InsideOut: Design Leadership Insights

In this episode, we dive into the evolving priorities of design leaders as they navigate the challenges of 2026. After years of disruption, including sweeping layoffs, AI experimentation, and shifting business priorities, design leaders are stepping up to reclaim their strategic value and redefine the role of design within organizations. We explore how leaders are safeguarding human-led design principles in an AI-driven world, combating team burnout, and turning AI experimentation into measurable business outcomes. This episode highlights the strategies design leaders are using to cut through the noise, deliver impactful work, and align design with broader business goals. Key takeaways include: Preserving design integrity: Learn how leaders are protecting human-centered design principles while leveraging AI to accelerate workflows without compromising quality or ethics. Combating burnout: Discover how leaders are carving out space for meaningful, high-impact work to keep teams motivated and productive amidst constant change. Turning AI into outcomes: Understand how design leaders are applying rigor, OKRs, and commercial focus to move AI from experimentation to real-world applications that drive business value. The evolving role of design leaders: Explore how leaders are aligning design with business strategy to solidify its place as a key driver of success. Join us as we share insights from our InsideOut community, where design and creative leaders are actively implementing these strategies to thrive in a period of disruption. If you're a leader looking to balance AI, reclaim strategic value, and combat burnout, this episode offers the practical advice you need. Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

Episode 42: How to make a risk-tolerant and innovative creative team. In this episode, we tackle a challenge that many creative and marketing leaders face: building a team that isn't afraid to take risks. Progress and innovation depend on a willingness to step into the unknown, yet many organizations find their teams default to playing it safe. Why are teams so risk-averse, and how can leaders cultivate a culture that embraces bold ideas and learns from failure? We explore why risk aversion is often a systemic issue, not a personal one, and how outdated processes and a fear of mistakes can stifle creativity. From the "Ruby Slipper" problem, where teams don't recognize their own power, to an overemphasis on perfection, we break down the barriers holding your team back. This episode is filled with concrete strategies to help you build a more resilient and innovative team. Key takeaways include: Systemic Change: How to move beyond simply giving permission and implement systemic changes like clear approval matrices and work-tiering systems to empower your team. Performance Metrics: Why making innovation a formal performance metric—rewarding initiative and calculated risks in reviews—can transform creative problem-solving into a measurable goal. Visible Recognition: The power of formal recognition programs and peer nominations to celebrate those who challenge the status quo, making bold action a desirable cultural norm. Join us as we share insights from our InsideOut community of creative and marketing operations leaders, who are actively working to build risk-tolerant cultures in their own organizations. If you're a leader looking to foster innovation and drive real change, this episode provides the practical advice you need to get started. Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing creative and design teams today: AI burnout. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, many teams are feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and stretched too thin. But how can leaders help their teams move from burnout to breakthrough? We explore the root causes of AI burnout, from unrealistic expectations to the relentless pace of change, and discuss why addressing this issue is a human problem, not just a technological one. You'll hear practical strategies for resetting expectations, prioritizing well-being, and tying AI adoption to clear goals and professional growth. Key takeaways include: Educate: How to align AI’s capabilities with realistic demands to reduce burnout. Engage: The importance of fostering self-care, mindset shifts, and collaboration. Evolve: Why tying AI progress to employee success is the key to unlocking potential. Join us as we share insights from our InsideOut community of design leaders, who are navigating these challenges and finding innovative ways to support their teams. Whether you’re a leader looking to inspire your team or a creative professional seeking balance in the AI era, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive. Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

What role do Creative Operations leaders play in transforming workplace culture? How can they turn challenges like low morale, tight budgets, and organizational change into opportunities for connection and collaboration? This episode explores the critical influence of Creative Operations leaders in shaping company culture. Drawing from discussion insights with 41 Operations leaders in Aquent's InsideOut community, we unpack the strategic touchpoints, practical tools, and mindset shifts these leaders use to drive meaningful change. You’ll learn how they create transparency, foster creativity, and operationalize culture through intentional decision-making. Expect actionable takeaways, like how to turn meetings into cultural connections, use clear communication to align teams, and advocate for positive change even during tough transitions. We'll also share stories of leaders who’ve built thriving microcultures and found innovative ways to empower their teams in the face of resistance. Join us for this inspiring conversation that celebrates the role of Creative Operations leaders as the heartbeat of their organizations and offers strategies to help you reshape culture within your company. Discover more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community and connect with other change-makers at aquent.com/communities/inside-out.

