Creative Confidence Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As technology accelerates, the challenge and opportunity is to stay anchored in what really matters: people. Host Mina Seetharaman talks with Grace Hwang, former GM of Design and UX Research for Mixed Reality at Microsoft, about how leaders can use human-centered design to navigate this shifting terrain with clarity and creativity. Grace, a former IDEO associate partner and longtime advocate of ethically responsible design, offers powerful insights drawn from her work at Microsoft, health-tech startups, and IDEO. She shares her framework for responsible innovation, examples of how edge cases can spark breakthroughs, and practical ideas for shaping a human-centered design practice.Find episode recaps and register for live podcast events at ideou.com/podcast. Take online courses in human-centered design, AI, leadership, and more at ideou.com.__________Get episode recaps and register for free live podcast events at ideou.com/podcast.Build your creative problem-solving skills with IDEO U's online courses in human-centered design, AI, leadership, and more at ideou.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

Frederik Pferdt, Google's first chief innovation evangelist and author of "What's Next is Now," shares his insights on taking control of the future with small, consistent actions. He emphasizes the power of empathy for our future selves and the importance of transforming vague goals into actionable steps. Pferdt introduces the concept of micro-experiments and self-reflection to align present behaviors with future aspirations. By focusing on personal strengths and a future-ready mindset, he encourages listeners to embrace experimentation and intentional choices.