Designed For Life podcast

#Arts #Podcasting Education #Kids And Families #Graphic Design #Tony Ryan CEO Design & Technology Association #Technology Association #Tony Ryan CEO Design

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

Designed for Life

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This is the official podcast of the Design and Technology Association. 'Designed for life' aims to entertain, inform and inspire, bringing the worlds of business and industry together. Design and Technology is a wide-ranging curriculum subject that, along with qualifications in other facilitating subjects, can open doors to students across an ever-increasing breadth of career. England was the first country in the world to introduce this subject to its mainstream curriculum offer in 1988. Where we led others, have followed and in various guises, it is now taught in countries around the world including India, Australia, China, USA, France and Finland. This podcast consists of a series of short, informal conversations with people from across the worlds of education, industry and design. The intention is to help to link business, industry and education, as the solutions to tomorrows problems are being educated today!

98 episódios

Designed for Life

updated há 5 dias

Home de séries•Feed

98 episódios

#Arts #Podcasting Education #Kids And Families #Graphic Design #Tony Ryan CEO Design & Technology Association #Technology Association #Tony Ryan CEO Design

Tous les épisodes

1
Designed forn Life - Live at Newstead Wood School 1:16:51

há 5 dias1:16:51

1:16:51

How do you build a successful design & technology department from the ground up with an entirely new staff? What curriculum changes should you make at KS3, KS4 and KS5 to ensure you stretch and challenge what are undoubtedly very bright students? What physical changes can you make to the department's look, feel and function when the budget is tight but you want to improve how students and parents view the subject? What role can external visitors and competitions play in building a successful curriculum offer and delivery? These are all questions that will be tackled in the latest episode of Designed for Life as we head to where Kent touches London in Orpington and talk with staff and students from Newstead Wood School - Sunday Times Schools Guide, State Secondary School of the Year, London, 2025. In the podcast, we talk to the Headteacher and other senior staff about the role that D&T plays in providing a broad and balanced curriculum. We also speak with Natalie Cameron, Head of Department, about her journey from this part of Kent to China and Singapore, what pulled her back to her origins, and the leadership challenge she has taken on at Newstead Wood. We speak with students from Year 7 to Year 13 about their experience of Design & Technology, why creativity and the knowledge, skills, and personal attributes obtained within the subject are essential to them, and perhaps most importantly, why D&T is fun! So please sit back, grab an hour to yourself, and join me as Designed for Life visits Newstead Wood School https://www.newsteadwood.co.uk/ https://www.designtechnology.org.uk/news/designed-for-life-newstead-wood-school/…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Marisa Kurimbokus IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2024 59:58

há 12 dias59:58

59:58

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Marisa Kurimbokus, who was announced as the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2024 at the end of last year. In the podcast, we follow Marisa's journey from primary school, where a teacher dropped what I can only assume was a casual comment, but it is one that sticks with her to this day. Through secondary school, where Marisa describes her journey through a range of subjects, including A Level design and technology. And chauffeuring her friend to a lecture only for serendipity to step in and have other ideas. We first met Marisa when she was with Triumph Motorcycles. She was then a design engineer helping to organise and run the now sadly defunct Triumph Design Awards. She takes us through her career journey, which has been wide and varied, working in various sectors before arriving at her current role as Head of Engineering at Raeon. Finally, we discuss the recently awarded IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year accolade and how Marisa wants to use the spotlight this affords her to encourage more young women to be brave and explore a career in engineering. In the conversation you will hear Marisa's passion for what she does, which comes across in bucket loads. I know you will enjoy this conversation, so sit back, grab the dog for a walk or take us on your commute as you listen to Designed for Life in conversation with Marisa Kurimbokus. https://www.raeon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-kurimbokus-fwes-ceng-imeche/ https://youngwomenengineer.theiet.org/…

