Ep. 21: Leveraging Design & Public Policy to Create Innovative Cities with Matthew Scott Waldman
Featuring guest
Matthew Scott Waldman
We had an incredible conversation with Matthew Scott Waldman that left us with more questions than answers and a renewed motivation to help build Japan's innovation ecosystem. We explored the fascinating cyclic relationship between design and language - how our words shape design and design shapes our language in return. Our discussion ranged from techno-progressivism and storytelling through design to cultural barriers that impact innovation in Japan, including policies around LGBT rights, parental leave, and foreign talent attraction. We also touched on finding your voice in innovation and why storytelling is equally important to technical advancement. Somehow we even managed to discuss psychedelics along the way. This conversation exemplified what great innovation discussions should be - thought-provoking, wide-ranging, and inspiring us to take action in creating positive change.
Themes of Inquiry
- Design Language Relationship
- Innovation Ecosystem Building
- Cultural Barriers to Innovation
- Storytelling in Design
- Japan Policy Reform
We had an incredible conversation with Matthew Scott Waldman that left us with more questions than answers and a renewed motivation to help build Japan's innovation ecosystem.
Episode Summary
We had an incredible conversation with Matthew Scott Waldman that left us with more questions than answers and a renewed motivation to help build Japan's innovation ecosystem. We explored the fascinating cyclic relationship between design and language - how our words shape design and design shapes our language in return. Our discussion ranged from techno-progressivism and storytelling through design to cultural barriers that impact innovation in Japan, including policies around LGBT rights, parental leave, and foreign talent attraction. We also touched on finding your voice in innovation and why storytelling is equally important to technical advancement. Somehow we even managed to discuss psychedelics along the way. This conversation exemplified what great innovation discussions should be - thought-provoking, wide-ranging, and inspiring us to take action in creating positive change.
The Guest Biography
Matthew Scott Waldman
Matthew Scott Waldman is a renowned designer and innovation researcher best known as the founder of NOOKA, the groundbreaking lifestyle design brand that revolutionized interface design in physical products. He currently leads an 'evolution by design' research lab at Keio University's Graduate School of Media Design, where he focuses on circular design principles and techno-progressivism. Waldman's work bridges the gap between design theory and practical application, exploring how design functions as a language and impacts cultural change. His research encompasses innovation policy, cultural transformation, and the intersection of technology and human experience in contemporary Japan.
Continue the Dialogue
Ep. 22: Foreign Solopreneurs and Small-Medium Japanese Businesses with Anthony Griffin
We had the pleasure of hosting Anthony Griffin, renowned marketer and communications coach, who founded Saga Consulting to help Japanese companies reach global audiences. Throughout our conversation, we explored Anthony's entrepreneurial journey and his insights on building quality networks, especially during COVID times. We discussed the evolving mindset of 'Foreign Curious' Japanese small-medium businesses and the challenges of managing client expectations in Japan's white glove service culture. Anthony shared valuable perspectives on creating value-based content, illustrating commitment to the Japanese market, and leveraging technology for cross-border collaboration. We also delved into the importance of maintaining both business and personal health as an entrepreneur abroad, and how to effectively charge for 'plus alpha' services in Japan while identifying emerging opportunities for Japanese SMEs.
Listen Now