https://simplecast.com A Digital Strategy Podcast A Digital Strategy Podcast explores how design, technology, and business intersect to shape the way organizations grow and adapt. Through thoughtful discussions and interviews with leaders in tech, design, brand, and marketing, the show shares practical strategies, frameworks, and stories for navigating today’s digital landscape. Hosted by the team at Tennis, the podcast blends sharp takes on the industry with candid conversations about the systems, tools, and decisions that drive lasting impact. 2022 A Digital Strategy Podcast en-ca Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:40:40 +0000 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:40:52 +0000 https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com A Digital Strategy Podcast https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/e5e37d85-25a3-4f11-a7e5-abcc974a9c31/b15ff7ff-5b1f-4f67-ba77-2c0b7b4d2b9b/3000x3000/tennis_digital_strategy_podcasr_b2b_web.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com episodic A Digital Strategy Podcast explores how design, technology, and business intersect to shape the way organizations grow and adapt. Through thoughtful discussions and interviews with leaders in tech, design, brand, and marketing, the show shares practical strategies, frameworks, and stories for navigating today’s digital landscape. Hosted by the team at Tennis, the podcast blends sharp takes on the industry with candid conversations about the systems, tools, and decisions that drive lasting impact. Tennis false https://feeds.simplecast.com/ycklWpWq strategy, digital, technology, digital design, development, user experience, web, business strategy, entrepreneurship, business, consulting, covid-19, design Tennis collaborate@designtennis.com 8bb50e8d-09ca-4995-b6aa-0ed6c4bd1e5a Your CFO Isn't Saying No to Your Website Notes

Why does a website project that everyone agrees is needed keep dying in the finance meeting? Usually it's not the budget — it's the pitch. Symon and Marcello break down how to reframe a web investment as a business initiative, not a creative one, and walk through exactly how to build a case that finance can actually approve.

Topics covered: current cost audit (hosting, content ops, lost leads), opportunity cost of inaction, competitive and technical risk, how to connect a website to revenue (and when you can't), OPEX vs. CAPEX considerations, phase-based budget structuring, and how to build a measurement plan before you ask for money.

 

Chapter List (YouTube + Podcast)

  • 0:00 — Intro: Why website projects die in the finance meeting
  • 1:41 — The business case is already there — it's a framing problem
  • 2:20 — Why most website business cases fail
  • 4:13 — Looking at risk: compliance, accessibility, and fines
  • 5:13 — Current costs: what your website is actually costing the business
  • 7:00 — Opportunity cost: the website as a go-to-market tool
  • 7:46 — Risk of inaction: technical debt and competitive positioning
  • 9:00 — The investment ask: phasing, fiscal year alignment, flexibility
  • 9:25 — Defining project objectives from day one
  • 10:30 — How to connect a website to revenue (and when you can't)
  • 12:13 — Content bottlenecks as the baseline business case
  • 13:34 — Page speed: the metric that impacts both UX and search
  • 14:34 — Indirect value: brand credibility, talent, partner perception
  • 16:22 — How Tennis grew its own inbound with SEO and AEO
  • 19:10 — When the full budget won't get approved: the phase-based ask
  • 21:00 — What to do first if you need to pitch in the next 60 days
  • 22:28 — Build the measurement plan before you ask for the budget
  • 23:00 — OPEX vs. CAPEX: how finance wants to spend matters
  • 24:49 — Final takeaway: stop pitching a website

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:40:40 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/your-cfo-isnt-saying-no-to-your-website-eCIavZvG Notes

Why does a website project that everyone agrees is needed keep dying in the finance meeting? Usually it's not the budget — it's the pitch. Symon and Marcello break down how to reframe a web investment as a business initiative, not a creative one, and walk through exactly how to build a case that finance can actually approve.

Topics covered: current cost audit (hosting, content ops, lost leads), opportunity cost of inaction, competitive and technical risk, how to connect a website to revenue (and when you can't), OPEX vs. CAPEX considerations, phase-based budget structuring, and how to build a measurement plan before you ask for money.

 

Chapter List (YouTube + Podcast)

  • 0:00 — Intro: Why website projects die in the finance meeting
  • 1:41 — The business case is already there — it's a framing problem
  • 2:20 — Why most website business cases fail
  • 4:13 — Looking at risk: compliance, accessibility, and fines
  • 5:13 — Current costs: what your website is actually costing the business
  • 7:00 — Opportunity cost: the website as a go-to-market tool
  • 7:46 — Risk of inaction: technical debt and competitive positioning
  • 9:00 — The investment ask: phasing, fiscal year alignment, flexibility
  • 9:25 — Defining project objectives from day one
  • 10:30 — How to connect a website to revenue (and when you can't)
  • 12:13 — Content bottlenecks as the baseline business case
  • 13:34 — Page speed: the metric that impacts both UX and search
  • 14:34 — Indirect value: brand credibility, talent, partner perception
  • 16:22 — How Tennis grew its own inbound with SEO and AEO
  • 19:10 — When the full budget won't get approved: the phase-based ask
  • 21:00 — What to do first if you need to pitch in the next 60 days
  • 22:28 — Build the measurement plan before you ask for the budget
  • 23:00 — OPEX vs. CAPEX: how finance wants to spend matters
  • 24:49 — Final takeaway: stop pitching a website

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Your CFO Isn't Saying No to Your Website Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:26:26 Most website projects die before they start — not because the work isn't needed, but because they're pitched wrong. In this episode, Symon and Marcello break down how to build a business case for a web investment that actually gets approved. They cover what CFOs and finance teams need to hear, how to audit current costs most teams don't even know they're carrying, how to connect a website to revenue (and when that framing doesn't apply), and how to structure a phase-based ask when the full budget won't fly. If you're a marketing leader trying to get a web project over the line, this one's for you. Most website projects die before they start — not because the work isn't needed, but because they're pitched wrong. In this episode, Symon and Marcello break down how to build a business case for a web investment that actually gets approved. They cover what CFOs and finance teams need to hear, how to audit current costs most teams don't even know they're carrying, how to connect a website to revenue (and when that framing doesn't apply), and how to structure a phase-based ask when the full budget won't fly. If you're a marketing leader trying to get a web project over the line, this one's for you. cms efficiency, web investment roi, marketing budget approval, opex capex web project, website business case, phase-based web project, lead generation website, b2b website strategy, seo for b2b, website redesign justification, cfo marketing pitch, content operations, website as revenue tool false full 41 c610926d-eea3-4535-abfb-5d58ad78d519 The Mistake That Kills Most Projects (It's Not the Budget) Most projects don't fail because the team couldn't build. They fail because the team tried to build everything at once.

In this episode, Symon and Marcello break down why project scope creep and feature bloat are the real killers of product development timelines—and what to do about it. They walk through how to run a fast complexity audit before committing to any digital project, why a discovery phase and product requirements document (PRD) belong on every project regardless of size, and the difference between a proof of concept and an MVP (they're not the same thing, and confusing them is expensive).

Whether you're scoping a website redesign, building your first web application, or evaluating a vendor for a complex B2B product—this one will save you from a very avoidable mistake.

