Send us a textJoin us for an insightful episode of LeanCast as we delve into the dynamic world of Agile methodologies and the challenges faced by UX designers. In this episode, host Behrad Mirafshar, helps you discover a fresh perspective on Lean UX Process as he unravels a unique approach that maximizes the potential of Agile development. Explore how to harness the power of a 2-hour design sprint and overcome the hurdles faced by UX designers within the fast-paced Agile environment.Behrad shares his expert insights on effectively incorporating UX designers at all stages of Agile development, providing practical strategies to bridge the gap between tech teams and product teams. So you gain a deeper understanding of how Agile methodologies can be optimized to deliver exceptional user experiences without compromising flexibility.If you're a UX designer looking to thrive in an Agile world or a product team member seeking to enhance collaboration with your development counterparts, this episode is a must-listen. Join us on this Lean UX journey and unlock the full potential of Agile innovation with Behrad Mirafshar.Tune in now to LeanCast for an engaging conversation that will revolutionize your approach to Agile and UX design!

Send us a textWelcome back to LeanCast, the captivating podcast where each week, host Behrad Mirafshar delves deep into the world of entrepreneurship with remarkable guests who are industry experts. Get ready for an exhilarating journey as Behrad, the founder and CEO of Bonanza Design, takes you on an inspiring exploration of business mastery.In this episode, Behrad sits down with the extraordinary Raja Skogland, founder of The Visionary Company & VC, who shares her unique perspective and invaluable insights on taking companies from seedling to towering success. Raja and her team specialize in providing scale-ups and SMBs with the crucial expertise, network, and investment opportunities they need to thrive and flourish.Prepare to be enthralled as Raja and Behrad discuss the exhilarating sport of entrepreneurship, laying bare their own triumphs and failures along the way. They delve into the audacity and optimism of the new generation of entrepreneurs, examining the fine line between knowledge and expertise and revealing which holds greater sway in their world.Uncover the secrets behind transforming entrepreneurs into skilled networkers as they reveal effective strategies for overcoming the challenges that often arise in building connections. Discover why failure is a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth, and get ready to be inspired by Raja's awe-inspiring entrepreneurial journey.Join us on LeanCast as we unravel the captivating stories, insightful advice, and game-changing experiences that shape the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Tune in each week to gain firsthand access to the wisdom of industry leaders and fuel your own aspirations for success.Follow Raja Skogland on LinkedIn here.Join our Discord Community here. 

Send us a textWelcome back to LeanCast, the podcast where host Behrad Mirafshar, founder and CEO of Bonanza Design GmbH, takes you on a thrilling journey into the minds of industry experts. In each episode, Behrad dives deep into the area of expertise of his special guest, offering listeners invaluable insights and inspiration.This week, we have a truly remarkable guest: Alis Yasiuchynskaya, the VP Product at GoPuls, a leading hybrid product-engineering organization. With a wealth of experience spanning 9+ years in Product Management and Tech, Alis is a hands-on product leader who has worked with 11 startups, building tech products, platforms, and teams.As Behrad and Alis engage in a captivating conversation, they explore the unique intersection of being a surfer and a VP of Product, uncovering how remote work allows for more hobbies and personal passions. They also bond over their shared love of working out and exercise, discovering the incredible correlation between intense sports and intense work.Drawing from her vast experience, Alis shares her fascinating journey into the world of product management, highlighting the differences between software development in startups versus established companies. She emphasizes the importance of leaders getting involved in the nitty-gritty details rather than remaining aloof, leading by example and inspiring their teams.The discussion takes an exciting turn as Behrad and Alis delve into the intricacies of hiring and what Alis looks for in new projects. They explore how a weakness in a leader can amplify a team and the vital role creativity plays in driving innovation and success.With Alis's expertise spanning diverse domains and business models such as HealthTech, E-Commerce, LogisticsTech, and more, listeners can expect a wealth of practical knowledge and insider tips that can be applied across various industries.Join Behrad Mirafshar and his extraordinary guest, Alis Yasiuchynskaya, on LeanCast as they unravel the secrets of leadership, productivity, and success. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and empowered as you embark on this incredible podcasting adventure.Follow Alis Yasiuchynskaya on LinkedIn here.Join our Discord Community here.

