Discovering Design
By Matthew Voshell
Want to share your story? Complete this application for a chance to be our next guest! forms.gle/McoY9SGxhSq5Q58S9
Cover art by Jasmine Orange | www.jasmineinux.com
Discovering DesignDec 06, 2023
Aaron Cecchini-Butler | Composer
Our guest for this last episode of season 4 is Aaron Cecchini-Butler; 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.
Nikki Plyem | Improviser
Our guest for this episode is Nikki Plyem; 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.
Sammie Zonana | Wedding Singer
Our guest for this episode is Sammie Zonana; 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.
Barbara McMillan | Attractions Worker
Our guest for this episode is Barbara McMillan; 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.
Matthias Klenk | Martial Artist
Our guest for this episode is 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.
Tarah Pfeiffer | Contemporary Dancer
Our guest for this episode is Tarah Pfeiffer; 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.
Austin Andriese | Benefits Advisor
Our guest for this episode is Austin Andriese; 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.
Grace Ling | Cross Country Runner
Our guest for this episode is Grace Ling; 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.
Silvestre Tanenbaum | US Army Veteran
Our guest for this episode is Silvestre Tanenbaum; 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.
Jennifer Annor | Pharmacy Technician
Our first guest for this fourth season is Jennifer Annor; 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.
Mincho Kavaldzhiev, PhD | Material Science Researcher
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 helping improve the financial well-being for all Americans.
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 could change your life forever.
Olga Bulygo | Sound Editor
Our guest for this episode is Olga Booo-lee-go (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 gateway to user research.
**This interview was recorded prior to the unspeakable atrocities by Russian forces against the Ukrainian people; Slava Ukraini!**
Meighan Agosta | Teacher
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’ high school english class while they have a baby, and why sometimes just taking a job could actually lead to your next career.
Shannon Blietz | 3D Animator
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.
Jeanette Kao | Sustainability Analyst
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 didn’t enjoy is really an opportunity in disguise.
Nadita Amalia | Interior Architect
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 language you just learned.
Ashley McNeill | Teacher
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 parent with a flexible schedule.
El Salem | Corporate Lawyer
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 turn your passion into a business.
Danielle Ryce | Violinist
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.
Maryam Ndope | Microbiologist
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 too hung up on the past.
Emma Sadler | Pastry Chef
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 out your career in the middle of a global pandemic.
Ling Lim | Architect
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.
Mosope Adebowale | Geologist
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.
Belinda Hui | Biologist
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.
Tim Rittenhouse | Sommelier
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 you in the Tar Heel state.
Casey Pentrack | Ballet Dancer
Our guest for this episode is Casey Pentrack (https://caseypentrack.com/); A former Ballet Dancer and current User Experience Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific where they are helping enable customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.
We'll learn what it takes to become a ballet dancer, how taking a suggestion from a loved one can change your life, and why you don't have to see an artist in the mirror to have a future as a designer.
Timothy Li | Advertising Executive
Our guest for this episode is Timothy Li (https://www.heyitstim.ca/); A former Advertising Executive and current Product Designer at theScore where they are helping empower sports fans through its digital media and sports betting products.
We'll learn about moving from Hong Kong to Toronto as a child, What it takes to run a marketing campaign, and why the phrase "good artist copy, great artists steal" is pure truthiness.
Emilie Mazurek | Pre-Med Student
Our guest for this episode is Emilie Mazurek (https://www.dandydesign.ca/); A former Pre-Med student and current Product Designer at Proposify where they are helping teams build and e-sign proposals.
We'll learn about growing up in Calgary, Why time invested should never be a metric for happiness, and how Robin Williams got it right when he uttered the phrase, Carpe Diem
Yeho Hwang | Journalist
Our guest for this episode is Yeho Hwang (https://www.yeho.design/); A former Journalist and current Product Designer at ConsenSys, a cryptocurrency software company.
We'll learn about moving as a young child from South Korea to Boston, MA, Why representation at all levels really matters, and how if you are willing to push yourself hard enough you don't need formal training to make it as a designer; Just be sure not to forget about the person you see in the mirror.
John Garvie | Account Manager
Our guest for this episode is John Garvie (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngarvie/); A former Account Manager and current Head of User Experience Research at Uber Eats where they are helping the world find the best restaurants that deliver.
We'll learn about growing up with a family member with special needs, how serendipitous NYC can be, and when driving around in your car listening to NPR can change your life.
Michael Yang | Chef
Our guest for this episode is Michael Yang. A former Chef in NYC's fine dining scene and current Lead User Experience Strategist at Cohley where they are helping the world’s best brands generate the content they need.
We'll learn about growing up in NYC, what really happens when you win two Michelin stars, and why you should ensure you have a healthy work/life balance, emphasis on the life part.
