I'm excited to welcome Arlan Hamilton to our show. Arlan is a trailblazer in the venture capital world, focusing on helping underrepresented founders. She has a deep passion for both the business and personal aspects of her work, and she's here to share her incredible journey and insights with us.

Summary

In our conversation, Arlan opens up about her love for "General Hospital" and how her personal challenges, including overcoming homelessness and addiction, have shaped her mission in venture capital. She also dives into her latest book, "Your First Million," providing practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

* Arlan is dedicated to diversifying the entrepreneurial world by supporting founders who often get overlooked.

* Her book, "Your First Million," is a must-read for entrepreneurs, packed with strategies on navigating the business landscape.

* Arlan's story is a powerful reminder that personal struggles can fuel a mission to create positive change.

* For entrepreneurs, it's vital to have a clear vision that aims to benefit more than just oneself.

* Preparation and self-funding are crucial steps before seeking external investment.

Let's dive into the details of our chat and learn more from Arlan's experiences and wisdom.

Notable Quotes

* "I only do what I want to do. I figured out those boundaries, so don't feel sorry for me."

* "It's the fact that I can still bounce back."

* "There's no question here. And again, it goes back to who else is it affecting if it plays out?"

* "We have so much agency of our own lives. And it's hard for me... but because of the way that I built Backstage and because of the things I've been through, I know firsthand how much of our own power we have."

Resources

* Arlan Hamilton's Book: "Your First Million"

* Arlan Hamilton’s Podcast: "Your First Million"

* Event Mention: Your First Million Live in LA, April 9-12 yourfirstmillionlive.com

Arlan Hamilton's journey is a testament to the boundless potential within each entrepreneur, serving as a beacon for those striving to carve their own paths in business and beyond. Don't miss out on the full breadth of wisdom shared in this episode—listen now and be part of the conversation that's shaping the future of innovation and inclusivity.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technicallyspeakinghw.substack.com

About the Guest(s):

Arlan Hamilton is an esteemed figure in the entrepreneurial and investment landscape, best known for her role as the founder of Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm that champions underrepresented founders by investing in their companies. With over 200 companies in her portfolio, Arlan is a champion for diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem. She's also an acclaimed author, having penned titles such as "It's About Damn Time" and "Your First Million," the latter being the inspiration for her podcast sharing the same name. Her journey from overcoming personal challenges to leading a movement in the VC world has made her an inspirational and influential voice in the industry.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Harrison welcomes Arlan Hamilton, a visionary entrepreneur and investor renowned for her dedication to underrepresented founders. The conversation begins by acknowledging the profound connection between the guest and the host, ranging from crowdfunding initiatives to shared investment ventures, effectively setting a tone of mutual respect and collaboration.

The episode delves into Arlan's passion for the daytime drama "General Hospital," showcasing her unique and relatable interests. In a powerful narrative, Arlan reveals her personal motivations, emphasizing the importance of pursuing goals that transcend self-interest. She candidly shares her journey through homelessness and overcoming addiction, and talks through the pivotal moments that solidified her resolve to make a lasting impact in the venture capital space. The discussion pivots to offer valuable insights into her latest book, "Your First Million," which serves as a practical guide for aspiring entrepreneurs, focusing on how to navigate the business world with wisdom and resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Arlan Hamilton's profound impact on the venture capital industry stems from her focus on underrepresented founders and her personal mission that extends beyond individual success.
• "Your First Million" acts as a mentor and guide, offering practical frameworks and advice for entrepreneurs looking to make a significant leap in their careers.
• Understanding the motivations behind one's entrepreneurial journey is crucial, with emphasis on creating a vision that benefits others, not just oneself.
• The entrepreneurial path is fraught with challenges, and success often requires a blend of calculated risk-taking, resilience, and persistence.
• Planning and housekeeping are essential before seeking outside funding for a business idea, emphasizing revenue generation over investment as a primary goal.

