Why We Made Our Design Community Invite-Only (and Why That Matters)

👉 Get started with my free 5-Day Email course for changemakers: https://www.changemakersroadmap.com/ OR Design Training: https://www.thisishcd.com/training In this episode of This is HCD, Gerry Scullion speaks with Adam B. Cochrane, an experienced design leader currently at Staffbase in Berlin. Together, they explore the often-overlooked power of facilitation in design—and why it’s a crucial skill for any designer hoping to make a meaningful impact. From working at Lufthansa and Zalando to his current role, Adam shares lessons learned about enabling teams, the value of psychological safety, and how even introverts can become brilliant facilitators. We explore:🧠 Why facilitation can supercharge your design career🎤 How introverts can become incredible facilitators🛠️ The role of psychological safety in team success Adam shares brilliant insights from his time at Lufthansa, Zalando, and now Staffbase – plus practical advice for anyone wanting to step up and lead better conversations at work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of This is HCD, Gerry Scullion is joined by Jaclyn Suzuki, co-founder of MADO and former creative director at Ziba, to explore a global study on the evolving nature of play — commissioned by toy giant Mattel. With data from over 33,000 people across seven countries, Jaclyn dives into what makes play essential in our lives, how it’s shifting across cultures, and how brands can harness its power. We unpack six distinct play personalities, the relationship between play and stress, and the role of play in building social cohesion across generations. Whether digital or physical, playful experiences shape our creativity, resilience, and sense of connection. The Shape of Play study overview on Mattel site: https://corporate.mattel.com/the-shape-of-play The Shape of Play case study by MADO: https://www.lookwithmado.com/mattel-1 MADO website: https://www.lookwithmado.com/ Connect with Jaclyn via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-suzuki/ Key Takeaways: 🌍 Play is Universal: It transcends age, borders, and background. 🤖 Digital vs Physical: The nuances of screen-based vs real-world play. 🎯 Future of Play: How brands are reimagining connection through play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Gerry shares a heartfelt update on the This is HCD community and why it has evolved into an application-only model. Learn what makes this space radically different from noisy, growth-obsessed communities and how it’s built with intention, purpose, and a desire to create genuine impact. Whether you’re a human-centred design practitioner or just curious, you’ll hear how members gain access to all of Gerry’s premium courses, personal coaching, and a low-noise, high-value space to learn and connect. Apply: https://www.thisishcd.com/community 📌 3 Key Takeaways: We moved to an application-based community to prioritise values, alignment, and real engagement. Members gain full access to €2000+ worth of design courses, live office hours, and direct coaching with Gerry. 20% of all membership fees go to social impact causes – including providing bikes for kids in remote areas of South Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Gerry Scullion and Mike Parker on an enlightening journey exploring Liminal Coaching - and join in this live session, where you can experience a session yourself with Gerry being the guinea pig :-) 🌟✨. Discover how intentional daydreaming, rooted in cognitive science, can unlock your creative potential! 🚀 Book a free 30-minute chat with Mike: https://tidycal.com/liminal/30-minute-meeting Free Downloads: https://liminalcoaching.com/dtp-moment/ 🧘‍♂️ Key Takeaways:- Intentional daydreaming is productive and activates the brain's default mode network for creativity.- Access limonality with tools like Liinal Pomodoro for micro breaks.- Liinal Coaching is rooted in science, enhancing leadership and team dynamics. 📚 Explore real-life benefits through a live Liinal Moment session! 🕊️🌊🕒 Timestamps:00:00 Intro - Meet Mike Parker01:54 Intentional Daydreaming Explained03:60 Liinal Coaching Insights06:01 Applying Liinal Thinking08:12 Power of the Default Mode Network10:16 Making Space for Creativity12:23 Liinal Pomodoro Technique14:37 Experience a Live Liinal Moment27:04 Organizational Benefits29:20 Unleashing Creative Potential 🔔 Subscribe for more insights and explore Liinal Coaching further! Head to our site for a FREE 5-day email course on human-centered service design. 😊 👉 Stay Relaxed, Stay Creative! 💡💪 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙 Join Gerry Scullion in a lively conversation with Myriam Hadnes, a vibrant facilitator, podcaster, and soon-to-be author of Unprofessionalism. Dive into a discussion about the transformative journey of letting go of conventional professionalism to embrace authenticity and human connection. 🌀 ⏰ Key Takeaways: Letting Go for Clarity (00:00 - 01:53): Streamlining life and business by shutting down a global community and simplifying digital presence. Radical Honesty & Leadership (01:53 - 03:57): Uncovering the power of honest, unfiltered communication in transforming team dynamics. Redefining Professionalism (41:48 - 53:15): Challenging the traditional notion of professionalism to prevent burnout and promote genuine connection. 🔗 Call to Action: Subscribe & Engage: Follow the podcast for more insightful episodes on human-centered service design. Leave a review on Spotify or Apple to support the community. Stay Updated: Join Myriam’s newsletter for updates on the book Unprofessionalism and subscribe to her podcast on leadership and facilitation. Are you ready to question the boundaries of professionalism and discover new paths to personal and professional growth? Let’s dive in! 🔍🚀 ⛅ Timestamp Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to Myriam Hadnes [03:57] Myriam’s Professional Journey [06:10] The Shift to Unprofessional Approaches [13:12] Boundary Setting and Personal Growth [41:48] Writing Unprofessionalism [53:15] Breaking the Professional Facade Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to redefine success on your own terms. 🤝✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