In this episode

  • Why ambitious timelines and bloated scope are a reliable path to failure 
  • The complexity audit: how to pressure-test a project before you commit 
  • Proof of concept vs MVP 
  • what each one is actually for 
  • What the Think Phase and a proper PRD do that no kickoff call can 
  • Four rules for phased delivery that actually ships

Chapters

  • 0:00 — Intro
  • 0:36 — You can't boil the ocean
  • 3:25 — The complexity trap
  • 5:19 — Feature bloat in the real world
  • 7:57 — Proof of concept vs MVP
  • 10:37 — The discovery phase and the PRD
  • 14:43 — Four rules for phased project delivery
  • 19:31 — Wrap

About Tennis

Tennis is a B2B Web Design and Product Development Agency based in Toronto. We help mid-market teams turn complex digital problems into staged, ROI-driven builds—where each phase moves something real and earns the right to expand.

tennis.digital → Follow us on LinkedIn

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Thu, 2 Apr 2026 12:13:27 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/the-mistake-that-kills-most-projects-its-not-the-budget-H3G4MfjK Most projects don't fail because the team couldn't build. They fail because the team tried to build everything at once.

In this episode, Symon and Marcello break down why project scope creep and feature bloat are the real killers of product development timelines—and what to do about it. They walk through how to run a fast complexity audit before committing to any digital project, why a discovery phase and product requirements document (PRD) belong on every project regardless of size, and the difference between a proof of concept and an MVP (they're not the same thing, and confusing them is expensive).

Whether you're scoping a website redesign, building your first web application, or evaluating a vendor for a complex B2B product—this one will save you from a very avoidable mistake.

In this episode

  • Why ambitious timelines and bloated scope are a reliable path to failure 
  • The complexity audit: how to pressure-test a project before you commit 
  • Proof of concept vs MVP 
  • what each one is actually for 
  • What the Think Phase and a proper PRD do that no kickoff call can 
  • Four rules for phased delivery that actually ships

Chapters

  • 0:00 — Intro
  • 0:36 — You can't boil the ocean
  • 3:25 — The complexity trap
  • 5:19 — Feature bloat in the real world
  • 7:57 — Proof of concept vs MVP
  • 10:37 — The discovery phase and the PRD
  • 14:43 — Four rules for phased project delivery
  • 19:31 — Wrap

About Tennis

Tennis is a B2B Web Design and Product Development Agency based in Toronto. We help mid-market teams turn complex digital problems into staged, ROI-driven builds—where each phase moves something real and earns the right to expand.

tennis.digital → Follow us on LinkedIn

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> The Mistake That Kills Most Projects (It's Not the Budget) Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:20:18 When a product development project fails, it's rarely a skills problem — it's a scope problem. In this episode of The Weekly Set, Symon and Marcello break down why project scope creep and feature bloat are the most reliable paths to blown timelines and wasted budgets. They cover how to run a fast complexity audit before committing to any digital project, why a discovery phase and product requirements document (PRD) are non-negotiable even on smaller builds, and how to tell the difference between a proof of concept and an MVP — two terms most product and agency teams use interchangeably, but shouldn't. Whether you're a founder scoping your first web application, a B2B team evaluating a website redesign, or an agency trying to set better client expectations, this episode gives you four practical rules for phased project delivery that actually ships. When a product development project fails, it's rarely a skills problem — it's a scope problem. In this episode of The Weekly Set, Symon and Marcello break down why project scope creep and feature bloat are the most reliable paths to blown timelines and wasted budgets. They cover how to run a fast complexity audit before committing to any digital project, why a discovery phase and product requirements document (PRD) are non-negotiable even on smaller builds, and how to tell the difference between a proof of concept and an MVP — two terms most product and agency teams use interchangeably, but shouldn't. Whether you're a founder scoping your first web application, a B2B team evaluating a website redesign, or an agency trying to set better client expectations, this episode gives you four practical rules for phased project delivery that actually ships. proof of concept, minimum viable product, prd, mvp, web project planning, digital strategy, webflow agency, agency life, ux strategy, project management, web design agency, discovery phase, product roadmap, scope creep, feature bloat, b2b web design, phased delivery, product development, product requirements document, startup mistakes false full 40 08b385d0-286c-4ddb-bdd9-2bce5c66c1dc Your Tech Stack Is a Business Decision. Is Anyone Treating It Like One? What We Cover
  • Why delivery on time and on budget is not the same as project success
  • The 'meeting of the minds' problem: how misaligned expectations sink projects before kickoff
  • Free text fields vs. structured data — and why that distinction matters for every dashboard you want to build
  • Why AI makes strategy more important, not less: if you don't know where you're going, it'll get you there fast
  • The warehouse problem: why the people closest to the work always know something leadership doesn't
  • Technology adoption as the real success metric — and what training actually needs to look like
  • How to run discovery when clients say it isn't necessary (and why that response is a red flag)
  • Past state / future state: mapping where you are vs. where you want to be before touching a platform

Key Takeaways

  • Technical decisions are business decisions. If they're being made without input from operations, finance, or end users, the scope is already wrong.
  • Shadow IT is a symptom. When people build workarounds, it's because the official system didn't solve their actual problem — and your data is now fractured across both.
  • Discovery is not optional. If a client won't let you talk to stakeholders before scoping, they are setting you up to build the wrong thing with confidence.
  • The goal is adoption, not deployment. A project isn't done when it's launched. It's done when people are using it and it's doing what it was supposed to do.
  • Slow down to go fast. The foundational work — workflow mapping, stakeholder interviews, requirements definition — is the work that prevents the $80K change order.

About the Guest

Deborah Kaminetzky is the founder of Defacto Project Management. She brings a background in law, mediation, and corporate operations to high-complexity technical implementations — specializing in ERP, CRM, and platform projects where business requirements and technical execution need to stay tightly aligned. She works across industries and is known for being the person in the room willing to ask the questions nobody else will.

About the Hosts

Symon Oliver, RGD is Design Director and Marcello Gortana is Executive Director at Tennis — a B2B web design and product development agency. The Weekly Set covers the decisions, patterns, and hard truths behind technical projects, vendor relationships, and agency operations.

Chapter List

  • 00:00 — Navigating Complex Technical Projects
  • 02:16 — Common Failure Patterns in Project Management
  • 05:52 — The Role of AI in Project Efficiency
  • 10:20 — Understanding Client Needs and Workflows
  • 14:45 — The Importance of Business Outcomes in Tech Decisions
  • 18:21 — Breaking Down Communication Barriers
  • 21:58 — Defining Project Success and Adoption
  • 25:48 — The Foundation of Successful Projects

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Deborah Kaminetzky, Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/your-tech-stack-is-a-business-decision-is-anyone-treating-it-like-one-CZBj0K3b What We Cover
  • Why delivery on time and on budget is not the same as project success
  • The 'meeting of the minds' problem: how misaligned expectations sink projects before kickoff
  • Free text fields vs. structured data — and why that distinction matters for every dashboard you want to build
  • Why AI makes strategy more important, not less: if you don't know where you're going, it'll get you there fast
  • The warehouse problem: why the people closest to the work always know something leadership doesn't
  • Technology adoption as the real success metric — and what training actually needs to look like
  • How to run discovery when clients say it isn't necessary (and why that response is a red flag)
  • Past state / future state: mapping where you are vs. where you want to be before touching a platform

Key Takeaways

  • Technical decisions are business decisions. If they're being made without input from operations, finance, or end users, the scope is already wrong.
  • Shadow IT is a symptom. When people build workarounds, it's because the official system didn't solve their actual problem — and your data is now fractured across both.
  • Discovery is not optional. If a client won't let you talk to stakeholders before scoping, they are setting you up to build the wrong thing with confidence.
  • The goal is adoption, not deployment. A project isn't done when it's launched. It's done when people are using it and it's doing what it was supposed to do.
  • Slow down to go fast. The foundational work — workflow mapping, stakeholder interviews, requirements definition — is the work that prevents the $80K change order.

