Moments In Motion

In the 5th pisode of my podcast Moments in Motion, I speak with Dan Cooper, the founder of DotCrew, a small but mighty digital & immersive agency producing award-winning landmark projects across the UK & internationally. Dan is a highly intuitive Creative Leader and uses this alongside his deeply held values about doing meaningful work which educates, moves and connects people. He has worked on and been responsible for many award winning projects, from his early days at the BBC to his most recent projects with DotCrew.In our conversation, Dan talks about his experience in the design industry, working on innovative storytelling-led digital projects, and how he began his career journey into digital media, as well as the future of immersive experiences and technology. The conversation delves into the role of technology in museums, emphasizing the need to balance technology with storytelling and the importance of knowing when to really pull back on technical effects to allow the human story to present itself.It also explores the impact of Dan's unexpected career pivots and the lessons learned from these experiences. As well as the big learning curve of setting up a business. And how this has allowed him to fully follow his values in the way he works and the work that his company does.We end on the subject of how self-trust and open mindedness are key to not just career success but to overall personal happiness.TakeawaysImmersive storytellingInnovative digital projects Tech integration in museumsBalancing technology and storytellingThe impact of unexpected career pivots Values-driven ambitionSelf-trust and open-mindedness

Gary Wheeler is a very well known, highly respected & very influential figure in the international design industry, with a deep and diverse expertise in high level interior design.He has headed up practices for global firms such as Perkins & Will, Gensler and HDR. As well as currently serving as a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council and a longstanding relationship with the American Society for Interior Design, which included being actoing CEO for 3 years.I have known Gary for over 20 years & can honestly say that he is one of the most caring, conscientious and positively impactful design leaders I have ever met.He is a natural mentor and keeps relationships in the industry spanning from his early days at college in New Orleans through top the present day.He keeps ahead of and gives back to the industry through his work with the Design Futures Council, as well as sitting on the Google Board looking at how the the industry should develop and how best to support that growth.Our conversation covers Gary's background, the influence of travel on his creativity, the Italian approach to design, the importance of art in education, and pivotal moments in Gary's career. Gary's passion for design and the cultural influence on his work are evident throughout the discussion.Gary discusses the elevation of interior design, the impact of mentorship on career progression, the founding of an interior design firm, the transition to Gensler and London, the impact of design and innovation in London, and the importance of effective communication and understanding client needs in the design profession.He also delves into the long-term investment in quality and adaptability in design and architecture, the psychology of space and collaboration, the importance of physical presence for collaboration, accepting and facilitating diverse ideas, cultivating a collaborative and inclusive culture, the role of Design Futures Council in fostering collaboration and openness, and the positive impact of sharing and collaboration.Takeaways* Passion for Design* Cultural Influence Mentorship and guidance play a crucial role in career progression.* The importance of effective communication and understanding client needs in the design profession. Design and architecture are long-term investments in quality, adaptability, and employee satisfaction.* The psychology of how people interact with a space is a deep and strategic influence.* Giving back to the industry to ensure it continues to grow and flourish into the future.

In this new episode of Moments in Motion, I speak with Mel McVeigh, a true creative hybrid whose 25 year career has spanned many areas of design and creativity. She is always motivated by the desire to explore life as deeply as possible and her lifelong inspiration has been an adventurous spirit to see & experience the world.Mel is a Creative Director & Leader, a published photographer & the Founder of the Wide Open Roads Studio.In our conversation, Mel deep dives into what it means to be true to your creativity & how important it is to always keep pushing to know your deepest creative self.She also talks about her varied career from Mr & Mrs Smith, The Telegraph, Photobox and Condé Nast, as well as talking openly about the impact of burnout & the importance of listening to & looking after your body in order to stay healthy.This is a wide ranging conversation with someone who is highly self aware & always authentic.

Nathalie Gibbs is an extraordinary talent in the creative industry. She is a real true hybrid with experience across all areas of design. She has a rich background and a diverse career from textiles to theatre design, from brandingt to hospitality. And she is the Founder of a fascinating and landmark project Childhood which is due to launch in Spring this year.Our conversation explores the theme of embracing change and adapting to new paths, from moments of change to discovering something special. It covers into the thrill of adventure, physical freedom, and fearlessness, as well as the art of going with the flow and embracing life's journey.Nathalie discusses her transition from textiles to theatre design, the exploration of diverse creative paths, and the impact of design, including the craving for meaningful design and the evolution of design.We also explore the impact of AI on creativity, the shift in design and brand experience, and the thrill of new creative ventures, the influence of design and creativity on personal growth, rediscovering childhood memories within our urban environments leading to creating a personal and interactive city experience through her new project Childhood, which has the potential to help us to reclaiming our cities and be the catalyst to people coming together again to listen and share.Takeaways* Embracing change and adapting to new paths is a recurring theme throughout the conversation.* The impact of design and the craving for meaningful, impactful design is highlighted as a significant insight. The influence of AI on creativity and the need for human creativity in design and brand experience.* The importance of personal growth, rediscovering childhood memories, and reclaiming cities for personal identity and authenticity.

Philip Marshall is a unique Creative Designer & Leader with multifaceted experience, talent, approach and outlook.He is one of the warmest, most caring & humane people I have met in the industry. He is also very low key, undertated cool with a fascinating personal backstory which we only touch on.I've known Philip for over 20 years and I was delighted to get him to be one of my first guests on my new podcast.Our conversation delves into the transition from postmodernism to metamodernism, and the role of design in shaping society and culture.It also explores the importance of emotional resonance in design and the cultural differences in customer experience.The conversation covers a wide range of topics including service culture, digital transformation, polymath strength, remote collaboration, creativity and neurodiversity, customer journey and empathy, brand perception and value, business empathy and design.It delves into the impact of lockdown, writing and publishing, dyslexia and education, creativity and human progress, and brand perception and customer experience.It covers everything from societal shifts, industry transformation, the impact of technology and digitalization, the role of wisdom and experience in the design industry, the revival of traditional skills and craftsmanship, the importance of in-person collaboration and human connection, and reflections on life's journey and lessons learned.Takeaways* Metamodernism as a new era* The importance of emotional resonance in design Service culture* Psychological lifestyle* Digital transformation* Polymath strength* Virtual studio* Remote collaboration* Creativity and neurodiversity* Customer journey and empathy* Brand perception and value* Business empathy and design Resilience* Curiosity