#27 Cecilia Ambros — Design Leadership, Innovation and Creativity at Amazon and Nike
Description
Cecilia Ambros is a trained fine artist who has seamlessly transitioned from painting with colours and digital designs to "painting with data." Leveraging a versatile skill set, Cecilia embraces the challenge of learning new domains, thriving even without initial subject matter expertise. Her remarkable career has led her through unexpected opportunities, including roles at prestigious companies such as banks and Amazon.
DOTS PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJhdYWtEVH6R9lX2exP_8ni9YGKNTZ1b8&si=4s69nrKCahy5vQ5O
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2z0Vgy7eNR6XSk3M0uSugp?si=eb5369dea4314099
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dots-podcast-of-paul-syng/id1557392269
Podcasters: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulsyng
READ PLATONIC BLOG
https://paulsyng.com/blog/
NEED HELP WITH A COMPLEX CHALLENGE?
https://paulsyng.com
SPEAKER LINKS
Host, Paul Syng:
https://x.com/paulsyng
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsyng/
Guest, Cecilia Ambros:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/conceptualthinking/
CHAPTERS
00:00 Small studio grew; pursued MBA for job.
05:36 Missing two MBA classes; career shifts rapidly.
12:18 Differences in design approach: Nike, Amazon, Loblaws.
17:32 Observing brand adaptation, design validation differs greatly.
26:16 Nike tested gear innovations with University of Oregon.
32:21 Man's intellect challenged value of product branding.
36:50 Navigating creative differences between brands and agencies.
42:42 Nike nurtures curiosity, aligning designers across disciplines.
46:43 Understanding athlete rigor enhances design inspiration.
53:02 Nike's coaching philosophy shaped my leadership journey.
58:26 Impressed by leaders’ rapid document understanding skills.
01:03:51 Evolving client relationships through digital transformation.
01:08:33 Nike, Amazon, and Chase share service values.
01:12:28 Shattered ankle, long recovery, first hospital experience.