Bodhi Stewart | Radio Station Membership Director
Our guest for this episode is Bodhi Stewart (https://www.bodhidovestewart.com/); A former Radio Station Membership Director for KDNK in Carbondale, Colorado and current Senior UX Designer, Experiences at REI where they are enabling the world to go back outside with REI Adventures.
We'll learn about growing up in Colorado, Wacky radio contests, and why grabbing a cup of coffee could change your life forever.
Jessica Tremblay | Choreographer
We'll learn about growing up in Texas, what it takes to inspire the next generation, and why you should never stop asking yourself if what you're doing now makes you happy.
Luca Orio | Drummer
Our guest for this episode is Luca Orio (http://lucaorio.com/); A former Musician, Luca was the drummer for Italian hardcore band Upon This Dawning and is currently a Design Systems Manager at Netflix where they are helping the world find content that matters most to them.
We'll learn about growing up in Italy, How answering yes to a total stranger can be the golden ticket to travel the world, and why you should embrace your curiosity and never abandon your true passion.
Albert Foo | Fabricator
Our guest this episode is Albert Foo (https://tinyurl.com/h6fcajbs), a former Fabricator and current Product Designer at Homebase where they are helping make work easier for 100,000+ small businesses with everything they need to manage an hourly team.
Luke Montgomery | Marketing Manager
Our guest this episode is Luke Montgomery (http://www.helloimluke.com/), a former Marketing Manager and current Senior User Experience Designer at Amazon where he is helping create cool supply chain products. Luke's journey was a sobering reminder that when you truly dedicate yourself to a singular goal you'll do just about anything to get there; But with determination, persistence, and hustle, anything is obtainable.
Toby Silverman | Photojournalist
On this episode of Discovering Design our guest is Toby Silverman (http://tobysilverman.com/); a former Photojournalist and current Lead Product Designer at Formation where they are creating a virtual fellowship to help ambitious software engineers find impactful roles at the most innovative companies in the world.
VICE Article: https://www.vice.com/en/article/4w74g9/for-350-tata-will-slap-your-face-until-your-pretty
Xin Koepsell | Licensed Mental Health Therapist
On this episode our guest is Xin Koepsell (https://xinkoepsell.com/), a former Licensed Mental Health Therapist and current Director of Product Design at Limbix where she is helping deliver mental health treatment to young people who need it most.
Her story is an example of how serendipitous life can be when you share not only the same home with someone but, as but we find out, the same career.
Case Ronquillo | Software Sales Representative
On this episode of Discovering Design our guest is Case Ronquillo (https://www.caseronquillo.com/), a former Software Sales Representative and current Product Designer at SaverLife where he is helping inspire, inform, and reward the millions of Americans who need help saving money.
Bethany Riebock | Speech-Language Pathologist
On this episode of Discovering Design our guest is Bethany Riebock (bethanyriebock.com), a former Speech-Language Pathologist and current Principal UX Researcher @ Capital One where she is transforming their enterprise and operational risk management experience.
Joel Cox | Writer
On this episode of Discovering Design our guest is Joel Cox (http://www.jjjoooeeelll.com/), a former Writer and current Senior UX Designer at Reonomy where he helps create products that leverage big data, partnerships and machine learning to connect the fragmented, disparate world of commercial real estate.
Flora Sarder | Attorney
On this episode of Discovering Design our guest is Flora Sarder (https://www.florasarder.com/), a former Corporate Litigator and now Lead Product Designer at UrbanLeap where she helps local govt leaders transition to smart cities.
Yan Grinshtein | Interior Designer
On this episode of Discovering Design our guest is Yan Grinshtein (https://www.yangrinshtein.com/), a former Interior Designer who is now a Head of Design, HCI and Accessibility Certified Design Leader, Speaker and Mentor.
Jasmine Rosen | Teacher
Our guest for this episode is Jasmine Rosen (https://www.jasminerosen.com/); A former science teacher and current Senior User Experience Designer at Autodesk Construction Solutions where they are helping change how the world is designed and made.
We’ll learn about growing up in San Francisco, why teachers are woefully underpaid, and how a career in design can have a truly positive effect on your personality!
Tony Daussat | Actor
Our guest for this inaugural episode is Tony Daussat (https://www.tonydaussat.com/); A former Actor and current Managing Experience Designer at Bottle Rocket where they help provide businesses with strategy, product, design and technology services. Tony also co-hosts a podcast called, Liftoff! where they discuss business transformation, product growth, leadership and everything in between.
We'll learn about growing up in Grapevine, Texas, what it’s like to be passed over for a role by a person who would go onto voice a talking snowman, and how the phrase “one person’s loss is another person’s gain” takes on new meaning in the age of opioid addiction.