#8 Speaking louder, listening deeper and finding your voice

“What does it really mean to design with empathy — and how do we stay human in a system that often forgets it?”SummaryCaro shares her journey from scientific research in New Zealand to becoming a Senior Service Designer in London. She reflects on navigating ambiguity, embracing imposter syndrome, and finding confidence in her own voice. We talk about authenticity in the tech industry, the realities of consultancy, teaching systems thinking, and her passion for empowering young women in tech.GuestCaro McElroyHostDanny Hearn Website – www.dannyhearn.mePodcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.comChapters00:00 From genetics to discovering service design01:54 Early career: labs, Toastmasters, facilitation & Westpac04:52 Service design as a generalist’s dream & loving ambiguity10:06 Why divergence feels “unproductive” (and why it matters)12:42 Good vs hard clients, trust, and being treated as part of the team15:50 Imposter syndrome and learning to say “I don’t know”21:32 Teaching systems thinking & why consultancy accelerates growth24:14 Tech for good and empowering young women in tech31:50 Finding your voice, language, and not shrinking at work40:36 Bias, ownership, and learning to claim credit for your impact