take5/making-a-great-first-impression-with-your-portfolio https://aquenttalent.com/ *** Brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we're sharing how design leaders can host awesome virtual design workshops. As remote work becomes the norm, effective virtual collaboration is crucial. We've gathered insights from three design leadership community roundtables on the art of creating engaging design workshops in a virtual environment. Tune in for new strategies and practical ideas to enhance your distributed team's experience and effectiveness when it comes to design workshops. *** Links to further resources: https://www.mural.co/templates/design-sprint https://miro.com/templates/remote-design-sprint/ https://www.figma.com/community/file/822141660209426062/remote-design-sprint https://www.figma.com/community/file/824677652393376493/vintage-timers https://www.sixwordmemoirs.com/ *** Brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out