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Designed for Life - Live at Arts University Bournemouth 1:00:33

há 5 weeks1:00:33

1:00:33

In this episode, we take the podcast on the road to Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and talk with YouTube stalwarts Brothers Make, Louise Dennis, Curator at MoDiP (Museum of Design in Plastics) and Will Strange, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader (Sustainable Design) at AUB. The podcast was recorded on February 5th in the main lecture theatre at the university with an audience comprising AUB students and lecturers and students and their D&T teacher from a local school. In this episode, we stray from the show's normal format as the Brothers Make take us on their journey from school to how an initial desire to "hang out together after work" has become something of a YouTube hit that now takes them worldwide as they seek to inform others on how to replicate their sustainable practices and success. Louise describes how an initial desire to join the army instead turned into a passion for design and museum curation. Louise brought some artefacts from the museum to the podcast, and we have included a link to photographs of these items here: https://www.designtechnology.org.uk/for-education/media-video-and-podcasts/podcasts/live-at-arts-university-bournemouth/ Last but not least, Will will discuss the details of an exciting new course in sustainable design that will be offered at AUB for the first time this summer. You will also hear questions from the audience at the end of the podcast (including one that had his teacher sitting uncomfortably as it was answered)! So sit back and enjoy Designed for Life - Live from Arts University Bournemouth.…

1
Designed for Life - In conversation with Titi Oliyide 55:55

há 10 weeks55:55

55:55

Growing up with a love of mathematics, Titi thought a career as a maths teacher was beckoning until a conversation with one of her sister's friends opened up the possibility of becoming an engineer. A comment that stood out for me in this conversation was her sister's friend's statement, "You don't have to love chemistry or be brilliant at it to become a chemical engineer." It's not exactly the career advice we might all expect, but it's accurate nonetheless. Titi is a chartered engineer with experience providing safety assurance, risk and reliability management expertise for various engineering systems and major projects in the hydrogen, energy and transportation industries. She holds a first-class undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos. Nigeria and a Masters degree in Advanced Chemical Engineering (Process Systems Engineering specialisation) from Imperial College London. Titi is passionate about promoting and changing misconceptions about the engineering profession and is always eager to contribute to efforts to celebrate engineering excellence and make engineering more accessible and appealing to people from diverse backgrounds. In this podcast, you will hear Titi's journey from school to an engineering degree at a university in Lagos. She will discuss how she has carefully planned her career experiences to ensure she develops as a rounded engineer with experience across a range of sectors and how she is slowly learning to become more comfortable being labelled a 'role model' for future engineers. This is a great way to start 2025 on Designed for Life, so for the first time this year, get those headphones active and listen to Designed for Life in conversation with Titi Oliyide. https://www.linkedin.com/in/titi-oliyide https://engineertiti.com /…

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Designed for Life - 2024 Wrapped Compilation 1:05:54

há 12 weeks1:05:54

1:05:54

Somehow, another year has passed, and it's time to look back on Designed for Life across 2024. Over the year, we released sixteen new episodes, reached over 31,000 streams, reached new audiences in Asia and America and, most importantly, got to speak with some amazing and inspiring guests. In this end-of-year episode, we look back and have selected clips from a range of conversations, including fashion and textile expert Amanda Riley, AUB lecturer and modelmaker Claire Holman, Denimolite founder and designer Josh Myers, Marloe watch co-founder and designer Gordon Fraser, Pipsqueak founder and owner Nick Ford, Head of Learning and Development at UKBIC Jonty Deeley Williamson and last (but not least) Greenpower CEO Barnabas Shelbourne. I have tried to pick clips that stood out over the year and have hopefully combined these into a reflective podcast that epitomises our mission at the Design and Technology Association to better connect the worlds of business and education. So one last time in 2024, get those earbuds in, grab the dog for a walk, take us to the gym or pull up a chair and grab some 'me time' as you listen to Designed for Life wrapped 2024. With sincere thanks to The Edge Foundation, who first joined us in the autumn of 2024 and have assisted the podcast's journey to this stage, without your help and support, this would not have been possible. We look forward to new adventures in 2025.…

