Episode 5: Why design matters way more to tech brands than we think, w/Jessica Rosenberg

This episode features brand design expert Jessica Rosenberg, a seasoned designer who led design for Twitter, CloudFlare, Mural, Webflow, and now Jasper.ai, as she shares her journey through the tech industry. The discussion covers her 14-year career in tech and advertising, highlighting key roles and achievements; The critical importance of design in the world of startups and B2B companies, and how it can be a strategic advantage; The insights and experiences from working at companies with different levels of design prioritization, including her leadership journey at CloudFlare and the unique environment of being at a design-led company like Webflow; Practical advice for early-stage startups on incorporating design into their business from the get-go, including the value of having a versatile founding designer; Tips on advocating for design within organizations that may not initially see its importance; A look at some of the brands and tools Jessica admires and uses, such as Runway, MyMind, Genie by Luma, and Perplexity AI. Also as a bonus, Jessica’s voice is as soothing as a meditation app. So enjoy :)

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

05:28 Jessica's Career Journey

10:42 The Importance of Design in Business

20:57 Challenges and Strategies in Design Advocacy

27:32 Working at a Design-Led Company

34:59 Advice for Early-Stage Startups

41:24 Brands and Tools to Watch