Send us a textIn this episode, our host Behrad is joined by Alen Faljic, the founder and CEO of d.MBA, a groundbreaking business education program designed specifically for designers. With alumni from renowned companies such as Google, Amazon, IBM, Nike, 3M, and Cisco, d.MBA boasts a 9.1/10 student rating and an impressive 97% completion rate.In this engaging conversation, Behrad and Alen delve into the intriguing realm of business design. They explore the essence of business design, uncovering its true meaning and shedding light on its practical applications. By examining the concept of finding real competitors, they reveal the importance of market analysis and how it shapes business strategies.The duo takes a step back to discuss design thinking from a broader perspective, emphasizing the significance of putting the user at the forefront of the design process. They engage in a thought-provoking comparison between Google and Apple, dissecting the merits and drawbacks of their open and closed environments.Trade-offs become a focal point of the discussion, as Behrad and Alen delve into the decisions and sacrifices entrepreneurs face when defining their business scope. They share valuable insights on the importance of creating a clear vision and business strategy to guide long-term success.Understanding the people in front of you is a vital aspect of business design, and the conversation explores strategies for empathizing with customers, clients, and stakeholders. Amidst their enlightening dialogue, Behrad and Alen also discover their shared admiration for podcasting legend Joe Rogan.Follow Alen Faljic on LinkedIn here.Join our Discord Community here. 

Send us a textIn this episode, our special guest is Wolfgang Bremer, a German Canadian award-winning design veteran with over 20 years of experience and a unique blend of design and product knowledge.Wolfgang, currently serving as the Vice President of Design at Elli - A Brand of the Volkswagen Group, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. With an impressive background in leading design teams for Fortune 500 companies like Nokia and SAP, as well as various well-funded startups, Wolfgang has worked on products utilized by renowned brands such as Google, Coca-Cola, Porsche, Red Bull, Sony, and Unilever. His portfolio spans across diverse sectors and includes projects in mobile and desktop applications, mapping services, music apps, social networks, marketing and enterprise software, and more.In this episode, Behrad and Wolfgang delve into Behrad's current challenges, seeking Wolfgang's expertise to enhance ideation workshops by fostering openness and setting the right stage. They also explore strategies for managing communication with a large number of employees, discuss the advantages of in-person collaboration, and draw parallels between the roles of a father and a leader.Join us on LeanCast as we uncover valuable insights, gain actionable advice, and explore the fascinating world of design, leadership, and team dynamics with our remarkable guest, Wolfgang Bremer.Follow Wolfgang on LinkedIn here.Join our Discord Communtiy here.

Send us a textWelcome to LeanCast, hosted by Behrad Mirafshar, the founder and CEO of Bonanza Design GmbH. In this weekly podcast, Behrad invites industry experts for deep dives into their areas of expertise, discussing topics ranging from re-finding passion in business to staying curious with new technology.Joining Behrad in this episode is Johann Jenson, an ex-UN Canadian technologist with a Master's in conflict resolution. Johann's passion lies in developing elegant yet ambitious products that improve lives and the planet we inhabit. As a versatile professional, he has worked across a diverse portfolio of companies, including GoStudent, Grover, Hilti, SleepOut.com, UN Environment, and Nomad Inc.Throughout their conversation, Behrad and Johann explore a range of thought-provoking topics. They delve into the process of rekindling passion in business and finding effective ways to make people care about your product or service. They also discuss the importance of rebalancing power structures within organizations, ensuring that your product strategy remains relevant and up to date in a rapidly evolving market, and the significance of maintaining curiosity in the face of new technologies.LeanCast is the go-to podcast for those seeking insights into innovation, business strategy, and personal growth. Join Behrad Mirafshar as he uncovers the wisdom and experiences of industry experts, providing listeners with valuable lessons and inspiration to thrive in the ever-changing business landscape.Follow Johann Jenson on LinkedIn here.Join our Discord Community here. 

Send us a textWelcome to an electrifying episode of LeanCast! In this thrilling installment, your host Behrad sits down with a true legend and one of his personal heroes, Jeff Gothelf. Known for his unparalleled expertise in helping organizations build exceptional products and executives foster innovative cultures, Jeff is an extraordinary guest who will leave you inspired.Jeff Gothelf, the co-author of the critically acclaimed book "Lean UX" and the Harvard Business Review Press bestseller "Sense & Respond," joins Behrad to delve deep into the captivating world of Lean UX. But Jeff's expertise doesn't stop there. With a diverse background as a software designer turned coach, consultant, and keynote speaker, Jeff is a force to be reckoned with, bridging the gaps between business agility, digital transformation, product management, and human-centered design.In this awe-inspiring conversation, Jeff and Behrad explore a wide range of captivating topics. Prepare to be enthralled as they touch upon Jeff's heartfelt passion for playing the piano, an art form passed down from his father. They dive into the exhilarating realm of leveraging new technologies, while shedding light on the resistance companies often face when embracing innovation and experimentation.What's more valuable: AI or experience? Jeff and Behrad engage in a mind-bending discussion, dissecting the merits of each and uncovering the intricate interplay between them. Lean UX takes center stage as they explore its core principles, the transformative Lean UX mindset, and the pivotal focus on human customers that drives its success.Hold on tight as they break down the concept of the variable being the feature and unveil the captivating secrets of the impact-outcome tree. Whether you're an experienced designer or just starting your journey, this podcast episode is an absolute must-listen.LeanCast brings you an extraordinary encounter between two brilliant minds, filled with insights, revelations, and a wealth of knowledge. Get ready for an exhilarating auditory adventure that will ignite your creativity, challenge your perceptions, and leave you hungry for more.Tune in to LeanCast and join Behrad as he unlocks the secrets of Lean UX with the extraordinary Jeff Gothelf. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of design excellence.Follow Jeff Gothelf on LinkedIn here.Join our Discord Community here.

