Episodes
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In this episode, Lucy and Tracy explore the complexities of design thinking, focusing on the importance of stakeholders, co-creation, and the challenges of people-pleasing. They discuss how to navigate diverse opinions, the value of empathy, and the iterative learning process involved in design thinking.
The conversation highlights real-life applications, tools for decision-making, and the significance of self-respect and empowerment in the journey of personal and professional growth.
*This episode is kindly sponsored by AG Web Development*Key topics covered:
00:00 Navigating Confusion and Stakeholders
03:06 The Power of Co-Creation
06:04 Diverse Perspectives in Design Thinking
08:51 The LEGO Example: Engaging Stakeholders
12:01 People-Pleasing and Decision Making
14:57 Finding Balance in Opinions
17:59 Empowerment and Self-Respect
21:04 Tools for Decision Making
24:01 Embracing the Messy Middle
27:02 Real-Life Applications of Design Thinking
29:53 Conclusion and Next Steps
Quotable moments:
"It's about respect for yourself."
"You have to remain the hero of your own story."
"Forget the worst, what's the *best* that could happen?"
"It's okay to kind of from the messy middle."
Call to Action:
Lucy and Tracy challenge listeners to identify their stakeholders, and to start having conversations with them. This helps find the balance between stakeholder input and personal / organisational vision.Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode, Lucy and Tracy explore how empathy helps us understand others and ourselves, fosters deeper connections, and leads to better decision-making. They also delve into the significance of forming a distinct point of view to be used as a guide to action when navigating potential challenges.
*This episode is kindly sponsored by Rama Gheerawo, author of Creative Leadership: Born From Design.*Key Topics Covered:
[00:00] What to expect:
Lucy and Tracy introduce the episode by framing the importance of empathy and having a strong sense of personal perspective as key tools for beginners in any journey.[05:00] Understanding Empathy and Its Impact on Relationships:
Discussion re how empathy allows us to better relate to others, helping to build stronger, more meaningful connections both personally and professionally.[10:30] Defining Your Point of View:
Explaining the value of having a clear and consistent point of view, and how it can help individuals stay grounded while making decisions, setting boundaries, and pursuing their goals.[15:40] Balancing Empathy with Assertiveness:
How to strike a balance between being empathetic to others’ needs, whilst staying true to your own perspective and values.[18:00] Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable:
Lucy and Tracy dive into the idea that discomfort is a natural part of growth. They emphasise that becoming comfortable with discomfort is key to personal development, and how accepting this can make navigating challenges less daunting. [20:00] Final Thoughts and Reflections:
Encouraging listeners to embrace empathy as a strength and to take the time to clearly define their personal viewpoints as a way to lead with confidence and authenticity.Quotable Moments:
"Empathy is not just about understanding others; it's about using that understanding to guide your actions with compassion and clarity.""Your point of view is your compass. It keeps you focused on what matters most, even when life throws you off course." "Growth often comes from stepping into the uncomfortable—it's about recognizing that discomfort is part of the process, and that's okay."Call to Action:
Lucy and Tracy challenge listeners to practice empathy in their daily interactions while also taking time to reflect and clearly define their personal point of view.Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
Missing episodes?
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Your hosts, Lucy and Tracy, kick off season 2 with an episode entitled 'A Beginner's Guide to Doing Things'.
*This episode is kindly sponsored by Vaughan Broderick, co-author of The DUCTRI Playbook*
In this episode, they challenge you - the listener - to take a fresh approach to growing your business and up-levelling your lives using the power of design thinking.
They discuss the basics of adopting new habits, overcoming initial challenges, and how to stay consistent when starting something new. The episode dives into tips for beginners in various fields, emphasising how small steps lead to bigger successes over time.Key Topics Covered:
[00:00] Introduction to Season 2:
Lucy and Tracy introduce the new season and outline what listeners can expect in terms of topics and themes.[03:15] Breaking Down Common Beginner Struggles:
Discussion on the universal challenges beginners face, from lack of confidence to fear of failure, and strategies to overcome these.[08:45] Practical Tips for Forming and Maintaining New Habits:
Lucy and Tracy share actionable advice on how to build habits that stick, emphasising consistency over perfection.[13:30] The Importance of Mindset:
A segment focused on how having the right mindset can make or break progress when starting something new.[17:50] Real-Life Examples of Starting from Scratch:
The hosts provide personal anecdotes and examples from other beginners who have successfully progressed by sticking to their routines.Quotable Moments:
"Success isn't about doing everything right at the start—it's about doing the right things consistently.""Everyone starts somewhere, and often the toughest part is just beginning."Call to Action:
Lucy and Tracy encourage you - the listener - to take the first step towards your goals, no matter how small, and to stick with it despite the obstacles.Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
Have you missed us?
