Shows
Conscious TechYour Startup Needs a Growth Systems Architect: Sean Ellis on Dropbox, Eventbrite & Unicorn GrowthSean Ellis is the OG growth hacker who built growth engines for Dropbox, Eventbrite, LogMeIn, and two other unicorns—shares the frameworks climate tech founders actually need to scale sustainably. Learn the one question that predicts product-market fit (his famous 40% rule), why 80% organic growth beats paid acquisition, how to architect your initial growth engine in 6 months, and the critical mistake that kills startups: scaling before PMF. Perfect for climate tech founders, VCs, and operators who want actionable growth strategies and pattern recognition from someone who's taken five companies from zero to billion-dollar valuations.Connect wi...
2025-10-091h 07Conscious TechTrading Stocks Creates Zero Impact | Carbon Equity Democratizes Climate Tech Private EquityJacquelyn van den Ende and Liza Rubenstein reveal how they're providing never before seen access to exclusive private markets for climate investing. The Carbon Equity co-founders expose why trading ESG stocks creates zero real-world impact, how they overcame two years of European regulatory battles, and why 80% of new electricity is now solar purely on economics. From €100K minimums down to €20K access, discover the fund-of-funds strategy redirecting billions toward geothermal breakthroughs, EV manufacturing, and grid infrastructure—plus what Trump's policies actually mean for climate tech's unstoppable transition.Connect for more good energy ⚡️https://www.se...
2025-09-1738 minConscious TechThe Copper Shortage is Keeping This DeepTech CEO Awake at NightLiz Dennett, CEO of Endolith and Alaska native, reveals the hidden copper crisis threatening our digital future. Learn how biotech and microbes could solve mining's biggest challenge, why copper demand will double by 2050, and what 50% tariffs mean for tech infrastructure. From astrobiology PhD to mining innovator, discover the untold story behind every data center and electric vehicle.Connect for more good energy ⚡️https://www.seratajima.com/linksChapters 📖[00:00:00] Introduction and D-O-G-S[00:01:32] Sera's Shaolin Training Camp Experience in Germany[00:05:25] Weightlifting and Movement Practices[00:06:14] Leadership Principles and AWS Background[00:09:36] The Hidden Copper Crisis Explained[00:12:30] What Everyone Gets Wrong About Mining[00:15:05] Endless: Using Microbe...
2025-08-1954 minConscious TechFrom $20 Billion Acquisition Death to Figma IPO: How Design Systems Can Transform Your Product TeamAfter Figma's dramatic journey from a failed $20 billion acquisition to a successful IPO, the design world is buzzing. In this essential episode, renowned design systems expert Dan Mall breaks down everything product designers need to know about building scalable design systems in the Figma era. 🎯 What You'll Learn:Why most design systems fail (and how to build ones that actually get used)Dan's "pilot approach" to design systems that saves companies millionsHow to get stakeholder buy-in without building everything firstWhy...
2025-08-0657 min
Conscious TechHow Microsoft's Design Manager Built Green Design Principles That Influenced Big Tech's Sustainability StrategyIn this episode, Microsoft Design Manager Sandra Pallier reveals how she created the Green Design Principles that influenced sustainability strategies across Big Tech. From starting with a simple PowerPoint template hackathon to building a 11,000-person grassroots community at Climate Action Tech, Sandra shares insider insights on embedding climate consciousness in product design at scale. Discover why Microsoft's emissions grew 29% since 2020 despite net-zero commitments, how the AI race is driven by capitalism over societal need, and why sustainability often works as a "Trojan horse" in product development. Sandra breaks down the "Think Bigger Before You Start" and "Build Better by...
2025-06-301h 03Conscious TechFrom Miro Head of Growth Design to Time Freedom: Escape the 9-5Ever wondered what it really costs to escape the 9-5? You’ve never heard a conversation like this with Kate Syuma. The former Head of Growth Design at Miro, reveals how she "bought back her time" by leaving corporate to found Growth Mates - and why her living costs actually decreased in the process. She gets raw about the psychological preparation needed for the leap, the hidden maintenance costs of corporate life, and how she puts "what's good for users is good for business" into practice. Whether you're a product designer feeling trapped or a...
2025-06-0249 minConscious TechHow Design VCs Spot Unicorns, The Growth Equation, and Why Great Products Fail With Andy BuddI came across Andy Budd and his background immediately intrigued me. Andy is a design leader turned VC and startup advisor at SeedCamp (pre-seed fund). He ran an agency for 15 years. The company is now employee owned, which allowed him to pivot towards investment and coaching design leaders. We chat about the unique advantages designers bring to Venture Capital.Andy shares how his UX background helps him evaluate product-market fit, why designers often misunderstand the "Field of Dreams fallacy," and practical fundraising strategies for founders.Discover when startups should hire designers, how European and American...
2025-05-191h 20Conscious TechProduct Leader Jodi Alperstein's Secrets to Build Teams That DeliverIn this episode, host Sera Tajima interviews Jodi Alperstein, a seasoned product leader who has served as SVP of Product and GM at Digital Ocean, VP of Product and GM at Twilio Segment, and VP of Product at Hired. Jodi shares her extensive journey from early product management roles at E-Trade to leading global teams at public companies. With over two decades of experience across financial services, SaaS, and technology companies, Jodi's career spans from early-stage startups to public companies where she's led global teams of up to 350 people and managed businesses generating up to $650 million in revenue.
