Throghout her 25 year career she has worked for world famous brands, worked for herself, and worked for huge clientside names.

She has an innate talent for sensing what moves and inspires the consumer in any given situation and is able to get under the skin to connect and move them in a truly memorable and meaningful way.

In this conversation, Orlagh talks about her journey in the creative industry, from her initial design education in Dublin and New York and then to the world famous Central Saint Martins in London. And it was here she met the unique creative talent Andy Altmann and worked for his Why Not Studios. She went on to work for many more iconic studios, developing her creative and commercial skills and really honing her craft of understanding how to put something magical into every design.

Throughout our conversation, Orlagh touches on the importance of creative confidence, and the impact of mentors and experiences on her career and in developing that confidence in a way which was authentic and in keeping with her personality and personal style. And this leads to her talking about the significance of being encouraged to show and explore your vulnerability and how this ultimately helps to develolp your own design voice. Amd she has paid it forward by devoting time to being a mentor and guide to many young designers over the years.

Orlagh also talks about the importance developing resilience in the design industry, and how this is greatly helped by having the right mentors and external voices who encourage and support you to explore and to grow in strength. And how finding the right support and creative enviroment allows you to learn the key skill and appropach of self-trust and inner belief.

Our conversation also explores the power of design thinking in solving complex problems and the importance of creative thinking in shaping a better future.

Gary is a very well known, highly respected & very influential figure in the international design industry, with a deep and diverse expertise in high level interior design.

He has headed up practices for global firms such as Perkins & Will, Gensler and HDR. As well as currently serving as a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council and a longstanding relationship with the American Society of interior Designers - ASID , which included being acting CEO for 3 years.

I have known Gary for over 20 years & can honestly say that he is one of the most caring, conscientious and positively impactful design leaders I have ever met.

He is a natural mentor and keeps relationships in the industry spanning from his early days at college in New Orleans through top the present day.

He keeps ahead of and gives back to the industry through his work with the Design Futures Council, as well as sitting on the Google XI Board looking at how the the industry should develop and how best to support that growth.

Our conversation covers Gary's background, the influence of travel on his creativity, the Italian approach to design, the importance of art in education, and pivotal moments in Gary's career. Gary's passion for design and the cultural influence on his work are evident throughout the discussion.

Gary discusses the elevation of interior design, the impact of mentorship on career progression, the founding of an interior design firm, the transition to Gensler and London, the impact of design and innovation and the importance of effective communication and understanding client needs in the design profession.

He delves into the long-term investment in quality and adaptability in design and architecture, the psychology of space and collaboration, the importance of physical presence for collaboration.

He also talks about the importance of accepting and facilitating diverse ideas, cultivating a collaborative and inclusive culture, and the role of the Design Futures Council in fostering openness & collaboration in the industry.

Valeria is a wonderfully talented & human-centred senior Architectural Leader. She is a Principal & Design Director with Gensler, with a longstanding committment to supporting & elevating women in the architectural industry as well as being inspired & motivated in all of her work by the power & connection of nature.

Valeria our opens our conversation by talking about her beginnings in architecture and interior design, and abou ther early design inspirations, as well as her deeper and life long inspiration of the magical design in all aspects of nature.

She also delves into her experiences in the architectural industry and discusses the challenges and opportunities for women in the profession. She also discusses moments of pivotal change in her career and the evolving landscape of architecture. The conversation covers the transformation of existing buildings, the impact on the environment, and the changing approach to architecture. It also delves into the importance of purpose, patience, and the need for a more humane and natural approach to design.

Despite the design industry and in particular the architectural sector, being under increasing pressure from many different factors - environmental concerns & sensitiviites, AI, global econcomic stresses, Valeria's conversation is is full of hope and ideas for the future - she sees positive change in all areas of her industry and is such an inspiring voice for anyone who wants a better future, and wants to know how they can play a proactive part in making that happen.

Takeaways

• Architectural inspiration from nature
• Challenges and opportunities for women in architecture Building transformation and retrofitting are crucial for environmental sustainability.
• The architectural industry is experiencing a shift towards a more natural, humane, and collaborative approach.
• Hope & inspiration for a better industry and a better future.

Dan is a highly intuitive Creative Leader and uses this alongside his deeply held values about doing meaningful work which educates, moves and connects people. He has worked on and been responsible for many award winning projects, from his early days at the BBC to his most recent projects with DotCrew.

In our conversation, Dan talks about his experience in the design industry, working on innovative storytelling-led digital projects, and how he began his career journey into digital media, as well as the future of immersive experiences and technology.

The conversation delves into the role of technology in museums, emphasizing the need to balance technology with storytelling and the importance of knowing when to really pull back on technical effects to allow the human story to present itself.

It also explores the impact of Dan's unexpected career pivots and the lessons learned from these experiences. As well as the big learning curve of setting up a business. And how this has allowed him to fully follow his values in the way he works and the work that his company does.

We end on the subject of how self-trust and open mindedness are key to not just career success but to overall personal happiness.

Takeaways

• Immersive storytelling
• Innovative digital projects Tech integration in museums
• Balancing technology and storytelling
• The impact of unexpected career pivots Values-driven ambition
• Self-trust and open-mindedness

Mel is a Creative Director & Leader, a published photographer & the Founder of the Wide Open Roads Studio.

In our conversation, Mel deep dives into what it means to be true to your creativity & how important it is to always keep pushing to know your deepest creative self.

She also talks about her varied career from Mr & Mrs Smith, The Telegraph, Photobox and Condé Nast, as well as talking openly about the impact of burnout & the importance of listening to & looking after your body in order to stay healthy.

This is a wide ranging conversation with someone who is highly self aware & always authentic.