Who's ready to take action and solve problems with us?Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
Have you missed us?
Who's feeling stuck and ready to do something about it?Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode
Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we
Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we discover whether 'X' really does mark the spot, as we explain more about the 'Define' stage of the design thinking process.
Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode, we uncover a few of the reasons why workshops can be innovation and creative goldmines when you're looking to solve a problem, make a decision, or whenever you have a challenge ahead of yourself or your team.
We look at how design thinking workshops are actually more likely to produce iterational innovation, than the transformational innovation that we hear about in the media, before explaining the need for good preparations, the limitations of workshops, and how to get the buy in of everyone involved.
Along the way we touch on the need for diversity and inclusion, and of course we share some exercises and tools you can try for yourself. Prototype party anyone?!Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we're joined by Lara Doherty, Founder of The Motivation Clinic, and
Author of The Mighty Book of Motivation.
Adept at using the power of visualisation, with a particular interest in the power of vision boards to fuel your achievements and help you reach your goals, Lara explains how she now pays this power forward to others.
Visualisation techniques have been used by sports coaches to improve the performance of sports stars very successfully for decades, yet visualisation still conjurs up a notion of 'woo woo' when we think of the types of people who use it.
A simple way of future-pacing your subconscious, including visualisation in your daily work and business life can actually have a massive impact.
Using visualisation within the design thinking process, is a great aid to getting a team on board with a central mission. Given that your brain is 65% more likely to remember a picture than it is a word or phrase, you can see why it is so important when needing to ensure people remember and retain information.
Agree? Then join us as we discover the most effective visualisation techniques, that are easily implemented into your daily habits.
Don't agree? Then there's even more reason to join us. Let's see if we can challenge your opinion... because there's always something new to learn!Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we welcome the inimitible Christine Hemphill from Open Inclusion.
With a background in design, Christine now specialises in inclusive product design, with a particular interest in age and disability.
From retail to banking, healthcare to transport, Christine's knowledge, understanding and desire to disrupt the product design sector for the greater good is admirable.
We're all 'users' of products, but due to her dislike of the transactional nature of this word, she makes sure that us as 'humans' are the the heart of everything she does instead.
Should designers be designing because they like the creative output, or should they be designing for the purpose of others?
Are you curious enough to want to consider alternative perspectives to yours?
How do the differences between humans affect the way we interact with our surroundings?
Christine answers all these questions and more.
So join us as we learn from her insight, appreciate her calm approach, and are forced to reconsider the value of an MVP (minimum viable product).Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we dive deeper into the psyche of co-host Tracy Sharp.
To get us started, Lucy makes Tracy share her career profile with us, as if she'd written it for a dating app...then we get serious!
From the highlights of working on the 'Foodi' for SharkNinja whilst out in China, to the burn out that followed; Tracy provides honest and open insight into her life as a female in a male dominated environment.
Listener questions provide further insight into Tracy's confidence and resilience levels, and there's lessons for us all to learn from the way she uses any set-backs as a tool for personal growth.
Confidence as a muscle, balancing ambition with burnt out, questions she asks herself regularly, conscious decision making, staying loyal to her values, and the things she would say to her 25 year old self...nothing is off limits.
Join us as we get under her skin, and find out a bit more about how her rollercoaster journey from employed to self-employed has shaped her very being.Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we discuss the impact of story-telling; more importantly the impact of good story-telling.
As a design engineer, Tracy shares a story of a hotel stay that didn't live up to expectations, and how story-telling could have helped the hotel to better improve her experience.
Lucy sings the tune to a 1980's Milky Way tv advert that shows how story-telling links to nostalgia, marketing, and sales. (It also proves that Lucy shouldn't give up her day job!)
From character plots, to the creation of emotional connections, from the ability to frame a problem more effectively, to the capacity to build empathy and resonance with clients, good story-telling is integral to the design thinking process.
Using story-telling, sharing your journey (story) , and creating your vision of the future, then makes marketing and investment so much easier!
Stories are shared, stories are passed through generations, stories are how we learn and grow. So join us and discover how you can use the power of story-telling to maximum effect.Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we discuss how to use the power of reflection in order to boost your mindset and discover the benefits that taking time to reflect can have on your business and life.
