The New Abnormal
The New Abnormal podcast (which has over 250,000 downloads) focuses on 'Now / Next / Why'. Discussing the viewpoints of my guests, who've including activists, creatives, writers, philosophers, strategists, psychologists, lecturers, futurists etc, has led to some fascinating conversations. Re: my bio, I'm a public speaker and futurist. I've written two books - my first went to No1 in the business charts, whilst my second was shortlisted for the 'Business Book of the Year' Awards. (I'll be writing a third as soon as time allows.) So, I hope you enjoy listening to the series - which was set up during the early days of Covid, and is divided into Series One [2020-21] Two [2022] Three [2023] Four [2024] and Five [2025]. All rights reserved. #TheNewAbnormal podcast series © Sean Pillot de Chenecey 2020.
The New Abnormal
Jack Godfrey Wood 'Making what's next: why great design is an engine of hope'
Series Two
In this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interviewed Jack Godfrey Wood, VP Design at Native Design in San Francisco.
They're an independent design company who 'drive growth by creating what people love', with a client roster including Audi, Bentley, Diageo, Google, Microsoft, Oxfam and Santander.
Jack leads physical, digital, research and engineering design teams, whose work 'solves tricky problems beautifully'.
In the interview, we discuss issues including a career path that lead from Central St Martins to the West Coast, how the American and European design ethos differ, and why empathy is at the heart of great design regarding lived experiences and improved futures.
Jack also explains what simplicity, streamlining and reductive thinking brings to the design process, and the vital requirement of having a healthy distrust for the status quo.