In this episode of Futureworks, Michelle and Gillian welcome a very special guest—Gillian’s father, Ric Grefé. With a career spanning naval intelligence, journalism, public policy, and two decades leading AIGA, Ric brings sharp insight into how design thinking can shape leadership that’s curious, intentional, and human-centered.From “repotting” your career to reframing hierarchy and cultivating creative confidence, Ric shares practical and personal stories that reveal what it really means to lead by design. This conversation challenges the default approaches to management and reminds us that real innovation starts with listening, observing, and staying open to change.You’ll LearnWhat it means to “repot” your career and stay sharpHow curiosity fuels strong, adaptive leadershipWhy observation is foundational to innovationHow design thinking can transform communication and managementWhy storytelling is essential for creating understanding and momentumPerfect ForLeaders, strategists, creatives, and anyone rethinking how they show up in their work, teams, or organizations.Keywordsdesign thinking, creative leadership, innovation, storytelling, curiosity, organizational change, design strategy, human-centered design, collaboration, communicationTakeawaysCareer growth thrives on variety, not repetitionListening is the most underrated leadership skillDesign thinking is about solving real human problems, not just outputCreative confidence grows when leaders remove fear from the processPrototyping applies to systems, not just productsThe best leadership flips the org chart to empower the front lineStorytelling gives strategy emotional power and stickinessConstraints are part of the creative act—embrace themSound Bites"People, like plants, need to be repotted regularly.""You can't pump uphill.""We're not in the information business, we're in the understanding business.""Creative confidence starts with curiosity.""Anyone can hang a curtain. Getting the permit is the art.""Storytelling is what makes things memorable and shareable."Chapters00:00 Welcome to Futureworks00:28 Introducing Ric Grefé01:15 Why Observation Fuels Innovation03:00 Leaving Consulting for Lasting Impact05:00 Repotting and the Power of Perspective07:15 Building AIGA from Club to Hub10:30 Design Thinking for Leaders12:45 Prototyping Communication and Culture15:10 Flipping the Org Chart to Serve Better17:30 Storytelling, Abundance, and Administrative Art20:00 Final Takeaways on Curiosity and LeadershipRelated links for this episode:https://www.aspect.com/https://www.alvaria.com/If you enjoyed what you heard today, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we explore innovation and imagination in the workplace.© 2025 Futureworks Podcast / AspectLearn more about Aspect at - https://www.aspect.com/ Brought to you by Aspect and Alvaria https://www.aspect.com/ https://www.alvaria.com/ © 2025 Aspect and Alvaria

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