Tracy shares the reflection questions she claims stopped her from quitting during the early days of running her own business, and Lucy shares how she uses reflection methods to maintain communication and momentum within her growing business team.
We chat through the Baader Meinhoff Effect and Imposter Syndrome, and help explain some of the science behind why reflection can have such impactful outcomes.
We touch on the Pareto Principal, and share some useful reflection tools that you could use in a variety of situations. And of course, we provide personal examples of how we use reflection tools in our daily lives and business'.
Reflection can truly support a healthy and inclusive company culture, so join us as we help you foster such an environment.
Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we look at the potential of questions within the innovation and design thinking process.
We uncover some of the cross-overs between design thinking and lean manufacturing, and share the Japanese origins of a very simple, yet effective exercise, '5 Whys'.
Plus, of course, because we're all about actionable insight, we provide you with some real life examples that enable you get to the crux of various problems by putting this exercise to good use.Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we touch on one of Tracy's favourite stages in the design thinking process; prototyping.
Having spent years working as a Design Director for a major household brand, what Tracy doesn't know about prototyping is probably not worth knowing.
Join us as we share some of her production design insight, and then learn how to apply the same/similar insights to service based business' - and your life.
We discuss the need to 'prototype like you want it to fail' and to look at 3 prototyping options: An MVP - minimal viable product, MVE - minimal viable ecosystem, and Wildcard - the idea that feels 'out there'!
Innovation lies in the action space that prototyping presents, so we're here to help you get out of the silo you may be stuck in, and into a space where you're considering not only feasibility, viability, and usability, but also desirability.
Prototyping is most often used in the product business space, and becoming more prominent in the service business space, but have you ever prototyped your life?
Then let us take you on that journey too...Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we cover one of the main stages in the design thinking process: observe.
Sure, we all observe ourselves and others on a daily basis, but when you need to observe with purpose; to be aware of your surroundings, to better understand the impact of your product, or to solve problems and makes decisions within your business, how good are you at observing then?
It can actually be one of the hardest stages in the design thinking process to get right and do well.
It's time to leave any observational bias' at the door, and join us as we help you to consider what's really involved in observing with purpose.
We talk you through the process; from making sure you're defining the right problem - with empathy and understanding - to supporting your documentation procedures.
Touching on the need for diversity and inclusion, then moving on to Microsoft's 'Clippy' and the beauty of Miro, no observation is left unturned!Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we chat with Michael Lewrick, PhD, MBA.
Michael has worked intensively these past few years to establish himself as a Thought Leader and world-renowned specialist in the field of Design Thinking.
A best-selling author and award-winning entrepreneur, his ideas, books and innovation company - Lewrick & Company - help people around the world to better lead innovation and business growth during this current period of rapid change.
If you're a regular listener to our podcast, you'll know how much we love his Wiley Design Thinking book series, as we mention them regularly. They're just so actionable, and provide insight from beginner level to advanced - and beyond.
He works mindfully with universities and organisations around the world, and always places people at the centre of his activities.
An internationally recognized expert in his field, he has helped numerous companies to develop and scale their growth strategies.
Today we take him back to basics and ask for his tips for beginners. He shares his insight freely and his passion for both advancing the sector, but also bringing new talent into the sector soon becomes clear.Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we find out more about the journey that lead one of the co-hosts, Lucy Patterson, to a career in design thinking.
From the influence of her Grandparents on her mindset, to a successful management career that left her feeling stifled, to setting up Flourish Unlimited.
Onto a sink or swim conversation that saw her embark on a life and business changing trip just before the pandemic hit.
Among other things, Lucy shares her favourite design thinking tools, her belief in the power of community, and her love of connecting people. She also explains why she has such a passion for using design thinking to improve the success of neurodiverse small business owners.Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] -
In this episode we explain a bit more about the key steps of the design thinking process; exploring the 'double diamond' concept, which is currently celebrating its 20th year of use.
So join us as we diverge to converge; applying the double diamond to life design and coaching; considering ways you can apply it to your life and business for simple, yet immediate and iterative impact.
Continue to listen as we introduce the notion of business ecosystems; discussing how service based business' can make better use of the design thinking mindset, as we all start to play our part in creating more sustainable business' for the sake of our planet.Send us a text
Support the show
You can support us in the following ways:
Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions.
Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests.
Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/
Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected] - Show more
