If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdFrom solo consultant to scaling a design talent powerhouse—Sara Fortier (CEO of Outwitly) reveals what it really takes to grow, hire, and thrive in today’s design economy. Whether you’re a designer eyeing contracting or a leader scaling teams, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.In this episode, Gerry Scullion speaks with Sara Fortier, CEO and founder of Outwitly, about her journey from being a hands-on designer to leading a 20+ person team and connecting contractors with organisations across North America.Sara shares lessons on contracting, client relationships, hiring, leadership growth, and how AI is reshaping the design industry. If you’re a designer considering contracting, or a leader thinking about scaling your practice, this conversation is full of insights.Preorder Design Research Mastery: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Research-Mastery-Buy-Products/dp/9063699549Learn more about Outwitly - Your Trusted UX Partners ™ for building high-impact teams.http://outwitly.com/Connect with Sara Fortier on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sarafortier/Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
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Liminal Breaks by Mike Parker 'Drift to Peace'
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdWelcome, Mike! This is a short guest series from Mike Parker. I've received incredible benefits from learning about the techniques from Mike's work. It's allowed me to find increased clarity around my work as a result. So I'm delighted to welcome Mike to run a free 3 episode liminality session for you - our wonderful listeners of This is HCD! Sit back and enjoy the session.What is Liminal Breaks?Liminal Breaks is a three-part podcast mini-series offering practical, immersive audio experiences designed to reset your nervous system, sharpen your focus, and restore your inner clarity in just a few minutes a day.Developed by Liminal Coaching, these episodes are more than ideas, they’re doorways. Each episode includes a short talk and a guided experience known as a Moment, helping you shift from overload to presence without needing willpower or meditation skills.Whether you're overwhelmed, distracted, burned out, or just craving space to think clearly, this series is a gentle but powerful starting point.Who is this for?- Professionals carrying too much, too fast- Creatives and knowledge workers struggling to focus- Leaders who can’t afford burnout but don’t know how to stop- Anyone seeking grounded, non-performative helpNo spiritual fluff. No jargon. Just felt relief and a path back to yourself.What You’ll Experience in Each EpisodeEach episode includes:- A short, focused introduction to a common psychological or emotional challenge (overload, overwhelm, stuckness)- A 6-minute guided Moment you can repeat daily- Integration guidance to help you understand what just shifted and how to use itWhat you’ll need:- Headphones- A quiet place where you can lie or sit comfortably- Ideally, close your eyes and allow the Moment to do the work no effort neededHow to Use This Series- These Moments are most effective when used daily, even for just a week- You don’t need to understand or try hard, simply listen and let go- The guidance starts fresh each time, but if returning, feel free to skip ahead using the timestamps in the episode notesWhat Issues Does This Help With?The series and the wider Liminal Coaching approach addresses:- Overload, overwhelm, and burnout- Loss of focus or creativity- Emotional shutdown or dysregulation- Decision fatigue and life-direction fogLike what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Creators & Guests
Mike Parker - Host
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A Senator, a Judge & Four Women in Recovery: Breaking Ireland’s Cycle of Addiction and Prison
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdWhat happens when women with lived experience of addiction, prison, and recovery sit down with a former judge and a senator? In this powerful episode, Gerry Scullion brings together Senator Aubrey McCarthy, former Judge Gillian Hussey, and four remarkable women — Ruthann Barry, Bronagh McBrien, Edie Donohoe, and Jenny Harris — who have navigated Ireland’s systems of addiction, justice, and recovery.In an extraordinary twist, Judge Gillian Hussey once sentenced three of the women at the table to the Dóchas Centre, Ireland’s women’s prison. Now, years later, they sit side by side, reflecting on that journey, the systemic barriers still in place, and the possibilities for real change.This is a conversation about resilience, compassion, and the power of lived experience to shape a more humane justice system.https://www.tiglin.ie/ie.linkedin.com/in/senatoraubreymccarthyClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Serdar Mele - Editor
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10
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Carrying Stories: Researcher Well-being and the Cost of Caring with Rachel Knight
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdEpisode overviewIn this deeply human episode, Gerry Scullion speaks with Wellington-based design researcher Rachel Knight about the emotional realities of working in social impact. From navigating trauma-informed projects to setting boundaries as a freelancer, Rachel shares powerful insights on staying grounded while doing meaningful work.This conversation is essential listening for anyone working in design research, especially those engaging with vulnerable communities or emotionally charged topics.🔑 Three Key TakeawaysResearcher well-being is non-negotiable: plan for self-care like you plan for scope.Freelancers carry unique risks—build your own emotional safety nets.Lived experience is valuable but can carry hidden costs if not properly supported.Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Serdar Mele - Editor
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10
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Systems of Care – Allen Bobinac on Rethinking Homelessness and Addiction Support Services
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdIn this powerful walking episode through Dublin, Gerry speaks with Allen Bobinac, manager of The Lighthouse Café and a man whose journey from sleeping rough in St Stephen’s Green to leading one of Ireland’s most compassionate homelessness services is nothing short of remarkable. Allen shares how lived experience shapes better services, the importance of designing for dignity, and why community is the secret ingredient in recovery. You’ll hear first-hand about Tiglin’s long-term, holistic approach to addiction, trauma, and homelessness, and the vital role of trust, leadership, and purpose in transforming lives.Key Learnings:• Lived experience in leadership ensures services truly meet people’s needs.• Designing for dignity builds trust, safety, and belonging in vulnerable communities.• Long-term, community-centred support is crucial for breaking cycles of homelessness and addiction.https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-bobinac-ma-1188241a5/https://www.tiglin.ie/Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10
About This is HCD – Human-Centered Design, UX & Service Design Thinking Podcast
Welcome to This is HCD – Human-Centered Design, UX & Service Design Thinking Podcast, the global show for designers, innovators, and changemakers who want to create better products, services, and experiences.
Hosted by Gerry Scullion, with over 1-million downloads worldwide.
Each episode dives into conversations with leading voices in service design, UX design, interaction design, customer experience, and design strategy. Together, we explore the methods, mindsets, and real-world stories that bring human-centered design and design thinking to life.
Whether you’re a UX researcher, service design practitioner, product manager, or design leader, you’ll find actionable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to elevate your practice and drive meaningful change.
Tune in and join the global human-centered design community — learn how to design with purpose, create inclusive solutions, and shape a more thoughtful future.
Listen to This is HCD – Human-Centered Design, UX & Service Design Thinking Podcast, 99% Invisible and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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