Notable Quotes:

• "I only do what I want to do. I figured out those boundaries, so don't feel sorry for me."
• "It's the fact that I can still bounce back."
• "There's no question here. And again, it goes back to who else is it affecting if it plays out?"
• "We have so much agency of our own lives. And it's hard for me... but because of the way that I built Backstage and because of the things I've been through, I know firsthand how much of our own power we have."

Resources:

• Arlan Hamilton's Book: "Your First Million"
• Arlan Hamilton’s Podcast: "Your First Million"
• Event Mention: Your First Million Live in LA, April 9-12 yourfirstmillionlive.com

Join us for more engaging and inspiring episodes by tuning in to this podcast series. Arlan...

Fonz Morris, a growth design lead at Netflix, shares his journey from working at a strip club to becoming a successful designer and investor. He discusses his role in growth design at Netflix and highlights the importance of balancing business and design decisions. He also talks about his upcoming memoir and its therapeutic writing process. He emphasizes the need for patience, self-belief, and continuous learning in one's career. He shares his speaking experiences at various events and his impact on others' lives. He encourages designers to improve their communication skills and utilize networking opportunities. He also discusses his involvement in the VC space and angel investing.



Key Takeaways:

• Discover what growth design is and what it focuses on for business growth
• Learn about Fonz's book-writing process, its requirements, and benefits
• Remember why it’s important to trust the process and believe in yourself even when faced with rejection or setbacks 
• Find out what’s essential for career growth and opportunities
• Understand why soft skills are crucial for success in the design industry and what designers should strive to be
• Explain why investing in startups can be a pathway to building generational wealth and identify the various entry points into the VC and angel investing space

Quotes:

"If you believe in something, you can get it done." - Fonz Morris"Treat yourself like a project. Don't be too hard on yourself." - Fonz Morris"Designers, we have a seat at the table, so take the seat." - Fonz Morris"Work on your communication. It is critical for your success." - Fonz Morris"Get out there, meet people, network, ask questions, get a mentor, have fun, shine, be great, and lean on a community when you need support." - Fonz Morris

Timestamps:

(03:15) Introduction to Fonz Morris and our mutual connections through networking

(05:01) His personal growth and industry impact

(06:00) On Growth Design at Netflix, retention projects, and global impact

(08:41) Password-sharing initiative at Netflix

(11:04) How to overcome impostor syndrome

(14:04) On writing his memoir, Self Design

(17:28) His early career and personal challenges

(19:57) Public speaking and strengthening his voice

(21:07) A full-circle moment speaking at Google

(26:46) His Involvement with VC and angel investing

(33:02) Encouraging community engagement in VC

(36:02) His final Advice for listeners

(37:56) How to connect with him

(39:10) How his airport habits and commitment helped with the episode

About The Guest:

Fonz Morris is a growth design lead at Netflix. With a background in computer science and a passion for design, he has worked on various projects at Netflix, including the password-sharing initiative. He is also involved in the VC space as an LP in a fund and is an angel investor and board member for several companies. He strongly advocates education and community building and is dedicated to helping others succeed in their careers.

Connect with Fonz Morris:

Website

LinkedIn

Twitter

Email

Referenced Links/Episodes:

Krislam Chin, a designer and educator based in West LA, shares her journey in the design industry and her passion for teaching. She discusses the importance of travel for creative individuals and the need for designers to experience the world. Her studio, Hello World Studio, aims to provide opportunities for emerging designers. She emphasizes the importance of not defining success based on external factors and encourages emerging designers always to acknowledge opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the importance of travel for creative individuals to gain new perspectives and experiences
• Understand why designers should have the experience to stay relevant in the industry
• Discover how her studio, Hello World Studio, aims to provide opportunities for emerging designers
• Explain the responsibility of Millennials to prepare the field for future design workforce and what we all can learn from Gen Z
• Find out Krislam’s success tips for emerging designers

