In this insightful conversation with Asis from Glazed, we explore what it takes to build a startup from scratch, how to stay grounded during unpredictable growth, and the role of personal projects, mindset, and endurance in making your own opportunities.

What You’ll Learn:

* The unexpected power of “just starting” and building small things

* Why vibe coding is exciting but still early

* How Asis and his co-founder balance ambition with mental health

* Glazed’s mission to become the go-to analytics tool for designers

* What finding product-market fit feels like behind the scenes

Key Takeaways:

* Prototypes > Promises: Talking isn’t testing — you learn by doing.

* Start scrappy: Asis didn’t “found a company” until he realized he’d already done so many things that resembled one.

* Mental stamina matters: Treat startups like an endurance sport.

* Vibe coding is great for prototyping, but not ready for prime-time scale.

* Glazed is on a mission: To make data accessible and intuitive — not just for analysts, but for the designers shaping user experience.

You can follow Asis here, and here and here!

Topic:

The evolving role of designers in today's workforce, why traditional career advice falls short, and how to unlock growth through systems thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and entrepreneurial curiosity.

What You’ll Learn:

* Why design portfolios and perfect CVs aren’t enough—and what really matters to employers.

* How thinking systemically can help you build a sustainable and fulfilling career in design.

* Where to look for inspiration and clients outside the design world.

* Alternative paths to traditional employment—like collectives, agencies, and building your own product.

* The importance of failure, curiosity, and learning from business to grow as a creative.

Key Takeaways:

* Mindset matters more than aesthetics—your ability to ask good questions, communicate clearly, and collaborate is key.

* Be curious about other systems—understand how politics, business, and institutions work to design with real-world impact.

* Go where the clients are—attend industry-specific events, not just design conferences.

* Explore new models—not everyone needs to freelance or take a job; you can build products or join/start collectives.

* Failure is part of the journey—you’ll learn more from building (and failing) than from staying in the comfort zone.……Berlin Design E.V | Website Berlin Design E.V Linkedin | Berlin Design Networkand you can follow Nick here

What You'll Learn:

* The growing importance of AI in design and development.

* The shift in roles from traditional designers to "makers" using AI tools.

* Insights into AI tools like ChatGPT, Framer, and Webflow.

* The process of adopting AI in design workflows.

* The philosophy of working with AI, balancing passion and patience.

Key Takeaways:

* Adopting AI as a Designer:

* AI tools are rapidly evolving and will likely play a central role in design workflows.

* AI is not just for augmenting existing skills but can be used to reimagine the role of a designer.

* From Designer to Maker:

* Designers should view themselves as "makers," not just as users of tools.

* Passion is essential for turning ideas into tangible products.

* Choosing the Right Tools:

* It’s still unclear which tools will dominate, but platforms like ChatGPT 4.5, Framer, and Webflow show promise.

* Personal preference for tools depends on the desire to avoid manual coding and focus on getting projects live.

* Patience in the Process:

* The journey with AI in design is a process of trial and error—be willing to start over if things go wrong.

* Embrace the learning curve and approach it as an investment in your future work.

* Commit to Ideas and Avoid the Pressure of Commercialization:

* Don't worry about creating "unicorns" or overly commercial projects.

* Focus on building something you’re passionate about, even if it’s small (e.g., a journal app that you want to use).

* Ground Zero for Everyone:

* The field is still new, and everyone is figuring it out together.

* Failure and mistakes are part of the learning process, and passion will drive you to continue when setbacks occur.

………….

You can find Behrad Mirafshar at Linkedin | UX for AI Podcast

Topic

Building and Growing a Design Community

What You'll Learn

* How to start and sustain a successful design meetup.

* The role of consistency in fostering a strong community.

* Balancing community building with personal and professional commitments.

* Lessons from running Berlin Product Designers Meetup and Hatch Conference.

Key Takeaways

* Consistency is key: Regularly showing up and hosting events fosters a strong sense of community.

* Start small and be persistent: Early challenges include finding venues, funding events, and gaining sponsorships.

* Build a reliable team: Having a dedicated team ensures sustainability and allows for flexibility.

* Adaptability matters: Unexpected disruptions (e.g., speaker cancellations, strikes) require quick problem-solving.

* Community-driven growth: Engaging attendees and leveraging their network helps expand resources and partnerships.…………..Follow Damian at LinkedinGet tickets to Hatch Conference hereFollow Berlin Product Designers Meetup to be updated of their meet-upsHave a cool idea and want to speak at BPD? Sign up here!Want to host a BPD, here’s all you need to know!

We spoke to Mathieu Ritter - Talent Acquisition Expert (Founder of Undiscovered) about navigating the Design Job Market, and all the Strategies that could help you land your next role.

Topics :

* Introduction to Undiscovered and its unique approach

* Navigating the brutal job market

* Strategies for job seekers

* Standing out as a designer

* Breaking into the industry as a junior designer

* The evolving role of designers

* Future hiring trends and skills needed

* Final thoughts and advice for candidates

What You'll Learn:

* Practical techniques for finding hidden job opportunities

* How to properly utilize LinkedIn without falling into common traps

* The importance of networking and building relationships in the industry

* Specific portfolio strategies that get attention from hiring managers

* Ways to break into the industry as a junior designer

* How the design industry has evolved and what skills are increasingly valued

Key Takeaways:

* Success in job hunting requires looking beyond just applying on LinkedIn

* Personal branding and authentic presentation are crucial for standing out

* Companies value designers who understand business context and can communicate well

* Product companies and agencies offer different career paths with distinct advantages

* Junior designers face challenges but can succeed with the right approach to mentorship and learning

* Technical knowledge (coding, API integration) is increasingly valuable for designers

* Authenticity is the "magic wand" that helps candidates stand out in interviews

* Networking strategies should focus on building genuine relationships rather than transactional connections………….

You can find Mathieu Ritter at: LinkedIn | Undiscovered | ADPlist