DESIGNING CONVERSATIONS

Welcome to the fourth episode of the second series of Designing Conversations. Continuing on the theme of Mental Health and Well-being. Today’s episode is one that comes straight from the heart.We’re here on World Mental Health Day, during Pink October—a time when we reflect not only on breast cancer awareness, but also on the mental, emotional, and deeply personal journeys that come with it.Over the last year, I’ve walked through my own experience with breast cancer, and so has my guest today, Katie Owens. Katie is someone whose strength, openness, and honesty remind us that behind every diagnosis is a whole human story—one that touches family, work, identity, and the question of who we become on the other side.Together, we’ll explore what it means to live through change, what support really looks like, and how resilience is shaped in the most unexpected ways. This is not about going back to who we were before—it’s about who we are now.

This is our second series and third episode of Designing Conversations podcast series. Continuing on the topic of Mental Health & Well-Being. Join us we delve deeper into the heart of this topic, with Gordon Watson. Gordon is a seasoned and visionary global business leader, currently serving as Non-Executive Chairman of AXA Asia.  Prior to assuming the role of Chair, he served as the CEO of AXA Asia & Africa, overseeing the operations of 18 markets in Asia, Africa and select Middle East markets, as well as AXA Emerging Customers, a global unit focusing on addressing the insurance needs of the low income to mass market segments. Gordon was also a member of the Group’s Management Committee.   Before AXA, Gordon was most recently the Regional Chief Executive of AIA, responsible for the development of key markets in Asia after their IPO.  Prior to that he was the CEO for the AIG Life companies in Japan and Global Executive Vice Chair of Alico (now MetLife).  He held various senior roles for AIG/AIA in multiple continents and cities, including New York, London, Nairobi, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong. Gordon was also the Non-Executive Chairman of Tricor, which is a leading provider of integrated business, corporate, investor services, human resources & payroll solutions.  He worked with private equity ownership and helped transform the business, resulting in profitable exit in 2022. Gordon believes profit and purpose should be consistent and convergent, creating both business and social success.   As the founding Chair of Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong, he has been working with like-minded senior leaders from various industries to help private companies create economic value while addressing social or environmental issues.   Gordon is co-chair of One Mind at Work, a large NGO focused on improving workplace Mental Health.  He worked with Columbia University in creating an index to help companies benchmark and measure their mental health strategies against science backed best practices. He is a member of Cyberport’s Advisory Board for Fintech; is a GlobalScot; is a board member of LL Global, the parent company of LIMRA, LOMA and Secure Retirement Institute® (SRI®).  He is a senior advisor to select large Fintech players and a social entrepreneur/investor. Thank you to Gordon Watson for his time and insights on sharing his life and this important topic. https://onemind.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordontwatson?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

This is our second series and first episode of Designing Conversations podcast series. Introducing the topics of Mental Health & Well-Being. Join us we delve deeper into the heart of this topic, with candid conversations with a range of individuals. In this episode we are joined by Belle de Jong, a freelance journalist and leading editor at The European Correspondent, covering mental health, social justice and international affairs. With a background in international relations and lived mental health experience, she crafts stories that bridge the gap between complex issues and their real-world significance. In our conversation we aim to delve into Belle de Jong's unique perspective as a journalist, mental health advocate, and individual with lived experience, providing valuable insights for our 'Designing Conversations' podcast series on Mental Health and Well-being. #mentalhealth #wellbeing #belledejong #mentalhealtheurope

This is our second series and first episode of Designing Conversations podcast series. Introducing the topics of Mental Health & Well-Being. Join us we delve deeper into the heart of this topic, with candid conversations with a range of individuals. In this episode we are joined by Dr. Claudia Marinetti. Dr Claudia Marinetti is the Director of Mental Health Europe (MHE), the largest independent European non-governmental network committed to the promotion of positive mental health, prevention of mental distress, improvement of care, advocacy for social inclusion, and protection of the rights of users and ex-users of mental health services, persons with psychosocial disabilities, their families and carers. https://www.mhe-sme.org https://health.ec.europa.eu/events/world-mental-health-day-conference-eu-comprehensive-approach-prioritises-sound-mental-health-all-2023-10-10_en

Our long awaited second series of Designing Conversations podcast series, introduces our upcoming topic of Mental Health & Well-Being. Join us we delve deeper into the heart of this topic, with candid conversations with a range of individuals. Through heartfelt personal stories, our guests share their journeys, resilience and the transformative power of hope. Tune in to discover the inspiring stories of courage, healing and the profound impact of addressing mental health across our society. Together, we’re breaking the silence and building a brighter and more empathetic future for all. Look forward to you joining us!