Quotes:

"If you stay in one place for too long, you just need to see different things, be with other people." - Krislam Chin"Success is what you determine what success is." - Krislam Chin"Never let the world define what success looks like to you." - Krislam Chin

Timestamps:

(02:27) Introduction to Krislam Chin, how she met Harrison, and the benefits of traveling to creative individuals

(04:53) How she achieved her ultimate dream of being submerged in education as a student, educator, and studio owner

(07:04) The interplay between teaching and being a student running a studio and the importance of providing experience for emerging designers

(10:41) Acknowledging the challenges and responsibilities of students, making dreams come true for emerging designers and companies through Hello World Studio, and her motivation to move to Downtown LA

(15:25) What we can learn from Gen Z, reflecting on the stress and toxic culture in design, and the responsibility of Millennials to prepare the field for future design workforce

(24:48) From What If to Why Not: Success Tips for Emerging Designers 

(31:01) Why the individual, not external factors, define success

(34:12) How she radically accepted herself as a fun teacher using rubber duckies

(37:44) How to get in touch with Krislam and collaboration with small businesses

(38:48) Her appreciation for the podcast and community-building efforts

About The Guest:

Krislam Chin is a designer and educator based in West LA. With a passion for teaching, she has pursued a career in graphic design and recently launched Hello World Studio. She is dedicated to providing opportunities for emerging designers and helping them gain the experience they need to succeed in the industry.

Connect with Krislam Chin:

Website

Hello World Studio

LinkedIn

Referenced Links:

Michael Dahms

Two Backpacks Book

What's Next:

Please leave us a rating and a review on Apple...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technicallyspeakinghw.substack.com

We will be diving into the fascinating story of the rise and fall of InVision. In this episode, join host Harrison Wheeler and special guest Jay Demetillo as they take you on a journey through the history of InVision and discuss the impact it had on the design industry. They explore the evolution of design tools, from the days of Photoshop and Dreamweaver to the emergence of Sketch and the game-changing introduction of InVision. Join us as we reminisce about the challenges designers faced, the joy of collaborative work, and the race to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving design tool landscape.

About The Guest(s):

Jay Demetillo is a design practitioner with extensive experience in the industry. He has traveled the world giving talks on design and has a deep understanding of the importance of inclusive design and bringing value to design through business.

Key Takeaways:

• InVision was a disruptive design tool that gained popularity in 2014-2015 with its cloud-based sharing and commenting features.
• InVision failed to keep up with competitors like Sketch and Figma due to a lack of updates and communication.
• Invision's collaborative tool, Freehand tool was acquired by Miro in 2023.
• Invsion announced their termination of services by end of the 2024 calendar year.

Show notes:

00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebration

00:29 The Rise and Fall of InVision

02:04 The Evolution of Design Tools

02:23 The Emergence of Collaborative Work

02:51 Insights and Anecdotes

03:52 Jay's World Tour and Talks

06:39 The Rise and Fall of Envision: A Discussion

10:10 The Challenges of Designing for Multiple Devices

11:39 The Emergence of Sketch

17:01 The Role of Zeppelin in the Design Process

18:13 Discussing Envision's Early Days

18:41 Introduction to Envision's Features

20:22 The Impact on User Testing

22:14 Marketing and Community Engagement

24:30 Investment and Funding

25:17 Product Updates and Innovations

27:32 The Downfall of InVision Studio

33:17 Reflecting on InVision's Missteps

35:10 Final Thoughts on InVision's Journey

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technicallyspeakinghw.substack.com

