Manage episode 515905253 series 2854333
We explore how design moves beyond aesthetics into systems, platforms, and policies, and how iF Design advances that mission through a global award, a new academy, and a rising sustainability standard. Lisa shares practical examples, from packaging tweaks to AI workflows, that turn intent into measurable impact.
Lisa chats about:
• Her values-led career path linking business and design
• How living abroad shaped her curiosity and critical thinking
• Design as problem-solving across products and systems
• Origins and scale of the iF Design Award
• Why iF is less known in the United States
• How and when to apply for the next award
• What the iF Design Academy teaches leaders
• Business fluency and keeping design in the C-suite
• Practical sustainability across environmental and social impact
• Certifications, category-specific questions, and scoring
Visit ifdesign.com, explore the website, explore it's a great resource. We've indexed all winners since 1954. Even if you're not even thinking about participating or anything else, the content inspiration is exceptional.
Connect with Lisa Gralnek:
Lisa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagralnek
iF Design - https://ifdesign.com/en/
iF Design Academy - https://ifdesign-academy.com/
Future of XYZ Podcast - https://ifdesign.com/en/podcast-future-of-xyz-by-if-design
iF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/organization-guest/company/ifdesign
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/
The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Chapters
1. Welcome And Guest Intro (00:00:00)
2. Lisa’s Career Through Line (00:02:45)
3. How Living Abroad Shaped Design Views (00:05:02)
4. Design As A Force For Good (00:07:38)
5. What IF Design Is And Its Origins (00:12:07)
6. How The IF Award Jury Works (00:16:20)
7. Furniture And Built Environment Categories (00:19:10)
8. Why IF Is Less Known In The U.S. (00:22:12)
9. Deadline, Entries, And How To Apply (00:25:05)
10. Inside The IF Design Academy (00:27:18)
11. Who The Academy Serves And Why (00:31:05)
12. Starting The Future Of XYZ Podcast (00:34:02)
13. Upcoming Guests And AI In Design (00:37:05)
14. A Practical View Of Sustainability (00:40:20)
15. Raising The Bar On Sustainability Standards (00:45:30)
168 episodes