How This Works show

15/03/2025

Have you ever wondered how brands like Netflix adapt their products for different countries? On the most recent episode of the How This Works show, we talked with Dr. Chui Chui Tan, a cultural strategist behind many successful international launches.

Highlights include:
• Her 4-bucket framework that prevents costly market entry mistakes
• Why Japanese users, as an example, approach Netflix differently than something like Asana, a productivity tool
• How AI is changing (but shouldn’t replace) cultural research

This episode is perfect for product managers, UX professionals, marketers, and business leaders interested in global expansion. Even if you're a curious soul, Chui Chui's journey from Malaysian engineer to Belfast to global strategy expert is fascinating too.

Let us know which insight you find most valuable.

Dr. , cultural strategist, shares her expertise on helping companies like Spotify, Netflix, and Bumble navigate global markets successfully. With...

29/01/2025

Our newest episode is here — and it's a full video conversation. Join Drew Burdick (managing partner of StealthX) and Skipper Chong Warson as they dive into how AI is reshaping design teams, why customer experience needs to go beyond "fast, easy, and cheap," and the growing importance of local tech communities.

Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to follow us to keep up with what's next!

25/01/2025

Meet Bumhan Yu, whose journey from a German-speaking high school to product design and design operations (DesOps) shows how diverse perspectives can reshape our approach to design. In this episode, we explore:
• How psychology and linguistics training enhances design thinking
• Building bridges between design teams and engineers
• The design of business, the business of design, and design philosophy
• Why understanding problems matters more than quick solutions

Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

17/01/2025

The real insights aren't in spreadsheets, they're in customer stories. On our latest episode, Aaron Young from Switch Insights talks about switch interviews when one might sit down and listen to how someone found their way to your product, what almost made them give up, and what finally clicked... that's where the magic happens.

One conversation at a time, patterns emerge that no trend line could show you.

When was the last time you really listened to a customer's story?

Listen:
• Wherever you get your podcasts
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/vNEZi_RaSN4
• Website: https://www.howthisworks.show/031-aaron-young

09/12/2024

In this clip, Andy Polaine (somewhat begrudingly) explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the design field and why so much design feels the same these days. He and Skipper Chong Warson talk about the “mediocre middle,” designers’ superpowers of taste and discernment, and how these skills are more important than ever.

🎧 Listen now:
• On your favorite podcast app: https://www.howthisworks.show/030-andy-polaine
• Or watch on YouTube, if you're into that: https://youtu.be/fdC1f-QcUMA?si=oWycPfdhpAEGmiM1

If you enjoy this clip or episode, please like, share, or leave a comment. Subscribing and interacting with our content means that it reaches more people — let's have the algorithm work for us, thank you!

09/12/2024

In this clip, Andy Polaine shares his journey to becoming a design leadership coach and dives into the "design leadership dip" with Skipper Chong Warson. Spoiler alert: it's not just for designers or folks in leadership roles.

🎧 Tune into the full episode wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.howthisworks.show/030-andy-polaine
📺 Or watch it on YouTube, if that's your thing: https://youtu.be/fdC1f-QcUMA?si=oWycPfdhpAEGmiM1

Subscribe for more insightful episodes, and if you enjoy the podcast, leaving a review helps to signal boost our reach. Thank you!

21/11/2024

Have you ever stepped into a manager/leadership role and thought, "Am I cut out for this?" You’re not alone. On the latest episode of the How This Works show, Skipper sits down with Andy Polaine to explore the “design leadership dip” — a period of self-doubt that often strikes designers (and others too) when moving from individual contributor (IC) to leadership.

Key takeaways:
• Losing your identity as a maker can feel like an existential crisis
• Setting direction for others without clear guidance can be daunting
• Leadership can feel lonely, especially when you’re the only designer at your level

In this conversation, Andy shares practical insights on navigating these challenges and reframing them as opportunities for growth. 🎙️ Listen to the full episode here: https://www.howthisworks.show/030-andy-polaine

Have you experienced the leadership dip — in design or otherwise? Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇

14/11/2024

Our latest episode of the How This Works show with Andy Polaine is now available in your podcast feeds!

As we said yesterday, Andy shares his start from film and interactive media into the world of service design and his current work as a design leadership coach. He also talks about something he's noticed, the “design leadership dip,” common phases of doubt many leaders experience, and shares his approach to navigating imposter phenomenon/syndrome (which is more complicated than it may seem) as well as reading the room, even in virtual spaces.

🎧 Tune in here: https://youtu.be/fdC1f-QcUMA Or subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

13/11/2024

Tomorrow, we’ll have a new episode of the How This Works show with Andy Polaine!

Andy, Dr. Polaine to some, shares his journey from film and interactive media to service design and talks about his current mode as a design leadership coach.

Can’t wait? Check out Andy's podcast, Power of Ten, for his most recent conversation with Julian Simpson, a London-based writer and director with 25 years in the industry. Julian has worked on beloved series like Doctor Who, Spooks, and New Tricks. Hes also the creator of The Lovecraft Investigations and founder of the writer-led company Storypunk.

Tune in tomorrow for Andy's episode here — but in the meantime, check out the episode on YouTube or on Power of Ten, wherever you get your podcasts: https://youtu.be/GgOCfm196UM?si=3DERotc3_4qKYWHD

Stay tuned tomorrow!

08/11/2024

In this clip, Skipper Chong Warson and Joanne Weaver dive into the challenges and emotions tied to career growth, job changes, and self-discovery. Joanne shares insights from Tara Mohr's book, "Playing Big," on the concept of two types of fear: Pachad, the survival-based fear, and Yirah, an awe-inspired fear that signals opportunities for growth. They discuss how leaning into discomfort and managing imposter syndrome can open doors to fulfilling, transformative experiences. Joanne emphasizes strategies for embracing change, like exposure therapy and self-compassion, to build resilience and seize life’s fleeting opportunities.

Listen to the whole episode for even more detail about building a career in recruitment, the art of authentic networking, and tips for tailoring job applications to specific roles.
• On YouTube: https://youtu.be/TXp3r_8poG0?si=fiP5YV7hdNGt-wuQ
• And via audio podcast: https://www.howthisworks.show/029-joanne-weaver

25/10/2024

🎙️ Last Friday, we debuted our conversation with Joanne Weaver, a design recruiter who co-runs a NYC-based agency. Along with insights into and tips for the current job market — and seeing some hope on the horizon — she talked about "Speak," the book from Tunde Oyeneyin - Peloton, and the notion of seizing opportunities. Joanne reflects on how there's a “lifetime on an opportunity.”

Catch the full episode for more on navigating career moves and other topics: https://www.howthisworks.show/029-joanne-weaver 🌟

18/10/2024

In this episode, we’re joined by Joanne Weaver who co-runs a design recruiting agency in New York City and an accomplished jazz singer. She shares her story of starting The Joanne Weaver Group during the 2008 financial crisis, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the power of networking. Joanne also opens up about her music career, her inspirations, and blending jazz with sci-fi inspirations.

Tune in to learn valuable tips on standing out in today’s job market, overcoming fear, and staying authentic in your career and personal life.

Listen now on your favorite platform: https://www.howthisworks.show/029-joanne-weaver