Inspiring Design

Shadé Zahrai - An Award-Winning Leadership Strategist, Harvard-trained coach and member of the esteemed Forbes Coaches Council, Shadé Zahrai is a specialist in building a success mindset, self-belief and self-mastery for business professionals - and I discuss a unique topic that subconsciously, constantly influences, shapes and ultimately designs our life – the 5 x inner critics. Shadé details exactly what these critics are and how they can be recognised and design your life towards success. Tune into the eye-opening episode - an episode that has the power to change your life.

The “Internet of Things” (IoT). In this episode, Michelle Howie (a Technology Evangelist from Telstra) and I discuss the various attributes and elements that involve IoT. This technologically advanced conversation unveils detailed responses to questions such as – What is IoT? Why is IoT important to the 21st century? How does this play a huge role in preparing the digital natives? What does IoT look like within schools? How is 5G going to impact IoT technologies? Michelle then moves on to share her advice on how the current education system can prepare students to harness the IoT as well as how professionals now can prepare and take control! She signs off with detailing exactly how students and educators can work with Telstra (using IoT) and other emerging tech initiatives to step into the 21st century. These are just some of the valuable insights uncovered in this 21st century conversation. Tune in for everything IoT.

In this episode, James Charnley (BuildingPoint Australia– Technical Consultant) and I unravel one of the most popular software applications in Design – SketchUp. Together we discuss how Sketchup helps design within the AEC, how it enhances the creativity and skills of designers, and how you can get the most out of its capabilities. James also provides some of his personal advice for design students, educators, and professionals. James also hints at what’s to come for the future of this amazing application and what to look out for! Tune into this episode for a sneak peek into the world of SketchUp!

Mindfulness. In this episode, Amy Lou Wilson and I discuss exactly what is involved in mindfulness and more specifically how its (should be!) integrated in to 21st century education. Understand the scientific implications and biochemistry benefits behind integrating mindfulness practices into the classroom. Amy and I unpack detailed answers to questions such as – What is mindfulness? How is this integrated into the classroom? How can 21st century educators / parents integrate into their everyday life, while benefiting their students / children, respectively? How can schools prepare for this shift? What is best practice in mindfulness? How does it impact early childhood development as well as young adolescents? These are just some of the valuable insights uncovered in today’s episode. Don’t forget to jump on to YouTube to watch the full episode and additional footage!

Ever watched the hit blockbusters - iRobot, Day After Tomorrow, Tron, Oblivion? Christopher Nichols (Director or Chaos Group – company that brings you VRay) outlines his amazing career in Computer Graphics, VFX and Visualisation coming from studying Arts and Maths through to an Architectural career and on to the movie sets of Hollywood. Chris’s leadership within Chaos Group to bring us VRay (one of the best and biggest rendering packages in the world!) has been an industry disruptor globally. Chris and I discuss through a detailed conversation on the various attributes of renderings and visualisation, within the various industries and how these skills can be developed, nurtured, and harnessed for successful careers within gaming, film & television and design industries. Chris also outlines the related attributes of combining the creative outlets such as photography and with design and visualisation to enhance your communication – even utilising VR! Chris’s advice for professionals, students, and graduates to harness these skills within the 21st century is simply the tip of the iceberg, not to mention the sneak peaks at the future of visualisation technology using real-time ray tracing. Tune in for a jam-packed episode, coming to you straight from Los Angeles, US.

Straight from Shark Tank Australia to the stage with the Wolf of Wall Street – Ryan Tuckwood (Co-founder of ISR Training) and I discuss quite an underrated topic – ethical communication. More accurately, how to design your ethical communication. In this episode, Ryan humbly shares his story of evolving from a systematic thinking engineer to developing a debilitating fear for sales and ultimately becoming the one of the most sought after sales trainers in Australia using the SWISH (Sell With Integrity Sell With Honesty) approach. This episode uncovers details on how ethical communication is designed through integrity, authenticity, honesty, and a good morality. Ryan then goes on to explain how this type of communication is vital for any industry within the 21st century. Not to mention how these skills can be nurtured, learned, and developed, as he did himself. Alongside some incredible advice applicable to professionals and students in any industry. 

Autodesk. One brand, one mission, many tools. In this episode I speak with Adam Walmsley (Senior Civil Infrastructure Technical Specialist at Autodesk) to uncover Autodesk’s amazing products and services as well as deep dive into understanding how these tools (such as Revit, Dynamo, Navisworks, Inventor, Fusion360, Python to name a few) enable the enhanced and connected workflows within the Australian Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Adam outlines various Building Information Modelling (BIM) solutions and how Autodesk technology has enabled the AEC to transition into the 21st Century. Additionally, the conversation details Generative Design and valuable advice for practicing industry professionals, students and graduates while uncovering what to expect from Autodesk in the future – not to mention some hidden gems of knowledge. If you love learning about Computational Design, Generative Design, BIM, tune into this conversation and learn directly from Autodesk.

Critical & Creative Problem Solving to the Rescue : A Pandemic Story with Daniel Davison

Samantha Reynolds (HOD Arts and Applied Technology and Business at Saint Stephen’s College) and I discussed how innovation is facilitated through ‘Enterprise Skills’ within 21st century education. This insightful and new-age approach to education follows best practice techniques from around the world. The conversation uncovers answers to questions such as - What are enterprise skills? (hint: design thinking, collaboration, resilience, presentation… to name a few!). Why are they imperative within 21st century education? How can it be effectively be facilitated in the classroom? As well as advice for educators and schools on embedding these vital skills into their delivery. This insightful episode full of useful knowledge is perfect for 21st century educators in finding a roadmap on how to lead, best practice in their classroom. 

In the recent climate, the stress on the education sector has been immense. All deliveries moving online, raises many questions and concerns, especially with creative subjects such as ‘Design’. So how do educators overcome these challenges? Madeline Taylor (QUT Lecturer and design maverick) and I uncover details, insights, challenges and learnings through the delivery of the ‘Design Intensive’ for over 600+ first year tertiary design students. Questions such as - how was the teaching and learning experience quality managed? What were the challenges/outcomes and learnings? How will this evolve the way design is taught? As well as take away, actionable advice and tips for educators, schools and universities to effectively teach online. Tune in for the latest online education information within 21st century design education.