With so many AI tools flying around, it’s easy for creative teams to feel overwhelmed. Which tools actually matter? And more importantly, what stays uniquely human in design leadership as technology evolves?

In this episode of Design Leadership in the Boardroom,Ekaterina sits down with Cal Thompson, VP Design at Headspace and curator of Future London Academy’s Product Design Strategy course. Cal shares how AI is changing the strategic power of design (not replacing it), where these tools genuinely help guiding roadmaps, measuring product signals, prototyping visions, and where they don’t belong at all, especially when it comes to anchoring human stories.

Joining as a special guest, Rachel Arredondo , Senior Product Designer at Headspace, offers a practical, grounded view of AI as a thought collaborator. She shows how she uses Claude to expand her reach without outsourcing judgment, and why designers must shape tools just as much as tools shape us.

Expect a conversation rooted in empathy, culture, and creative responsibility, plus a clear, usable framework for deciding where AI fits in your design process.

What you’ll learn 

• Why design’s strategic influence can grow in an AI-enabled world
• Where AI helps most across the process of guiding roadmap, synthesising measurement signals, prototyping future visions, navigating crowded markets
• Why human observation and interviews can’t be replaced by synthesis tools
• How to build a design culture that fuels collaboration, trust, and imagination
• What AI means for junior talent, and how leaders should rethink career pathways
• Why the next “design movement” will be collective, not solo-AI driven

Who this episode is for

Design Leaders · Product Designers · Head of Design · Head of UX / UX Director · Product Design Lead · UX Design Lead / Design Lead · Design Managers & Senior ICs navigating AI adoption · Solo/In-house designers · Creatives and cross-functional partners (PMs, researchers, engineers) shaping AI-enabled products

With so many AI tools flying around, it feels overwhelming for any creative team to choose the ones that will make a difference. 

This is why last week, we decided to have a conversation with Charles Migos, Chief Product Officer, Founder of Intangible.ai, Design Leaders faculty member and one of the most exciting voices in design today. He is a design executive who has spent 30 years building tools for creatives, working alongside the industry’s brightest minds like Steve Jobs and in companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Unity.

What we got is a powerful conversation with Charles about how designers play an important role in the age of AI, from problem-solving and aligning teams to improving collaboration.

Timecodes:00:00 Introduction to design and AI with Charles Moberly (ex Apple, Microsoft, Unity)03:04 How the AI shift compares to the internet, Photoshop, and touchscreens06:12 The fundamentals of design that stay the same in the AI era08:23 How to choose AI tools for designers without feeling overwhelmed14:07 How to test and adopt AI tools in a design team16:36 Why creativity still works best as a team sport19:49 What design leaders should focus on in the AI era25:51 Balancing design and engineering cultures at scale32:20 Building Intangible AI and rethinking generative 3D workflows38:46 Copyright, IP, and ethical risks in generative AI45:08 Trust, privacy, and data choices when using AI tools45:26 A realistic look at the future of AI for creatives46:42 How designers can actively shape the future with AI50:19 New opportunities for designers using AI tools well54:09 Practical Figma Make tips for faster high fidelity prototyping01:02:04 Gender bias in AI and what design leaders can do01:22:22 Empathy and pragmatism as core design leadership skills54:09 Practical Figma Make tips Prototyping faster in high fidelity01:02:04 Gender bias in AI How design leaders respond01:22:22 Empathy and pragmatism in design leadership

What does it really take to protect creativity inside large organisations, and why do some CEOs champion design while others struggle to?

In this episode of Design Leadership in the Boardroom, Jim Prior, former Global CEO at WPP and Chair at Design Bridge & Partners, Superunion shares 25 years of experience leading some of the world’s most influential creative companies.

Hosted by Future London Academy, this warm, honest conversation explores how creativity drives business performance, and what every designer should know to influence decision-makers at the highest level.

🎙️ About the guest

Jim Prior is a global brand leader and creative business strategist who has spent over two decades as CEO of The Partners, Superunion and Design Bridge & Partners (WPP). He has advised executive boards worldwide on brand transformation, creativity in leadership, and building future-ready organisations.

🟡 If you want to become a better design leader, learn more about our Executive Programme for Design Leaders: https://fla.wiki/3LNPYCM

💡 You’ll learn:

► How CEOs think about creativity and business value

► How to pitch creative ideas to leadership teams

► How agencies can help clients sell creativity internally

► Leadership habits, decision-making frameworks & lessons from a CEO

► How AI and automation change the creative landscape — and what designers should do now

⏱ Chapters

00:00 Welcome – Ekaterina & Jim Prior

02:36 How CEOs value creativity and design

07:00 Why big companies struggle with innovation

10:22 How to pitch creative ideas to CEOs and boards

14:40 Selling creativity in the boardroom – tips from a CEO

19:42 Creativity in leadership teams vs the boardroom

22:07 How agencies help clients sell ideas internally

26:25 What makes a creative agency truly valuable

28:30 From knowledge economy → creative economy

31:29 Inside the CEO mindset – decision making

36:32 Making smart decisions with imperfect data

43:25 Time management for creative leaders

47:45 Why CEOs prefer talking over email

51:52 Leading through hard times & crises

55:30 Reconnecting with your company vision

57:00 The evolving role of design in leadership

1:03:00 Tech hype vs real change for design leaders

1:07:00 AI & creativity – how designers can adapt

1:12:30 Running creative workshops with leaders

1:17:00 Balancing creativity and business

1:21:00 If Jim Prior could change one thing in the world

Ideal for:

Design leaders • Creative directors • Senior designers • Strategists • CEOs who value design • Anyone aiming to grow their influence in business and boardrooms.