2025-05-061h 10
Growthmates: Create and Grow Meaningful Products & CareersConscious Tech Is the Future — How to Build It? | Sera Tajima (Conscious Tech Advisor)In this FINAL episode of season "In the Company of Women", Kate Syuma dives into a conversation with Sera Tajima, Conscious Tech Advisor, angel investor, and former product designer at Webflow and Zendesk, to explore her journey into climate tech advisory and angel investing. Sera shares how her father's passing became a pivotal moment that shaped her perspective, how her background in product design influences her approach to climate tech startups, and why authenticity is the key to finding meaningful partnerships in the conscious tech space.Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.—On...
2025-04-2947 min
Conscious TechDesign for Mindful Consumption: How UX Powers Sustainable Choices in a World of ExcessAnna Ratkai is a UX researcher and sustainability advocate. She’s the creator of Kind Commerce. Anna reveals how design influences our buying behaviors and consumption patterns. Discover how deceptive UX patterns drive overconsumption, learn practical strategies for more ethical e-commerce design, and explore Anna's "Kind Commerce" project that's reimagining how we shop online. Scroll down to explore her pattern library. Perfect for designers, sustainability advocates, and conscious consumers looking to understand the hidden psychology behind our consumption.Please do me a favor and review the podcast ☺️ Chapters[00...
2025-04-2244 minConscious TechDesign Leadership at Customer Data Platform Twilio Segment: Career Growth and Managing TeamsKwasi's Journey to Twilio SegmentFrom Capital One Designer to Leading Segment: Career Insights on Design Management, Data Platforms, and Navigating Tech AcquisitionsEver wondered how designers make the leap to leadership? Join us for a candid conversation with Kwasi Twum-Acheampong, who navigated his way from designing at Capital One to leading the design team at Twilio Segment.Kwasi shares honestly about the complex, rewarding transition from hands-on design work to guiding a team of talented designers. (And yes, he admits that letting go of daily Figma work wasn't exactly easy!) He breaks...
2025-04-0753 min
Conscious TechProduct Led Growth Strategy & Value Creation Metrics ExplainedDiscover how Product Led Growth (PLG) is transforming SaaS business models in 2025. This comprehensive guide breaks down the fundamentals of PLG strategy, why it's revolutionizing customer acquisition, and the key metrics that drive sustainable growth.In this video, you'll learn:— The core principles of Product Led Growth and how to implement them— Why PLG creates a competitive advantage in today's market— The measurable benefits PLG brings and who benefits— How to build your own growth loops— Essential value creation metrics to track your PLG success
2025-03-2414 minConscious TechScaling Climate Impact: Inside Watershed's Journey to Reduce 500 Mt of Global EmissionsThis is Watershed's zero to one journey. From serving tech companies with climate interest to building enterprise-grade solutions for Fortune 500s, Molly Goldberg (Group Product Design Lead, Apps and Foundations) and Tess Hannel (Product Designer, Finance) take us inside this Series C climate tech startup that's tackling global emissions at scale. Discover how they're helping multinational corporations measure, report, and reduce their carbon footprint with a rigorous approach to data and auditable artifacts. Learn how their design team balances technical complexity with user experience while working toward an ambitious goal of reducing global emissions by 500 megatons—equivalent to...
2025-03-101h 21Conscious TechWill AI Take Your Design Job?Juan Ramirez has such an incredible story. He came to the US from Colombia as a student and studied at Carnegie Mellon. Following this, he’s worked at some pretty incredible companies like Amazon, Meta, Gitlab, and Netflix. What I enjoy most about Juan’s content is how thought provoking it is. 💡Subscribe to Conscious Tech 🗞️Chapters[00:00:00] The Call to Be a Creative; Meta, Amazon, Netflix[00:03:15] Studying as an Immigrant and Becoming a Citizen [00:05:11] “Netflix is The Best Job I’ve Ever Had”[00:11:50] Netf...
2025-02-241h 10Conscious TechBreak Free: Colonization in Design, Tech, & AI Harm EveryoneDori Tunstall is the author of Decolonizing Design: A Cultural Justice Guidebook. She has a has a PhD from Stanford and was the Dean of the Faculty of Design at OCAD University in Toronto. Join the Newsletter: https://seratajima.substack.com/ ⚡️Chapters[00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:23] Dori’s Journey from Anthropology to Design [00:04:15] Becoming the First Black Dean on a Design Faculty [00:10:17] Colonization is Intertwined with Capitalism and Sustainability [00:16:15] Decolonizing Design: A Cultural Justice Guidebook[00:19:52] Releasing the Flow for DEI at OCAD
2025-02-171h 16Conscious TechHow Maven's Founding Designer, Michael Riddering, is Reshaping Design EducationRidd, aka Michael Riddering, is the Founder of Figma Academy, Host of podcast Deep Dives, and the founding designer behind Maven. Subscribe to Conscious Tech 🗞️Join lightning session on product led growth ⚡️Where to find RiddTwitter: https://x.com/ridd_designDive Club Podcast: https://www.dive.club/Figma Academy: https://www.dive.club/advanced-figmaChapters[00:00:00] Intro[00:01:23] Ridd's background[00:03:25] Learning coding[00:05:29] Startup failure & finding design[00:14:27] Transition to agency...