Send us a textWelcome to LeanCast, the podcast where we explore innovative ideas and strategies for lean product development and user experience. In this episode, your host Behrad, CEO & Founder of Bonanza Design, sits down with special guest Teresa Cain, a driven technology executive with over 15 years of experience in building web and mobile apps, as well as leading product and user experience teams globally.Teresa's expertise spans across various industries, including entertainment, music, books, finance, retail, restaurant, airline, automotive, and education markets. With an impressive track record of working with high-profile clients and delivering solutions in social media, customer experience, subscriptions, marketplaces, and payments, Teresa brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.In addition to her extensive professional background, Teresa is also passionate about empowering women in the tech industry. She consults women-led startups in strategy and vision to help them secure venture capital funding, and actively participates in initiatives that promote professional growth and opportunities for young women.In this engaging episode, Behrad and Teresa dive deep into Teresa's groundbreaking concept of 2-hour design sprints, challenging the traditional notion that sprints should last 5 hours or more. They discuss effective techniques for managing stakeholder disagreements, persuading CEOs to actively participate in design workshops, and leveraging AI and ChatGPT to enhance the design process.As they bond over their shared experiences of parenthood, including Teresa's journey of being pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic, they emphasize the importance of maintaining a hands-on approach to user experience. They explore how staying connected with users and understanding their needs directly can lead to better product outcomes.Join Behrad and Teresa in this thought-provoking conversation as they shed light on the significance of UX, share practical tips for achieving tangible results, and uncover the secrets behind successful product development in today's fast-paced digital landscape.Follow Teresa on LinkedIn here.Join our Discord Server here. 

Send us a textWelcome to "Leancast" hosted by Behrad, where we delve into the world of UX research with inspiring experts. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Nikki Andersen, a remarkable user research coach and the founder of User Research Academy. Nikki's mission is to foster a supportive and empowering space for user researchers, where they feel motivated, heard, and part of a thriving community. Join Behrad and Nikki as they embark on an enlightening conversation about all things UX research. They explore the essence of UX research, dispelling the myth of perfection and emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfection as a means of growth. Nikki reminds us that validation requires more than just one approach, encouraging researchers to adopt a holistic perspective. In an industry often focused on positive outcomes, the duo urges listeners not to shy away from negativity and challenges, as these experiences can yield valuable insights and drive innovation. They discuss the true role of a researcher as a catalyst, igniting change and guiding teams towards user-centric design decisions. With refreshing authenticity, Behrad and Nikki highlight the inevitability of mistakes in the realm of user research and the transformative potential they hold. Through their engaging dialogue, they inspire both seasoned professionals and newcomers to embrace the learning process, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and resilience. Tune in to "Leancast" as Behrad and Nikki Andersen dive deep into the multifaceted world of UX research, unraveling its complexities, and offering valuable insights that will empower and elevate your skills. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on user research and become part of a supportive community that champions growth and collaboration.

Send us a textLeanCast is back with host Behrad, chatting with Dan LaCivita: Co-Founder of Play, Entrepreneurial CEO, and “Servant Leader.” Dan's latest venture, Play, is revolutionizing how teams create mobile products by empowering them to design, build, and experience their product in real-time, all on their phone.But Dan's not all about work; he's also a family man and volunteer firefighter, staying sharp with fitness and service. Behrad and Dan delve into the differences and similarities between Dan's firefighting and CEO roles, emphasizing the importance of work/life balance.Dan shares his insights on the role of a producer and how it's similar to being a CEO or product manager, particularly in bringing people together. They discuss how his innovative product, Play, is changing the game for mobile product creation.And let's not forget about Figma - Dan and Behrad geek out over how amazing it is and look into its future, especially considering the recent acquisition by Adobe. Don't miss this episode of LeanCast for fascinating insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, the importance of balance, and the cutting edge of mobile product design.Follow up Dan LaCivita on LinkedIn here.