"Everything that I have done, even back at the government, was about building this community, bringing people together. And there is definitely a need for that in the market."

In this episode, Radim Malinic interviews Izzy Poirier, a brand designer and community builder from Ottawa, Canada. Izzy shares her journey from working in government to founding the Ottawa Design Club and establishing her own brand strategy practice. She discusses the importance of creating meaningful connections, evoking feelings through design, and the challenges of personal branding in the creative industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Community building is at the core of Izzy's work, influencing both her design practice and personal brand.
• Creating a feeling of belonging and connection is crucial for successful events and brand experiences.
• Personal branding requires self-reflection and the courage to address one's own gaps and weaknesses.
• Diverse perspectives and guest curators can enhance creative projects and community initiatives.
• Balancing multiple creative pursuits can be challenging, but finding a common thread can lead to a cohesive personal brand.
• Asking difficult questions and seeking honest feedback is essential for growth, even if it's uncomfortable.
• Understanding your target audience in detail, including their interests and habits, can greatly improve your ability to connect with them.
• Volunteer-driven initiatives like the Ottawa Design Club can have a significant impact on local creative communities.
• Transitioning from a government job to freelancing and community leadership requires adaptability and perseverance.
• Dreams and aspirations, such as designing exhibits for major museums, can serve as powerful motivators for personal and professional growth.

Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business

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