The Four Percent Amplified

We're back and better than ever. Season 2 of The Four Percent Amplified has officially arrived, and this time, we're bringing you a visual podcast experience. Last season, we amplified BIPOC voices in design. This season, we're going deeper into the creative process itself. Creativity isn't only shaped by the people making things. It's also influenced by the people who experien...

Design can seem complex on the surface, yet underneath it all, it’s a conversation about humanity. As tools shift and trends move fast, it’s easy to lose sight of why we create. So how do we stay grounded in the human story behind the work? To help us explore that, we’re joined by Isaiah McClean, a designer and storyteller who reminds us that design goes far beyond what appears on screen. Isaiah b...

Social media can feel like a maze. Trends shift, algorithms change, and visibility can feel overwhelming. How do you stay true to your message while building influence that matters? To explore this, we’re joined by Zanade Mann, marketing strategist, personal branding expert, and founder of Zanade Enterprises. Zanade helps creators, entrepreneurs, and brands build influence that is authentic, inten...

Mentorship and representation are essential in design. While online courses can teach skills, experienced designers offer the real-world guidance and context that makes growth possible. We’re joined by Amir Hoagland , a former Director at Mural, VMWare and Pivotal Labs. Amir’s story highlights how creativity, mentorship, and representation intersect to shape modern design education. In this episod...

Imposter syndrome can show up in many ways. In design especially, where critique is constant and visibility can feel intimidating, self-doubt often creeps in. To explore this topic, I’m joined by Keisha Whaley , founder of Brass Tacks Collective . Keisha’s work centers on supporting underrepresented designers, making her insights the perfect lens for navigating imposter syndrome, building confiden...

In this episode, Sunni shares her creative process, showing how sound shapes the way she designs. In this episode, you’ll hear: How music sparks visual concepts that shapes her design direction The connection between sound, emotion, and visual storytelling Why genres feel like distinct visual “worlds” Whether you’re a musician, designer, or just someone who can’t imagine life without a good playli...

In this episode of The 4% Amplified , Sunni sits down with Esosa , Creative Director and visionary founder of Iconiq Creative Group , to explore what it really means to build unapologetic, culture-driven brands that spark genuine connection—especially for leaders driving social and cultural impact. Through her leadership at Iconiq, Esosa transforms followable brand concepts into magnetic experienc...

In this episode of The 4% Amplified , Sunni sits down with UX design manager and career coach Marvin Hassan to explore what it really means to build a sustainable, impactful design career—especially for those navigating mid-career plateaus. With over two decades of experience in the design field, Marvin has led UX teams that not only deliver strong design outcomes but also serve as trusted partner...

In this episode of The 4% Amplified , Sunni turns the spotlight on designing for accessibility—not as a checklist, but as a deep and compassionate practice rooted in inclusion, empathy, and justice. At the heart of this conversation is our featured guest: Rachel Radway , a leadership and executive coach with years of experience leading content strategy and design operations in tech. Recently disco...

What happens when activism isn’t just part of your story—it is the brand? In this episode of The 4% Amplified , Sunni explores the transformative power of branding at the intersection of design, legacy, and justice. Through sound, story, and history, we trace how creative expression has long been a force for social change—from Emory Douglas and the Black Panthers to the rainbow flag of the LGBTQ+...

In this episode of The 4% Amplified , we’re tapping into one of the most transformative forces for underrepresented minority creatives and entrepreneurs: community —and why building our own intentional spaces is no longer optional, but essential. Your host, Sunni , sits down with two incredible guests: Natesha Mortimer , Founder of Data Swale. Doneil Chapman , a freelance frontend software enginee...

In this episode of The 4% Amplified , we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most urgent issues of our digital age: misinformation—and why ‘common sense’ isn’t cutting it anymore. Your host, Sunni , dives deep into how misinformation shapes our beliefs, biases, and behaviors—and how AI is complicating an already messy landscape. But this isn’t just about calling out the problem. It’s about r...

In this episode of 4% Amplified , we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the design industry’s biggest problem: the lack of representation of Black and marginalized creatives. Sunni, your host, gets real about what it means to navigate a career in an industry that often overlooks talent from underrepresented backgrounds. But this isn’t just about obstacles it’s about transformation. This is a po...

The 4% Amplified is a podcast dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, challenging industry norms, and exploring how design can create positive change. Through real stories and impactful conversations, we celebrate diverse perspectives and spotlight designers and allies working to make a difference. Join us as we break barriers and inspire change. Stay tuned: The first episode drops on Apr...