Creative Confidence Podcast
IDEO U
IDEO’s Creative Confidence Podcast shares candid conversations with creative leaders, changemakers, and innovators navigating today’s most pressing challenges. Through real-world stories and insights, we explore how to lead with creativity, build resilient teams, and drive innovation. Grounded in IDEO’s 40 years of expertise in design thinking and innovation, each episode offers inspiration and practical tools for audacious leaders at every stage of their careers. Hosted by Mina Seetharaman, Head of New Ventures at IDEO, the podcast brings a human-centered lens to the complexities of making more courageous futures.
Discover more at IDEOU.com.
Discover more at IDEOU.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
30 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 41min
How to Think Like a Futurist: Jennifer Lo
Jennifer Lo, Senior Director of Design Futures at IDEO, shares her insights as a futurist and strategist. She discusses the importance of 'futuring' for leaders, emphasizing adaptability and creativity in navigating uncertainty. Listeners will learn how to spot trends, envision diverse potential futures, and cultivate a culture of curiosity within organizations. By using storytelling and practical tools, Jennifer inspires leaders to adopt a proactive mindset that prepares them for tomorrow's challenges and opportunities.
10 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 38min
Asked & Answered: Catherine Connors on Storytelling for Leaders, Scale, and the Future of Narrative
Catherine Connors, a storyteller and strategist with a rich background as the former head of content at Disney Interactive, dives deep into the power of narrative for leadership. She discusses how storytelling can enhance culture and drive change within organizations. The impact of AI on storytelling is explored, emphasizing the need for empathy. Connors also champions collaborative storytelling as a way to combat misinformation and foster inclusion, making a case for co-authorship in leadership narratives.
15 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 37min
Creative Collaboration with IDEO CEO Mike Peng (Replay)
Mike Peng, CEO of IDEO, who previously led their Tokyo Studio, dives into the nuances of creative collaboration alongside Suzanne Gibbs Howard, Founder of IDEO U. They discuss the importance of fostering trust and navigating ambiguity for innovation. Mike shares insights on leveraging diverse perspectives and the challenges of remote teamwork. He emphasizes the need for structured creativity and preparing teams to embrace tension. This conversation provides timeless strategies for leaders aiming to cultivate breakthrough ideas in complex environments.
Jul 16, 2025 • 36min
Storytelling for Change with a Former Disney Exec: Catherine Connors
Catherine Connors, former Head of Content at Disney Interactive and founder of StoryQuo, shares her expertise on the transformative power of storytelling. She discusses five pivotal shifts for leaders to make stories more impactful, emphasizing collaboration and playfulness. Catherine explores the evolution of narrative forms, the importance of inclusivity, and how to balance tradition with modern values in storytelling. With practical tips, she encourages listeners to use storytelling as a tool for deep connections and meaningful cultural change.
Jun 24, 2025 • 27min
Asked & Answered: Matthieu Lorrain & Savannah Kunovsky
Matthieu Lorrain, Creative Lead for AI at Google DeepMind and co-founder of LiquidLogic, teams up with Savannah Kunovsky, Managing Director of IDEO's Emerging Tech Lab. The duo delves into the transformative power of AI in creative processes, discussing how it can enhance collaboration while preserving artistic intent. They explore emotional design for neurodivergent users and integrate nature into creative outputs. Real-world applications in children's toy design and the importance of breaking content bubbles for diverse perspectives make for a thought-provoking conversation.
80 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 47min
AI x Creativity: Matthieu Lorrain & Savannah Kunovsky
Matthieu Lorrain, Creative Lead for AI and Creativity Research at Google DeepMind, and Savannah Kunovsky, Managing Director of the Emerging Tech Lab at IDEO, dive into the intersection of AI and creativity. They discuss how AI enhances artistic expression by providing rapid feedback and fostering creative flow. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between artists and technologists, showcasing innovative projects that push storytelling boundaries. They also touch on how challenges can spur creativity, urging experimentation with AI tools in the creative process.
Apr 28, 2025 • 41min
Staying Human-Centered in a Tech-First World | Grace Hwang
Explore how to lead with human-centered design in a tech-driven world. Insights from Grace Hwang on ethical innovation, safety, and designing for impact.
Apr 4, 2025 • 20min
Introducing Mina Seetharaman: Your New Creative Confidence Podcast Host
In this engaging conversation, Derek Robson, CEO of IDEO, interviews Mina Seetharaman, the new host and IDEO's Head of New Ventures. Mina shares her journey to embracing creative confidence, highlighting how optimism and risk-taking can transform self-doubt into innovative solutions. She reflects on her dream of joining IDEO, her growth through experiences with major brands, and the importance of fostering creativity in leadership. The discussion concludes with lighthearted revelations about meals and whimsical superpowers.
46 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 42min
What Leaders Should Know About Leading Through Change: Melanie Bell-Mayeda
Melanie Bell-Mayeda, Director of UX Program and Operations at Google and former IDEO partner, shares her expertise on leading through change. She emphasizes a human-centered approach to support teams in navigating uncertainty. Key topics include the STAR model for effective change management, the importance of structured processes, and fostering creativity within teams. Melanie discusses the necessity of clarity and transparency in leadership, and how these elements can empower individuals and enhance organizational growth.
9 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 39min
How to Improve Your Leadership Mindset for Greater Growth: Bonnie Wan
Bonnie Wan, author of "The Life Brief" and a renowned brand and leadership strategist, shares her insights on cultivating a leadership mindset. She emphasizes overcoming limiting beliefs to unlock personal growth and creativity. The discussion dives into the power of self-reflection and the importance of a 'life brief' for clarity and legacy. Bonnie advocates for authenticity in leadership and introduces 'tiny daily firsts' as a way to foster change and embrace personal empowerment. Overall, it’s a journey of intentional living and bold self-discovery.
