
Build Better Creative Teams - Kiser Barnes
From The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC by Graphic Designers Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison
March 2, 2026 · 1h 1m · Season 2026
About this episode
Kiser Barnes discusses the evolution of creative leadership and brand building, emphasizing inclusive cultures and the importance of curiosity and generosity in leadership.
What does creative leadership actually look like today?In this episode, Kiser Barnes breaks down the evolution of brand building, from traditional top-down models to inclusive, bottom-up creative cultures that empower teams to thrive. He shares how diverse life experiences shape stronger creative perspectives, why innovation is about building better experiences instead of chasing technology, and how curiosity fuels long-term growth.You’ll learn why generosity of time is one of the most underrated leadership skills, how personal passions sharpen creative output, and why culture, not control, builds brands that last. If you’re ready to move beyond just making work and start shaping teams, experiences, and impact, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership in design.Kiser Links:Website: https://www.redantler.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiser_barnesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiserbarnes/Tom:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlauro_design/
People in this episode
Hosts: Nick Longo, Mikelle Morrison
Guest: Kiser Barnes
Topics covered
- creative leadership
- brand building
- inclusive culture
- team empowerment
- innovation
- design leadership
Keywords
- creative teams
- leadership skills
- brand building
- innovation
- design culture
- team experiences
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Red Antler
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