Alastair Simpson

Alastair Simpson, VP of Design at Dropbox and former Head of Design at Atlassian, shares his remarkable journey from aspiring professional soccer player to design leader. He discusses how sports instilled discipline that shapes his design philosophy and parenting style. The conversation delves into the evolution of digital information, reflections on rapid design team growth at Atlassian, and the balance of discipline and focus required in executive leadership. Alastair’s insights reveal how foundational skills facilitate adaptability in both life and design.

In this engaging discussion, Alastair Simpson, VP of Design at Dropbox and former Head of Design at Atlassian, shares his wealth of experience as a design leader and mentor. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and effective communication in design. Alastair explores the balance between technical skills and soft skills, advocating for curiosity and iterative processes. He also discusses the significance of crafting compelling presentations and navigating feedback. Listeners gain insights into inspiring leadership and the evolving role of design in driving business success.