What if design isn’t just about making things look good, but about holding everything together?

I’m joined by Nick Cawthon in this week’s episode of Building Thinkers to talk about something that impacts all of us whether we realize it or not.. design. Nick has such a unique way of framing design as the glue that holds organizations together, and we dig into what that really looks like in practice.

We also talk about the fear that comes with change (because let’s be real, we’ve all felt it), and why keeping humans in the loop matters more than ever in a world that’s moving fast with AI. Nick shares his thoughts on what we hope our kids are learning, the value of trying and failing, and how our definitions of success shift over time.

This conversation left me thinking about how I define success for myself, and I think it’ll do the same for you.

Key Takeaways:

Building consensus is crucial in design processes to mitigate risks and enhance collaboration.

Fear can hinder adaptation to new technologies and processes in design.

The human element in design is essential for understanding emotions and user experiences.

Learning agility is vital for adapting to rapid changes in the design landscape.

Success is not just about big names but also about personal fulfillment and boundaries.

Creation should be prioritized over consumption to foster critical thinking and innovation.

Resources Mentioned:

Take the AI Maturity Assessment Here: ⁠https://retrain.gauge.io/⁠

Connect with Nick:

Website: ⁠gauge.io⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/⁠

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

What if your business could actually help save the planet instead of just chasing profits?

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Dorfman, a seasoned entrepreneur focused on sustainability and real climate impact. We get into why integrating sustainability into business isn’t just good for the planet, it’s smart business, too.

Josh shares his journey from his early career in China to founding companies like Planted and Supercool, showing what it takes to build companies that prioritize environmental responsibility. We also dive into education, unlocking your potential, and why self-awareness can be a total game-changer for leaders.

If you care about building businesses that make a difference, or just want to understand what it really takes to lead with purpose, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

Sustainability should be integrated into business from the start.

Building a sustainable company requires clarity of vision and execution.

Sustainability is about living well on a finite planet.

Solutions to climate change can enhance business profitability.

Self-awareness is key in knowing when to pivot in business.

Hiring should be based on financial stability and market fit.

Education should focus on interpersonal skills and critical thinking.

Resources Mentioned:

Soundtracks by John Acuff

Connect with Josh:

Website: https://getsuper.cool/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorfmanjosh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getsupercool

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4IUql4twk6OLOl8FTIwN5Z

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

What if the secret to a happier, more productive life isn’t doing more, but designing your day differently?

I chat with Bruce Stanley about day crafting, the art of intentionally shaping your daily routines to support personal growth and well-being. Bruce takes us through his journey from graphic design to adult education and coaching, and why he believes that chasing big goals isn’t the way to create meaningful change.

We dig into the challenges of modern productivity, how the nine-to-five grind can drain your energy, and why paying attention to your energy and connections throughout the day matters more than hitting “peak performance” once in a while. Bruce shares practical ideas for experimenting with your daily routines, prioritizing self-care, and creating small, memorable moments that enrich life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your routine or overwhelmed by big goals, this episode will give you a fresh, practical way to rethink your day and your life, one small step at a time.

Key Takeaways:

Day crafting focuses on designing your day intentionally.

The good life is a daily practice, not a future goal.

Energy management is crucial for effective daily routines.

Small experiments can lead to significant changes in daily life.

Breaking free from the nine-to-five mindset can enhance creativity.

Play and innovation are interconnected in daily practices.

Creating memorable moments enriches our life stories.

Resources Mentioned:

⁠Daily Rituals by Mason Curry⁠

⁠Day Crafting Workbooks⁠

⁠Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Connect with Bruce:

Website: https://www.daycrafting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucestanley/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/day_crafting_/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.