This Is A Prototype cover image

This Is A Prototype

S2•E10 Kevin Bethune

Oct 8, 2024
Kevin Bethune, a renowned design leader and author with over 25 years in engineering and footwear design, shares his transformative journey from nuclear engineering to innovative design at Nike. He discusses the vital role of curiosity and mentorship in career growth. The conversation highlights the impact of design on corporate culture, emphasizing diversity and collaboration. Kevin also champions lifelong learning in design, hinting at his upcoming book, 'Nonlinear,' which will explore innovation intricacies.
44:19

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Kevin Bethune emphasizes the importance of diverse teams in design, advocating for equitable environments that reflect societal demographics and foster collaboration.
  • He discusses how his unconventional career path and proactive pursuit of 'stretch assignments' highlight the significance of initiative and curiosity in professional growth.

Deep dives

The Journey to Design Leadership

Kevin Bethune shares his unconventional path to design, starting as a nuclear engineer before transitioning into the design world. His early experiences in engineering provided him with critical problem-solving skills while instilling a curiosity about the broader implications of his work. Influenced by mentors, particularly Dwayne Edwards at Nike, he learned the importance of collaboration and the multidisciplinary nature of design. Bethune emphasizes how his diverse background helps him navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in design leadership.

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