Jacalin Ding: Want influence? Prove you understand the business, the market, and the bigger picture.

In this episode of Beyond the Interface, Jacalin Ding shares her journey from designer to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of business acumen for designers. She discusses the challenges of side hustles, the necessity of resilience, and the synergy between design and business. Jacalin also highlights the importance of understanding stakeholders, gaining a seat at the strategic table, and the qualities that make an A-player in design. She provides insights into networking, especially for introverted designers, and encourages broadening one's network. Links to Jacalin's channels: https://subscribepage.io/5fnCLHLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacalinding/Substack: https://substack.com/@jacalinding?utm_source=profile-pageYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUPHxnuMXrkgPobAA5wHKgLearn from Jacalin:4 weeks Maven Course: "Strategic Design Career Accelerator" - 3 cohorts per year (Next cohort: FEB 28th) 10% OFF Course Code for Listeners: BeyondPodcastSelf-paced course Launching SOON: "Strategic Business Acumen for Designers" Join waitlist now: https://subscribepage.io/5fnCLH00:00 Introduction to Jacqueline Ding and Her Journey02:21 The Entrepreneurial Spark: From Designer to Business Owner04:57 The Reality of Side Hustles and Entrepreneurship07:19 Building Resilience Through Life Experiences11:15 The Intersection of Design and Business Acumen15:12 Understanding When to Invest in Design19:13 The Importance of Strategic Thinking for Designers24:40 Course Overview: Empowering Designers with Business Skills30:20 Getting a Seat at the Table: Influence and Relationships38:20 Maintaining Influence and Contribution in Business Strategy42:13 The Essence of A-Players46:22Networking Beyond Events54:16 Introverts in Design59:20 The Future of Design: Strategy and Business Acumen01:10:06 Making a Difference: Education and Empowerment