Podcast
An audio experience for the crazy ones.
Latest Episodes
Cultivating taste in design
This episode is an insightful exploration of how taste in design is not merely subjective but a skill that can be nurtured. It underscores the significance of developing taste to identify quality, and how demystifying it can break down barriers, especially in an era where human creativity stands out amidst AI advancements.
Focus forward never backward
This episode challenges the conventional wisdom of a project management. I invite you to reconsider your approach to learning from past experiences and shift the focus towards proactive improvement. As product designer, managers, and founders I see this as an opportunity to optimize how we iterate and evolve our creations, emphasizing continuous growth rather than dwelling on past missteps.
All Episodes
Cultivating taste in design
This episode is an insightful exploration of how taste in design is not merely subjective but a skill that can be nurtured. It underscores the significance of developing taste to identify quality, and how demystifying it can break down barriers, especially in an era where human creativity stands out amidst AI advancements.
Focus forward never backward
This episode challenges the conventional wisdom of a project management. I invite you to reconsider your approach to learning from past experiences and shift the focus towards proactive improvement. As product designer, managers, and founders I see this as an opportunity to optimize how we iterate and evolve our creations, emphasizing continuous growth rather than dwelling on past missteps.
Craft rules everything around me
This episode presents a critical examination of the oft-mentioned yet rarely defined concepts of craft and quality in design. It challenges us to explore how exceptional individuals and teams bring these elusive ideals to life, emphasizing the crucial role of vision, taste, and genuine care for craftsmanship in achieving greatness. This analysis invites us to delve deeper into the essence of outstanding design and its transformative power.
How technology manipulates daily
This episode presents a fascinating exploration of how companies leverage psychological principles to influence consumer behavior through the technology we use daily. It highlights the importance of understanding these techniques to navigate the modern technological landscape more effectively and make informed decisions as creators and consumers.
Dancing with intrusive creativity
This episode presents an intriguing exploration of intrusive creativity, a phenomenon that both empowers and challenges creative minds. As a creative founder and product designer, I see this as a crucial aspect of the innovation process, one that can lead to groundbreaking ideas but also potential pitfalls if not properly harnessed.
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Personal brand is an investment
This episode presents a powerful analogy between building a personal brand and investing, highlighting the importance of patience, consistency, and long-term thinking in career and life development. It offers a fresh perspective on personal branding that can inspire professionals to approach their career growth with a more strategic mindset.
Wisdom to protect your vision
This episode presents a crucial aspect of creation, entrepreneurship and innovation — the unwavering commitment to one's vision in the face of adversity. It challenges us to explore the delicate balance between staying true to our core ideas and adapting to external feedback, a challenge that every influential or visionary founder faces on their journey to create something truly revolutionary.
Dear designer, do it for craft
This episode presents a thought-provoking examination of the evolving landscape in design careers, challenging the conventional wisdom of corporate success. We highlight the growing disconnect between inflated job titles and genuine skill mastery, urging aspiring designers to prioritize craft over corporate prestige.
From reactive to innovative
Discover how shifting your focus from competition to self-improvement can transform you into an innovator. This article provides practical tips to help you break free from reactive thinking and embrace a mindset of continuous innovation and growth.
Disconnect costs more than you think
This one is for the leaders, let's discuss how immersing yourself in the daily realities of your team and users can transform your strategic outcomes. This episode offers you a playbook for nurturing a culture where innovation and peoples needs align flawlessly.
Less is more magic
Is this episode we discuss the simple idea of "conquer simplicity, conquer the world". We'll unlock the secrets to successful brands, flawless designs, and revolutionary ideas. Dive in with me on this journey of refining complexity into simplicity that resonates and transforms the ordinary into extraordinary.
Dare to stand alone—the trade-offs between fitting in and being exceptional
In this episode we'll venture beyond the comfort of conformity to unlock your unique potential. Taking a peek into the minds of the audacious few who defy norms and learn to cultivate your distinct vision and give rise to transformative ideas and more.
Hidden architects, mastering the subtle forces shaping your success
Envision the unchecked biases behind every choice, from code to canvas. We tackle the invisible: confirmation, anchoring, bandwagon, overconfidence. Biases that cloak innovation in the familiar. In this episode we explore strategies to expose these hidden architects of your mind. It's about perspective—seeking diversity, valuing dissent, and embracing continuous learning. Join me and refine your craft and create with clarity. Subscribe and share.
