If Not Now Then When?

For this episode I spoke with globally renowned industrial designer Oscar Peña, and we focused the chat on supporting young creatives!

Oscar has a huge respect for the human experience and this episode covers the concept of mentoring and giving back to a younger generation. It celebrates the idea of a non-linear career path, taking calculated risks and the concept of ‘playing seriously’.

Originally from Columbia, Oscar moved to the US and then Europe to lead the ‘Man and Activity’ programme for 23 years at the Design Academy Eindhoven which is recognised as one of the most progressive design schools in the world. His wife Ilse Crawford, a globally respected Interior Designer was Head of the ‘Man and Wellbeing’ department there too. Oscar was also Global Creative Director of Philips Lighting and is now Co-Principle alongside Ilse who founded Studioilse in 2003. Studioilse comprises of an exceptionally skilled team spanning interior design, product design, architecture, creative direction, strategy, and writing.

For me, I realised that supporting young creatives in recognising their values and aims is not only hugely rewarding, but so important for the future of our industry. I want to teach people that it isn’t a negative thing to take detours and find yourself on a different career path from the original plan. The mantra of ‘If Not Now Then When?” is to appreciate opportunities that come your way as not everyone has that luxury.

Your journey will be influenced by experiences gained and should be as individual as you are!

www.studioilse.com | @studioilse_ | @designacademyeindhoven | @abstractdesign

www.inntw.co.uk | @ifnotnowthen_when | #INNTWstories

For the final episode of the Perception series, we discuss a number of topics surrounding the theme of ‘equality and diversity’. I’m so proud to have had the chance to chat with Nasim Köerting, Head of Design at The Office Group; Sabine Zetteler, Founder of Zetteler PR and Bisila Noha, Founder of her eponymous ceramics brand. All hugely successful in their own right and with varied experiences, this dynamic group of guests are champions for change within the design industry. They are open-minded and eloquently discuss a number of issues that are still prevalent within the design industry today. 

The setting was intentionally casual; we ate biscuits, drank coffee and laughed a lot! I wanted this episode to be relatable and to normalise the struggles that many people have had throughout their careers. I’d like to thank my guests for voicing their opinions and offering up their personal experiences in such a vulnerable way on a public platform. 

I for one definitely learnt a lot from this chat as it opened my eyes to my often naive view of the world. I think it’s hugely important to recognise your own privilege in order to challenge the norms and to uplift others who haven’t had the same opportunities. ‘If Not Now Then When?’ aims to motivate and teaches people to believe in aspirations, however, it’s clear that this is not balanced as it’s often impossible for some of the most talented to get past the hurdles in their way.

I think listening to others more and hearing their lived experiences can often be painful as it makes us realise our own bias but it’s the way in which we can all move forward to a more excepting world for everyone. 

This podcast series has been truly life changing for me. It has taught me a lot about myself, but also about others and it’s given me a far greater outlook beyond my own lived experiences. For this, I am so grateful to each and every one of my guests and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did in producing it.

www.inntw.co.uk | @ifnotnowthen_when | #INNTWstories

Nasim:  www.theofficegroup.com | @theofficegroup | @nasimkoerting

Bisila: www.bisilanoha.co.uk | @bisilanoha | @_sheroes | @_lonartorg | @submittolovestudios

Sabine: www.zetteler.co.uk | @zetteler | www.design-can.com | @_designcan__ | @sabinezetteler

CHOSEN CHARITABLE AND NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS:

Nasim: www.theadvocacyacademy.com | @advocacyacademy

Sabine: www.theblackcurriculum.com | @theblackcurriculum

Bisila: www.headwayeastlondon.org | @headwayeastlondon

For the final episode of the Perception series, we discuss a number of topics surrounding the theme of ‘equality and diversity’. I’m so proud to have had the chance to chat with Nasim Köerting, Head of Design at The Office Group; Sabine Zetteler, Founder of Zetteler PR and Bisila Noha, Founder of her eponymous ceramics brand. All hugely successful in their own right and with varied experiences, this dynamic group of guests are champions for change within the design industry. They are open-minded and eloquently discuss a number of issues that are still prevalent within the design industry today. 

The setting was intentionally casual; we ate biscuits, drank coffee and laughed a lot! I wanted this episode to be relatable and to normalise the struggles that many people have had throughout their careers. I’d like to thank my guests for voicing their opinions and offering up their personal experiences in such a vulnerable way on a public platform. 

I for one definitely learnt a lot from this chat as it opened my eyes to my often naive view of the world. I think it’s hugely important to recognise your own privilege in order to challenge the norms and to uplift others who haven’t had the same opportunities. ‘If Not Now Then When?’ aims to motivate and teaches people to believe in aspirations, however, it’s clear that this is not balanced as it’s often impossible for some of the most talented to get past the hurdles in their way.

