TB Bardlavens, Director of Product Equity at Adobe, joins us for this special edition featuring questions from Made For Us listeners. 

We discuss what it really means to build technology that works for everyone and how the Product Equity team tackles this challenge across all 137 of Adobe’s products. TB also shares how his team shaped Firefly, Adobe’s suite of generative AI tools, ensuring that its outputs truly reflect human diversity. 

Along the way, TB answers listeners' questions on the impact of DEI rollbacks in the US and Adobe’s approach to building inclusive global products that respect cultural nuances.

Other topics we explore:

• Why traditional product development often fails to meet human needs
• How Adobe is embedding equity and accessibility across its entire product ecosystem
• The human case and the business case for product equity
• The role of AI in creativity and Adobe’s mission to empower, not replace, creatives

Missed last week’s episode? AI vs the gender feedback gap

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About TB Bardlavens

TB Bardlavens is chaotic good in its purest form. He is a Gay, Black man from the Carolinas, a highly regarded social intrapreneur, and an advocate for equity in technology and design. He is a Product Executive, Cultural Strategist, Diversity, Equity, and Justice expert, Co-Founder, Writer, and International Speaker and Facilitator.

For more than a decade, TB has dedicated his career to dismantling systemic barriers, building and scaling teams, and launching innovative digital products for companies like Microsoft, Meta and Adobe.

Learn more about TB Bardlavens: https://www.bardlavens.com/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bardlavens 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bardlavens 

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Connect with Made for Us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/

Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

Join the Made For Us community by signing up for our free newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

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How does bias show up in workplace feedback, and can AI help fix it?

In this episode, we speak with Mykel Rangel, VP of Engineering at Textio, a company that has built AI-driven tools that are reshaping the way managers give feedback and how recruiters craft job ads. We explore the hidden biases in performance reviews, how feedback impacts employee retention and pay, and what leaders can do to create more equitable workplaces.

We also cover:

• Textio’s research on workplace feedback and what language can reveal about a company’s culture
• Why women tend to get more personality-based feedback than men
• How AI can help managers close the feedback gap
• Strategies for evaluating AI tools for bias mitigation

Enjoyed what you heard? Pass it on to a friend - or tell the world with a 5-star review.

Missed last week's episode? Subtitles for real life? There's a pair of glasses for that

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About Mykel Rangel 

Mykel Rangel is the Vice President of Engineering at Textio, a company using artificial intelligence to help organisations create more inclusive, effective, and engaging written communication. Starting off as a tech writer, Mykel transitioned into software before joining Textio. 

Learn more about Textio: https://textio.com

Follow Mykel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mykel-rangel-18963322/

Read the report on bias in performance feedback: https://textio.com/feedback-bias-2024 

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• Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ 
• Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

Transcripts for this episode are available here: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/

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What if you could subtitle everyday life? That question sparked the creation of XRAI, a company developing augmented reality glasses that display real-time subtitles right before your eyes. 

In this episode, XRAI CEO and founder Dan Scarfe joins us to share how AI and augmented reality (AR) are making conversations more accessible - for the 1.5 billion people worldwide with hearing loss, but also for anyone who’s ever struggled to hear in a noisy café, missed a detail in a conversation, or needed instant translation.

In this episode, we cover:

• The highs and lows of building inclusive tech
• How XRAI’s earliest users (and Dan’s granddad) helped refine the product
• The different use cases for the technology - benefits for the deaf and neurodivergent communities as well as global businesses
• The future of AI-driven assistive technology and what’s next for XRAI

Enjoyed the conversation? Tell a friend - or tell the world with a 5-star review.

Missed last week's episode? Listen here: https://pod.fo/e/2af77d

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About Dan Scarfe:

Dan Scarfe is the CEO and founder of XRAI, a company using AI and augmented reality to improve accessibility. Inspired by his grandfather’s hearing loss, he developed XRAI Glass, smart glasses that provide real-time subtitles. Under his leadership, XRAI is expanding into live translation and workplace integration, aiming to make communication more inclusive worldwide.

Learn more about XRAI: https://xrai.glass/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xraiglass/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xraiglass/

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Connect with  Made for Us

• Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/
• Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

Why aren’t more tech companies prioritising inclusion in product development?