About the Guest

Deborah Kaminetzky is the founder of Defacto Project Management. She brings a background in law, mediation, and corporate operations to high-complexity technical implementations — specializing in ERP, CRM, and platform projects where business requirements and technical execution need to stay tightly aligned. She works across industries and is known for being the person in the room willing to ask the questions nobody else will.

About the Hosts

Symon Oliver, RGD is Design Director and Marcello Gortana is Executive Director at Tennis — a B2B web design and product development agency. The Weekly Set covers the decisions, patterns, and hard truths behind technical projects, vendor relationships, and agency operations.

Chapter List

  • 00:00 — Navigating Complex Technical Projects
  • 02:16 — Common Failure Patterns in Project Management
  • 05:52 — The Role of AI in Project Efficiency
  • 10:20 — Understanding Client Needs and Workflows
  • 14:45 — The Importance of Business Outcomes in Tech Decisions
  • 18:21 — Breaking Down Communication Barriers
  • 21:58 — Defining Project Success and Adoption
  • 25:48 — The Foundation of Successful Projects

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Your Tech Stack Is a Business Decision. Is Anyone Treating It Like One? Deborah Kaminetzky, Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:36:20 Most technical projects fail not because of bad technology — but because the people buying, scoping, and implementing it never fully agreed on what they were building or why. In this episode of The Weekly Set, Symon and Marcello are joined by Deborah Kaminetzky, founder of Defacto Project Management, who gets called in when high-stakes technical projects are complex, off the rails, or both. With a background in law, corporate operations, and project management, Deborah brings a rare perspective: she understands both the business side and the build side — and knows exactly where the gap between them lives. Together, they unpack why so many organizations treat technical decisions as IT problems instead of business strategy, how vague goals and rushed timelines create expensive do-overs, and what it actually takes to set a project up for adoption — not just delivery. If you have ever inherited a system nobody uses, signed a contract before defining your workflow, or been handed a scope that one person wrote in isolation, this conversation is for you. Most technical projects fail not because of bad technology — but because the people buying, scoping, and implementing it never fully agreed on what they were building or why. In this episode of The Weekly Set, Symon and Marcello are joined by Deborah Kaminetzky, founder of Defacto Project Management, who gets called in when high-stakes technical projects are complex, off the rails, or both. With a background in law, corporate operations, and project management, Deborah brings a rare perspective: she understands both the business side and the build side — and knows exactly where the gap between them lives. Together, they unpack why so many organizations treat technical decisions as IT problems instead of business strategy, how vague goals and rushed timelines create expensive do-overs, and what it actually takes to set a project up for adoption — not just delivery. If you have ever inherited a system nobody uses, signed a contract before defining your workflow, or been handed a scope that one person wrote in isolation, this conversation is for you. b2b technology decisions, discovery process, crm implementation, stakeholder alignment, platform implementation, erp implementation, digital transformation, technology adoption, project failure, technical project management false full 39 aa3f4b82-9080-4bca-877e-075531cd4c3e Your product timeline isn't broken. Your definition of done is. Product teams don't miss deadlines because they're slow. They miss them because no one ever defined what "done" actually means.

In this episode, Symon and Marcello dig into the structural and cultural gaps that quietly blow up product timelines — and what you can borrow from the services world to fix it.

What we cover:

No governance = no finish line. Without a roadmap and defined milestones, scope is infinite. Teams can take as many liberties as they want with what counts as complete — because nothing ever officially is.

You can't think and make at the same time. Conceiving a feature and building it simultaneously is one of the most common (and costly) product anti-patterns. Strategic thinking has to happen before the work starts, not during.

Agile isn't a cure-all. Every Agile project Symon and Marcello have joined without managing themselves has introduced friction. Scrum roles, dashboards, ceremony overhead — it's not wrong, but it's also not free.

Feature creep needs a scorecard. We reference the RICE framework (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) as a baseline for evaluating whether any feature is actually worth building — before anyone opens Figma.

The HiPPO effect is real. When the highest-paid person's opinion drives the roadmap, you get flavor-of-the-week features and no strategic coherence.

Investor-clients can quietly hijack your roadmap. When early clients are also investors, their feature requests carry disproportionate weight — often at the cost of actual product direction.

Stakeholder alignment is your first deliverable. Before scope, before design, before a single line of code — get everyone at the table and make the plan the first collaborative output.

Resources mentioned:

  • RICE Scoring Framework (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort)
  • r/buildinpublic on Reddit

Chapters

  • 00:00 Intro — Why speed is the promise, delay is the reality
  • 00:43 Who we are and what we're covering today
  • 01:21 Deliverables world vs. product world — a culture clash
  • 02:10 Root cause #1: No roadmap, no governance
  • 03:15 Root cause #2: Thinking and making at the same time
  • 04:00 Root cause #3: Agile's hidden baggage
  • 04:30 Root cause #4: Feature creep and RICE scoring
  • 05:16 The HiPPO effect — when the highest-paid opinion runs the roadmap
  • 06:20 What mature product orgs do differently
  • 07:14 The investor-client trap — when funding steers features
  • 08:00 Why teams struggle with "done" — too many stakeholders
  • 09:30 What happens after launch (the part nobody plans for)
  • 10:40 Sequencing as a discipline — installing a mini operating system
  • 11:36 Practical advice: where to start depending on your lifecycle stage
  • 13:29 Stakeholder alignment IS a deliverable
  • 14:22 Hard truths and closing takeaways

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 6 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/your-product-timeline-isnt-broken-your-definition-of-done-is-UI9Zq45n Product teams don't miss deadlines because they're slow. They miss them because no one ever defined what "done" actually means.

In this episode, Symon and Marcello dig into the structural and cultural gaps that quietly blow up product timelines — and what you can borrow from the services world to fix it.

What we cover:

No governance = no finish line. Without a roadmap and defined milestones, scope is infinite. Teams can take as many liberties as they want with what counts as complete — because nothing ever officially is.

You can't think and make at the same time. Conceiving a feature and building it simultaneously is one of the most common (and costly) product anti-patterns. Strategic thinking has to happen before the work starts, not during.

Agile isn't a cure-all. Every Agile project Symon and Marcello have joined without managing themselves has introduced friction. Scrum roles, dashboards, ceremony overhead — it's not wrong, but it's also not free.

Feature creep needs a scorecard. We reference the RICE framework (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) as a baseline for evaluating whether any feature is actually worth building — before anyone opens Figma.

The HiPPO effect is real. When the highest-paid person's opinion drives the roadmap, you get flavor-of-the-week features and no strategic coherence.

Investor-clients can quietly hijack your roadmap. When early clients are also investors, their feature requests carry disproportionate weight — often at the cost of actual product direction.

Stakeholder alignment is your first deliverable. Before scope, before design, before a single line of code — get everyone at the table and make the plan the first collaborative output.