2025-01-2458 minConscious TechWhat it Takes To Build a Design Business with Founder of UX Playbook Chris NguyenFounder of UX Playbook, Chris Nguyen, shares what it takes to build a design business with a focus on experimentation and understanding your audience. Join Conscious Tech: https://seratajima.substack.com/ ⚡️Resources:BacklogUX PlaybookMy First MillionLenny’s PodcastWhere to find Chris Nguyen:LinkedinChapters(00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:04) How Chris Got Into Design(00:03:10) Posting on Linkedin(00:05:00) UX Playbook organic growth(00:10:14) Expanding the funnel on Linkedin...
2025-01-1759 minConscious TechEverything You Need for JTBD (Jobs to be Done) for Founders & Product DesignersThe most comprehensive guide on the internet for Jobs to Be Done (JTBD). Join Conscious Tech: https://seratajima.substack.com/ ⚡️(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:40) Why companies are dying quicker(00:01:53) Why I like JTBD(00:02:45) People are trying to progress in life(00:03:37) The process of creative disruption(00:04:39) Customers inadvertently lie(00:05:30) JTBD theory and practice(00:09:05) Examples of 3 dimensions(00:10:48) Tony Ulwick's 9 tenets of JTBD(00:12:22) Incorporate JTBD into Your Process(00:13:59) Investigate beyond the superficial layer(00:16:06) 1. Define your market(00:17:15) 2...
2025-01-1035 min
Conscious TechThis is the FUTURE — Humanity Centered Design: Legend Don NormanDon Norman has paved the way for design as we know it. He is a retired Professor, Apple VP, and co-founder of Nielsen Norman Group. His 21 books include Emotional Design, Design of Everyday Things, and Design for a Better World.Join Conscious Tech: https://seratajima.substack.com/ ⚡️Resources: Design for a Better World ResourcesDon Norman Design AwardNudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and HappinessUnderstanding Computers and Cognition: A New Foundation for DesignEmpire of Cotton: A Global HistoryWhe...
2025-01-031h 16
Conscious TechCorporate Sustainability: A Guide to the Planetary Boundaries FrameworkSera Tajima, your host, gives a breakdown of planetary boundaries, tipping points, digital illusions, Biden's legacy, and the potential impact of the new administration in the US. Join Conscious Tech: https://seratajima.substack.com/ ⚡️*Correction for the ai generated typo in the captions. It's Vox News, not Fox News. Chapters(00:00:00) Business Growth (00:04:18) Crossing Planetary boundaries(00:09:20) Social Tipping Points(00:10:01) Degrowth is a Response to Crisis(00:17:53) What Are Companies Doing?(00:20:38) The Digital Illusion(00:24:18) A New Paradigm(00:26:49) Biden and Trump Climate...
2024-12-2032 min
Conscious TechBreak the Rules: The Unexpected Joy of Returning to IC WorkKelly Jacobs is a Product Design Lead and Manager at Parachute Health, formerly Design Manager at Twilio. We talk about becoming a manager, women in leadership, working at Twilio, design career ladders, transitioning to IC, and re-learning Figma.Where to find Kelly: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-jacobs-b491bb23/Revamping the Twilio Career Ladder (Created by Kelly Jacobs and Megan Allison)Twilio’s Product Design Career LadderChapters(00:00:00) Transitioning From Deloitte to An In House Tech Role(00:05:55) Upcoming Ev...
2024-12-1358 min
Conscious TechFigma Expert Reveals Design Systems Hacks at Figma, Twitter, and WebflowJoey Banks, (he/him) is the Founder of Baseline. Heis based in Colombus, Ohio. Joey started in healthcare working on dashboards and fell in love with design. He has worked at companies like Figma, Twitter, and Webflow. Now he runs his own company, Baseline. Where to find Joey:Joey's LinkedinLevel Up with FigmaChapters (00:07.13) Joey's design origins at Figma, Twitter, Webflow, and Baseline(00:02:54) Rediscovery of hobbies outside of work(00:05:08) Always being on with your own businessF(00:08:58) Level...
2024-12-061h 16
Conscious TechIs Tech Ageist? Digital Accessibility for Seniors | Michal Halperin Ben ZviMichal Halperin Ben Zvi is a product strategist and consultant who increases engagement for the 65+ segments in digital products. She has a PhD in Psychology of Aging, speaks at conferences like UX Copenhagen, and writes for Smashing Magazine. Chapters (0:00:00) Michal’s Work With Increasing Engagement With Older Users(0:04:11) Who Are Older Users? (0:10:36) Standard UI Patterns(0:16:04) Ageism in Tech and Inclusive Products(0:19:55) The Overlap Between Age and Disability (0:22:50) Uncovering Mental Models to Increase Conversion (0:27:05) Assessing Digital Literacy with UX Research ...