Chris Do, a personal branding coach and host of The Futur podcast, discusses the importance of personal branding and standing out in a changing market. He emphasizes the need to show up authentically and express your unique perspective and the value of thought leadership and writing in building your personal brand. He also shares his experience with coaching and the benefits of investing in mentorship. He encourages listeners to start now and act toward their goals, reminding them that their future selves will thank them.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insight into Chris' fascination with luxury goods and brands
• Investigate AI's impact on design and explore alternative approaches
• Identify his most notable 20-year career projects
• Uncover the essence of personal branding and authentic representation
• Leverage social media to enhance your personal brand
• Develop an audience through engaging writing
• Implement a two-step product development approach
• Understand different learning styles and apply knowledge effectively
• Overcome development plateaus by applying learned skills
• Receive his high-level advice: What he would do differently if he could travel back in time

Quotes:

"People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." - Simon Sinek"Your CV are your qualifications, but what perspective do you bring? What about your cultural currency?" - Chris Do"Every decision you make has a consequence. Otherwise, there's no point to have a lens or perspective on this." - Chris Do"Develop in public, iterate as you go. Your audience is bought in, and you have great use case and feedback." - Chris Do"Start now. Your future self will thank you for it." - Chris Do

Timestamps:

(03:01) Introduction to Chris Do

(04:17) Icebreaker: Why he's currently obsessed with luxury goods and brands

(07:57) Icebreaker: How AI replaces designers and why it's essential to shift and explore options

(08:54) Icebreaker: The 2 projects that stood out in his 20-year career

(12:19) What it means to show up and brand yourself

(15:01) How your social media presence can either make or break your personal brand

(20:16) Building an audience through writing

(22:46) Product development in 2 steps

(25:41) The 2 types of learners, why it's essential to apply what you've learned, and how to navigate plateaus through development

(29:41) What he would do if he could travel back in time

About The Guest:

Chris Do is a personal branding coach, renowned designer, and the host of the successful podcast The FuWhat'sth Chris Do. He is also the CEO and Founder of The Futur, a platform providing creative professionals education and resources. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he has worked on various projects, including music videos and 360 campaigns. He is passionate about helping individuals and businesses build their personal brands and achieve success in their creative endeavors.

Connect with Chris Do:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast

Referenced Links:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technicallyspeakinghw.substack.com

Adekunle Oduye, a Design Engineer at Plaid, discusses his journey from art to design to engineering and how he became a design engineer. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both design and code and communicating and collaborating effectively. He also talks about his podcast, "Code & Pixels," which aims to provide practical guidance and insights for those interested in design engineering. He encourages listeners to try new things and not be afraid to fail to learn and grow. 

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the importance of understanding design and code to bridge the gap between the two disciplines
• Understand why design engineers should be comfortable with ambiguity, project management skills, and excellent communication and collaboration
• Learn the power of trying new things and not being afraid to fail to learn and innovate

Quotes:

"I think for me, it's always, you're going to learn best by doing. That's how I learned, I was like, all right, I'm going to build this thing. I have no clue. I'm going to build it, but I'm just going to figure it out." - Adekunle Oduye"Don't be afraid to try new things. You're going to try things and it's going to be frustrating and you're going to feel down about yourself. But I think that's like anything, it's like you're going to suck at first." - Adekunle Oduye

Timestamps:

(01:20) Introduction to Adekunle Oduye and his experience in design and engineering

(01:54) Icebreaker: His current obsession with going to museums

(03:23) Icebreaker: His interest in incorporating AI into his work

(05:29) Icebreaker: His preference for lo-fi hip-hop music while working

(06:54) His background in art and transition to design and engineering

(11:32) Evaluating the role of a design engineer based on project needs

(15:28) Core competencies of a design engineer: ambiguity, project management, communication

(21:05) "Code & Pixels Podcast and its impact

(24:58) His upcoming speaking engagements

(26:31) Why you should try new things and not be afraid to fail

About The Guest:

Adekunle Oduye, a design engineer at Plaid, is based in Brooklyn, New York. With a background in art and design, Adekunle has a unique perspective on the intersection of design and engineering. He is passionate about using AI in his work and constantly explores ways to leverage it in design systems. He is also the co-host of the podcast "Code & Pixels," where he discusses various topics related to design engineering.