What’s shaping the priorities of design leaders in 2025? This episode dives into the insights gathered from senior design leaders within the InsideOut community, revealing how they’re tackling the challenges of a fast-evolving industry. From harnessing the power of AI to fostering alignment across teams, these leaders are redefining strategies to deliver impact and innovation. Join us as we explore how design leaders are integrating AI thoughtfully into workflows, not just for ideation but as a tool to drive productivity and efficiency. Learn how they’re bridging gaps between design, business goals, and customer experiences to create seamless outcomes that delight while maintaining resilience through organizational change. We’ll uncover actionable strategies for aligning teams around a shared vision, embedding business priorities into design processes, and finding opportunities for innovation amidst constraints. From scaling rapid prototyping to reinforcing collaboration across Brand and UX, these leaders are shaping the future of design with creativity and purpose. Tune in for practical insights into balancing efficiency with innovation, fostering team alignment, and leading with responsibility in the age of AI. Plus, hear how community and collaboration remain central to navigating the challenges ahead. Looking to connect with other senior design leaders? Discover more about Aquent's InsideOut community and join the conversation at aquent.com/communities/inside-out.

How are design leaders navigating the pressures of evolving business priorities, disruptive technologies, and career path challenges? In this episode, we unpack the insights from six roundtable discussions with 64 senior leaders from the InsideOut Design Leadership Community. These conversations shed light on how design teams are adapting to shifts in expectations while striving to maintain their value and relevance within organizations. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the four key themes shaping the future of design today, including how business pressures are forcing teams to do more with less, and the impact of AI on both innovation and career growth. Drawing on real-world perspectives, we explore why design is at risk of losing its identity and how leaders can reframe its role to drive differentiation and innovation. Expect actionable takeaways, like how to advocate for the value of design amidst budget cuts, address stakeholder misconceptions, and create those "Oh, that came from Design!" moments that leave a lasting impression. You'll also hear strategies for how organizations and leaders alike can step up to build a competitive edge through better design integration and innovation. Join us for this insightful discussion that empowers you to tackle the challenges ahead with confidence and reimagine the future of design in a way that benefits both teams and businesses. Discover more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community and join the conversation at aquent.com/communities/inside-out.

In this episode, we dive into AI and its impact on the creative industry. We'll explore the disconnect between what businesses expect from AI and the realities creative teams face. Join us as we uncover how creative leaders can bridge this gap by harnessing AI's potential to complement human creativity and unlock groundbreaking possibilities. We'll discuss the crucial need for organizations to invest in AI as part of a comprehensive business strategy rather than just a tool for efficiency. Discover how AI can transform creative processes by automating routine tasks, enabling teams to focus on strategic, high-value work that fosters innovation and creativity. Our conversation highlights the importance of demonstrating AI's value, positioning creative teams as essential partners in driving business success and growth. You'll hear practical strategies for overcoming challenges, such as upskilling teams, experimenting with AI tools, and educating stakeholders on AI's capabilities and limitations. Join us for insights that will empower you to lead your teams into a future where AI amplifies creativity and innovation, paving the way for new levels of business success. Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we delve into the importance of cultivating workplace social capital and its profound impact on career growth and organizational success. We explore the nuances of building valuable relationships, fostering trust, and nurturing shared norms within teams. Our discussion highlights the benefits of investing in social capital, such as increased job satisfaction, better outcomes, and enhanced collaboration. We also provide practical strategies for deepening relationships, including identifying key partners, showing genuine interest in others, and actively seeking feedback. Join us for a deep dive into the world of workplace social capital and discover how it can be a pivotal factor in your professional development and overall success. Resources: Eight steps to launching a successful mentorship program Why do we care? Our mission is to connect leaders to find solutions Five proven questions to guide your sustainability program Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out"

In this episode, we introduce you to our new podcast, InsideOut: Design Leadership Insights. A resource created with the busy design leader in mind, this podcast brings together the wisdom and experiences of senior leaders from high-profile brands. We delve into a variety of topics, from the importance of design leadership to the automation revolution in the creative process. Hear real-world examples, advice, and innovative ideas, all selected by our community to ensure relevancy. Whether you're relaxing or on-the-go, tune in and continue your learning journey with us.