2024-11-291h 03
Conscious TechThe Dark Side of AI: The Data Center Energy CrisisSera is your host, Founder of Conscious Tech, Principle Designer & Climate Investor. Today we do a dive into data centers, energy consumption, renewables, water, and nuclear energy. Microsoft, Meta, Google, Amazon, and more are at each other's throats to win the AI race with more compute power.⚡️Get on the waitlist for growth design course.Chapters (0:00:00) Subscribe to Newsletter for Event Updates(0:00:56) What is a Data Center?(0:03:22) Tech Race to Arms(0:04:40) Geographic Distribution of Data Centers(0:05:55) Major Concerns to Be Awa...
2024-11-2317 min
Conscious TechAn Asian American's Path to Tech Leadership: Identity, Design, & RecruitmentHang Xu is the Founder of Collective Supply, a candidate-centric talent agency based in NYC. Before that, Hang worked as a UX Designer for a decade, at companies like Boston Dynamics. His experience in both design work and recruiting gives him a unique perspective on the state of UX and hiring in the US. In his free time, Hang writes about design strategy, activism in tech, and salary negotiation techniques on Linkedin.Chapters (0:00:00) How Hang went from designer to recruiter(0:04:00) Hiring Market Post-Covid(0:07:26) Hiring Market Today and Finding...
2024-11-172h 17Conscious TechUS Election 2024: Become the Light for Civic Engagement and Democracy💡| Sera TajimaAn unplanned message on the US election results for those that are feeling down. ___________________________________________________________I'm Sera Tajima, Climate Tech Advisor & Investor. 🤙I talk about: → Product Growth Strategy (Growth, Design, AI)→ Climate Tech→ Venture CapitalConnect for more good energy ⚡️➕ Conscious Tech Newsletter➕ LinkedIn➕ YouTube➕ Tiktok➕ AdvisingBecome a sponsor: partner@seratajima.com
2024-11-0608 min
Conscious TechWhy Singapore Leads Sustainable Design Education | Karin Aue, Jeffrey KohKarin Aue and Jeffrey T. K. Valino Koh were partners of design consultancy Chemistry and both transitioned into design education at universities in Singapore. Karin is Senior Lecturer for the Master of Design in Integrated Design at the National University of Singapore. Jeffrey is Centre Head of the Design Factory at Singapore Institute of Technology where design is a requirement for all majors. Chapters (00:00:00) Background Karin & Jeffrey(00:03:26) Teaching design to non-designers vs design masters students(00:06:51) Finding confidence through design(00:09:30) From design studio to academia(00:15:43...
2024-11-011h 21
Conscious TechAI Innovations in Digital Health Equity: The Future of Medicine | Videha SharmaVideha Sharma is theClinical Innovation Lead for the Pankhurst Institute for Health Technology, Co-founder at Fava Health, and Ted speaker. Videha has a PhD in Health Informatics and completed fellowships in Digital Health, Medical Leadership and Clinical Entrepreneurship. A surgeon by training, he now has a career bridging the gap between healthcare and technology.Chapters(00:00:00) How this Doctor Leverages Design(00:08:30) Prevention and our generation is becoming more health conscious(00:13:31) Design, jobs to be done, and interoperability (00:20:45) Pivoting from a PhD to health care technology (00:23:46...
2024-10-251h 22
Conscious TechUnderstanding Systems Thinking to Prevent Tech Disasters: From Frog to the Gates FoundationSheryl Cababa drives a human-centered design practice that is focused on systems thinking and evidence-based design, working on everything from robotic surgery experience design to reimagining K-12 education through service design. In her work with consultancies such as Substantial, Frog, and Adaptive Path, she has worked with a diverse base of clients including the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, IHME, and IKEA. Chapters:(00:00:00) Sheryl’s Background: Microsoft, Fitbit, Adaptive Path(00:04:18) Working for Philips and living in the Netherlands(00:07:10) Consulting vs Tech(00:11:30) Running her own practice...
2024-10-181h 29
Conscious TechOur Only Path to Survival Revealed by Ted Speaker Gaya Herrington: From Growth to Wellbeing Economy Gaya Herrington is an internationally known sustainability researcher and wellbeing economist, living in Washington D.C. A regular guest lecturer and keynote and TED speaker, Gaya has been shaping conversations at local and global levels with her message that true sustainability will not be achieved without transforming our economic system away from an obsession with perpetual growth to one that centers around human and ecological wellbeing. Join Conscious TechChapters (00:00:00) Origins of limits to growth(00:03:23) Different models in the limits to growth(00:07:04) Connection bet...
2024-10-111h 12
Conscious Tech3.2 Sera Tajima | Hurricane Helene disrupts AI Semiconductor Supply ChainIn this episode, Sera Host & Founder of The Craft, does a deep dive on how Hurricane Helene hitting Spruce Pine, North Carolina may wreak havoc on the global supply chain of semiconductors for AI and other technology.
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Chapters
(00:00:00) Hurricane Helene hits US
(00:03:33) Spruce Pine is the naturally occurring source of pure quartz
(00:04:04) Basic Overview of Semiconductors
(00:05:10) Most R&D Intensive Process in the World
(00:06:23) The Role of Spruce Pine Quartz in Semiconductors
(00:08:23) What’s the Quartz Process Like?
(00:09:20) Reserves Are Steady but the Climat...