Connect with Adekunle Oduye:

Website

Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

Code & Pixels

Referenced Links:

That Conference

Converge US

What's Next:

Please leave us a rating and a review on Apple Podcast.

Support Technically Speaking by being a

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technicallyspeakinghw.substack.com

Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse, a Senior Designer, Illustrator, and Musician, discusses his design journey, which started with creating artwork for his music projects that eventually led to him freelancing full-time. He shares his passion for Dungeons & Dragons and its evolution to becoming a more inclusive and cooperative game. He emphasizes the importance of community and inclusivity in design and shares his experiences advocating for diversity and equity in the tech industry. He also encourages slow progress and reevaluation of solutions to create meaningful change.

Key Takeaways:

• Experience cooperative storytelling and communication through Dungeons & Dragons
• Follow his journey from creating band merchandise to becoming a full-time freelancer and eventually joining the tech industry
• Explore his commitment to creating inclusive spaces and advocating for marginalized communities within the Bay Area Black Designers community
• Learn about community, collaboration, allyship, and systemic change from his perspective
• Reflect on the challenges and opportunities of working in the tech industry as a designer and on the need for progress and meaningful action

Quotes:

"If I believe that I am to do this alone, if I believe that the best ideas available to me are already in my head, I am doomed to fail." - Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse"In alternative spaces, we have the power to set our own rules and create new realities." - Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse"Every once in a while, we need to take stock and see if there has actually been progress forward." - Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse

Timestamps:

(01:28) Introduction of the multi-talented Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse

(02:24) Icebreaker: How playing Dungeons & Dragons impacts him as a designer

(06:31) The history of his nickname "Boo Boo" and why he sought out alternative culture as a kid

(10:02) Feeling isolated after the Murder of George Floyd, the transformation of his music from despair and frustration to hope and encouragement, and the self-made CEO myth

(17:39) His path into design, freelancing, and how he almost lost his home

(24:03) ERGs and Bay Area Black Designers: His career in tech and inclusion

(26:29) The importance of allyship to get through marginalization and isolation and how to make a meaningful impact in the workplace

(31:04) How to measure systemic change and the importance of knowing the differences between no progress, slow progress, and false progress

(32:21) Ways to get in touch with Kendall

About The Guest:

Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse is a Senior Designer, Illustrator, and Musician based in Oakland, California. With a background in DIY punk rock bands, he developed a passion for design and visual communication. He has freelanced for various clients and worked in-house at CoreOS, later acquired by Red Hat and IBM. He also actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the tech industry by helping companies form ERGs, co-chairing Bay Area Black Designers, and facilitating Frame Shift Consulting.

Connect with Kendall "Boo Boo" Howse:

Email

Instagram

Referenced Links:

Dungeons & Dragons

Mass Arrest

Zulu

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technicallyspeakinghw.substack.com

Eso Tolson, a Memphis-based designer and brand strategist, shares his journey as an artist and how he developed his unique style. He reveals his passion for uplifting and inspiring people through his work, including his art projects. He also talks about finding safety and comfort in different spaces and the impact of his trip to Hawaii. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and finding inspiration outside of work. His love for Memphis and its vernacular language has influenced his art, which resonated with the community. He encourages creatives to stay true to themselves and make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace AI as a creative tool, not a threat
• Cultivate inclusive spaces for self-expression while respecting others
• Overcome creative blocks by taking fulfilling breaks
• Celebrate cultural influences in your art
• Use empowering words for both yourself and others

Quotes:

"AI art is just a tool to speed up the process of whatever you're trying to build." - Eso Tolson"Feeling safe is about creating spaces where people can let their guard down and just be themselves." - Eso Tolson"When I'm in a creative rut, I take a step back and do things that fulfill me, like taking a walk or engaging in activities unrelated to my work." - Eso Tolson"I wanted to celebrate the vernacular language of Memphis and highlight that it doesn't diminish intelligence or other qualities." - Eso Tolson"The words of empowerment I share are meaningful to me first, and I know that others can benefit from them too." - Eso Tolson