I think listening to others more and hearing their lived experiences can often be painful as it makes us realise our own bias but it’s the way in which we can all move forward to a more excepting world for everyone. 

This podcast series has been truly life changing for me. It has taught me a lot about myself, but also about others and it’s given me a far greater outlook beyond my own lived experiences. For this, I am so grateful to each and every one of my guests and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did in producing it.

Nasim: www.theofficegroup.com | @theofficegroup | @nasimkoerting

Sabine: www.zetteler.co.uk | @zetteler | www.design-can.com | @_designcan__ | @sabinezetteler

Bisila: www.bisilanoha.co.uk | @bisilanoha | @_sheroes | @_lonartorg | @submittolovestudios

CHOSEN CHARITABLE AND NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS:

Nasim: www.theadvocacyacademy.com | @advocacyacademy

Sabine: www.theblackcurriculum.com | @theblackcurriculm

Bisila: www.headwayeastlondon.org | @headwayeastlondon

For this episode, we’ve virtually travelled across the pond and I’m so excited that my guest is Andrea Nieto of the Design Futures team at Adidas in Portland, United States. 

To me, Adidas is a brand that represents youthful forward thinking. In this episode we discuss the power of seeing past the hurdles directly in front of us and toward the vision of what we want our future to be like. We delve deeper into the twists and turns of Andrea’s career path to date as people often assume that successful creatives just follow a straight line.

We also discuss the future in regard to new materials and concepts at Adidas such as the highly anticipated robotically woven ‘Futurecraft Strung’ trainers using a state-of-the-art textile. 

'Looking to the future' through Andrea’s eyes is about highlighting that we all have the opportunity to change our path if we stay determined and committed. This episode also highlights that even as one individual you have the power to change things for people around the globe. It was important to balance the conversation about the individual and also the global brand at large as it ties into the concept that no matter how insignificant you feel through small and consistent movements you can change the world!

If you’d like to learn more about Adidas, you can do via www.adidas.com and @adidas

For more information on the ‘FutureCraft Strung’ project visit: www.Kramweisshaar.com

In addition, this series also aims to spread awareness about a charity that is close to the heart of each guest. ‘Understructable’ is a non-profit organisation that helps domestic abuse survivors rebuild their lives by focusing on promoting healing and rediscovery of self-worth. Cora Lee, an ex-adidas member, began the employment program to allow survivors make their way to financial independence from their perpetrators.

Cora teaches her apparel design skills, and, in this organisation, they focus on creating sustainable products from post-consumer waste. For more information visit: @we.are.undestructable and www.undestructable.org

www.inntw.co.uk | @ifnotnowthen_when | #INNTWstories

For this episode, I’m excited to announce that my guest is Katie Greenyer, Creative Director of Pentland Brands.

Pentland Brands is the name behind some of the world’s best sports, outdoor and lifestyle brands. They own Speedo, Berghaus, Endura, Ellesse, Red or Dead and Mitre to name just a few!

This series has a little twist on the ones so far and contains four podcasts all based around a topic surrounding perception. This episode focuses on the power of mentoring and giving back.

Perception is the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something. Through her humble nature, Katie was able to acknowledge her own mentors and in doing so has selflessly dedicated a large portion of her career to sharing her expertise with others - she really is a true inspiration!

She’s the kind of individual who will enter a room and light it up. She’ll make everyone around her feel as though they are important, and her energy is truly infectious to be around. Hand on heart, I have to say that anyone who has spent time in her presence is lucky. I’m in awe of not only her achievements but also her outlook too. I can honestly say that I feel lucky to call her a mentor and that she has inspired me to fight for what I want to do in my career. I just hope that I can learn from her nature and give back in the same way that she does.

If you’d like to learn more about Pentland Brands you can do via www.pentlandbrands.com and @pentlandbrands

In addition, this series also aims to spread awareness about a charity that is close to the heart of each guest. As a trustee, Katie has decided to raise awareness for the National Saturday Club. For more information visit: @natsatclub and www.saturday-club.org

www.inntw.co.uk | @ifnotnowthen_when | #INNTWstories

I’m excited to announce that for this episode, my guests are Miles Nazaire of Made in Chelsea and Waz Ashayer of Raise LDN. Miles and Waz have both had incredible careers thus far and I would really like to thank them for their openness in this interview. After listening to this episode, I honestly challenge anyone to name two more positive, self-motivated and all-round nice guys than these two.

This series has a little twist on the ones so far and contains four podcasts all based around a topic surrounding perception - the first being men’s mental health and the power of looking after yourself. In this episode we touched upon social media and fitness, chatted about the importance of friendship and laughed about the vast amounts of caffeine we’d consumed.

I honestly, can’t tell you how much I admire them both. They are truly kind to the core and willing to share their own experiences in order to help others. Miles and Waz are paving the way by empowering other men to voice their thoughts and feelings without shame.

