Working across different disciplines is no easy feat, and requires interdisciplinary knowledge, empathy, and perseverance.

On this week's episode, we welcome John Maeda, former professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and currently VP of Design and Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft, to hear about his experiences as a Japanese American in the US and Japan, pivot from engineer to designer, and his mission as a "bridge person" to help people transcend between disciplines and cultures.

John Maeda is an American technologist and product experience leader with a passion for RESILIENCE and renewal. Currently serving as chief technology officer of Everbridge where he leads the company’s long-term technology and product vision, including innovation and IP strategy.

Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 Intro
• 00:05:27 John’s Beginnings: The son of a tofuya
• 00:09:30 What was your impression of Japanese designers?
• 00:10:02 Every culture likes to build a wall around itself
• 00:11:15 How did you become a designer?
• 00:14:41 Transitioning from Japan back to the US
• 00:16:00 How would you teach creativity to a “non-creative” person?
• 00:17:13 Artists and designers suffer more, and the root of all interesting design is a good problem.
• 00:19:03 The advantage of being a “bridge person”, seeing all the problems around you and helping to solve these problems
• 00:20:06 Pros and Cons of being a bridge person
• 00:20:59 Three takeaways

◆Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/reiinamoto/

◆Twitter

https://twitter.com/reiinamoto

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.