1
Designed for Life - In conversation with Hepzi Rattray 51:30

há 12 weeks51:30

51:30

Imagine accidentally being put off from a career in engineering by your brilliant grandfather who, without realising, made a career in the sector sound unreachable. Hepzi Rattray is a structural engineer with the global engineering company Ramboll, but for many years, she attempted to avoid following this career trajectory. In this penultimate podcast of 2024, we follow Hepzi's journey from school, where she turned down the offer of a top private school to attend Lady Margaret's, a church-state school in Parsons Green, West London. Some unexpected AS results forced something of a rethink and pointed her towards a somewhat unique engineering degree at Glasgow University. Even as Hepzi progressed through the course, she was still uncertain if this was the career for her. Her mind finally made up when she undertook a placement at Ramboll, and everything finally dropped into place. In this conversation, you will hear Hepzi's passion for her work, the strong relationship between engineering and her other passion, music, and why she is determined to use her position to inspire others into the profession. So pull up a chair, grab a drink and a mince pie (there must be one left), and enjoy Designed for Life in conversation with Structural Engineer Hepzi Rattray. https://www.ramboll.com/ Thanks as always go to The Edge Foundation for their unwavering support that makes this podcast possible.…

1
Designed for Life - In conversation with Barnabas Shelbourne 58:28

há 15 weeks58:28

58:28

Barnabas is the CEO of The Greenpower Education Trust. This charity works with young people nationally to introduce them to using their STEM education in a very practical way to create battery-driven vehicles that then compete in regional and national heats. Having experienced 'Greenpower' as a teacher, headteacher, and now as CEO of the Design & Technology Association, I was desperate to get behind the scenes with its new CEO and explore the people and passion that make Greenpower so compelling to so many students (and their parents nationally). In this podcast, we follow Barnabas through school in Surrey and a challenging home situation that at least partly defined his early years. I should warn listeners that this episode talks very frankly about depression, mental illness and suicide, so please exercise caution before listening. That said, I cannot thank Barnabas enough for his honesty in the interview; our experiences help define us and the genuine, hard-working and empathetic CEO that he is today is a result of his life experiences to date. We follow his journey to America, where he took time to learn about himself and found a faith that has helped to drive him since. He returns home to a succession of jobs that indirectly and almost accidentally lead to a career in Youth work that has recently segwayed into running Greenpower Education Trust. I loved this conversation, and I know you will too, so sit back, put the headphones on, pour something nice to drink and enjoy Designed for Life in conversation with Barnabas Shelbourne. https://www.greenpower.co.uk/ https://www.hfehmind.org.uk/home/help-now/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiOGF6J-ligMV5opQBh1sIy9KEAAYAiAAEgK9JfD_BwE…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Maria Dunbar (Leith's Education) 59:16

há 20 weeks59:16

59:16

In this episode, we turn to Food and Nutrition in the school curriculum and look at the challenges facing this aspect of National Curriculum education. Over the last few weeks, I have been fortunate to be introduced to Leith's Education and walked through their curriculum resources from KS1 to Post 16 (and extracurricular). These come at a cost (see below), but having seen them, I believe these are resources that every school should at least consider. See https://leiths.com/ We also discuss how Leith's has partnered with Roehampton University to create a new PGCE course aimed at increasing the number of teachers qualifying in this area over the coming years. Alongside this, there is a Level 7 course suitable for those perhaps without a degree but with life experience and other qualifications that can assist their pathway into teaching. Leith's Education has supplied the following information : Leiths Education has been working with schools for over 25 years and has grown from the renowned culinary school founded by Prue Leith in 1975. Its work is all about helping schools deliver exceptional cookery teaching for children and young people of all ages. Food education faces significant challenges with steadily reducing numbers of specialist teachers in secondary schools, few practical cookery lessons in primary schools, and insufficient facilities and equipment in many schools. To help reverse these trends, Leiths has teamed up with the University of Roehampton to introduce two new national qualifications to help fast-track the recruitment and training of food teachers. For more information, visit https://leiths.com/explore/professional-development/ Course costs (for more details, please see Leith's Education website). Registration Fee Only for schools delivering the below accredited and life skills cookery courses Leiths Education Standard Package £3,250 Accredited courses - a total of 3 visits over the duration of the course Life Skills courses - a total of 2 visits over the duration of the course Cookalong Courses Per annum subscription, no limit on student numbers (no registration fee required) Leiths Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Curriculum £395 Leiths Key Stage 3 Curriculum £595 Leiths Co-Curricular Cookery £595 Student Assessment Fees Payable per student, this fee covers all course-specific costs Accredited Cookery Courses Leiths CTH Level 3 Extended Certificate in Professional Cookery £545 Leiths CTH Level 2 Certificate in Culinary Skills £345 So sit back and enjoy Designed for Life in conversation with Maria Dunbar, Director of Education at Leith's Education. Thanks, as always, to the Edge Foundation for their continued support of Designed for Life.…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Dr. Hilary Leevers 55:25