Resources mentioned:

  • RICE Scoring Framework (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort)
  • r/buildinpublic on Reddit

Chapters

  • 00:00 Intro — Why speed is the promise, delay is the reality
  • 00:43 Who we are and what we're covering today
  • 01:21 Deliverables world vs. product world — a culture clash
  • 02:10 Root cause #1: No roadmap, no governance
  • 03:15 Root cause #2: Thinking and making at the same time
  • 04:00 Root cause #3: Agile's hidden baggage
  • 04:30 Root cause #4: Feature creep and RICE scoring
  • 05:16 The HiPPO effect — when the highest-paid opinion runs the roadmap
  • 06:20 What mature product orgs do differently
  • 07:14 The investor-client trap — when funding steers features
  • 08:00 Why teams struggle with "done" — too many stakeholders
  • 09:30 What happens after launch (the part nobody plans for)
  • 10:40 Sequencing as a discipline — installing a mini operating system
  • 11:36 Practical advice: where to start depending on your lifecycle stage
  • 13:29 Stakeholder alignment IS a deliverable
  • 14:22 Hard truths and closing takeaways

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Your product timeline isn't broken. Your definition of done is. Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:15:31 Product teams are fast at ideas and slow at delivery — and it's usually not a people problem. In this episode, Symon and Marcello break down why timelines slip, why deliverables feel like they never end, and what's actually missing from most product organizations. Drawing from real client work, they cover the absence of product governance, the trap of building and thinking simultaneously, how investor-clients can quietly hijack a roadmap, and why Agile isn't the silver bullet teams think it is. They close with a framework mindset: treat stakeholder alignment as your first deliverable, install sequencing discipline before scope grows, and remember — if you don't define done, there is no done. Product teams are fast at ideas and slow at delivery — and it's usually not a people problem. In this episode, Symon and Marcello break down why timelines slip, why deliverables feel like they never end, and what's actually missing from most product organizations. Drawing from real client work, they cover the absence of product governance, the trap of building and thinking simultaneously, how investor-clients can quietly hijack a roadmap, and why Agile isn't the silver bullet teams think it is. They close with a framework mindset: treat stakeholder alignment as your first deliverable, install sequencing discipline before scope grows, and remember — if you don't define done, there is no done. product governance, product strategy, b2b product teams, sequencing, web application development, agile problems, feature creep, deliverables, stakeholder alignment, product roadmap, product management, product backlog, milestone planning, scope creep, rice scoring, release schedule, product development, hippo effect, sprint planning, product timelines false full 38 8f4f0bb4-8d28-48e1-86e3-b7f67020e659 The SaaS Apocalypse and the Rise of AI-Driven Custom Tools Key topics:

  • The concept of the SaaS apocalypse and its driving factors
  • How AI tools like Claude Code, Claude, ClawdBot and others are enabling bespoke app development
  • The declining economics of SaaS subscription models
  • The impact of AI on employment, stock markets, and investor behavior
  • The importance of UX and integration in product development
  • Strategic shifts for SaaS companies: focusing on core features and tight integrations
  • The probable future: distributed, fragmented software ecosystems with interoperable components

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - Introduction to the SaaS apocalypse and its relevance
  • 02:17 - How ChatGPT and AI tools are simplifying development workflows
  • 05:04 - The disruption of traditional SaaS pricing and value propositions
  • 07:55 - What is the SaaS apocalypse? Overview and core fears
  • 09:20 - Impact on stock markets and investor sentiment
  • 11:27 - AI's rapid evolution and implications for white-collar jobs
  • 12:23 - Key technical drivers: Claude code, agent reasoning, and automation
  • 14:49 - Lowering costs and decentralizing software creation
  • 16:05 - Consumer versus enterprise AI adoption challenges
  • 18:14 - Adoption rates in AI: lessons from color TV history
  • 19:03 - User behavior trends and incremental AI adoption
  • 21:04 - Market shifts: smaller, focused tools vs. bloated platforms
  • 22:36 - Importance of UX and strategic integrations in product success
  • 24:06 - Building with network effects: integrations over feature bloat
  • 25:37 - The future landscape: distributed, interoperable, fragmentated SaaS ecosystem

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:57:34 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/the-saas-apocalypse-and-the-rise-of-ai-driven-custom-tools-eQpbNWoR Key topics:

  • The concept of the SaaS apocalypse and its driving factors
  • How AI tools like Claude Code, Claude, ClawdBot and others are enabling bespoke app development
  • The declining economics of SaaS subscription models
  • The impact of AI on employment, stock markets, and investor behavior
  • The importance of UX and integration in product development
  • Strategic shifts for SaaS companies: focusing on core features and tight integrations
  • The probable future: distributed, fragmented software ecosystems with interoperable components

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - Introduction to the SaaS apocalypse and its relevance
  • 02:17 - How ChatGPT and AI tools are simplifying development workflows
  • 05:04 - The disruption of traditional SaaS pricing and value propositions
  • 07:55 - What is the SaaS apocalypse? Overview and core fears
  • 09:20 - Impact on stock markets and investor sentiment
  • 11:27 - AI's rapid evolution and implications for white-collar jobs
  • 12:23 - Key technical drivers: Claude code, agent reasoning, and automation
  • 14:49 - Lowering costs and decentralizing software creation
  • 16:05 - Consumer versus enterprise AI adoption challenges
  • 18:14 - Adoption rates in AI: lessons from color TV history
  • 19:03 - User behavior trends and incremental AI adoption
  • 21:04 - Market shifts: smaller, focused tools vs. bloated platforms
  • 22:36 - Importance of UX and strategic integrations in product success
  • 24:06 - Building with network effects: integrations over feature bloat
  • 25:37 - The future landscape: distributed, interoperable, fragmentated SaaS ecosystem

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> The SaaS Apocalypse and the Rise of AI-Driven Custom Tools Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:17:47 In this episode, Symon and Marcello delve into the transformative impact of AI on the traditional SaaS industry, coining the term "SaaS apocalypse" to describe the shift. They discuss how AI tools like Claude Code and ClawdBot are revolutionizing app development by enabling more customized and efficient solutions. The conversation highlights the declining viability of traditional SaaS subscription models and explores the broader economic implications, including effects on employment and investor behavior. The hosts emphasize the critical role of user experience and strategic integrations in product development, suggesting that future software ecosystems will be more distributed and composed of interoperable components. This episode provides valuable insights for businesses and developers navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape. In this episode, Symon and Marcello delve into the transformative impact of AI on the traditional SaaS industry, coining the term "SaaS apocalypse" to describe the shift. They discuss how AI tools like Claude Code and ClawdBot are revolutionizing app development by enabling more customized and efficient solutions. The conversation highlights the declining viability of traditional SaaS subscription models and explores the broader economic implications, including effects on employment and investor behavior. The hosts emphasize the critical role of user experience and strategic integrations in product development, suggesting that future software ecosystems will be more distributed and composed of interoperable components. This episode provides valuable insights for businesses and developers navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape. saas apocalypse, cloud code, claude ai, bespoke app development, interoperable components, ai-driven tools, ux and integration, distributed software ecosystems, ai impact on employment, saas subscription models false full 37 27a7125b-568a-4ea6-9eac-865991d95094 What's Your Website Actually Costing You? Takeaways

  • Total cost of ownership includes hidden costs like hosting and labor.
  • Organizations often underestimate the costs associated with website redesigns.
  • Hosting costs can vary significantly and are often overlooked.
  • Labor costs related to managing technology can add up quickly.
  • RFPs rarely include detailed descriptions of hosting and management costs.
  • Cultural attitudes towards websites affect how costs are perceived.
  • Incremental delivery can help manage costs more effectively.
  • Clients often lack awareness of their total spending on technology.
  • Effective communication is key to understanding project costs.
  • Managed hosting can provide peace of mind despite higher costs.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Total Cost of Ownership
  • 04:28 Understanding Hidden Costs in Website Redesigns
  • 10:16 The Role of Hosting and Labor Costs
  • 16:14 Challenges in RFPs and Cost Management
  • 22:08 Cultural Perspectives on Website Value
  • 25:55 Hard Truths About Total Cost of Ownership

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-your-website-actually-costing-you-bFTJvYz6 Takeaways

