Episode 19 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every Wednesday!



In this episode, Chris Whyte sits down with Fred Russell-Pavier, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Super Smith, a company focused on creative accessible micro-mobility solutions. Fred’s journey started in academia, where he explored complex sensing and measurement technology, leading to multiple patents and innovations. He shares insights on moving from research to a start-up, using sensing technology to enhance mobility scooters, and the challenges of adapting advanced technology for public use. This conversation delves into the balance of safety, design, and functionality needed to create accessible and intuitive products.

1. Transition from Academia to Startups: Fred’s path from a Ph.D. in sensing technology to founding a micro-mobility startup highlights the adaptability needed to turn research into impactful products.
2. Focus on Safety and Stability: Super Smith prioritizes designing stable, user-friendly mobility solutions that cater to various accessibility needs.
3. Prototyping and User-Centric Design: Fred’s experience shows the importance of frequent prototyping and user testing to develop intuitive and accessible products.
4. Challenges in Inclusive Design: Creating for a broad user base requires sensitivity to differing needs and adaptability in design.
5. Community Support and Networking: Fred emphasizes the value of incubator spaces and networking for early-stage startups, offering crucial resources and support.

Connect with Fred Russell-Pavier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fsrp/

Learn more about SuperSmith here: https://supersmith.co/

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

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

Episode 18 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every Wednesday!

In this episode, Chris Whyte interviews Michael König, a design leader whose career journey spans two decades across digital and physical product design. From launching a digital design studio fresh out of university to leading design at Bang & Olufsen and Fiskars, Michael has tackled challenges at some of the world’s most iconic heritage brands. Now, as the founder of a new consultancy, Michael shares how he’s helping legacy brands modernize through storytelling, innovation, and agility.

Listeners will hear about Michael’s creative approach to leading cross-functional teams, building consumer-centric products, and navigating the complexities of balancing tradition with modern market demands.

1. Career Adaptability: Michael’s career demonstrates the power of being adaptable, moving from digital design to physical product innovation and leadership.
2. Importance of Storytelling: Michael emphasizes storytelling as a critical tool for connecting heritage brands with modern consumers.
3. Leading Cross-Functional Teams: Michael shares how collaboration across design, marketing, and engineering drives impactful innovation.
4. Consumer-Centric Product Development: From prototyping in Airbnbs to reducing time-to-market by 50%, Michael shares lessons on keeping consumers at the center.
5. Modernising Legacy Brands: Michael highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of elevating design for long-standing, iconic companies.

Connect with Michael König on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkonigcph/

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

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

Episode 17 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every Wednesday!

In this episode, Chris Whyte speaks with Oliver Murphy, founder of SLOWE Living, a brand built around sustainable, minimalist furniture design. Oliver’s career journey began with industrial design at Loughborough University and evolved through branding and freelancing, ultimately leading him to create a brand during the pandemic. He shares how Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics shaped his design philosophy, the challenges of building a furniture brand from scratch, and how he found purpose by creating a business that aligns with his values of simplicity and intentional living.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sustainability in Design: SLOWE Living focuses on minimalist, sustainable furniture that supports thoughtful, intentional living.
2. Influence of Japanese and Scandinavian Design: Oliver’s time in Japan and Denmark inspired his commitment to simple, functional design.
3. Challenges of Transitioning to Product-Based Business: Moving from freelance branding to physical products was a significant, rewarding shift.
4. Community and Support: Oliver emphasizes the importance of community and has created a support network for independent creators.
5. Adapting During the Pandemic: The unique circumstances of the pandemic allowed Oliver to pause, reflect, and start a business that aligned with his core values.

Connect with Oliver Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivermurphydesigner/

Learn more about SLOWE Living here: https://www.sloweliving.com/

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

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

Episode 16 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every Wednesday!

In this episode, Chris Whyte speaks with Michael Bambino, founder and creative director of Facility, a design consultancy that brings a strategic, brand-driven approach to product design. Michael shares his unique career journey from engineering and freelance design to launching his own consultancy, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of balancing technical expertise with creative expression. Listeners will gain insights into Michael’s philosophy on consulting, navigating career shifts, and maintaining design quality as Facility grows.

1. Career Path Experimentation: Michael’s background spans engineering, design, and consulting, creating a unique blend of skills that define Facility’s approach.
2. Brand-Centered Product Development: Facility emphasizes strategic, brand-driven product design, offering clients a vision for long-term success.
3. Importance of Versatile Experience: Working in small firms allowed Michael to develop a wide skill set and agility essential for consulting.
4. Challenges of Scaling a Consultancy: Facility aims to grow while retaining high standards and a hands-on approach to client projects.
5. Client-Centric Strategies: Facility partners with clients to deliver not only products but future-focused roadmaps that support sustainable growth.

Connect with Michael Bambino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbambino/

Learn more about Facility here: https://www.facility.nyc/

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

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

Episode 15 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode, Chris Whyte chats with Tim Maclean, founder of Cognate, a design consultancy based in Bath. Tim's journey spans decades of experience in the design and engineering field, from Avon Rubber to Herman Miller and Dyson.

He shares insights on his varied career, the challenges of switching between permanent roles and contracting, and the eventual decision to start his own consultancy. With a passion for blending engineering with design, Tim opens up about the balance between the two disciplines and the reality of running your own business.

Key highlights include Tim’s transition from consultancy to in-house roles, his work on high-profile products like the US Joint Services face mask, and the lessons he’s learned from managing redundancies and building client relationships. Tim also dives into the process of scaling a design consultancy and what it takes to maintain work-life balance in an industry where hours can easily blur together.

1. Balance Between Engineering and Design: Tim’s early career was shaped by his desire to bridge the gap between technical engineering and creative design, a focus that has remained throughout his career.
2. Transitioning from Permanent Roles to Contracting: Tim discusses the trade-offs of contract work, including the freedom and flexibility it offers, but also the lack of ownership over projects.
3. Starting a Design Consultancy: Tim highlights the challenges of starting Cognate, including the decision to leave behind a stable career, and how building client relationships has been critical to success.
4. The Importance of Networking: Tim emphasizes the value of networking and reaching out to old contacts when starting a business or looking for work, particularly in industries like design and engineering.
5. Work-Life Balance: Tim shares his strategy for maintaining separation between work and home life by renting an office space, while also balancing the demands of running a consultancy.
6. 
   

Connect with Tim Maclean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-maclean-32115a156/

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

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

Episode 14 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 speaks with Mark Joynson-Bickerstaffe, founder of Mark & May and former design leader at Dyson and Kohler.

The conversation explores Mark's career journey, starting from his early influences, his time at Dyson during its startup phase, and his leadership role at Kohler. Mark shares insights on the evolving role of designers, the importance of innovation culture, and his belief in creating sustainable, meaningful products. They also discuss the challenges of scaling design leadership in large organizations and the importance of intuition, financial understanding, and communication for success. Mark highlights the ethos behind Mark & May, a consultancy that focuses on conscious design, pushing clients towards more sustainable and impactful product development.

Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode:

• How to foster a culture of innovation in fast-growing businesses.
• Why intuition and financial understanding are crucial for design leaders.
• The evolving role of designers in creating sustainable and impactful products.
• Mark’s approach to leadership and scaling teams, balancing creativity with business strategy.

Connect with Mark Joynson-Bickerstaffe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-joynson-bickerstaffe-a219b52/

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

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

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/⁠