há 21 weeks55:25

55:25

In this week’s episode of Designed for Life, we are fortunate to speak with Dr Hilary Leevers, the Chief Executive of Engineering UK. We break from the usual show format to explore some of the data surrounding entry to engineering as a profession and discuss Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, which this year runs from November 11th to 15th. EngineeringUK drives change so that more young people choose engineering and technology careers. You can join us by getting involved in Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2024. This annual celebration is dedicated to showcasing the amazing work that engineers do and inspiring young people to explore careers in engineering. It’s an exciting opportunity for schools, teachers and industry professionals to come together and make a real impact. Want to get involved? You can find everything you need to participate in this year’s events, including activities, resources, and ways to engage, by visiting the official website: www.eukeducation.org.uk/teweek Don’t forget to join the conversation! Be part of the buzz on social media by using the hashtag #TEWeek24 . Check out all the resources and prepare for a week packed with inspiration and innovation! This is a wide-ranging conversation around all entry routes to engineering as a career I know you will find interesting (engaging education and industry colleagues alike). So sit back, put those headphones in and listen to Designed for Life in conversation with Dr Hilary Leevers. Thanks as always to The Edge Foundation for their continued support of Designed for Life.…

1
Designed for Life - In conversation with Jonty Deeley Williamson 57:38

há 27 weeks57:38

57:38

Talk about battery power and people's attention automatically turns to electric vehicles, but in reality, this is one sector of a rapidly growing market. With this growth, there is an increasing need for young people to enter the sector and help design and make the power plants of the future. In this episode, we talk with Jonty Deely Williamson, who heads up learning and development at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) Previously a science teacher, he has worked in Learning & Development for more than a decade in the rail construction, high-speed rail, food manufacturing and battery manufacturing sectors. Working on various projects including the Elizabeth line, HS2 skill development, installation of a new food manufacturing line, and supporting skills from operatives to directors, his role at UKBIC is to develop battery manufacturing skills and training courses at all levels for the UK. UKBIC is a key part of the UK government-funded Faraday Battery Challenge, which has been delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, with the aim of building a high-tech, high-value, high-skill battery industry in the UK. So sit back, grab 50 minutes to yourself and enjoy Designed for Life, in conversation with Jonty Deeley Williamson. Thanks as always to The Edge Foundation for making these conversations possible.…