  • Total cost of ownership includes hidden costs like hosting and labor.
  • Organizations often underestimate the costs associated with website redesigns.
  • Hosting costs can vary significantly and are often overlooked.
  • Labor costs related to managing technology can add up quickly.
  • RFPs rarely include detailed descriptions of hosting and management costs.
  • Cultural attitudes towards websites affect how costs are perceived.
  • Incremental delivery can help manage costs more effectively.
  • Clients often lack awareness of their total spending on technology.
  • Effective communication is key to understanding project costs.
  • Managed hosting can provide peace of mind despite higher costs.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Total Cost of Ownership
  • 04:28 Understanding Hidden Costs in Website Redesigns
  • 10:16 The Role of Hosting and Labor Costs
  • 16:14 Challenges in RFPs and Cost Management
  • 22:08 Cultural Perspectives on Website Value
  • 25:55 Hard Truths About Total Cost of Ownership

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> What's Your Website Actually Costing You? Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:24:17 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana delve into the complexities of total cost of ownership in website and product design. They discuss the often-overlooked costs associated with redesigns, including hosting, labor, and licensing, and emphasize the importance of understanding these costs during the planning phase. The conversation also touches on the challenges organizations face in accurately estimating these costs, the cultural attitudes towards website value, and the need for better communication and governance in project management. In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana delve into the complexities of total cost of ownership in website and product design. They discuss the often-overlooked costs associated with redesigns, including hosting, labor, and licensing, and emphasize the importance of understanding these costs during the planning phase. The conversation also touches on the challenges organizations face in accurately estimating these costs, the cultural attitudes towards website value, and the need for better communication and governance in project management. cultural perspectives, rfp management, website redesign, cost management, incremental delivery, labor costs, project budgeting, total cost of ownership, hosting, hidden costs false full 36 2b80e716-ec18-4ece-9707-9d9c8d40c642 The Agency Audit: Evaluating Vendors Without Guesswork Takeaways

  • Organizations often lack a structured way to evaluate vendors.
  • A scorecard can help monitor vendor performance over time.
  • Identifying triggers for audits can prevent larger issues.
  • Communication is a critical factor in vendor relationships.
  • Documentation is essential for transparency and accountability.
  • Systemic issues can often be masked by one-off problems.
  • Regular evaluations can help maintain healthy vendor relationships.
  • Quality drift should be monitored to ensure standards are upheld.
  • Establishing clear criteria for success is vital.
  • Future planning can alleviate pressure during vendor evaluations.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Evaluating Vendor Relationships
  • 01:56 Understanding Audits and Scorecards
  • 03:04 Ongoing Evaluation of Vendor Success
  • 05:51 Identifying Triggers for Vendor Audits
  • 09:03 Distinguishing Between One-off Issues and Systemic Problems
  • 10:41 Establishing Evaluation Criteria
  • 13:40 The Importance of Communication and Reporting
  • 14:57 Key Categories for Vendor Evaluation

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 6 Feb 2026 14:08:05 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/the-agency-audit-evaluating-vendors-without-guesswork-fK90lL56 Takeaways

  • Organizations often lack a structured way to evaluate vendors.
  • A scorecard can help monitor vendor performance over time.
  • Identifying triggers for audits can prevent larger issues.
  • Communication is a critical factor in vendor relationships.
  • Documentation is essential for transparency and accountability.
  • Systemic issues can often be masked by one-off problems.
  • Regular evaluations can help maintain healthy vendor relationships.
  • Quality drift should be monitored to ensure standards are upheld.
  • Establishing clear criteria for success is vital.
  • Future planning can alleviate pressure during vendor evaluations.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Evaluating Vendor Relationships
  • 01:56 Understanding Audits and Scorecards
  • 03:04 Ongoing Evaluation of Vendor Success
  • 05:51 Identifying Triggers for Vendor Audits
  • 09:03 Distinguishing Between One-off Issues and Systemic Problems
  • 10:41 Establishing Evaluation Criteria
  • 13:40 The Importance of Communication and Reporting
  • 14:57 Key Categories for Vendor Evaluation

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> The Agency Audit: Evaluating Vendors Without Guesswork Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:20:56 In this conversation, Marcello and Symon discuss the importance of agency audits and vendor evaluations. They explore how organizations can effectively assess their vendor relationships through ongoing scorecards and audits, identifying key triggers for evaluation, and establishing criteria for success. The discussion emphasizes the significance of communication, documentation, and the need to differentiate between one-off issues and systemic problems in vendor performance. In this conversation, Marcello and Symon discuss the importance of agency audits and vendor evaluations. They explore how organizations can effectively assess their vendor relationships through ongoing scorecards and audits, identifying key triggers for evaluation, and establishing criteria for success. The discussion emphasizes the significance of communication, documentation, and the need to differentiate between one-off issues and systemic problems in vendor performance. communication, scorecards, reporting, project management, digital transformation, vendor relationships, vendor evaluation, client experience, agency audits, systemic issues false full 35 e03bf6ae-090a-4c63-a5fa-cfaa27df92c1 Most Design Processes Collapse the Moment Reality Shows Up Takeaways

  • The importance of a flexible process in project management.
  • Documentation is critical for continuity and clarity.
  • Scope should be viewed as a hypothesis, not a contract.
  • Effective communication is key to navigating project risks.
  • Governance helps promote decision clarity and accountability.
  • Understanding client expectations is crucial for project success.
  • Regularly reviewing and updating processes is essential for improvement.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap
  • 11:14 The Importance of Documentation in Processes
  • 13:33 Process Philosophy and Governance
  • 16:27 Navigating Project Risks and Flexibility
  • 19:25 The Role of Communication in Project Management
  • 22:14 Understanding Scope and Change Management
  • 25:14 Final Thoughts on Process and Client Relationships

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:54:45 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/most-design-processes-collapse-the-moment-reality-shows-up-Me1vfo7s Takeaways

  • The importance of a flexible process in project management.
  • Documentation is critical for continuity and clarity.
  • Scope should be viewed as a hypothesis, not a contract.
  • Effective communication is key to navigating project risks.
  • Governance helps promote decision clarity and accountability.
  • Understanding client expectations is crucial for project success.
  • Regularly reviewing and updating processes is essential for improvement.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap
  • 11:14 The Importance of Documentation in Processes
  • 13:33 Process Philosophy and Governance
  • 16:27 Navigating Project Risks and Flexibility
  • 19:25 The Role of Communication in Project Management
  • 22:14 Understanding Scope and Change Management
  • 25:14 Final Thoughts on Process and Client Relationships

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Most Design Processes Collapse the Moment Reality Shows Up Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:32:41 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss various topics ranging from the intricacies of project management and the importance of documentation. They emphasize the need for a flexible process in project management, the significance of governance, and how effective communication can help navigate project risks. The discussion also touches on the role of documentation in ensuring continuity and clarity in projects, as well as the challenges faced when managing client relationships and expectations. In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss various topics ranging from the intricacies of project management and the importance of documentation. They emphasize the need for a flexible process in project management, the significance of governance, and how effective communication can help navigate project risks. The discussion also touches on the role of documentation in ensuring continuity and clarity in projects, as well as the challenges faced when managing client relationships and expectations. change management, product design, governance, web design, website design, documentation, project management, risk management, process philosophy, design process, client relationships false full 34 e315d845-c373-4348-84b3-c681c1b4561f If it's Six Figures, it's Not an MVP Takeaways

  • MVPs aren't about shipping fast, they're about learning fast.
  • The term MVP has been misunderstood and often co-opted.
  • Validation should come from real user engagement, not speculation.
  • A good MVP strategy involves identifying risky assumptions and defining success metrics.
  • An MVP can be a scrappy version of a product, but it must still show commitment to the idea.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to MVPs
  • 01:28 Understanding the Misconceptions of MVPs
  • 06:37 Real-World Examples of MVPs
  • 09:38 MVPs in Product Thinking
  • 11:11 When to Use an MVP
  • 14:19 The Importance of Speed in MVP Development
  • 15:30 Crafting an Effective MVP Strategy
  • 24:01 Hard Truths About MVPs
  • 29:36 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:41:49 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/if-its-six-figures-its-not-an-mvp-v_XpP7ZK Takeaways