2024-10-0414 min
Conscious TechHow This Designer Generated $3M ROI at Netflix: Growth Design Strategy | Fonz MorrisFonz Morris is lead designer for Netflix monetization growth team. Based in San Jose, he has worked with Netflix since 2020 after leading the design team at Coursera. He was named one of Business Insider’s Most Innovative Designers in 2021 and speaks regularly at tech conferences. Get Sera's weekly updatesLearn Sustainable Growth Design live with Sera (ft Fonz)Chapters(00:00:00) Background on Netflix(00:03:07) Growing up in Brooklyn, NY(00:06:26) How Fonz got into design(00:08:37) Building a design agency(00:11:26) Video co...
2024-09-271h 07
Conscious TechSeason 1 Most Popular ⭐️ Sera Tajima | Growth HackingSera Tajima is your host, Founder of The Craft, Startup Advisor, and Climate Investor. Get Sera's podcast highlights & resources.Join Sustainable Growth Design Chapters(00:00:00) An Introduction to growth thinking(00:02:00) Advance your design career with business thinking(00:03:53) The intersection of growth hacking and product design (00:05:28) Identifying the business lever (00:07:38) How to think about the customer lifecycle and growth frameworks(00:09:52) Risks associated with growth hacking(00:10:36) A strong growth strategy starts with retention (00:12:31) Good growth practitioners are humanity centered(00:14...
2024-09-2018 min
Conscious TechSeason 1 Most Popular ⭐️ Dan Mall | Design SystemsDan Mall is Founder of Design Systems University. He's an expert in helping companies scale design systems. In this episode Dan and Sera talk design systems, why they matter, and how to implement them. Get Sera's weekly highlights ✍️Learn Growth DesignChapters(00:00:00) Dan intro (00:01:58) How Dan got into design (00:04:17) Starting his agency (00:07:10) Find equilibrium as a business owner(00:08:40) Design Systems(00:10:16) The spectrum of design systems(00:13:50) What organizations Dan works with(00:15:15) Get buy...
2024-09-1358 min
Conscious TechSeason 1 Most Popular ⭐️ Sera Tajima | What is DesignSera Tajima is your host, startup advisor and climate tech investor. Get on the waitlist to learn Sustainable Growth Design (Sold Out )Chapters(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:25) Misunderstanding design(00:01:12) Example: The evolution of cars(00:02:02) Continuous improvement for users(00:02:30) Great design is invisible(00:03:00) Design's impact on society (00:03:10) Design as problem solving(00:03:27) Form follows function(00:04:40) The role of aesthetics(00:05:06) My experience as a product designer(00:06:48) Expanding the impact of design (00:07...
2024-09-0614 min
Conscious TechSeason 1 Most Popular ⭐️ Tommy Geoco | Making Time for PlayTommy Geoco is Founder and author of UX Tools. After serving in the U.S. military, he worked in Product Design for over 14 years now. He has a combined social media following of over 1 million. 🔥Chapters(00:00:00) Tommy Introduction (00:01:21) Making design education better with UX Tools (00:02:01) The design industry is competitive(00:02:50) The bootcamp business model (00:04:10) The best way to learn is on the job(00:07:14) Ditch the cynicism of the way things evolve(00:09:09) All companies have dysfunction (00:10:10) Tommy's journey into desi...
2024-08-3059 min
Conscious TechWhat Does it Mean to Create Emotionally Intelligent Design? | Sera TajimaSera is your host, Principle Designer, & Founder of Conscious Tech. Learn growth designChapters(00:00:00) Welcome newbies 🎉(00:01:17) Please like & subscribe (this helps me bring in high quality guests)(00:01:29) Emotions Make Us Human(00:02:16) What Are Emotions?(00:03:13) Don Norman's Three Levels of Emotional Processing(00:05:18) Merging The Internal & External(00:06:51) How Do We Identify Emotions?(00:08:18) How Emotions Influence User Behavior and Decision-Making(00:09:38) Emotional Attachment(00:14:50) Aaron Walter’s Hierarchy of Needs(00:17:22) Join my live...
2024-08-2333 min
Conscious TechWhat it Takes To Build a Design Business | Christopher Nguyen, Founder UX PlaybookChristopher Nguyen is Founder of UX Playbook. He went from zero experience to head of design in just 4 years. His mission is to Make UX education accessible. He’s also working on a new project called Backlog: a community for designers-turned-entrepreneurs.Chapters(00:00:00) Beyond UX Podcast(00:01:04) How Chris Got Into Design(00:03:10) Posting on Linkedin(00:05:00) UX Playbook organic growth (00:10:14) Expanding the funnel on Linkedin(00:16:11) Product Bundle Experiment(00:19:32) Free 5 Day Growth Challenge(00:23:49) What the Market Wants(00:27:33) Downsells are More Ef...
2024-08-1659 min
Conscious TechInstagram Product Designer, Frank Back, Shares Aspirational Moments in Design, Music, & MindfulnessFrank Bach, aka “Zen Daddy,” is a Staff Product Designer at Instagram. Frank not only designs the creator experience at Meta, he also runs his own company, Sunshine Shop, and plays in his band, Monk. 🎶 Chapters(00:00:00) Frank’s universe(00:05:24) Frank’s band Monk(00:06:55) Continue your passions(00:08:44) Running a small studio (00:10:37) Product Design at Redbull(00:13:07) Headspace and meditation (00:19:33) Getting a job at Headspace(00:26:36) Product Design at Headspace(00:29:15) Always be building your portfolio (00:31:31) Getting laid off(00:36...
