Real Talk: Discussion About Design Thinking During the Wall Street Cast Podcast

I recently had the pleasure of joining an engaging conversation on Wall Street Cast, Episode 81 another fantastic Portuguese-language podcast. Alongside two other amazing guests, we dove deep into the world of design thinking, unraveling how it applies in real-life situations, especially when navigating organizational challenges.

During the podcast, I emphasized a crucial philosophy that I live by:

We discussed how many companies mistakenly approach design thinking as a quick-fix workshop instead of a deep, ongoing process. True innovation starts when we truly understand and empathize with the user’s real issues.

The Real Value of Design Thinking

One personal example I shared was from my experience in the banking sector. Sometimes, despite brilliant brainstorming and seemingly perfect ideas, real-world constraints like regulatory limitations and practical barriers can prevent great solutions from becoming reality. I highlighted the importance of recognizing these barriers from the beginning.

While I’ve sometimes seen companies misuse design thinking as an expensive, superficial activity, I firmly believe in its power when used correctly. A successful application of design thinking is an iterative process that blends empathy, testing, and continuous adaptation far beyond the common perception of colorful sticky notes and brainstorming sessions.

Bridging Cultures and Perspectives

The discussion also included fascinating insights from fellow guests about their experiences in HR strategy and urban planning, demonstrating how versatile and impactful design thinking can be across sectors. This episode reminded me and hopefully listeners too that design thinking is not just about creativity; it’s about deeply understanding and responding effectively to human needs.

If you missed it, you can catch the full episode above. Let me know your thoughts—did it spark new insights for you?

Stay inspired!