  • MVPs aren't about shipping fast, they're about learning fast.
  • The term MVP has been misunderstood and often co-opted.
  • Validation should come from real user engagement, not speculation.
  • A good MVP strategy involves identifying risky assumptions and defining success metrics.
  • An MVP can be a scrappy version of a product, but it must still show commitment to the idea.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to MVPs
  • 01:28 Understanding the Misconceptions of MVPs
  • 06:37 Real-World Examples of MVPs
  • 09:38 MVPs in Product Thinking
  • 11:11 When to Use an MVP
  • 14:19 The Importance of Speed in MVP Development
  • 15:30 Crafting an Effective MVP Strategy
  • 24:01 Hard Truths About MVPs
  • 29:36 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> If it's Six Figures, it's Not an MVP Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:30:31 In this episode, Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver delve into the concept of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), challenging the common misconceptions surrounding them. They argue that MVPs should not be viewed merely as a means to ship products quickly, but rather as a framework for learning and validating ideas efficiently. The conversation highlights the historical context of MVPs, tracing their origins to lean startup methodologies, and discusses how the term has evolved over time, often leading to misunderstandings about what constitutes a true MVP. The hosts emphasize the importance of validating ideas through real user engagement rather than speculative assumptions, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of MVPs as tools for iterative learning and product development. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for implementing MVPs effectively, including identifying risky assumptions, defining success metrics, and understanding the balance between polish and functionality. Marcello and Symon share real-world examples, such as Dropbox and Airbnb, to illustrate their points, while also addressing the challenges of managing client expectations and budgets in the context of MVP development. Ultimately, they conclude that a successful MVP strategy is about creating a product that is not only functional but also capable of generating valuable user feedback, thereby guiding future iterations and improvements. In this episode, Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver delve into the concept of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), challenging the common misconceptions surrounding them. They argue that MVPs should not be viewed merely as a means to ship products quickly, but rather as a framework for learning and validating ideas efficiently. The conversation highlights the historical context of MVPs, tracing their origins to lean startup methodologies, and discusses how the term has evolved over time, often leading to misunderstandings about what constitutes a true MVP. The hosts emphasize the importance of validating ideas through real user engagement rather than speculative assumptions, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of MVPs as tools for iterative learning and product development. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for implementing MVPs effectively, including identifying risky assumptions, defining success metrics, and understanding the balance between polish and functionality. Marcello and Symon share real-world examples, such as Dropbox and Airbnb, to illustrate their points, while also addressing the challenges of managing client expectations and budgets in the context of MVP development. Ultimately, they conclude that a successful MVP strategy is about creating a product that is not only functional but also capable of generating valuable user feedback, thereby guiding future iterations and improvements. b2b, validation, minimum viable product, mvp, iterative learning, lean startup, startup strategy, product development, ux design false full 33 899d2df3-b634-4552-b888-91529f2ea887 The Future of Web Design in 2026 Takeaways

  • The trend of single user apps will continue to grow.
  • Compliance will increasingly involve product and design teams.
  • Dynamic web pages may become a reality this year.
  • Websites should be treated as living systems, not static products.
  • Customer journeys are becoming more complex and non-linear.
  • Sales tech stack integration with websites is essential for success.
  • AI will play a significant role in web design and functionality.
  • Accessibility compliance will become a standard expectation.
  • The importance of design systems will increase as technology evolves.
  • Understanding customer data and behavior is crucial for effective marketing.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Updates
  • 01:53 Predictions for 2026: Trends in Web and Product Design
  • 05:38 The Rise of Compliance in Design
  • 09:38 Dynamic Web Pages and AI Integration
  • 13:18 Websites as Living Systems
  • 19:13 Customer Journeys: A Non-Linear Approach
  • 24:59 Sales Tech Stack Integration with Websites

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:45:20 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/the-future-of-web-design-in-2026-jlkYybjG Takeaways

  • The trend of single user apps will continue to grow.
  • Compliance will increasingly involve product and design teams.
  • Dynamic web pages may become a reality this year.
  • Websites should be treated as living systems, not static products.
  • Customer journeys are becoming more complex and non-linear.
  • Sales tech stack integration with websites is essential for success.
  • AI will play a significant role in web design and functionality.
  • Accessibility compliance will become a standard expectation.
  • The importance of design systems will increase as technology evolves.
  • Understanding customer data and behavior is crucial for effective marketing.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Updates
  • 01:53 Predictions for 2026: Trends in Web and Product Design
  • 05:38 The Rise of Compliance in Design
  • 09:38 Dynamic Web Pages and AI Integration
  • 13:18 Websites as Living Systems
  • 19:13 Customer Journeys: A Non-Linear Approach
  • 24:59 Sales Tech Stack Integration with Websites

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> The Future of Web Design in 2026 Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:27:42 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss their predictions for web and product design trends in 2026. They explore the rise of single user apps, the increasing importance of compliance in design, the potential for dynamic web pages created by AI, and the concept of websites as living systems. They also touch on the evolving nature of customer journeys and the integration of sales tech stacks with websites, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to digital experiences. In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss their predictions for web and product design trends in 2026. They explore the rise of single user apps, the increasing importance of compliance in design, the potential for dynamic web pages created by AI, and the concept of websites as living systems. They also touch on the evolving nature of customer journeys and the integration of sales tech stacks with websites, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to digital experiences. sales tech stack, ai integration, product design, dynamic web pages, 2026 predictions, customer journeys, b2b design, compliance in design, websites as living systems, web design trends false full 32 515ccf33-f45c-4777-a3f7-62438f01d879 The Real Design Process Behind Successful Digital Transformation Takeaways

  • Design is interpretive and has a rich history.
  • Aesthetics is often mistaken for the entirety of design.
  • Design involves planning and execution, not just visuals.
  • The complexity of a project influences the design approach.
  • Research and problem identification are crucial in design.
  • De-risking the design process helps in decision-making.
  • Accuracy in design outcomes is essential for success.
  • Agility allows for effective pivots in design projects.
  • Documentation aids in maintaining clarity during pivots.
  • Design should be evaluated beyond just aesthetics.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Design Perspectives
  • 02:49 Defining Design: A Multifaceted Approach
  • 06:12 The Four Pillars of Design
  • 08:59 Aesthetics vs. Functionality in Design
  • 11:48 De-risking the Design Process
  • 14:41 The Importance of Accuracy in Design
  • 18:00 Agility and Flexibility in Design
  • 20:56 Conclusion: The Depth of Design Beyond Aesthetics

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:17:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/the-real-design-process-behind-successful-digital-transformation-FlFSHVyG Takeaways

  • Design is interpretive and has a rich history.
  • Aesthetics is often mistaken for the entirety of design.
  • Design involves planning and execution, not just visuals.
  • The complexity of a project influences the design approach.
  • Research and problem identification are crucial in design.
  • De-risking the design process helps in decision-making.
  • Accuracy in design outcomes is essential for success.
  • Agility allows for effective pivots in design projects.
  • Documentation aids in maintaining clarity during pivots.
  • Design should be evaluated beyond just aesthetics.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Design Perspectives
  • 02:49 Defining Design: A Multifaceted Approach
  • 06:12 The Four Pillars of Design
  • 08:59 Aesthetics vs. Functionality in Design
  • 11:48 De-risking the Design Process
  • 14:41 The Importance of Accuracy in Design
  • 18:00 Agility and Flexibility in Design
  • 20:56 Conclusion: The Depth of Design Beyond Aesthetics