Research by McKinsey & Company found that only 17% of product managers ranked inclusion among their top priorities. Yet, it can be a powerful strategic advantage.

In this episode, we speak with Rikki Singh, a partner at McKinsey and founder of the McKinsey Product Academy, about the critical role of product management in fostering responsible and inclusive innovation.

The conversation explores:

• Real-world examples of companies innovating to serve underserved markets
• How generative AI is exposing biases in tech while also unlocking the ability to create a more level playing field
• Actionable tips for enterprises and startups to prioritise inclusion in product development

Love what you heard? Leave us a 5 star review - it helps more people find us, and helps us bring you more great guests.

Missed last week’s episode? Listen here: https://pod.fo/e/2ad6a1

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About Rikki Singh 

Rikki Singh leads McKinsey’s software product-management work, helping the world’s largest software and fast-growing SaaS companies with product development and business building. She also founded the McKinsey Product Academy.

Learn more: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/rikki-singh

Follow Rikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritikasingh24/

Read the report on responsible product management: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/responsible-product-management-the-critical-tech-challenge

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Connect with  Made for Us

• Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ 
• Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Made for Us with Lucy Edwards, a trailblazing broadcaster, author and content creator who is redefining perceptions of disability.

Lucy shares her journey of navigating life as a blind woman, from losing her vision at 17 to becoming a disability advocate and consultant to major brands to creating content that's been seen by millions. The conversation covers:

• Lucy’s viral wedding, where she and her husband gave guests a glimpse into her world
• Her book, Blind, Not Broken, a memoir and guide to overcoming loss and embracing self-acceptance
• The challenges of living in a world that often overlooks accessibility
• Lucy’s work with global brands like Pantene and Barbie-maker Mattel, and her plans to launch a makeup line with inclusivity at its core

If you enjoyed this conversation as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you, we’d be thrilled if you could leave us a 5-star rating! Your support means more listeners will be able to discover the show. Thank you!

About Lucy Edwards 

Lucy Edwards is a blind broadcaster, journalist, author, and digital content creator who has become a leading advocate for accessibility and inclusivity. 

Lucy uses platforms like TikTok and YouTube to educate her audience about living with blindness while championing equality. Lucy is the author of Blind, Not Broken and the children's book Ella Jones vs The Sun Stealer.

Learn more about Lucy Edwards: https://www.lucyedwards.com

Follow Lucy Edwards on Instagram: @LucyEdwardsOfficial

Follow Lucy Edwards on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucyedwards

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Connect with  Made for Us

• Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/
• Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

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Season 2 credits:

Creator/producer/host: Tosin Sulaiman

Graphic design: Judith Raynault | Cover art: Valentin Grimoux

Audio engineer: Justin Orive | Marketing intern: Abigail Brierley

Made For Us is back for another season!

Subscribe now so you don't miss new episodes.

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Connect with Made for Us

• Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ 
• Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

**ANNOUNCEMENT**

Made For Us won the Bronze at the 2024 Signal Awards in the 'Most Inspirational Podcast' category!! Thanks to the judges for recognising our indie podcast as one of 2024's most impactful shows. If you voted for us in the Listener's Choice Awards, we're incredibly grateful for your support.

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We have great news to share with you: Made For Us has been named a finalist in the 2024 Signal Awards in the 'Most Inspirational Podcast' category! 

The Signal Awards recognise the best creators around the world who are making ‘podcasts that define culture.’

Voting is open to the public and we'd appreciate a vote for Made For Us in the Listener's Choice Award. Please head to vote.signalaward.com and search for ‘Made For Us’ or click here (after voting, be sure to click the link you receive by email, otherwise the vote won’t count). Voting is open until Oct 17.

Thanks for being one of the earliest supporters of this podcast! Be the first to know when Season 2 drops by subscribing to the Made For Us newsletter and following us on social media.

Connect with Made For Us

• Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm
• Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast

Over the past few months, guests on this podcast have shared some great examples of inclusive design and innovation, but these kinds of products aren’t the norm (yet).  

Joining me to explore some of the reasons why is Scott Berkun, author of How Design Makes the World, a book that aims to demystify design for everyone. We discuss why it’s so hard to design well and what organisations can do to accelerate good ideas.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to the free Made For Us newsletter for exclusive content.