The “Right Fit Equation” talent / fit + timing ≠ your value
A reflective journey about our professional self-worth and the fallacies of equating success with opportunity. Drawing from personal experiences, like when I missed out on a VP of Design role, I'll explore the the interplay between talent, fit, and timing—and how it influences our career progression. Making the case that it’s time for a recalibration in how we measure professional success. Join me as we delve into the importance of your unique narrative because the most exciting stories—and our worth—are not defined by roles or accolades but are ever-evolving, with the best, indeed, still to come.
Put you back into you(r) work
Explore the magical intersection of creativity and how a little bit of you can make the difference in this insightful episode that celebrates the deeply personal journey of creativity, urging makers and creators to infuse their projects with their own stories and experiences. Listen now to rediscover the alchemy of your creativity—of you.
Dancing in the rain, plan for the unplanned
Learn how to pivot with purpose, melding strategy with flexibility, and turning every unforeseen moment into an opportunity for growth. Dive in for a session that promises to inspire, challenge, and equip you for the unpredictable journey ahead. Click to listen and transform the way you view the unplanned.
Beyond the hype—redefining success in indie hacking
A candid discussion on sustainability, the double-edged sword of acquisitions, and the quest for personal success. In this episode we dive into the essence of quality over speed, confront the myths of overnight success, and explore the vital balance between ambition and well-being. I invite you to redefine success and discover the magic of being an indie hacker. Listen now for a thought-provoking journey to challenge the status quo and carve your own path to fulfillment.
The lean team ethos, and why less can be more for startups
In this episode I touch on the misconception that rapid growth equates to success for startups. Arguing in favor of a lean team philosophy and delving into the benefits of small, resourceful, and mighty teams, and the advantages of restricted capital, tight communication, and fewer points of friction in decision-making. Then discuss the adverse effects of premature growth on internal affairs and external growth drivers, ultimately championing quality over quantity and strategic prioritization. Tune in to hear why less can indeed mean more for achieving long-term sustainability, impact, and overall success.
The Designer's journey from trend-follower to trailblazer
In this episode we discuss the transformative experience of a designer from trend-follower to trailblazer. Emphasizing the pivotal moment when designers evolve from creating work based on trends to crafting timeless, authentic creations. We also explore the significance of embracing individuality, cultivating confidence, and designing with purpose—the liberating and daunting aspects of disregarding trends in favor of authenticity and self-expression. Join in and uncover the essence of maturing as a designer and the responsibility of communicating with purpose through design.
Unlock a fortune by investing in yourself
In this episode, we explore the profound impact of investing in oneself. Emphasizing the importance of personal development as the key to unlocking fulfillment, wealth, and opportunities. Listeners are encouraged to start their journey of intentional growth today to transform an ordinary existence into an extraordinary journey.
A lesson in patience and perseverance
In this episode, we unpack the timeless wisdom and value of patience and perseverance. Sharing insights into the silent pursuit of greatness, highlighting the importance of embracing incremental gains and unwavering dedication. Tune in for a powerful message on appreciating the process and the enduring belief that true success awaits those who persevere.
The indispensable art of copywriting for designers
In this episode we explore the essential role of copywriting in design. We'll discuss how well-crafted writing complements visual design, creating a cohesive user experience and enhancing creative possibilities for designers. Tune in for insights on the powerful synergy between words and visuals in storytelling and design.
The courageous act of creating
In this episode, we delve into the subtle art of daily creation and the nurturing of a persistent creative spirit. Through commitment and a daily rendezvous with your muse, we discover that creativity is not a finite resource, but an ever-flowing stream. Join us as we explore the power of daily practice in honing your craft, defining your style, and unlocking the infinite possibilities within you. Stay tuned and embrace the courage to create as we journey through the landscape of self-discovery and self-expression.
Focus, mastering the art of no
In this episode, our host André Givenchy explores the concept of focus and the art of mastering the word "no." André shares his insights on how focus goes beyond avoiding distractions and turning down opportunities—it's about protecting your time and attention to achieve a depth of mastery in select disciplines. Join us as we unpack the power of saying "no" to unlock true focus and guide you towards the success and impact you seek. Stay tuned for an eye-opening discussion, and don't forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking content.
Yep, this is Unstandard… let’s try that again
In this episode of Unstandard, host André Givenchy reflects on the past and sets the stage for the future. Acknowledging a change in approach, the podcast is transitioning from long, in-depth episodes to shorter, impactful ones. The focus remains on celebrating the unorthodox, challenging norms, and providing valuable insights. With a nod to early listeners and a promise to continue inspiring, André invites everyone to join in this new adventure. Stay tuned for more unconventional ideas and creativity.