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> The Real Design Process Behind Successful Digital Transformation Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver 00:25:25 In this conversation, Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver from Tennis (a B2B website and product design and development agency) explore the multifaceted nature of design, emphasizing its importance in digital transformation projects. They discuss the various interpretations of design, the significance of planning and execution, and the balance between aesthetics and functionality. The conversation delves into the four pillars of design—research, problem identification, planning, and execution—and highlights the need for accuracy and agility in the design process. They conclude by stressing that design encompasses much more than just visual appeal, urging listeners to consider the underlying processes that contribute to effective design. In this conversation, Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver from Tennis (a B2B website and product design and development agency) explore the multifaceted nature of design, emphasizing its importance in digital transformation projects. They discuss the various interpretations of design, the significance of planning and execution, and the balance between aesthetics and functionality. The conversation delves into the four pillars of design—research, problem identification, planning, and execution—and highlights the need for accuracy and agility in the design process. They conclude by stressing that design encompasses much more than just visual appeal, urging listeners to consider the underlying processes that contribute to effective design. aesthetics, technology, planning, ui, execution, ux, design, business objectives, digital transformation, design process false full 31 cc6ceaa2-6cf9-4eaa-a3dd-87315c21734c Transforming Websites into Growth Engines Takeaways

  • Websites can now serve as growth engines.
  • Defining clear goals is crucial for website success.
  • Sales and marketing teams must collaborate effectively.
  • Data analytics is essential for informed decision-making.
  • A strong content strategy is foundational for growth.
  • Eliminating unnecessary tools can streamline processes.
  • Long-term planning is vital for website design.
  • Understanding lead movement through the organization is key.
  • Integrating technology into marketing strategies enhances effectiveness.
  • The website should be part of a larger growth ecosystem.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Website as a Growth Engine
  • 07:32 Defining Website Goals and Success Metrics
  • 08:00 Understanding SaaS and B2B Marketing Dynamics
  • 10:18 The Importance of Metrics in Marketing
  • 12:38 Integrating Website with Growth Ecosystem
  • 16:12 Sales and Marketing Collaboration
  • 18:21 Essential Technologies for Growth
  • 27:50 Redesigning Websites for Sales and Marketing
  • 34:16 The Hard Truths of Website Strategy

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:52:08 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/transforming-websites-into-growth-engines-nW3IsE5W Takeaways

  • Websites can now serve as growth engines.
  • Defining clear goals is crucial for website success.
  • Sales and marketing teams must collaborate effectively.
  • Data analytics is essential for informed decision-making.
  • A strong content strategy is foundational for growth.
  • Eliminating unnecessary tools can streamline processes.
  • Long-term planning is vital for website design.
  • Understanding lead movement through the organization is key.
  • Integrating technology into marketing strategies enhances effectiveness.
  • The website should be part of a larger growth ecosystem.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Website as a Growth Engine
  • 07:32 Defining Website Goals and Success Metrics
  • 08:00 Understanding SaaS and B2B Marketing Dynamics
  • 10:18 The Importance of Metrics in Marketing
  • 12:38 Integrating Website with Growth Ecosystem
  • 16:12 Sales and Marketing Collaboration
  • 18:21 Essential Technologies for Growth
  • 27:50 Redesigning Websites for Sales and Marketing
  • 34:16 The Hard Truths of Website Strategy

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Transforming Websites into Growth Engines Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver 00:37:10 In this conversation, Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver discuss the transformation of websites into growth marketing stacks. They explore the evolution of web technology, the importance of defining clear goals for websites, and the integration of sales and marketing strategies. The discussion emphasizes the need for data analytics, defining success metrics, and the essential technology required to turn a website into a growth engine. They also highlight the importance of a cohesive content strategy and the long-term vision for website design. In this conversation, Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver discuss the transformation of websites into growth marketing stacks. They explore the evolution of web technology, the importance of defining clear goals for websites, and the integration of sales and marketing strategies. The discussion emphasizes the need for data analytics, defining success metrics, and the essential technology required to turn a website into a growth engine. They also highlight the importance of a cohesive content strategy and the long-term vision for website design. content strategy, seo, marketing strategy, sales integration, website goals, website technology, b2b marketing, analytics, tech stack, growth marketing false full 30 9c4ec3e1-ee4e-4242-8b42-2200e74d5018 The AEC Perfect Storm: Why This Downturn Won’t “Go Back to Normal” AEC is facing a perfect storm + digital disruption. Johanna Hoffman (Oomph Group) explains what’s happening, why it won’t revert, and how firms can reposition, align BD/marketing, and turn their website into a growth engine.


Find Johanna Hoffman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-hoffmann-b35b251/ 

Find Oomph Group: www.oomphgroup.com 

Find Marcello Gortana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcellogortana/ 

Find Symon Oliver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/symonoliver/ 

Find Tennis: www.designtennis.com 
 

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana, Johanna Hoffmann) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/the-aec-perfect-storm-why-this-downturn-wont-go-back-to-normal-_uOI7mmq AEC is facing a perfect storm + digital disruption. Johanna Hoffman (Oomph Group) explains what’s happening, why it won’t revert, and how firms can reposition, align BD/marketing, and turn their website into a growth engine.


Find Johanna Hoffman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-hoffmann-b35b251/ 

Find Oomph Group: www.oomphgroup.com 

Find Marcello Gortana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcellogortana/ 

Find Symon Oliver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/symonoliver/ 

Find Tennis: www.designtennis.com 
 

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> The AEC Perfect Storm: Why This Downturn Won’t “Go Back to Normal” Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana, Johanna Hoffmann 00:44:21 AEC leaders are navigating an unprecedented moment: major sectors stalling at once, tightening pipelines, and a fast-moving wave of digital disruption. In this episode, Marcello (Tennis) sits down with Johanna Hoffman of Oomph Group—former global marketing director in AEC—to unpack what she’s seeing on the ground and why “batten down the hatches” won’t work this time. We cover the shifts reshaping the industry (office, condo, education), how construction tech and automation are changing delivery, and what firms can do now to stay competitive: clarify positioning, align marketing with business development, build a plan and budget, and modernize the website into a true sales asset (case studies, team visibility, accessibility, and more). Johanna also shares one hard truth and one encouragement: the reset is real—but the firms that understand it and act strategically can leap ahead. AEC leaders are navigating an unprecedented moment: major sectors stalling at once, tightening pipelines, and a fast-moving wave of digital disruption. In this episode, Marcello (Tennis) sits down with Johanna Hoffman of Oomph Group—former global marketing director in AEC—to unpack what she’s seeing on the ground and why “batten down the hatches” won’t work this time. We cover the shifts reshaping the industry (office, condo, education), how construction tech and automation are changing delivery, and what firms can do now to stay competitive: clarify positioning, align marketing with business development, build a plan and budget, and modernize the website into a true sales asset (case studies, team visibility, accessibility, and more). Johanna also shares one hard truth and one encouragement: the reset is real—but the firms that understand it and act strategically can leap ahead. strategy, architecture, marketing strategy, web design, business development, website design, marketing, construction, website development, engineering, ux design false full 29 07bb4554-2900-40ac-9907-b6c860ebf004 Why Associations Keep Getting Tech Stacks Wrong Takeaways