2024-08-091h 04
Conscious TechRidd (Michael Riddering) on Being a Founder Designer at Maven, Figma Academy, & Dive ClubRidd, aka Michael Riddering, is the Founder of Figma Academy, Host of podcast Deep Dives, and the founding designer behind Maven. Chapters(00:00:00) Ridd’s background(00:02:02) Learning coding(00:04:06) Startup failure & finding design(00:13:04) Transition to agency life(00:15:33) Visual finesse and raw talent(00:16:45) Becoming a Founding Designer with Maven(00:21:20) Building the Maven team(00:25:31) Twitter as testing for Figma Academy(00:28:44) Design Media Business(00:31:09) It’s not work, it’s a game(00:41:02) What makes Figma Academy successful...
2024-08-0257 min
Conscious Tech5 Steps to Create a Business Based on Ideals with Suzan Doodeman, Author of Hoe Dan WelSuzan Doodeman is a social entrepreneur, activist, author of Hoe Dan Wel, and Co-Founder of De IdealenSchool.Chapters(00:00:00) Suzan Doodeman background(00:03:49) Protest for undocumented people (00:09:33) Starting a business (Hoe Dan Wel) (00:11:23) The importance of your business partners(00:14:24) Traineeship for social entrepreneurs(00:15:22) Writing a book (00:16:28) Activist work, pushing the boundaries(00:23:45) Pragmatic idealism (00:27:11) Design thinking & experimentation (00:28:06) Practical tips on how to start your business(00:31:20) 1. Take a look at yourself (00:32:09) 2. Everything is possible...
2024-07-2654 min
Conscious TechEverything You Need to Know About Jobs to be Done (JTBD) with Sera TajimaIn this episode, Sera, host & Founder of Conscious Tech deep dives on JTBD for technologists. Chapters(00:00:00) Introduction and Annoucements(00:01:21) Why companies are dying quicker(00:02:34) Why I like JTBD(00:03:26) People are trying to progress in life(00:04:18) The process of creative disruption (00:05:20) Customers inadvertently lie(00:06:11) JTBD theory and practice(00:09:46) Examples of 3 dimensions(00:11:29) Tony Ulwick’s 9 tenets of JTBD(00:13:03) Incorporate JTBD into Your Process(00:14:40) Investigate beyond the superficial layer(00:16:47) 1. Define your market(00:17:56) 2. UX Re...
2024-07-1935 min
Conscious TechDesign for a Better World with Don Norman, Co-Founder of Nielsen NormanDon Norman has paved the way for design as we know it. He is a retired Professor, Apple VP, and co-founder of Nielsen Norman Group. His 21 books include Emotional Design, Design of Everyday Things, and Design for a Better World. Chapters(00:00:00) Don Norman introduction (00:01:39) Don’s 5th retirement(00:04:10) Design Lab University of California San Diego (00:05:47) Author of 21 books(00:08:33) Design for a better world is spreading (00:10:35) What’s wrong with human centered design(00:11:50) Expanding our mind and staying curious(00:14:00) Logic is not...
2024-07-121h 15
Conscious TechBurnout to Sustainable AI: Navigating Tech Ethics, Privacy, and Human Creativity with Thorsten JonasThorsten Jonas is Founder of SUX, keynote speaker, and consultant on sustainability and responsible AI. Chapters(00:00:00) Thorsten, Digital Sustainability Trailblazer(00:08:09) Going through a burnout(00:22:38) Is AI the right solution? (00:25:38) Energy and water consumption of AI (00:28:03) AI education and bias(00:32:16) Human creativity (00:34:14) What is truth? (00:35:25) Surveillance in Nazi Germany (00:38:14) Momo and stealing time(00:39:49) Harmful KPIs, manipulation, & dopamine(00:41:44) Data privacy, GDPR, regulations(00:44:40) Change is many small steps(00:46:27) Having conversations & finding...
2024-07-0556 min
Conscious TechHow to Design Your Life With Head of Design and Former Uber Employee, Phil PhamPhil Pham is a Head of Design, Author of "Work From Anywhere", and fellow Maui resident. We chat about intentionally designing your life and Phil's experience, which ranges from agencies, to Uber, BetterUp, and philanthropy. Chapters(00:00:00) Balancing career and family (00:05:00) Phil’s design background (00:07:57) Letting fear derail you from your path (00:21:27) How Phil became head of design(00:26:41) Working at Uber and Travis Getting Ousted(00:30:08) Career development seminars at Uber(00:35:16) Value and toxicity working in tech in San Francisco (00:37:23) Do...