🟡 If you want to become a better design leader, learn more about our Executive Programme for Design Leaders: https://fla.wiki/3LNPYCM

In the second episode of Design Leadership in the Boardroom, we’re joined by Christophe Egret — visionary architect, artist, and co-founder of Studio Egret West, to explore how creativity, spirituality, and leadership come together to shape cities and the people who build them.

🎙 Hosted by Future London Academy, this episode dives into architecture with soul, exploring what it means to build meaningful spaces, lead with empathy, and balance creative vision with commercial success.

🟡 If you want to become a better design leader, learn more about our Executive Programme for Design Leaders: https://fla.wiki/4a3iU3E

💡 What you’ll learn:

► How to keep creativity alive while running a thriving design business

► Ways to lead teams with empathy, purpose, and sou, not just strategy

► Why sketching, storytelling, and intuition still matter in the age of AI

► How to design spaces (and studio cultures) that connect people and purpose

✨ A conversation about imagination, courage, and what it means to build a better world, one soulful design at a time.

About Christoph Egret:

Christoph is one of the UK’s most respected architects and urban thinkers. As co-founder of Studio Egret West, he has helped redefine placemaking through landmark projects such as Mayfield Park in Manchester, Clapham Library, and the Earl’s Court Masterplan. Known for blending architecture, landscape, and urban design into a seamless practice, Christoph brings a deep sense of spirituality and purpose to his work. Today, through his new platform Soul in the City, he explores how the emotional and spiritual dimensions of urban life can inspire more connected, human-centered cities.

🟡 If you want to become a better design leader, learn more about our Executive Programme for Design Leaders: https://fla.wiki/4a3iU3E

Join us for the first episode of our Design Leadership in the Boardroom series, where we speak with executive leaders across architecture, product, AI, branding and psychology to unpack the strategies, practices and frameworks that help them succeed at the highest level.

This time we’re joined by neurodiversity coach Emma Wee to learn how to create environments where neurodivergent talent thrives, and how to lead authentically with your own neurodivergent identity.

From ADHD and Autism to Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, Emma shares practical, humane tactics leaders can use today to help every brain do its best work.What you’ll learn how to:

► Navigate ADHD at work

► Leverage dyslexia strengths

► Dismantle autism myths

► Build inclusive teams

► Implement meeting hygiene

► Handle tricky moments

🟡 If you want to become a better design leader, learn more about our Executive Programme for Design Leaders: https://fla.wiki/4oRvYhj

Timecodes:

00:00:00 – Intro & why neurodiversity matters in creative leadership

00:01:06 – Meet Emma Wee, Neurodiversity Coach

00:03:50 – Emma’s journey: from theatre design to Neurodiversity coaching

00:06:22 – Masking explained (code-switching, cost, and relief in naming it)

00:16:19 – ADHD 101: attention selection, hyperfocus arcs, RSD, boom-and-bust

00:21:28 – Finishing & focus: define “done,” emotional tags, pick tasks by brain-state

00:31:25 – Dyslexia strengths & tools: pattern spotting, dictation, read-aloud, color contrast

00:40:32 – Autism realities: sensory seesaw, clarity over small talk, change vs. variables

00:45:11 – Leading Neurodiverse teams: briefs, check-ins, inclusive defaults, “Manual of Me”

01:00:12 – Disclosure & safety: when to share (or not), alternatives to get support

01:06:11 – Rapid-fire coaching: brainstorms, missed deadlines, interruptions, feedback clashes

01:15:40 – Closing & big question: one change Emma would make in the world

About Guest

Emma Wee — Neurodiversity Coach working with organisations from Universal Music Group to the UK FCDO, EY and PwC, helping teams adapt working practices for neurodivergent professionals. Emma is faculty member at Executive programme for Design Leaders.

🟡 If you want to become a better design leader, learn more about our Executive Programme for Design Leaders: https://fla.wiki/4oRvYhj

