#12 | Michael DiTullo | Driving impact at Nike, Jordan, Frog, Sound United and more

“Every company should have a design executive. As a designer there are a lot of areas where you can provide value. But don’t lose sight of your craft, don’t lose weight of your definition and yourself - because thats your superpower, thats what gives you that magic and thats why you are in the room.”

Michael DiTullo on driving impact through design.

In episode 12, I talk with Michael DiTullo, one day after he received his Personal Recognition Award by IDSA during IDC 2019 in Chicago.

“Michael DiTullo has designed for mega-companies like Google, Nike, and Honda as well as innovative start-ups. He has been the Design Director at Converse, Creative Director at frog, and Chief Design Officer at Sound United.

Michael is known for his impressive body of work, yet as one of his nominators writes, “his ability to give back is underrated.” He is gracious in giving his time to students and non-profits; served on several design boards and committees, including this year’s IDEA jury; and has contributed to Core77 for nearly two decades.

Michael is praised for his honesty and willingness to promote a healthy dialogue about big issues in ID. His latest initiative #RealDesignersShip(link is external) is just one example of his ongoing commitment to building a supportive and trusting design community.” - IDSA

With Michael, I talk about the what he learned designing and prototyping with Michael Jordan working at Nike, risk and opportunities for the future of design and industrial design, why kids should be taught in schools about design and how to report as a VP of Design directly to the board and talk to business.

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The next IDC will happen 2020 in Seattle. For more information about it head here: https://www.internationaldesignconference.com

About IDSA:

For over fifty years, IDSA has worked to advance the practice of industrial design through education, information, community and advocacy. Our roots stretch to the beginning of the profession and our members are, and have been, some the most celebrated industrial designers of all time. However, being a part of this community means you are joining something bigger than any one individual. Your participation helps strengthen the industrial design profession as a whole and contributes to the boundless impact of design within business, culture and society.

Learn more at https://www.idsa.org