In this episode, we're discussing the potential (and overcoming the pitfalls) of creative workflow automation. Creative automation can be a game-changer when it comes to streamlining processes and boosting productivity, but there are very real obstacles when it comes to implementation. We recently brought the topic of workflow automation to our InsideOut Design Leader Community in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Join us for a summary of real-world advice from design leaders on how automating creative processes can work smoothly, the issues that may need solving along the way, and tangible ways to get going. *** Links to further resources: https://tray.io/ https://www.robohead.net/ https://otter.ai/ https://fireflies.ai/ https://aquentstudios.com/thinking/our-designers-used-ai-plugins-to-power-up-production/?utm_source=aquent.com&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=AE_NA_blog&utm_content=ai_080223 https://hbr.org/2022/02/how-to-pick-the-right-automation-project *** Brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we navigate the journey of establishing a successful mentorship program. Uncover the eight integral steps that make mentorship accessible and beneficial for all involved. Grasp how such programs can significantly reduce turnover, boost engagement, promote diversity and inclusion, and cultivate future leaders. We dive into the profound impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth. Tune in to unearth the power of mentorship now! *** Links to further resources: https://adplist.org/ *** Brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we're talking about hosting better virtual social events. While the debate continues about the best way to work, one thing is clear: human connection is essential for productivity and retention. However, hybrid work models often leave employees feeling disconnected. As leaders, we must improve online connections. From hosting hundreds of virtual sessions, I've learned a lot about improving these connections. I'll be sharing my top three tips, along with ideas from our leadership community, on making virtual social events more engaging and meaningful. *** Links to further resources: https://www.jackboxgames.com/ https://www.quizbreaker.com/ https://www.typeform.com/templates/t/trivia/ https://www.td.org/training-facilitation-courses https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/writing-survey-questions/ Recommended activities: Escape Room: Crack The Mystery Escape Room Game: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/3022220 Magic (InsideOut event: Gary Ferrar): https://www.ahrealmagic.com/ BINGO (with custom answers using BingoBaker): https://bingobaker.com/ Trivia Event (with or without a DJ): Cooking (InsideOut event: Airis the Chef or a favorite recommendation: Pasta with the Grandmas): https://www.instagram.com/airisthechef/?hl=en https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1610894 Baba Brinkman (custom rap songs based on event interactions): https://bababrinkman.com/ Cards Against Humanity (online): https://www.online-tech-tips.com/fun-stuff/4-sites-to-play-cards-against-humanity-online/ Scavenger Hunt Cheese and Charcuterie Plate Assembly or Sandwich-Making Event (provide vouchers for attendees to buy their favorite ingredients, compile, and eat together): https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1674019 Musical Happy Hour (InsideOut event: SongDivision): https://songdivision.com/ Succulent Planting (InsideOut event: KraftyLab): https://www.kraftylab.com/ Pottery Making (no kiln required!): https://sculpd.com/ Talent Show (let the staff show off their “other” skills) Wine Tasting (InsideOut events: ONEHOPE wine and Vinebox): https://www.onehopewine.com/ https://www.getvinebox.com/ Milestones and Celebrations (like baby showers, anniversaries, and birthdays—sharing life events creates real human connections) *** This audio blog was brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

In this episode, we're sharing how design leaders can host awesome virtual design workshops. As remote work becomes the norm, effective virtual collaboration is crucial. We've gathered insights from three design leadership community roundtables on the art of creating engaging design workshops in a virtual environment. Tune in for new strategies and practical ideas to enhance your distributed team's experience and effectiveness when it comes to design workshops. *** Links to further resources: https://www.mural.co/templates/design-sprint https://miro.com/templates/remote-design-sprint/ https://www.figma.com/community/file/822141660209426062/remote-design-sprint https://www.figma.com/community/file/824677652393376493/vintage-timers https://www.sixwordmemoirs.com/ *** Brought to you by Aquent, a global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to create a better future of work: aquent.com For more of our thinking: aquent.com/blog Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out