In this episode of Digitally Diverse, we sit down with Gareth Rydon, co-founder of Friyay, Australia's first generative AI studio. Gareth shares his unique career journey, transitioning from accounting to human-centered design and eventually to the cutting-edge world of AI. He discusses the challenges and rewards of starting a value-driven AI company, emphasising the importance of augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them. Gareth offers insights into maintaining work-life balance as an entrepreneur, the significance of continuous learning, and the power of asking good questions in the age of AI. He also shares valuable career advice, stressing the importance of aligning work with personal values and the benefits of diverse experiences. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating the tech industry or considering a career change, highlighting the crucial role of designers in shaping the future of AI and technology.

This episode of the Digitally Diverse podcast features a conversation with Rebecca Preston, a Senior Product Designer at Zipline. Rebecca discusses her career journey, the importance of user research and design collaboration, and the challenges and rewards of working in a remote-first environment. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring designers and emphasizes the power of networking, self-improvement, and the willingness to pivot and adapt in the ever-changing tech industry.

Join us as we chat with Jitesh Ramesh, Lead UX Designer at Rate My Agent. Jitesh shares his journey from mechanical engineering to industrial design and eventually to digital product design. He discusses the complexities and challenges of bridging the gap between tangible and digital products, reflecting on his experiences working on projects ranging from motorcycle design to construction and fintech software. Jitesh emphasizes the importance of being adaptable, stepping away from the details, and recognizing that design is a shared goal. He also shares valuable career advice, including the significance of collaboration, the potential for job hunting within the design field, and the importance of putting one's ego last in order to prioritize the craft and make meaningful contributions.