Podcast

Fuego’s podcast series interviews design and product leaders and covers the latest in user experience.

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Recent Podcasts

Allie Vogel on Global Talent and Cultural Localization in UX

Alex chats with Allie Vogel, Founder, CEO Flexxi Design. Allie shares insights on UX design from her diverse experiences, across different cultures and landscapes. They discuss the burgeoning design scene in Buenos Aires and the trend of nearshoring in South and Central America. Discover practical tips for finding and partnering with local talent, drawing from Allie's expertise in cultural understanding and localization. Gain valuable advice on crafting a standout portfolio to impress potential employers, emphasizing the importance of polished visuals.

Prayag Narula on Human vs AI Bias

On this episode of Design Leader Insights, Alex chats with Prayag Narula, Co-Founder and CEO of Marvin. The discussion extends to the nuanced topic of biases in research, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging biases rather than attempting their eradication. Additionally, Prayag highlights the crucial role of narrative and communication in research, urging aspiring researchers to refine their storytelling skills. Join Alex and Prayag for an insightful dialogue on the future of research, the integration of AI, and more.

Jean-Baptiste Kaloya on the Value of Design in Banking

On this episode of Design Leader Insights, Alex chats with Jean-Baptiste Kaloya - Head of Product Design at Bpifrance. They discuss Jean-Baptiste's diverse experiences, from disassembling computers as a child to leading design at Bpifrance, a bank dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs. JB shares invaluable insights into the strategic role of design in enhancing user experiences, driving efficiency, and creating impactful solutions, offering a compelling narrative of how design intersects with technology and business to transform industries.

Anukriti Verma on Trust and Safety on Socials

On this episode of Design Leader Insights, Alex chats with Anukriti Verma Product Design Manager at Linkedin. Anukriti shares her experiences transitioning from an designer to managing designers. They chat about how mentorship played a crucial role in her career development. They also discuss how LinkedIn approaches trust and safety in design, especially in the realm of social media platforms. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, Anukriti's advice on focusing on craft, storytelling, and seeking guidance will inspire you on your own design journey.

Kyle LeBlanc on Advocating for the Designer

On this episode of Design Leader Insights, Alex Smith sits down with Kyle LeBlanc, VP of Design at Teradata. Kyle shares his evolution from graphic and web design to leadership roles, emphasizing his passion for advocating for design as more than just aesthetics but as a critical component of problem-solving and user experience. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from an individual contributor to leading teams, emphasizing the importance of trust, delegation, and allowing space for growth through making mistakes.

Carol Rossi on Meaningful Data Collection

On this episode of Design Leader Insights, Alex chats with Carol Rossi, User Experience Research Leadership Consulting at Carolrossi.com. They discuss tips for new researchers, and how to approach customers with the right questions. Carol Rossi also emphasizes the importance of methodology in ensuring meaningful data collection while advocating for embracing AI tools and becoming mixed methods researchers. Her approach underscores the significance of demonstrating impact not only at a product level but also organizationally, fostering a culture of research-driven decision-making.

Christopher Nguyen on the Shortcomings of UX Education

On this episode of Design Leader Insights, Alex chats with Christopher Nguyen, Founder of UX Playbook. They discuss the shortcomings of current UX education, emphasizing the need for practical, real-world experience and soft skills development. Christopher explains his initiative to make UX education more accessible through playbooks, courses, and coaching. Join the conversation as Christopher and host Alex Smith delve into the challenges of UX education.

Su Milazzo on Driving Impact with Design Ops

On this episode of Design Leader Insights, Alex chats with Su Milazzo, Sr Manager of Design and Product Operations. Su shares insights of her journey to Design Ops, highlighting pivotal moments and challenges along the way. She discusses the evolution of her role, emphasizing the importance of addressing communication gaps and streamlining processes within design teams. Su provides valuable advice for individuals aspiring to enter design ops, stressing the significance of understanding change management and fostering empathy towards team members.

Louis Rosenfeld on UX Publishing

On this episode of Design Leader Insights, Alex chats with Louis Rosenfeld, Publisher and Founder at Rosenfeld Media. The conversation delves into Rosenfeld's journey into publishing and the emphasis on publishing books on user experience design. They discuss how to successfully structure a conference environment, and what the next big UX book to hit the shelves should be about.

Sam Horner on Fostering Creativity in UX Teams

On this episode of Design Leader Insights, Sam Horner, Head of Apps UX at Google Play, takes us on a journey through his extensive career in design, from his beginnings at the BBC to his current role at Google. Sam shares insights on fostering creativity in UX design teams, emphasizing the importance of finding moments of creative peace and empowerment. He discusses the evolution of mobile devices and the future of user interfaces, highlighting the need for technology to adapt to users' specific needs. Sam also offers valuable advice for both new designers and managers.