Timestamps:

(01:36) Introduction of Eso Tolson, The Multi-Disciplinary Artist

(03:14) Icebreaker: His current obsession with AI art and his take on new technology

(06:47) Icebreaker: What he realized about adaptability during his recent trip to Hawaii and what makes a space safe and inclusive

(11:15) Icebreaker: Discover your "coffee bean" and how it can help you break your creative rut

(13:42) From track star to artist: His journey from East St. Louis, IL to Memphis, TN

(20:49) How he developed his unique and authentic lettering style, his love letter Spectacular Vernacular to Memphis, and why Memphis embraced it

(28:11) The reason he shows up online and shares empowering messages to others

(31:42) How creativity isn't just for artists, and how every person is creative in their own way

(32:45) Where to find Eso online

About The Guest:

Eso Tolson is a Memphis-based multi-disciplinary artist and creative director known for his unique lettering style and ability to uplift, inspire, and celebrate people through his work. He specializes in hand-lettering for branding, editorial, and commercial projects. He is also an accomplished speaker and shared his story and philosophy on TEDx Talks "Less Grind, More Chill."

Connect with Eso Tolson:

Instagram

Referenced Links:

Watch Less Grind, More Chill on TEDx

Spectacular Vernacular: Eso’s Love Letter to Memphis

What's Next:

Please leave us a rating and a review on Apple Podcast.

Support Technically Speaking by being a

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technicallyspeakinghw.substack.com

Donald Burlock, User Experience Designer and Author of Superhuman by Design, joins the show to discuss his book and his mission to bring authenticity and social impact to the design profession. He shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of showing up as your authentic self in a world that often pressures us to conform. He also highlights the need for unification and the power of community in driving positive change. Whether you're a designer just starting or an experienced leader in the field, his book offers valuable insights and guidance for making a lasting impact in the design world.

Key Takeaways:

• Join Donald on his golfing journey and his discoveries about the sport
• Learn about unification and social connection in the remote work landscape
• Explore how to own your image and persona authentically
• Use Superhuman by Design as your cheat code to design success
• Understand his mission and how looking beyond short-lived product improvements can make it happen

Quotes:

"I challenge those folks to not rely on the hubris. You're not in a position as a leader to say wonderful things about diversity and inclusion and belonging." - Donald Burlock"Design is more than just creating products or services. It's about bettering the human experience and making a positive impact." - Donald Burlock"Authenticity is the key to making a meaningful contribution as a designer." - Donald Burlock"Designers have the power to shape the future and drive social change." - Donald Burlock"The design industry needs to have more conversations about unification and finding common ground." - Donald Burlock

Timestamps:

(01:26) Introduction of Donald Burlock, Author of Superhuman by Design

(03:50) Icebreaker: His golfing journey, the intriguing intricacies of the sport, and his newfound appreciation for coordination and balance

(08:43) Icebreaker: The importance of unification and social connection in the evolving landscape of remote work and independence

(14:00) Icebreaker: How to own your image and persona amidst societal pressures to conform

(24:31) Superhuman by Design, a decade of design wisdom and inspiration from Donald Burlock to creatives of all levels

(35:13) His mission: To use design to enhance the human experience for the long term, looking beyond short-lived product improvements

(39:08) How to purchase the book and engage with Donald

About The Guest:

Donald Burlock is a User Experience Designer and Author of the book Superhuman by Design. He has over 10 years of experience in the design industry, focusing on leveraging creativity to drive social impact. He is passionate about helping designers and creatives find their authentic voices and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Connect with Donald Burlock:

Instagram

Website

Referenced Links:

Superhuman by Design Paperback

Superhuman by Design Ebook

What's Next:

Please...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technicallyspeakinghw.substack.com