Join us for the 5th episode in the first series of ‘Inclusion in the Creative and Cultural Industries’. In this episode we talk to Alessandro Rancati, about his role as a Policy Analyst and Design for Policy at the New European Bauhaus. Alessandro is an Architect and Designer trained at the Politecnico of Milano. He has extensive experience in design for policy, strategic design, design direction, service design, group facilitation and participatory leadership. Join us in listening to Alessandro about the New European Bauhaus and his interests. Find out more about this initiative via the website: https://europa.eu/new-european-bauhaus/index_en

Pablo Hannon is Founder The School, an interdisciplinary residency for international and National students, based in Hasselt, Belgium. Pablo and I connected a few years ago, when he invited me to participate in an intimate, yet international panel discussion on the topic of cities, along with being invited to his exceptionally inclusive festivals. A multi-disciplinary designer and educator who isn’t afraid to experiment with creative thought provoking concepts and mediums at different scales, both home and abroad. Pablo and I have enjoyed many exchanges and conversations over the years. It was only natural to invite him for our ‘Designing Conversations’ series on Inclusion in the Creative and Cultural Industries. https://www.theschool.city/city/hasselt/ http://www.hectica.com

Jacqueline Bleicher and I met two years ago at the launch of the European Placemaking Network, of which we are both Placemaking Leaders. Connected through similar interests in community, the urban realm and inclusivity. Jacqueline is an Architect by training, the Founding Director of GUD which is a Community Interest Company specialising in Engagement, Capacity Building, Inclusive placemaking, Urban Design , Transportation Planning and Masterplanning. She is an Urban Designer, Masterplanner, Placemaker, Workshop Facilitator, Speaker, Mentor, Registered, Chartered Architect, Associate Lecturer, Design Associate with the Design Council and Co- Author of “Our City” Countering exclusion in public space.” a book by STIPO, Project for Public Spaces and the European Placemaking Network. Sharing some thought provoking statistics relating to the industry. Listen in as we get to know Jacqueline and her work better. http://globalurbandesign.org/ https://rewomen.org https://placemaking-europe.eu

Join us for the long awaited second episode of the series on ‘Inclusion in the Creative & Cultural Industries’. I’m joined by award winning Designer Lora Appleton. Lora is the force behind Female Design Council and kinder MODERN, the only gallery worldwide specializing in vintage and contemporary children's furniture. Her meticulous curatorial work and nuanced collections have earned her awards and recognition in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Surface, Deezen, Vogue, Cultured, Elle Decor, Wallpaper *, and more. I personally resonate with purpose and mission of the FDC with empowering women and the focus on inclusion. Lora goes deeper into sharing her own experiences and motivation on why she started the FDC and drive for empowering women. Touching on the FDC and the focus on supporting Black and ethnic women. Find out more via the Female Design Council website and follow Instagram @femaledesigncouncil www.femaledesigncouncil.org

Join us in this first episode of the series on ‘Inclusion in the Creative & Cultural Industries’. I’m joined by Alexandra Pisco of Pisco & co., an experienced advisor in the Fashion Industry and friend. Alex and I met a few years ago at the Pecha Kucha Brussels event where we were both speakers. She made a lasting impression on me with her inspiring presentation on Heritage, Culture & Fashion. Since then we have had conversations. Delving deeper into many issues from gender, identity, culture and more recently the issues around the Black Lives Matter movement and systemic racism. Alex shares her thoughts, reflections and experiences on some of the above. You can also follow Alex on Instagram @piscoandco and her website www.piscoandcompany.com