Discovering Design

Our guest for this last episode of season 4 is Aaron Cecchini-Butler (https://www.aaroncecchinibutler.com). Aaron began their professional career as a composer. We'll learn about growing up in eastern new york along the vermont border, what it’s like to attend the most prestigious college for musicians, and why not getting into dartmouth could be the best thing to happen to you.

Our guest for this episode is Nikki Plyem (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiplyem/ ). Nikki began their professional career as an improviser. We'll learn about growing up in upstate new york, what it’s like to perform on stage without a script, and why accepting a temp job could end up being permanent.

Our guest for this episode is Sammie Zonana (https://sammieux.com/ ).Sammie began their professional career as a wedding singer. We'll learn about growing up in Austin, Texas, what it’s like to see yourself on national television, and why being jealous of your friends is all the motivation you need to make a change.

Our guest for this episode is Barbara McMillan (https://uxbybarbara.com/ ). Barbara began their professional career as an Attractions Worker. We'll learn about growing up in Indiana, what it’s like to deal with other people’s kids, and why venting to your friends could change your life forever.

Our guest for this episode is Matthias Klenk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthias-klenk/ ).Matthias began their professional career as a martial artist. We'll learn about growing up in East Germany before the fall of the berlin wall, what it’s like to train harder than Jean-Claude Van Damme, and why life is better when it resembles the innovation curve.

Our guest for this episode is Tarah Pfeiffer ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarahpfeifferdesign). Tarah began their professional career as a Contemporary Dancer. We'll learn about growing up in Giessen, Germany, what it’s like to spend 8 hours a day literally on your toes, and why it’s ok to give yourself a break.

Our guest for this episode is Austin Andriese (https://austinandriese.com/ ). Austin began their professional career as a benefits advisor. We'll learn about growing up in Utah, what it’s like to help retirees living on a fixed income, and why having in-laws isn’t as bad as they say.

Our guest for this episode is Grace Ling (https://www.grace-ling.com/). Grace began their professional career as a division 1 cross country runner. We'll learn about growing up in the bay area, what it’s like to run on the varsity squad from day one, and why hustling on LinkedIn could land you a career.

Our guest for this episode is Silvestre Tanenbaum (https://www.slytanenbaum.com/). Silvestre began their professional career in the US Army. We'll learn about growing up in Puerto Rico, what it’s like to to go through basic training, and how filling in for a coworker could change the course of your career.

Our first guest for this fourth season is Jennifer Annor (https://www.jenniferdarlington.com/ ). Jennifer began their professional career as Pharmacy Technician. We'll learn about growing up in Ghana, what it’s like to handle enough pills to excite Hunter S Thompson, and how to change your career while also being financially responsible.

Our guest for this episode is Mincho Kavaldzhiev, PhD ( https://mincho.xyz/ ); A former Material Science Researcher and current a Senior Product Designer at OneMain Financial where they are helping to improve the financial well-being for all. We'll learn about growing up in Bulgaria, what it’s like to wear a bunny suit to enter a laboratory cleanroom, and how watching a single 18 min TED talk coul...

Our guest for this episode is Olga Bulygo ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-bulygo/ ). A former Sound Editor and current UX researcher at Surfshark where they are helping humanize digital security to make it more accessible for all. We'll learn about growing up in Vilnius, What life is like as a sound operator for a news radio station in Lithuania, and how documentary film making can be the gatew...

Our guest for this episode is Meighan Agosta ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanagosta/ ); A former teacher and current Lead User Experience Researcher at Teachers Pay Teachers where they are helping create the world's largest online marketplace for educators to buy, sell, and share original teaching resources. We'll learn about growing up on Long Island, What it’s like teaching your mentors’ hi...

Our guest for this episode is Shannon Blietz ( http://shannonsgallery.com/ ); A former 3D Animator and current UX Design + Research consultant. We'll learn about growing up in Washington State, What it’s like creating digital assets for Microsoft games, and why siblings are often the only persons capable of seeing who we really could be.

Our guest for this episode is Jeanette Kao ( https://www.jeanettekao.com/ ); A former Sustainability Analyst and current Product Designer at Alaska Airlines where they are helping create an airline people love. We'll learn about growing up in Southern California, what it’s like collecting samples for a study from a sewage treatment center in Massachusetts, and why getting laid off from a job you d...

Our guest for this episode is Nadita Amalia ( https://www.naditaamalia.com/ ); A former Interior Architect and current Product Designer at CoreView where they are helping IT teams get the full value from Microsoft 365 We'll learn about growing up in Jakarta, Indonesia; What it’s like to run your own Interior Design firm; And how much more challenging learning design can be when you attempt it in a...

Our guest for this episode is Ashley McNeill ( https://www.ashleymcneilldesigns.com/ ); A former Teacher and current Associate Product Designer at Kroger where they are helping the world find affordable, easy-to-enjoy, and fresh food. We'll learn about growing up outside of D.C., What the differences are between private and public school teaching in a world with covid-19, and why it pays to have a...

Our guest for this episode is El Salem ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenasalem/ ); A former corporate lawyer and current founder at Eatwell App where they are helping people with various types of dietary needs easily find places to eat. We'll learn about growing up in Sydney amongst a family of lawyers, what it’s like to experience “Zoom fatigue”  during a pandemic, and why it might be time to tu...

Our guest for this episode is Danielle Ryce ( https://www.danielleryce.com/ ); A former Violinist and current UX Designer at ChaiOne where they are helping power industrial modernization. We'll learn about growing up in NoLA, what it’s like to be a gigging jazz musician, and why prioritizing a healthy work/life balance could be the best thing for your creativity.

Our guest for this episode is Maryam Ndope ( https://maryamndope.com/ ); A former Microbiologist and current Senior UX Designer at Apply Digital where they are helping companies create innovative products and experiences. We'll learn about building a Kashata marketplace while growing up in Kenya, how to test for Foot and Mouth disease, and why it’s critical to continue to look forward and not get...

Our guest for this episode is Emma Sadler (https://www.emmasadler.com/); A former Pastry chef and current product designer at Lunchbox where they are helping restaurants drive better results with 1st party ordering. We'll learn about growing up on the Upper West Side of NYC, creating elegant desserts for the Manhattan’s elite, and the challenges presented when you’re a single mom trying to figure...

Our guest for this episode is Ling Lim (https://www.linkedin.com/in/linglim/); A former architect and current design leader at Carta where they are helping the world by changing how companies manage equity. We'll learn about growing up in Malaysia, the random generosity of strangers, and what it’s like to chase after the American dream, one hostel at a time.

Our guest for this episode is Mosope Adebowale ( https://mosopeadebowale.com/ ); A former Geologist and current Product Designer at Facebook and contributor for ADPList.org.  We'll learn about growing up in Nigeria, what it takes to dig for water wells, and why your hobby should really be your career. 

Our guest for this episode is Belinda Hui ( https://www.belindahui.com/ ); A former Biologist and current Product Designer at Tripadvisor where they are helping people become better travelers.  We'll learn about getting mice addicted to chocolate, How to spend a year in Spain, and why you should view your unique experience as an asset. 

Our guest for this episode is Tim Rittenhouse ( https://www.timrittenhouse.com/ ). A former Sommelier and current UX Designer at CureMint where they are helping dental organizations manage their entire procurement lifecycle.   We'll learn about working in Virginia's wine country, why betting on yourself always earn you the best odds for a shot at happiness, and how answering a phone call can land...