Product (including spatial), Content and Service: let's explore these three different but connected design domains that coexist in the creative space of big companies. We will cover: - What makes them unique? How do they interact with each other? - Which skills fits most for these tracks VS other supporting roles (UXR, PM, Engineer)? - What soft skills you should also have or improve to make yourself a good candidate?

Getting buy-in seems like an endless battle. It's especially hard in a wave of re-organizations. Now, more than ever, it's imperative to get buy-in to ship value quickly and get out of our own way to improve experiences. We will discuss how to effectively communicate with key stakeholders, how to apply design thinking and user-centricity outside of Product, and we will apply some UX laws / psychology influence our interactions with budget-owners and our tech peers. What really works and why?

How design became a Center of Excellence at RBCx as we pursue new business ventures and innovations that push RBC ‘beyond banking’.

Ever feel like your design dreams are crushed by practicality? In this session, we’ll tackle the common plight of designers compromising their vision because “the PO said so” (often code for “the developers are giving me puppy eyes”). We’ll explore: * Communicating design ideas so compellingly even your cat would approve * Winning the hearts and minds of your devs and POs * Keeping your creative spark alive in a world where “dream big” means “slightly larger than a sticky note” Join us to learn how to navigate team collaboration without sacrificing your UX ideals (or sanity). Sense of humor required, magic wand optional!

Startups must leverage every tool at their disposal to fuel growth and stay competitive. Online communities offer a unique opportunity for SaaS companies to engage directly with customers, uncover valuable insights, and foster product innovation. Join us to explore how successful startups are using online communities to scale faster, innovate smarter, and build deeper customer relationships. From ideation to feedback loops, we'll dive into actionable strategies to harness the power of community-driven growth. Whether you're a marketer, product manager, or founder, this session will provide you with tangible ways to build and sustain a thriving online community that drives business outcomes. Leverage Online Communities for Growth: Learn how to use communities to increase customer acquisition and retention. Fuel Product Innovation: Understand how customer feedback and real-time discussions can drive product evolution and prioritisation. Build Stronger Customer Relationships: Discover strategies to foster meaningful interactions that create brand advocates. Create Feedback Loops: Learn how to set up continuous feedback systems for agile product development. Engage Communities with Purpose: Explore tactics to build an engaged and active user base that aligns with your product goals.

When was the last time you did something that scared you? When was the last time you felt uncomfortable? I have a 'how hard could it be?' outlook to all of life. I truly believe that you can achieve anything you want, you just have to decide you want it. Then put in the work, and get it. Even when you’ve never done it before. I realized that everything I ever dreamed possible for my life, my lifelong dreams, I had already achieved - all by 30. The degree, the house, the relationship, the multiple-six-figure salary, the travel where I wanted, when I wanted… all of it! And then I walked away. You can do hard things. You can achieve anything you want, change anything you want. What's possible for me is possible for anybody - you have to simply have the mindset, determination, and discipline to make it happen. When your life around you no longer aligns with what you want to do, you need the strength and confidence to light your own fuse, blow it up, and get out of comfortable - complacent - normal... and go write that next chapter. You've done hard things before. Hard could the next one be?

Kindness is our key tool to finding purpose and meaning in our jobs and working at our highest potential. In this popular talk, discover the research behind Kindness, how it improves business results, why we don’t practice it more often, and how to bring Kindness into every element of the workplace culture to achieve a stronger, happier, and more productive work environment.

Finance can be fun! Join me for a session that demystifies the financial basics every entrepreneur should know. We’ll cover essential topics like cash flow management, making investment decisions, understanding payment terms, and negotiating deals—all with a focus on practical, real-world applications. This talk is designed to give you the financial tools you need to confidently run and grow your creative venture.

When our to-do list feels endless or stress takes over, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by our emotions. We might find ourselves spending hours but barely making progress, or procrastinating until the last minute—not because we’re lazy, but because our brains are reacting to the pressure. In this session, we’ll explore science-based practices and how AI can help us better understand and break free from these negative loops. By tuning into what’s really going on inside, we can get more done, feel more motivated, and find a little more happiness along the way.

Join us for an insightful fireside chat as Jakob and Felix delve into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on the design industry. This engaging conversation will explore how AI is reshaping design practices, influencing user experiences, and driving innovation in digital products. From ethical considerations to practical applications, Jakob & Felix will share their expert perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of design in the age of AI. Whether you're a seasoned designer, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of design, this session promises to offer valuable insights and thought-provoking discussion.

Join us for a deep dive into the transformative power of AI and Explainable AI (XAI) in revolutionizing data governance. Discover how these technologies can automate data quality improvement, enhance security and privacy, and ensure ethical and responsible AI usage. Learn about real-world applications and best practices for implementing AI-driven data governance solutions. Key takeaways: Understand the benefits of AI and XAI in data governance automation. Explore specific use cases and applications of AI and XAI. Learn about the challenges and best practices for implementing AI-driven data governance solutions. Gain insights into the future of AI and XAI in data governance. This session is designed for Business owners, entrepreneurs, data governance professionals, and anyone interested in leveraging AI to improve data management and decision-making.

As new firms emerge, the way these firms operate and deliver value to customers will change significantly. An AI First company business model will disrupt every market and every industry. This session will explore what this means and looks like and advice on how you can implement recommendations in your business.