Join us for the fifth episode of our Chief Design Officer Series, where we talk to Chief Design Officers from the most forward-thinking companies. This time, we are joined by Sean Carney, former CDO of Philips. At Philips, Sean led a team of 700+ designers and helped generate over $800 million in sales pull-through.Sean shared a powerful case study of how design contributed directly to business transformation and aided a positive change in the world.Watch to learn how to:- Drive real business impact with design- Calculate and communicate ROI on design- Balance creativity with business strategy at the C-level- Build a design team that influences revenue and strategy00:00 — Welcome to the CDO Series: Why Design Belongs in the Boardroom00:49 — Meet Sean Carney: Former Chief Design Officer at Philips02:55 — Sean’s Unplanned Path to Becoming a Chief Design Officer04:42 — From Solo Creator to Strategic Leader: The Power of Diverse Teams07:43 — Why Today’s User Research Isn’t Enough: Designing for the Future10:24 — Philips' Visionary Design Approach13:24 — 📍 Case Study: How Philips Built the NICU of the Future20:05 — 📍 Case Study: Embedding Strategic Design into Business Strategy at Philips35:00 — Tracking the ROI of Design: From Vision to Measurable Business Impact43:11 — Using Real-Time Data and Predictive Modelling in Hospital Design44:35 — Designing Capabilities for the Future: Strategic Foresight in Action45:01 — 📍 Case Study: Smart Toothbrushes and the Rise of Connected Health48:00 — How Philips Prioritised Innovation Opportunities Across 30+ Units48:48 — Turning Design Ideas into Strategic Investments with Cross-Functional Teams53:26 — 📍 Case Study: The Vacuum That Failed — and What It Taught the Business55:34 — What It Takes to Design in Healthcare: Compliance, Innovation & Risk55:53 — Building the Case for Prototypes: Value Beyond the Aesthetic01:01:40 — Bridging Creative Vision and P&L: Design at the Executive Table01:03:55 — How Design Drove Business Transformation at Philips01:10:31 — Empathy Across Departments: The Secret to Influencing at C-Level01:11:18 — Budgeting for Innovation: Where to Find (and Protect) Funds01:14:46 — The Future of Design Leadership: From Systems to Strategy01:21:48 — Design for Good: Applying Creative Leadership to Global Impact01:23:28 — Final Reflections: Building a More Joyful, Impactful World with Design

Learn about our Design Leaders programme: https://fla.wiki/4kDuFPT

#ChiefDesignOfficer #DesignLeadership #ROIonDesign

Learn about our Design Leaders programme 👉 https://fla.wiki/4dm4cVcPatou Nuytemans, CEO EMEA of Ogilvy, one of the world's most iconic creative agencies. Discover how she went from being an "unlikely candidate" from Belgium and rose through the ranks by embracing diverse roles across three continents, pioneering digital transformation, and turning around challenging regions.In this interview, Patou shares her unexpected journey to becoming a CEO, her leadership philosophy, how she drives creative excellence across a global organisation. and how to talk your CEO to justify investment in design. 00:00 – Welcome Patou Nuytemans03:17 – The brave career moves that turned her into a leader 07:53 – Why Patou never chased titles—and what she chased instead 12:31 – “If you don’t communicate your wins, they don’t exist” 18:06 – How creatives should talk to their CEO (and be taken seriously) 22:41 – The structure that keeps 50+ teams aligned (you need this) 30:20 – What actually builds team culture (it’s not what you think) 35:44 – The 5 business metrics Ogilvy tracks 42:54 – “Creativity is a shortcut to big business impact—here’s how to prove it” 50:03 – Want a bigger budget? Say this to your CEO 55:29 – Why junior talent is more valuable than ever (even with AI) 57:49 – “Growth is my religion”: Patou’s personal philosophy on success 1:00:50 – Her wish for the world? More curiosity, more connection Learn about our Design Leaders programme 👉 https://fla.wiki/4dm4cVc#CreativeLeadership #OgilvyCEO #BusinessOfCreativity #DesignLeadership #GlobalTeams #BorderlessCreativity #FutureLondonAcademy #PatouThains #CreativeAgency #LeadershipJourney #WomenInLeadership #AIAndCreativity #TeamCulture #CommunicationSkills #CreativeROI #BrandDifferentiation #ContinuousLearning #GlobalExperience #AwardRecognition #InternationalBusiness

Don Norman, the legendary designer who coined the term "User Experience" and served as Apple's VP, shares insights from his remarkable career. At 89, he reveals why most designers fail to reach the C-suite, how AI will reshape design (not replace it), and his mission to revolutionise design education.

Learn more here👉 https://fla.wiki/4hKKZxs

Janaki Kumar is Chief Design Officer at JPMorgan Chase & Co., a thought leader, innovator, and author who was named a Women of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal in 2016. Janaki is a proven leader in building, coaching and inspiring high performance design teams, leveraging design-thinking, customer empathy, and co-innovation. She is the co-author of Gamification at Work – Designing Engaging Business Software. She was a co-instructor at Stanford’s Graduate School Business LEAD course and inventor on over 20 patents. During our interview, she shared how she became CDO, how to prove your value to C-suite executives and what skills to develop to become CDO.

For more leadership insights check our Design Leaders Programme.

Jeri Ellsworth is an inventor, entrepreneur and founder of Tilt Five, the world’s first augmented reality gaming system. During our interview, she shared where her passion brought her to an amazing career plot twists: from building race cars and running computer stores to creating aerospace navigation systems and leading hardware innovation at Valve Corporation. When her first AR startup failed, an unexpected call from Atari's founder helped her bounce back to create Tilt5, launching the largest AR Kickstarter in history.

Check out our courses: https://fla.wiki/4giVnw5