How This Works show

In this episode of the How This Works show, Skipper Chong Warson chats with Aaron Young, founder of Switch Insights, about the methodology of "switch interviews" — a way to understand why customers change products or services. Aaron's journey from conducting best practice research in Washington D.C. to specializing in switch interviews reveals how companies often miss the crucial contextual moments that drive customer decisions. Through examples — from his own multi-year journey of moving from D.C. to Atlanta to a case study of a wedding dress business — Aaron demonstrates how switch interviews uncover the complex reality of customer decision-making. The conversation explores how companies typically view customer decisions as single moments, when in fact they involve multiple factors like grievances with current solutions, attraction to new options, and the significant effort required to change.

In this clip from the 30th episode of the How This Works show, Andy Polaine talks about starting as a designer to now working as a design leadership coach, offering valuable insights into what he calls the "design leadership dip" during his conversation with Skipper Chong Warson. Pro tip: this concept applies if you're a leader or someone leveling up outside of design too. Listen to the full episode: • On your favorite podcast platform: https://lnkd.in/gqWa4TqU • Or, if that's your thing, watch it on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eq3vcwBy If you find this helpful, we’d love for you to follow our page and leave a comment. Your feedback not only supports the show but also helps others discover it too. Thanks! YouTube episode clip link: https://lnkd.in/eDede2KD

In this clip, Andy Polaine begrudgingly gets into the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it's transforming — and has already transformed — the design field with ‪Skipper Chong Warson. Our discussion covers: • The homogenization of design (read: why everything looks the same) • Navigating the "mediocre middle" • Why designers’ discernment and taste are unsung superpowers We also explore broader themes like "reading the room" in the digital age, the impact of hierarchy, and loneliness at the top — true for non-designers too! Listen to the full episode: • Wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gqWa4TqU • Or watch it on YouTube, if that's your thing: https://lnkd.in/eq3vcwBy If this idea resonates with you, like, share, or leave a comment here. Your signal boost helps us share these conversations with a wider audience. YouTube episode clip link: https://lnkd.in/eGD_2ZTx

In the latest episode of the How This Works show, Andy Polaine joins Skipper Chong Warson to unpack the "design leadership dip" — that moment of self-doubt many face when transitioning from individual contributor to leadership. Usually coming at a time when people are supposed to be at the top of their game. From losing your identity as a maker to the loneliness of being one of the only design leaders at your level, Andy shares insights and tools to help navigate this tricky space. This isn’t just a design challenge — it’s a leadership challenge.

The wait is over — the newest episode of the How This Works show featuring Andy Polaine is now available! Andy, or Dr. Polaine to some, shares his career journey from film and interactive media into the world of service design and his current role as a design leadership coach. In this conversation, we cover a range of topics, including the “design leadership dip” — a common phase of doubt many leaders (design and otherwise) experience — and his nuanced approach to navigating imposter phenomenon/syndrome and reading the room, even in virtual spaces. Andy’s background as a designer, facilitator, and teacher across years and continents makes this a conversation teeming with insights. We even talk about AI. 🎧 Tune in here: https://lnkd.in/g9UiNpze Available on YouTube, you can also find and subscribe to the How This Works show anywhere you get your podcasts. Find out more information about the episode here: https://lnkd.in/gqWa4TqU

Tomorrow, we’ll have a new episode of the How This Works show with Andy Polaine where he shares his journey from film and interactive media to service design and talks about his current mode as a design leadership coach. Can’t wait? Check out Andy's podcast, Power of Ten, for his most recent conversation with Julian Simpson, a London-based writer and director with 25 years in the industry. Julian has worked on beloved series like Doctor Who, Spooks, and New Tricks. Hes also the creator of The Lovecraft Investigations and founder of the writer-led company Storypunk. Tune in tomorrow for Andy's episode here — but in the meantime, check out the episode on YouTube or on Power of Ten, wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eB6SJR9k Stay tuned tomorrow!

Happy Friday everyone! I don't often double post about episodes of the How This Works show. But I wanted to mention again my conversation with Joanne Weaver, a design recruiter who co-runs a NYC-based agency. Along with insights into and tips for the current job market — and seeing some hope on the horizon — she talked about Tunde Oyeneyin's book "Speak" and the idea of seizing opportunities. Joanne reflects on how there's a “lifetime on an opportunity.” Catch the full episode for more on navigating career moves and other topics: https://lnkd.in/gQWMccZd 🌟 #JoanneWeaver #DesignRecruiting #CareerAdvice #JobMarket #NewBeginnings #PodcastEpisode #OpportunityKnocks #HowThisWorksshow

Happy Friday everyone! I don't often double post about episodes of the How This Works show. But I wanted to mention again my conversation with Joanne Weaver, a design recruiter who co-runs a NYC-based agency. Along with insights into and tips for the current job market — and seeing some hope on the horizon — she talked about Tunde Oyeneyin's book "Speak" and the idea of seizing opportunities. Joanne reflects on how there's a “lifetime on an opportunity.” Catch the full episode for more on navigating career moves and other topics: https://lnkd.in/gQWMccZd 🌟 #JoanneWeaver #DesignRecruiting #CareerAdvice #JobMarket #NewBeginnings #PodcastEpisode #OpportunityKnocks #HowThisWorksshow

We have a new episode of the How This Works show today featuring Joanne Weaver who co-runs a design recruitment agency in NYC with Rebecca Levi. She discusses the lessons she’s learned as an entrepreneur, from starting The Joanne Weaver Group in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis to the importance of networking and building authentic connections. Joanne also moonlights as a singer, belting out jazz standards, swinging covers of hair metal, and indie rock. Whether you’re a product/UX designer or just looking for career growth advice, there’s something for everyone in this episode. 📌 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/et-y_J8d #JoanneWeaver #JoanneWeaverGroup #recruiter #Entrepreneurship #Recruitment #Networking #CareerAdvice #Jazz #UXDesign #Authenticity #JobSearchTips #Podcast #HumanConnection #Leadership #CareerGrowth #HowThisWorksshow #theHowThisWorksshow #HowThisWorksco

On today's episode of the How This Works show, we have Carl Cleanthes — founder of Epic Made, a creative content agency — who has collaborated with brands like SyFy, Nickelodeon, and WWE. He shares his entrepreneurial journey, from selling timeshares to establishing an agency that thrives on creativity. Carl, also known as Colorful Carl, explains NFTs plainly while exploring the deeply personal project of immortalizing his late father's artwork through NFTs. Check out the full conversation about living authentically, embracing creativity, and honoring his father's artistic legacy. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e9f5kgqT #Entrepreneurship #NFTs #CreativeJourney #Leadership #AgencyLife