Designing at Every Altitude: How Board Insight and Operational Depth Shape Impactful Design Leadership
What does it take to lead at every altitude of design? In this episode, our Founder and CEO, Gordon Ching, sits down with Jyoti Shukla, SVP of Experience Design at SiriusXM Pandora and board member at KEXP, to explore the dual nature of modern design leadership. From steering strategic conversations in the boardroom to shaping human-centered products on the ground, Jyoti shares how she toggles between macro vision and micro execution and why both perspectives are essential to lasting impact.Drawing from her career across iconic brands like Xbox, Starbucks, and Nordstrom, Jyoti opens up about building design cultures that last, navigating rapid business transformation, and cultivating the kind of trust and resilience that high-performing teams need. She discusses how design leaders can grow into business leaders, the importance of customer obsession, and how to anchor creative work in real business outcomes.Whether you’re scaling a team or sitting on a board, this episode offers a masterclass in leading with clarity, empathy, and strategic intent. Tune in to learn how the best design leaders don’t just design products, they design futures.----------------------Learn more about the Design Executive Council: Click hereFollow us on socials:LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
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32:29
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32:29
Designing at Every Altitude: How Board Insight and Operational Depth Shape Impactful Design Leadership
What does it take to lead at every altitude of design? In this episode, our Founder and CEO, Gordon Ching, sits down with Jyoti Shukla, SVP of Experience Design at SiriusXM Pandora and board member at KEXP, to explore the dual nature of modern design leadership. From steering strategic conversations in the boardroom to shaping human-centered products on the ground, Jyoti shares how she toggles between macro vision and micro execution and why both perspectives are essential to lasting impact.Drawing from her career across iconic brands like Xbox, Starbucks, and Nordstrom, Jyoti opens up about building design cultures that last, navigating rapid business transformation, and cultivating the kind of trust and resilience that high-performing teams need. She discusses how design leaders can grow into business leaders, the importance of customer obsession, and how to anchor creative work in real business outcomes.Whether you’re scaling a team or sitting on a board, this episode offers a masterclass in leading with clarity, empathy, and strategic intent. Tune in to learn how the best design leaders don’t just design products, they design futures.Listen now.----------------------Learn more about the Design Executive Council: Click hereFollow us on socials:LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
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35:25
Escaping the AI Vortex: Use-cases Over Hype
In this episode, host Gordon Ching is joined by Suzanne Pellican, Kaaren Hanson, and Benedikt Lehnert to unpack what it really takes to lead through change, from the mobile shift to the AI era.We reflect on past tactics like immersive scavenger hunts during the mobile transition and contrast them with today’s AI reality: faster cycles, less coordination, and tools evolving by the minute.Designers are asking: How do we stay grounded in real human needs? How do we build trust, ensure transparency, and avoid harm? Where are the patterns and how do we spot them in the noise?From Google Maps to W2 upload issues, we explore how adoption, comfort, and definition of quality are shifting in real time.Tune in to hear how today’s design leaders are moving from reaction to rhythm and why this moment demands we lead by doing.Listen now.----------------------Learn more about Design Executive Council: Click hereOur Monthly Briefing: Gain access to essential design executive briefings and leadership events trusted by leading Chief Design Officers in global companies: Subscribe nowFollow us on socialsLinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
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36:06
Design Jobs in Evolution: Understanding the Pressure Points Facing Design Teams
Design roles are evolving—shaped by new tools, shifting team dynamics, and rising expectations for strategic impact. From junior designers to CDOs, the skills required are expanding beyond execution towards systems thinking and business fluency.In this episode, Kaaren Hanson and Benedikt Lehnert join Gordon Ching to discuss the resurgence of service design, pressure on mid-level roles, and the merging of design and development workflows.The conversation surfaces signals from within design organizations—highlighting how leaders adapt roles, foster creativity, and prepare for what’s next.For anyone leading talent, shaping team structures, or evolving their own practice—this one’s worth your time.Learn more about Design Executive Council: Click hereFollow us on socialsLinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
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32:45
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32:45
The Judgment Dilemma: AI, Speed, and What We Might Lose
In a world where speed and efficiency dominate, how can we keep creativity, critical thinking, and quality design at the forefront?Join Kaaren Hanson, Benedikt Lehnert, and host Gordon Ching as they explore how design leaders can foster creativity, sharpen judgment, and balance efficiency with meaningful impact.This isn’t just theory—it’s a must-listen for designers, leaders, and forward-thinkers navigating the tension between innovation and speed.Learn more about Design Executive Council: Click hereFollow us on socialsLinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
Design Executive Council Podcast is where the sharpest minds in strategic design leadership converge to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges. From strategy, ethics, policy to the evolving role of design in business, we dive deep into the forces shaping the future. We go beyond the headlines to explore the impact of design on technology, business, and humanity. Tune in every other week for candid discussions with top design executives, led by curiosity, insight, and a passion for shaping what’s next.
México