Episode 13 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, host Chris Whyte interviews Dale Backus, founder and CEO of Ohsnap, a company known for its innovative phone grip.

Dale shares his journey from a marketing background to product design, detailing his experiences with Small HD, the challenges of transitioning from an agency to a product business, and the lessons learned from selling Small HD.

He discusses the launch of Ohsnap, the importance of retail expansion, and the critical areas of product, marketing, and operations for business success.

Dale emphasizes the significance of curiosity and competence in potential employees and offers insights into navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• Dale Backus founded Ohsnap, known for its innovative phone grip.
• Transitioning from marketing to product design can be challenging but rewarding.
• Small HD's journey involved overcoming numerous challenges and learning curves.
• Retail expansion requires careful planning and execution.
• Curiosity and competence are essential traits for success in any role.
• Building a strong brand is crucial in a competitive market.
• The importance of product quality cannot be overstated.
• Navigating the sale of a business can be complex and requires negotiation skills.
• Understanding the market timing can significantly impact business success.
• Continuous innovation is key to staying relevant in the industry.

Connect with Dale Backus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalebackus/

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Kodu Recruitment: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teamkodu.com/⁠

Episode 12 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, host Chris Whyte interviews William Gordon, Vice President of Design at Blendjet. They discuss William's journey in industrial design, his time at Kohler and SC Johnson, and the importance of building relationships in the design industry.

William emphasizes the value of connections and maintaining a network, even during challenging times. He also highlights the role of storytelling in design and the impact of design on facilitating positive relationships between people.

In this conversation, William Gordon discusses the challenges of working with egotistical bosses and the importance of creating a positive work environment. He shares his experiences working at S.C. Johnson Wax and CamelBak, highlighting the diverse range of products and industries he has been involved in.

Gordon emphasizes the significance of understanding the design process and its impact on people, business, and society. He also shares a humorous design story involving Herb Kohler, the CEO of Kohler, testing a toilet seat.

Takeaways

• Building and maintaining relationships is crucial in the design industry
• Don't turn down opportunities, even if they may not align with your ideal projects
• Your network can lead to future opportunities and collaborations
• Design is about storytelling and facilitating positive relationships between people
• Listening and asking questions are key skills in building connections
• Don't sacrifice relationships for projects Working with egotistical bosses can be challenging and detrimental to the work environment.
• Creating a positive work environment is crucial for productivity and employee satisfaction.
• Gaining experience in different industries and product categories can broaden one's design skills and perspective.
• Understanding the design process and its impact on people, business, and society is essential for successful design.
• Design is about consequences and making a positive impact on users, stakeholders, and the environment.
• Humor and storytelling play a role in design, fostering engagement and connection with users.
• LinkedIn is a great platform for networking and connecting with professionals in the design industry.

Connect with William Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-gordon-a6522b1/

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Kodu Recruitment: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teamkodu.com/⁠

Episode 11 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, host Chris Whyte interviews Tim Sharpe, co-founder of Better Normal, a consultancy focused on helping non-designers adopt a designer's mindset.

Tim shares his career journey, which includes working in various countries and industries, such as consumer electronics, e-bikes, and medical devices. He emphasizes the importance of international experience in shaping his success.

Tim also discusses how design can become a strategic advantage for non-design companies and shares insights on reframing problems, involving end-users, and staying curious.

In this conversation, Tim and Chris discuss the importance of networking and building connections in the design industry. They emphasize the value of being curious, asking questions, and having broad interests.

Tim shares his experience working on a project to develop equipment for cancer treatment and highlights the importance of teamwork and making choices that contribute to the greater good.

They also discuss tips for creating effective CVs and portfolios, including showcasing problem-solving skills through sketches.

Tim recommends the books 'Loonshots' and 'Ruined by Design' as valuable resources for designers.

Takeaways

• International experience can greatly contribute to career success in the design industry.
• Design can be a strategic advantage for non-design companies.
• Reframing problems and involving end-users are essential in finding effective solutions.
• Curiosity and asking questions are key traits for designers. Networking and building connections is crucial in the design industry. Be curious, ask questions, and show genuine interest in others.
• Having broad interests and diverse experiences can lead to more meaningful connections and collaborations.
• Teamwork is essential in design projects. Embrace diversity and different skill sets to create innovative solutions.
• Make choices that contribute to the greater good and have a positive impact on the world.
• When creating CVs and portfolios, focus on quality over quantity. Showcase problem-solving skills and thought processes through sketches.
• Recommended books for designers: 'Loonshots' and 'Ruined by Design'.

Connect with Tim Sharpe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharpetim/

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Kodu Recruitment: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teamkodu.com/⁠