2024-06-281h 06
Conscious Tech2.3 Sera Tajima | Intro to Circular Design with Case StudiesSera Tajima, Host and Founder of The Craft gives an introduction to circular design with 4 global examples of circularity from Apple to e-waste in Brazil. Chapters(00:00:00) Introduction to circular design (00:05:35) Why design for circularity(00:07:10) Technical and biological waste(00:10:21) Smartphones, cost-savings, and Apple (00:12:20) Shifting to a society that consumes less(00:14:16) 4 Case Studies on Circularity(00:14:36) Recycling plastic waste in the beauty industry(00:18:14) Leveraging e-waste to build digital equity in Brazil (00:21:03) Modular headphone subscriptions to reduce waste(00:22:51) 100% regenerative agriculture with buy-in from shareholders(00:25:31) Continue the conversationGet resources here 👇🏽Join...
2024-06-2126 min
Conscious Tech2.2 Colton Schweitzer | UX Education & Bootcamp ShortcomingsColton Schweitzer is the Founder of Kickass UX; he helps graphic designers become UX Designers. In this conversation we chat about Colton's background, starting Kickass UX, and where the UX education industry fall short. Chapters(00:00:00) How Colton got into UX (00:05:55) Creating your own opportunities (00:07:40) Depression, discovering spirituality, & gratitude (00:13:50) Sera's grieving & health issues (00:25:18) Critical thinking and the why (00:28:27) Kickass UX (00:35:08) Coaching students who were struggling in a bootcamp (00:36:25) Teaching graphic designers (00:38:56) Designers need to understand business and...
2024-06-141h 04
Conscious TechAccessible Design Principles with Fable's Head of Acessibility Kate KalcevichKate Kalcevich is the Head of Accessibility and Innovation at Fable. In this conversation we chat representation, intersectionality, and practical tips for accessible design. Chapters:(00:00:00) Season 2 and Kate Kalcevich(00:02:06) Empowering people with accessibility (00:09:45) You'll never learn if you don't engage(00:13:43) Good role models and representation (00:16:06) Kate's career in government(00:17:04) Fable and their products(00:18:30) A large portion of the population has a disability(00:21:44) Consciously create more inclusive products and teams(00:24:00) Talk to people with disabilities and tips for designing
2024-06-0744 min
Conscious TechReflection on Season 1Season 1 is complete! Join me for a review of the season, who the audience is, what we learned from each guest, and overall learnings. Chapters:(00:00:00) Story about launch(00:02:40) Timeline of events(00:04:13) About the audience and performance(00:08:00) Learnings from each episode(00:10:34) Overall season 1 learnings___________________________________________________________I'm Sera Tajima, Founder, Climate Tech Advisor & Investor. 🤙I talk about: → Product Growth Strategy (Growth, Design, AI)→ Climate Tech→ Venture Capital
2024-04-2617 min
Conscious TechDigital Equity for Hawaii with Carlo LiquidoCarlo Liquido is Founder of Lady Bandit Studios, a local product studio dedicated to shaping a more equitable future in Hawaii. Pi’iku, his internship program, provides career-building opportunities for aspiring Hawaii-connected designers.Chapters(00:00:00) Get to know Carlo(00:02:10) Spotlighting Hawaii voices(00:03:56) Carlo’s journey into design (00:06:35) Moving home to Hawaii (00:07:24) Economic Impact on Kanaka Maoli (00:09:27) How tech companies calculate pay (00:11:19) Carlos’ work at Shopify(00:14:07) Circular Design Internship (00:17:08) Bridging the gap between education and jobs(00:19:08) Cohort...
2024-04-1938 min
Conscious Tech1.10 Sera Tajima | Design Like a Growth HackerMany designers struggle to gain buy-in for their work, to communicate with stakeholders, or to measure their impact. Join Sera in this episode to understand how to design like a growth hacker. If this interests you, the Sustainable Growth Playbook is now available (linked below). Chapters(00:00:00) An Introduction to growth thinking(00:02:00) Advance your design career with business thinking(00:03:53) The intersection of growth hacking and product design (00:05:28) Identifying the business lever (00:07:38) How to think about the customer lifecycle and growth frameworks(00:09:52) Risks associated...
2024-04-1216 min
Conscious Tech1.9 Gabriela Lucía Lorenz | Ethics & SustainabilityGabriela Lucía Lorenz is Director of UBS in Switzerland. She has an MBA in Sustainable Business, is originally from Argentina, and has worked in Switzerland for 10+ years. She is an advocate of ethical design practices, fostering sustainability and a change of paradigm — from user centric to humanity and planetary centered design. Chapters(00:00:00) Gabriela Introduction (00:03:34) Design Director at UBS Zurich(00:05:50) MBA in Sustainable Business(00:09:38) Ethics and Sustainability (00:12:39) Moral values for individuals and companies(00:18:01) Talking about DEI in Europe(00:19:00) Getting started with...