👉 Get started with my free 5-Day Email course for changemakers: https://www.changemakersroadmap.com/ OR Design Training: https://www.thisishcd.com/training 🎙️ Dive into an insightful episode with Gerry Scullion as he discusses leadership, introversion, and the invisible emotional toll of workplace dynamics with Tim Yeo, the author of 'The Quiet Achiever'. 👥 Tim shares his journey of self-discovery and challenges the extroverted ideal in leadership, paving the way for more inclusive and diverse workplace environments. 🔑 Key Takeaways:💡 Introversion vs. Shyness: Discover how energy management is crucial for introverts in today’s work environments.🗣️ Inclusive Leadership: Leadership doesn't have a single voice. Learn about creating diverse teams with varied strengths. 📅 Practical Tools for Introverts: From meeting preparation to strategic energy recovery, find actionable insights from Tim's journey. ⏰ Timestamps:- [00:00] Introduction and Overview- [01:56] Key Takeaways on Leadership and Introversion- [03:42] Tim Yeo's Journey and Insights- [10:01] Dissecting Workplace Dynamics and Leadership Styles- [20:01] Tactical Tools for Introverts in the Workplace ✨ Call-to-Action: If you're keen on creating a more inclusive and human-centered environment in your organization, don't miss out on Gerry's free 5-day email course on human-centered service design. Sign up to take a proactive step in fostering diversity and inclusion in your workplace. 📈 Elevate your understanding of introversion and leadership with this episode, and explore practical ways to thrive as a quiet achiever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unfiltered and deeply reflective episode, Gerry Scullion speaks with Lee Moreau – architect, educator, and founder of Other Tomorrows – about the state of design amidst global turbulence. From their shared love of architecture to podcasting as a tool for oral history, Lee opens up about why designers must brace for impact, embrace discomfort, and use their skills to care for one another. Together, they discuss the intersection of politics, design education, and the urgency of building alternative futures. 3 Key Takeaways: Design isn’t just about outputs; it’s our human response to change and uncertainty. Podcasting is a form of oral history, especially vital in documenting human-centred design. The next wave of designers must be politically awake, resilient, and community-driven. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

👉 Get started with my free 5-Day Email course for changemakers: https://www.changemakersroadmap.com/ OR Design Training: https://www.thisishcd.com/training Join us for a deep dive into service design thinking with Gerry Scullion and special guest Marc Stickdorn. Discover why organisations struggle with alignment, the power of visualisation, and how to redefine your approach to metrics. Packed with practical insights for design, product, and leadership professionals! 💡 #ServiceDesign #JourneyManagement #AlignWithPurpose #ServiceDesign #JourneyManagement #Leadership #DesignThinking #CustomerExperience #Visualization Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

👉 Get started with my free 5-Day Email course for changemakers: https://www.changemakersroadmap.com/ OR Design Training: https://www.thisishcd.com/training Discover the evolution of design with experts Gerry Scullion, Steve Baty, and Martin Tomitsch as they discuss the shift from Human-Centered Design to Life-Centered Design. Dive into innovative strategies, industry shifts, and impactful approaches for sustainable futures. 🎁 Enter to win a copy of 'Designing Tomorrow' by Steve Baty and Martin Tomitsch! To be in with a chance of winning a copy of the book, simply share this episode to your friends on LinkedIn (and tag https://www.linkedin.com/company/thisishcd) before April 14 2025 12:00 (Dublin, Ireland). Winners will be announced in our newsletter. https://www.designingtomorrowbook.com/ Key takeaways include: 🔄 The transition to Life-Centered Design 🔑 Design's role in business strategy and governance 🎯 Building resilience in design careers 🕒 Timestamps for easy access: 00:00 - Introduction 01:04 - Shift to Life-Centered Design 03:11 - Guest Introductions 07:45 - Evolution of Design Approach 12:48 - Academic Influence on Designers 31:19 - Practical Advice for Implementing Change ➡️ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this insightful discussion! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

👉 Get started with my free 5-Day Email course for service designer, UX Designers and people looking to improve their services. https://www.changemakersroadmap.com/ OR Design Training: https://www.thisishcd.com/training Join Gerry Scullion in this engaging episode of 'This is HCD' as he converses with Jamie Shields, co-founder of Disabled by Society, a business dedicated to revolutionising disability inclusion. Jamie, an accessibility consultant, shares insightful strategies on moving beyond mere compliance to create genuinely inclusive environments. Discover the challenges faced by disabled individuals daily, understand why designing for accessibility from the start is crucial, and learn how organisations can be held accountable for their inclusion practices. Filled with personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking to create meaningful change in design and business. 💡 Three Key Takeaways: • Why ableism is often invisible—and how to unlearn it • The cost of retrofitting accessibility vs. embedding it from the start • How to evaluate if an organisation is walking the walk—not just ticking boxes Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more impactful discussions! https://disabledbysociety.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shieldsjamie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices