Play&Conversations

We're joined by strategist and educator Angella Tapé for a deep dive into strategy as a creative craft and what it really means to build the future through design in the era of AI. Angella shares how she helps professionals become category creators instead of category conformists , and why the real power still lies with people. Opinions shared are Angella's own, not representative of Havas Network...

The creative force behind Jaunt Motors - cofounder and CEO Dave Budge - joins us to talk about building electric vehicles that put experience first. Dave shares his journey from digital innovation to hardware, the joy of tactile design, and why great products hide their complexity. From satisfying switches to platform strategy, it’s a conversation about design, storytelling, and doing things the r...

This episode, we sit down with Thomas Belhacene to trace the winding road from ArtCenter to global brands like Bugatti, Nike, and Adidas. We talk about lessons from big-brand innovation, knowing when to leave your dream job, and returning to his roots to launch the rally-inspired brand Survirage. On this episode: Matt Locascio and Jason McGinnity Subscribe to Play&Co nversations to listen to n...

We’re joined by Julie Anne Quay - founder of VFILES - for a wide-open conversation about curiosity, energy, and why trying to be for everyone is a creative dead end. We cover the essentials: football, fashion, failure, footwear, and yes - monster trucks. On this episode: Brendan & Karen Hutchieson, Matt Locascio, and Jason McGinnity Subscribe to Play&Co nversations to listen to new episode...

This month, we catch up with our friend Ryan Helps - Senior Director of Design at Loop Earplugs - for a look back at his journey from agency life at Above to helping shape a growing lifestyle brand. Ryan shares hard-earned wisdom on scaling a design agency, building a healthy creative culture, and why great design leadership isn't about having all the answers. On this episode: Brendan Hutchieson &...

Get cozy in the conversation pit as we chat with Sean Kelly, Lead Designer at Grovemade and Product Design Instructor at the University of Oregon. We explore the intersection of creativity and parenting, finding your career path in design, and why less effort often leads to greater impact. Most importantly, Sean instructs us on the art of slowing down to find true inspiration. On this episode: Tyl...

Kicking off Season 2 we have a long overdue catch-up with Michael Held, VP of Design at Steelcase. We discuss television remotes, the evolution of the workspace, building diverse teams, and pivotal lessons from a career spanning industries and the globe. On this episode: Brendan & Karen Hutchieson, Jason McGinnity Jomo Tariku Research Study Article Jomo Tariku Remembering Marty Smith This epis...

Season 2 Launch Trailer for Play&Conversations with the design team at Play&Co - Brendan & Karen Hutchieson, Jason McGinnity, Matt Locascio, Michelle Passe, and Tyler Wilkinson. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music to listen to new conversations each month.

In this episode, we welcome Damien Gilley, a visionary visual artist and designer known for his innovative work in branding, environmental design, and digital products . Damien's journey showcases his unique blend of contemporary art and immersive design experiences, spanning globally recognized exhibitions and high-profile client projects. Damien shares his insights on integrating art with techno...

In this episode, we welcome Simon Berg , the founder and former CEO of Ceros, a pioneering AI-powered content creation platform. Simon's journey is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation, from his early days working in a print production company to leading Ceros, which empowers brands to create immersive digital experiences without coding. Simon discusses the importance of creativit...

In this episode, we welcome Oisin O'Muircheartaigh , an experienced creative leader renowned for his work in cutting-edge consumer electronics and groundbreaking healthcare. Oisín shares insights from his impressive career, including his recent role as Director of Industrial Design at Aruliden and his decade-long tenure at Philips where he held positions such as Senior Experience Lead and Creative...

In this episode, we're thrilled to host Rocky Roark, the visionary founder of Blue Cyclops Design Co. , as we navigate the vibrant and ever-evolving business of design. Rocky's journey is a compelling narrative of innovation, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the design industry forward. At the heart of Rocky's philosophy is a commitment to storytelling, strategic branding, an...

In this episode, we welcome Dominik Heinrich, a German innovator whose wide range of passions deeply influence his approach to crafting world-class experiences. With a career spanning over two decades, Dominik has made his mark by creating, managing, and leading world-class AI, and innovation teams across the globe. Dominik's journey in the AI and innovation space is both broad and deep, covering...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of brand strategy and innovation with Katie Dreke , a seasoned global consultant renowned for her expertise in crafting emotionally resonant brand experiences. Katie's journey spans over 25 years, collaborating with industry giants like Nike and Wieden+Kennedy, and her insights promise a fascinating exploration of the evolving landscape of branding. Kat...

In this episode we delve into the multifaceted world of Sam Amis, a distinguished industrial designer with a rich background in transforming concepts into indispensable everyday objects. Sam shares his journey from a high school student inspired by a tour of IDEO to a seasoned professional working with Fortune 500 companies (Nike) and startups alike (The James Brand), emphasizing the emotional con...

Reid Schlegel's foundation as an industrial designer was laid at renowned agencies, where he honed his craft and vision. This background enriches his current role as a professor, where he merges innovation with education. By drawing on his professional experience, Schlegel shapes aspiring designers with a blend of practical skills and creative thinking. His teachings emphasize empathy and the appl...

Ryan Coulter's journey from a childhood filled with wonder at space, design, and knives in Indiana to becoming a visionary in the design world is a testament to how passions can fuel a remarkable career. Excelling as a creative director for leading companies like Burton Snowboards, Nike, and Ziba Design, Coulter mastered the art of merging functionality with elegance. His entrepreneurial leap with...

In this dynamic Sandbox Session conversation, the Play&Co Design and Strategy team delves into CES 2024's intriguing trends. The team reflects on how the automotive industry is evolving, with vehicles now seen as more than mere transport but extensions of personal identity and lifestyle. They also discuss the growing integration of sustainability and smart technology in home appliances, signal...

In this episode of our podcast, we're joined by Stephanie Kuga, a creative force in Brand & Design at Meaningful Works, Los Angeles. With a rich background in design strategy, packaging design, and branding, Stephanie brings a unique perspective to our discussion on the evolving landscape of work. We delve into the significance of incorporating play into work environments and explore why creat...

In this inaugural episode of Play&Co(nversations) Sandbox Sessions , the Play&Co Design and Strategy team embarks on an in-depth discussion about Tesla's Cybertruck. Join our panel of experts - Brendan, Simon, Jason, Matt, and Tyler - as they engage in a comprehensive and enlightening dialogue about this groundbreaking vehicle. The conversation begins with a detailed critique of the Cybert...

Join us as we stir into the captivating world of mixology with Jeffrey Morgenthaler , an acclaimed American bartender, author, and thought leader in the cocktail industry. Starting his bartending career in the late 1990s, Jeffrey has evolved from a passionate beginner to a revered icon in the world of mixology. His approach to cocktails blends creativity with meticulous attention to technique, ele...

Stefano Marzano is a maestro of design, a visionary who reshaped the contours of how we interact with everyday objects. As the former Chief Design Officer and CEO of Philips Design at Royal Philips International from 1991 to 2011, Stefano was the guiding force behind the transformation of Philips into a brand synonymous with innovation and user-centric design. His tenure at Philips was marked by a...

Scott Reames isn't just a historian; he personifies Nike's rich legacy. From 1992 to 2021, Scott dedicated himself to meticulously documenting the extensive history of Nike, becoming the company's first-ever historian. His profound efforts went beyond mere documentation; they laid the foundation of Phil Knight's highly acclaimed memoir, "Shoe Dog," unraveling the story of Nike's evolution from its...

In this special episode, we sit down with the dynamic duo behind Play&Co, Brendan and Karen Hutchieson. As founders, they've steered their creative venture through the unpredictable currents of the business world for nearly a decade. Their story is one of continuous evolution, with the vision of Play&Co being refined and redefined year after year. Starting in the bustling heart of Hollywoo...

Liat Ben-Zur is a renowned tech executive with over 25 years of experience, having influenced the tech direction of giants like Microsoft, Royal Philips, and Qualcomm. As Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, she revitalized stagnant businesses, doubling their value from $6B to $13B in under four years. She was pivotal in the resurgence of Microsoft's Edge browser, launched the pioneering GPT-4 A...