Empathy by Design with Mike Laut

Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.Discover how empathy, leadership, and design intersect in this inspiring conversation with industrial designer Mike Laut, founder and CEO of Laut Design. In this episode of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, host Rebecca Dhrimaj explores how empathy drives creativity, strengthens team dynamics, and fuels innovation in user experience and industrial design. Mike shares his journey from freelancer to leader, revealing how core values, authentic communication, and a deep understanding of users help teams tackle complex business challenges with clarity and purpose.Sound bites"The client is always surprised.""We never shrunk, only ever grew.""Boredom is cancerous around here."Chapters00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Lout Design04:17 Mike's Journey into Industrial Design06:44 From Freelancing to Building a Team09:49 The Role of Empathy in Design12:16 Understanding Customer Needs through Empathy14:59 Case Study: Designing a Tech-Enabled Sprayer17:38 Client Surprises and the Importance of Research20:14 Navigating Business Challenges and Team Morale22:50 Core Values and Company Culture28:25 Lessons Learned and Future Directions40:03 Introduction to Empathy in the Workplace40:12 The Importance of Emotional IntelligenceLearn more about Laut Design: https://lautdesign.com/Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/