Mind is the charity of choice for this podcast. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding surrounding mental health. They continue to shed light on the issue, normalise it and allow people to get the support and respect that they deserve. For more information visit: @mindcharity and www.mind.org.uk

If you’d like to learn more about Miles Nazaire you can obviously watch him over on E4’s Made in Chelsea, however, I would advise following him on Instagram via @milesjnazaire for mental health advice and all-round positive vibes!

Waz Ashayer will be continuing his Raise LDN Instagram Live sessions throughout the lockdown and I whole heartedly advise anyone who is feeling like they need a boost to give them a go. The pop-ups will resume later on this year and you’ll be able to hear about these via @wazashayer and @raiseldn

I can’t believe this is the final episode of the second series! Time has flown by; however, I can’t contain my excitement any longer and I’m proud to announce that my guest to round things off is Camille Walala!

The aim of this podcast is to uplift you and to inspire you to believe that your aspirations are attainable – even more so given the times we’re living in at the moment.

Camille was the perfect guest to end this series with as she finds inspiration in community and collaboration. She uses the power of colour and pattern to transform atmospheres, elevate moods and spark positivity. I hope that this episode allows you to think outside the box and to discover your path!

Camille is known for her ambitious, large-scale and explosively colourful interventions in public spaces. She uses the man-made landscape as a platform to spread positivity. Her work encompasses full-facade murals, immersive 3D installations, street art, interiors and set design – characterised by a fusion of bold colours and playful geometric patterns.

I’ve been a fan for years and since bumping into her at an event and chatting about cheese I knew that I wanted her to take part in ‘If Not Now Then When?’. She is so down-to-earth and humble, and her experiences are ones that will resonate with a large number of the INNTW audience.

www.camillewalala.com | @CamilleWalala

www.inntw.co.uk | @ifnotnowthen_when | #INNTWstories

This series is fully sponsored by Minotti London.

Hello and welcome to the fifth episode in Series two of the INNTW the podcast.

‪‪I’m excited to announce that for this episode I was joined by the talented and hugely inspiring Denzel Currie. ‪With over 100k followers on both Instagram and YouTube, Denzel is an incredibly successful streetwear designer who paints onto garments for his own fashion company called CurrieGOAT. ‬He has collaborated with a number of brands, has a wealth of knowledge surrounding social media and he’s still under 30!‬

I don’t even know how to summarise this one – he’s just such an inspirational creative mind. You know when you just get the feeling you’ve spoken to someone who’s only just touched the surface of their achievements!

I love that he really understands his market and what they want from his brand. One of the themes of the INNTW toolkit is to understand who you are, what you offer and its value. Denzel highlights that through consistent hard work, anything is possible.

@CurrieGOAT | YouTube - CurrieGOAT

This series is fully sponsored by Minotti London.

Hello and welcome to the fourth episode in Series 2 of the ‘If Not Now Then When?’ podcast. The aim of this podcast is simply to provide you with inspiration that will make you feel aligned with the speaker rather than intimidated by their achievements. Casual vibes all around with a bit of positivity thrown in there to brighten your day and to remind you that your aspirations are attainable.

I’m excited to announce that my guests this time are Jonathan and Militza of ANARCHITECT. Jonathan is the Founder and Architect and Militza is the Head of Creative Development and Communications.

ANARCHITECT is a multiple Award-Winning Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design practice based in Dubai and London that was founded in 2013. They specialise in delivering bespoke projects across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Jonathan and Militza discuss the importance of knowing and understanding your craft and following this the best ways to market it. Their story is one that highlights the importance of taking every opportunity that comes your way. They possess an amazing combination of passion, dedication and business savviness and it was such an invigorating conversation!

www.anarchitect.com | @anarchitect_co

This series is fully sponsored by Minotti London.

I can’t believe we're almost halfway through the second series already!

I’m excited to announce that my third guest is the amazing Marianne Shillingford - a person who has been a great mentor to me over the years.

Marianne is the Creative Director of Dulux and is also the Founder of the Colour in Design Award. Her passion for colour is clear but her passion for people will be the main thing you’ll take away from this podcast.

What I love the most about Marianne is how humble she is. She has achieved so much but whenever I’m around her she gives me the time and makes me feel as though I’m on the same level.

This is what ‘If Not Now Then When?’ is all about. It’s about speaking with the people you look up to in a way that makes you feel aligned, a way that makes you feel like you have something as valid to offer and maybe you just haven’t acted on it yet. By shining the light on incredible individuals such as Marianne I hope to inspire you to be the best versions of yourselves.

www.colourindesignaward.org | @colourindesignaward | @m_shillingford

www.inntw.co.uk | @ifnotnowthen_when | #INNTWstories

This series is fully sponsored by Minotti London.