If you haven’t yet left a 5-star rating or review, this would be the perfect time to do so (it will help others discover this podcast while Season 2 is in the works).

In today’s episode, Scott and I discuss: 

• Business and cultural reasons behind design choices
• Key questions to ask early on in the design process
• Why we should think twice before using words like ‘intuitive’ and ‘user-friendly’
• The ROI of inclusivity 

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About Scott Berkun:

Scott Berkun is a bestselling author and popular speaker on UX design, innovation, leading teams, public speaking and other subjects. He’s published eight books, including How Design Makes The World and The Myths of Innovation. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist and other media.

Learn more about Scott Berkun: http://www.scottberkun.com

Learn more about How Design Makes the World: https://designmtw.com/

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Connect with  Made for Us

• Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ 
• Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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Made For Us was produced and hosted by Tosin Sulaiman. Special thanks to the following people who helped to keep this podcast running:

Design & social media management: Valentin Grimoux 

Audio engineering: Justin Orive at Reliable Sounds, Alex Van Rose & Rishi Das

Post-production & marketing intern: Soumaya El Filali

On the day makeup artist Terri Bryant learned she had Parkinson's, she returned home and raided her makeup kit and her husband's toolbox. She quickly pinpointed what was lacking in the tools she’d been using for years: grip and stability. This sparked the creation of Guide Beauty, a brand dedicated to reimagining makeup artistry and proving it can be accessible to all, regardless of skill, ability, or disability.

In today’s episode, we discuss: 

• Adaptation and accommodation vs. authentic inclusion 
• What Terri learned from launching a beauty brand in the middle of the pandemic
• Why she decided to team up with the actress Selma Blair, Guide’s Chief Creative Officer
• How Guide Beauty is changing the narrative around accessible beauty tools

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and drop us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to spread the word! 

And be sure to check out our free newsletter where you'll find exclusive content.

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About Terri Bryant:

Guide Beauty's founder Terri Bryant is a veteran in makeup artistry and education with over 25 years in the cosmetics industry. She’s worked behind the scenes as a celebrity makeup artist, in front of the camera as a presenter on QVC, QVC UK and HSN, and as an education executive, teaching makeup artistry for brands like Dior and Stila, and leading education departments for companies such as Smashbox and Josie Maran. 

Learn more about Guide Beauty: https://www.guidebeauty.com

Follow Guide Beauty on IG: @guidebeautycosmetics

Follow Guide Beauty on TIKTOK: @guidebeauty

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Connect with Made for Us

• Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/
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Want to be the first to hear when Season 2 lands? Sign up for the Made For Us newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content.

This week's episode:

In the heart of South London, a bustling barbershop served as the birthplace for Aaron Wallace, the pioneering grooming brand dedicated to black men. Co-founders Aaron Wallace and Lina Barker share how everyday barbershop conversations about hair woes and aspirations inspired the creation of their acclaimed brand, now gracing the shelves of major retailers like Sainsbury's and Superdrug in the UK and Saks Fifth Avenue in the US. 

In the conversation, we discuss: 

• How barbershop dialogues helped the founders uncover a real need in the men’s grooming space 
• The journey of turning a gap in the market into an opportunity for inclusive innovation 
• Aaron Wallace’s global aspirations and how the brand broke into the US market

If you enjoyed this episode, please pass it on to someone who'd appreciate it, and kindly leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us.

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About Aaron Wallace and Lina Barker:

Aaron Wallace is a South London entrepreneur who opened his barbershop, Shear and Shine, in 2014. Following the success of the shop, he went on to launch his eponymous grooming brand, earning accolades from Forbes, AskMen and more as an industry innovator. 

Entrepreneur Lina Barker transitioned from organising events at the Houses of Parliament to co-founding the Aaron Wallace male grooming brand. Passionate about marketing and brand building, her work with Aaron Wallace has earned recognition from Forbes and Business Insider.

Learn more about the brand Aaron Wallace: www.byaaronwallace.com

Follow the brand Aaron Wallace on Instagram: @byaaronwallace.com

Follow Aaron Wallace on Instagram: @aaronmwallace

Follow Lina Barker on Instagram: @linasbarker

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Connect with  Made for Us

• Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm
• Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast 
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