Ren Rigby, a multidisciplinary designer and activist in NYC, shares their journey of self-acceptance and transformation as they discuss their transgender experiences. They reflect on the power of embracing cringe for personal growth, the significance of ancient cultures in healing through nature, and the innovative practices of the ancient Egyptians. Ren also dives into the importance of sustainable design and climate action, emphasizing how meaningful connections and inclusivity can drive impactful change within creative practices.
Ren Rigby's cringeworthy encounter with designer Dieter Rams highlights how vulnerability can lead to unexpected collaborative opportunities.
Their experience of coming out as transgender exemplifies the importance of authenticity in both personal identity and community impact.
The dialogue on ancient wisdom underscores the significance of learning from historical practices to address modern design and environmental challenges.
Deep dives
The Embarrassment of Meeting Design Icons
A personal anecdote details a cringeworthy moment involving a famous designer, Dieter Rams. The speaker recounts their drunken determination to take a selfie with Rams, leading to an awkward encounter where Rams appeared unimpressed. Despite the embarrassment of the situation, it ultimately resulted in a positive outcome, as it paved the way for collaborations in the future, illustrating how moments of vulnerability can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Finding Pride and Authenticity
The transformative experience of coming out as transgender on Transgender Day of Visibility marked a significant moment of pride for the speaker. Prior to this revelation, personal achievements felt disconnected due to a lack of authenticity, as fears of rejection overshadowed their identity. Embracing pride turned out to be a gift that enabled the speaker to serve others better, as self-acceptance enhances the ability to impact the surrounding community positively. This journey of self-acceptance has underlined the importance of authenticity in personal and professional lives.
The Crucial Role of Cringe in Personal Growth
Reflecting on the nature of cringe, it is noted that everyone experiences uncomfortable moments throughout life, which often serve as catalysts for growth. Cringing at past actions indicates a continuous state of evolution and learning; if one is not cringing, they might not be fully aware of the growth process. Stories shared about cringing highlight the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in personal development. Embracing cringe can foster a learning mindset and encourage individuals to engage more deeply with their true selves.
Reinvention Through Personal Experience
The speaker discusses their recent talk at the Birmingham Design Festival, focusing on personal reinvention during their transition to their true self. This pivotal moment is framed within the context of navigating change and transition, emphasizing that transformational processes can be psychologically challenging yet valuable. They share insights on how the experience allowed them to rediscover passions and pursue mental health, demonstrating the interconnectedness of one’s personal life and professional endeavors. By overcoming internal struggles, the speaker aims to inspire others facing similar challenges.
The Wisdom of Ancient Practices and Modern Challenges
A captivating dialogue surrounds the relationship between ancient wisdom, particularly from Egyptian culture, and modern-day challenges. The conversation draws parallels between historical practices and contemporary design and environmental issues, suggesting that there is much to learn from past societies. This reflection emphasizes the need for a deeper connection with nature and the wisdom of indigenous practices to address modern challenges. Ultimately, seeking to rediscover these elements may empower individuals and designers to inspire meaningful societal change.
Ren Rigby, formerly known as Mike Rigby, is a multidisciplinary designer, educator and activist based in New York City. As founder and chief Design Officer of design and innovation company Proto, Ren is dedicated to advancing people.
During this conversation, Ren and David journey through the nuances of reinvention, change, transition, and falling in and out of love with design.