2024-04-0544 min
Conscious TechWriting UX Content (Linkedin) with Thijs KraanChapters(00:00:00) Thijs Introduction (00:02:15) Internship with Albert Heijn (00:06:39) Internship with medical center(00:07:25) Why Thijs didn't pursue a 9-5(00:10:21) Design content writing(00:13:46) Thijs' approach to Linkedin(00:15:58) Thijs' system for notes(00:18:09) Writing topics(00:20:44) Linkedin as a business model(00:26:26) Using LI to land clients(00:29:22) Design teams need marketing(00:31:22) Building a business that reflects your ideal life(00:34:48) What's the direction of Linkedin(00:37:52) Evangelizing design (00:40:45) Everyone is a designer(00:41:28) The value of writing
2024-03-2946 min
Conscious TechMeasuring Design Value with Research Leader at ADP, Leanne WaldalIn this episode, Leanne Waldal, Principal at ADP, shares her expertise with us on how to measure the value of design, perspectives on layoffs, career growth, and more. Chapters(00:00:00) Introduction (00:03:10) How to navigate politics(00:05:05) Set up your own board(00:06:08) Learn from sales(00:09:57) Find a coach (00:11:54) Working styles(00:13:17) Manager Training (00:14:36) Layoffs(00:17:00) A typical week(00:18:25) The value is in the hands of the customer(00:24:32) Who and how to research(00:30:45) Is research valued? (00:33:28) Sell...
2024-03-2245 min
Conscious Tech1.6 Sera Tajima | Rethinking CapitalismIn this episode Sera shares an excerpt from the Conscious Tech newsletter exploring the limitations of capitalism.Chapters(00:00:00) Why capitalism? (00:03:39) Capitalism is not inherently bad (00:05:41) Where does capitalism fall short?(00:06:16) 1. Business is about the maximization of profit(00:07:34) 2. Companies lacks an ethical foundation(00:08:18) 3. Companies operate with a low level of consciousness(00:09:20) 4. Money buys influence(00:10:43) Rethinking Capitalism(00:13:10) What does change look like?For full access, subscribe to the newsletter. ...
2024-03-1517 min
Conscious TechHere's What People Get Wrong About Design Systems | Dan MallDan Mall is the Founder of Design Systems University. He's an expert in helping companies scale design systems. In this episode Dan and Sera talk design systems, why they matter, and how to implement them. Chapters(00:00:00) Dan intro (00:01:58) How Dan got into design (00:04:17) Starting his agency (00:07:10) Find equilibrium as a business owner(00:08:40) Design Systems(00:10:16) The spectrum of design systems(00:13:50) What organizations Dan works with(00:15:15) Get buy-in to scale something that's working(00:16:29) Dan's approach — "Piloting" (00:18:57) Desi...
2024-03-0856 min
Conscious TechUX Designer Redona Dida on Instagram Viral Social GrowthRedona Dida is Founder of The Sofire, a design agency. She went from 0 to over 100,000 followers on Instagram in the span of a year. In this episode, Redona shares her career growth with us, the journey of becoming a mom, approach to social media, and how she started her agency. Chapters(00:00:00) Redona Introduction (00:01:25) How she got into design (00:03:15) The starving artist(00:07:39) How Redona got her first job as a web designer(00:10:00) A strong social profile creates trust(00:11:25) Getting pregnant while working
2024-03-0152 min
Conscious TechFrom Military Veteran to UX Tools Founder: Tommy Geoco's Journey to 1 Million FollowersTommy Geoco is Founder and author of UX Tools. Chapters(00:00:00) Tommy Introduction (00:01:21) Making design education better with UX Tools (00:02:01) The design industry is competitive(00:02:50) The bootcamp business model (00:04:10) The best way to learn is on the job(00:07:14) Ditch the cynicism of the way things evolve(00:09:09) All companies have dysfunction (00:10:10) Tommy's journey into design (00:15:35) Learning online and the shapes of work(00:26:20) How to attract the right fit(00:30:00) Make time for play (00:46:39) H...
2024-02-2358 min
Conscious TechThe Power of Design: From Form to Function to ImpactChapters(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:25) Misunderstanding design(00:01:12) Example: The evolution of cars(00:02:02) Continuous improvement for users(00:02:30) Great design is invisible(00:03:00) Design's impact on society (00:03:10) Design as problem solving(00:03:27) Form follows function(00:04:40) The role of aesthetics(00:05:06) My experience as a product designer(00:06:48) Expanding the impact of design (00:07:26) Product Designers(00:07:50) Creating an experience(00:08:55) Identifying the right problem to solve(00:09:54) Collaborating with teammates and aligning stakeholders(00:11:06) Creating a functional solution(00:12:30) The...
2024-02-1614 min
Conscious TechOpen Letter to the AudienceWelcome to the 1st episode of the Sera Tajima Podcast! ⚡️ This podcast can also be found on YouTube. Get Conscious Tech NewsletterChapters(00:00:00) Dedication(00:00:21) Podcast Launch (00:00:32) Personal challenges(00:00:48) Grief, illness, and finding strength(00:02:04) Mission and purpose(00:02:44) Conscious design for humanity and the planet(00:04:28) Who the podcast is for(00:04:40) About Sera(00:05:18) Gratitude and Support(00:05:57) Join the movement___________________________________________________________I'm Sera Tajima, Founder, Climate Tech Advisor & Invest...
2024-02-0906 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio#76 Growth design w/Sera TajimaIn this episode:
What is grown design? How different is it from traditional design role?
How can you as a product designer apply it to your work?
What are the educational programs that teach you that? How can you learn it on your own?
What role research play in growth design? How different it is from the classic product design structure?
How does growth designer’s portfolio look like? How portfolio would differ from product to growth designer?
Who growth designer usually collaborates with within the team?...
2023-03-2240 min