1
Designed for Life - In conversation with Nick Ford 58:36

há 29 weeks58:36

58:36

In this episode, we talk with Nick Ford, founder of the design studio Pipsqueak and IP development specialist. Nick talks us through his school education, which took place at a time when neurodiversity was not so easily recognised or accounted for. Several very diverse jobs followed as Nick sought to find his way in the world of work from a mechanics role that wasn't quite what he thought it would be to a cleaner in an engine machine shop and a motorcycle courier. Whilst it is safe to say that none of these roles offered Nick what he was looking for, he gave each role his all, picked up information, and learned from each one. All of the above eventually led to the creation of a company that designed and made working showpieces and exhibits for museums. It was leading up to the Millennium, and a lot of business and money was available to mark the start of a new age. Sadly, Nick and his business partner failed to see the inevitable shutting off of this ready income stream. The once highly profitable business quickly lost cash flow, and the company had to close as a result. Thanks must go to Nick for being so open about how this happened and for sharing the learning and scars that live to this day. And so, finally, to Pipsqueak. I won't tell you how this new company got its enigmatic name—it's a great story that we include in the pod—but I would implore you to look at the diversity of projects that this design company involves itself in at https://www.pipdev.co.uk. We cap this conversation off by discussing Nick's newly established company, Patentferret, created to help smaller designers and entrepreneurs protect their IP, a problematic field for many. We also discuss how Nick has helped over twenty school students with work experience and has used design principles to create a structure around this work, linking school students with university undergraduates seeking a working studio experience. This is a wide-ranging and, I believe, really enthralling conversation with a designer who loves what he does and is leaving a legacy that continues to develop and grow through his work. So sit back, put those earbuds in place and enjoy Designed for Life in conversation with Nick Ford. As always, thanks to The Edge Foundation for their continued support of Designed for Life. www.pipdev.co.uk www.patentferret.co.uk…

1
Designed for Life - In conversation with Bill Williams 51:24

há 33 weeks51:24

51:24

In this episode, we start a series in which we will talk with Design & Technology Association Trustees about their careers to date and the reasons why being a Trustee of the Association and being connected to its work is important to them. We start this series by talking with Bill Williams, Chair of D&TA Trustees. Bill is an experienced CEO across the manufacturing and engineering sectors. He was formerly a member of the Board of Group Lotus plc, the CEO of the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) in London, and is presently the Group CEO of Alloy Fabweld, a UK group of manufacturing and innovation companies based in Essex. During his career, he has worked in the automotive and motorsport industries (including Formula 1 and MotoGP), as well as the pharmaceutical and food manufacturing sectors. He holds an MBA from Cranfield, is an Honorary Fellow of University College London (UCL), a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). He commenced his career by completing a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship with Michelin Tyre Company and is deeply passionate about apprenticeships and the need for design and technology in the national curriculum. Bill is currently in his third year as Chair of the Association and has been a Trustee for over six years. So relax, grab 51 minutes to yourself and enjoy Designed for Life - In conversation with Bill Williams. As always, huge thanks to The Edge Foundation for their continued support of the podcast.…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Alex Ball BA (Hons) New Designers 2024 36:57

há 33 weeks36:57

36:57

This is the first episode with young graduates met recently at New Designers 2024 in London. Alex graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a second-class BA (Hons) in Product Design. I was struck by the simplicity of his design project and the clear communication of intent within his work. It is clear that Alex is very passionate about combating climate change and helping people to live more sustainably; his comment that "I want to utilise my design background to help to bring solutions to this sector" is, in my experience, representative of a significant percentage of his generation who recognises the massive challenges facing mankind and wants to be part of the solution, not a contributor to the problem. In the conversation, you will hear how Alex has mapped out a pathway to becoming a talented air source heat pump engineer. He is undoubtedly a talented and driven young designer, and I know he would welcome 'reachouts' from anyone who feels they may be able to contribute to his journey. Linkedin.com/in/alex-ball-439339224…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Trudi Barrow 52:28

há 41 weeks52:28

52:28

In this episode, we are delighted to converse with Design education specialist, advisor, teacher and CLEAPSS consultant Trudi Barrow. It seems like a strange statement, but we rarely have a design and technology teacher and leader on the podcast, so in this episode, we follow Trudi's journey into teaching but then spend a good part of the conversation talking about the subject, its challenges and where it may be heading to. I have to say it was a pleasure to hold this discussion with someone passionate about the value of design and technology education and what it can offer young people. Trudi has recently taken on a role leading for CLEAPSS within design and technology, and many people will have seen her online journey as she has deep-dived into the use of AI and where this can be utilised within design education. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I think you will too, so get those earphones in and enjoy Designed for Life in conversation with Trudi Barrow. Trudi's website: www.trudibarrow.com Futureminds Home Page: https://sites.google.com/view/cleapss-futureminds/home https://www.cleapss.org.uk…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with the Textiles Skills Centre (Report released April 24) 53:38

há 48 weeks53:38