  • Associations have unique digital needs due to their member-driven nature.
  • Building in public can lead to valuable feedback.
  • Monolithic systems are tightly coupled and may limit flexibility.
  • Modular systems allow for more customization and scalability.
  • Portals are essential for member engagement and retention.
  • Requirements gathering is crucial for effective technology solutions.
  • Mapping out existing systems can reveal inefficiencies.
  • Testing software before commitment is vital for long-term success.
  • Associations often struggle with outdated technology solutions.
  • The right tech stack depends on the specific needs of the organization.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Building in Public
  • 05:23 Understanding Associations and Their Digital Needs
  • 07:10 Exploring the Tech Landscape for Associations
  • 11:20 Monolithic vs. Modular Systems
  • 17:50 The Importance of Portals in Member Engagement
  • 20:01 Requirements Gathering and Future Planning

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 5 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/why-associations-keep-getting-tech-stacks-wrong-Fg_ysrgR Takeaways

  • Associations have unique digital needs due to their member-driven nature.
  • Building in public can lead to valuable feedback.
  • Monolithic systems are tightly coupled and may limit flexibility.
  • Modular systems allow for more customization and scalability.
  • Portals are essential for member engagement and retention.
  • Requirements gathering is crucial for effective technology solutions.
  • Mapping out existing systems can reveal inefficiencies.
  • Testing software before commitment is vital for long-term success.
  • Associations often struggle with outdated technology solutions.
  • The right tech stack depends on the specific needs of the organization.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Building in Public
  • 05:23 Understanding Associations and Their Digital Needs
  • 07:10 Exploring the Tech Landscape for Associations
  • 11:20 Monolithic vs. Modular Systems
  • 17:50 The Importance of Portals in Member Engagement
  • 20:01 Requirements Gathering and Future Planning

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Why Associations Keep Getting Tech Stacks Wrong Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:21:03 In this podcast episode, hosts Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver discuss the unique challenges and opportunities faced by associations in the digital landscape. They explore the importance of understanding the tech landscape, the differences between monolithic and modular systems, and the critical role of portals in member engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for thorough requirements gathering to ensure that associations can effectively meet their members' needs and leverage the best technology solutions available. In this podcast episode, hosts Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver discuss the unique challenges and opportunities faced by associations in the digital landscape. They explore the importance of understanding the tech landscape, the differences between monolithic and modular systems, and the critical role of portals in member engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for thorough requirements gathering to ensure that associations can effectively meet their members' needs and leverage the best technology solutions available. requirements gathering, tech landscape, digital experiences, member engagement, associations, technology integration, b2b design, modular systems, monolithic systems, web solutions false full 27 cd51b5b3-a199-425a-9c9b-c6552702a07a How to Choose the Right Design Dev Agency: What Most Teams Miss Takeaways

  • Buyers often mistrust vendors due to past negative experiences.
  • A comprehensive brief is essential for effective agency selection.
  • Understanding your needs is crucial before searching for an agency.
  • Evaluating an agency's process can de-risk your investment.
  • Outdated portfolios can indicate a lack of current expertise.
  • Cultural fit is important for a successful partnership.
  • Asking for recent references can provide insight into agency performance.
  • Support philosophy should be clear and value-driven.
  • Measuring success should be a collaborative effort with clear metrics.
  • Agencies that own the CMS they sell may not have your best interests in mind.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
  • 02:37 Understanding Buyer Mistrust in the Industry
  • 05:30 Selecting the Right Design and Development Agency
  • 08:38 The Importance of a Good Brief
  • 11:32 Evaluating Agency Processes and Expertise
  • 14:33 Analyzing Portfolios and Case Studies
  • 17:23 The Balance of Specialization and Generalization
  • 21:51 The Importance of Transparency in Development
  • 24:13 Cultural Fit: Aligning Values with Vendors
  • 25:18 Support Philosophy: Planning for Post-Launch
  • 27:04 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring
  • 34:47 Evaluating Technology and Vendor Intent
  • 37:25 Recap: Navigating the Vendor Selection Process

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-choose-the-right-design-dev-agency-what-most-teams-miss-ETskbXsi Takeaways

  • Buyers often mistrust vendors due to past negative experiences.
  • A comprehensive brief is essential for effective agency selection.
  • Understanding your needs is crucial before searching for an agency.
  • Evaluating an agency's process can de-risk your investment.
  • Outdated portfolios can indicate a lack of current expertise.
  • Cultural fit is important for a successful partnership.
  • Asking for recent references can provide insight into agency performance.
  • Support philosophy should be clear and value-driven.
  • Measuring success should be a collaborative effort with clear metrics.
  • Agencies that own the CMS they sell may not have your best interests in mind.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
  • 02:37 Understanding Buyer Mistrust in the Industry
  • 05:30 Selecting the Right Design and Development Agency
  • 08:38 The Importance of a Good Brief
  • 11:32 Evaluating Agency Processes and Expertise
  • 14:33 Analyzing Portfolios and Case Studies
  • 17:23 The Balance of Specialization and Generalization
  • 21:51 The Importance of Transparency in Development
  • 24:13 Cultural Fit: Aligning Values with Vendors
  • 25:18 Support Philosophy: Planning for Post-Launch
  • 27:04 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring
  • 34:47 Evaluating Technology and Vendor Intent
  • 37:25 Recap: Navigating the Vendor Selection Process

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> How to Choose the Right Design Dev Agency: What Most Teams Miss Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:27:17 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the complexities of selecting the right website design and development agency. They explore the prevalent mistrust among buyers in the industry, the importance of having a comprehensive brief, and the key factors to consider when evaluating potential agencies. The discussion emphasizes the significance of agency processes, technology expertise, portfolio analysis, cultural fit, and ongoing support. They also provide practical questions for clients to ask before hiring an agency, aiming to equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions in their vendor selection process. In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the complexities of selecting the right website design and development agency. They explore the prevalent mistrust among buyers in the industry, the importance of having a comprehensive brief, and the key factors to consider when evaluating potential agencies. The discussion emphasizes the significance of agency processes, technology expertise, portfolio analysis, cultural fit, and ongoing support. They also provide practical questions for clients to ask before hiring an agency, aiming to equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions in their vendor selection process. cultural fit, agency selection, website design, technology expertise, project management, support philosophy, client experience, design process, buyer mistrust, development agency false full 26 4d318eb0-de23-4da5-a979-f285e388797e The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right CMS for Your Business Takeaways

  • The more plugins you use, the higher the cybersecurity risk.
  • WordPress remains a dominant CMS but has its challenges.
  • Webflow is emerging as a leading web experience platform.
  • Open source CMS can lead to maintenance overhead.
  • Site builders are suitable for small businesses but may not scale well.
  • Headless CMS is ideal for complex, multi-platform content delivery.
  • Enterprise CMS offers governance and workflow benefits but at a high cost.
  • The editor experience is critical for content management success.

Chapters

  • 01:51 Understanding CMS Platforms and Categories
  • 05:57 What to Look for in a CMS
  • 11:42 Evaluating Traditional CMS Options
  • 16:26 The Rise of Webflow and Migration from Drupal
  • 20:01 Debating the Pros and Cons of Drupal
  • 21:32 Visual Development Platforms: Framer and Webflow
  • 26:58 Headless CMS: The Future of Content Management
  • 28:27 Enterprise CMS and Digital Experience Platforms (DXP)

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-the-right-cms-for-your-business-_vR_55n_ Takeaways

  • The more plugins you use, the higher the cybersecurity risk.
  • WordPress remains a dominant CMS but has its challenges.
  • Webflow is emerging as a leading web experience platform.
  • Open source CMS can lead to maintenance overhead.
  • Site builders are suitable for small businesses but may not scale well.
  • Headless CMS is ideal for complex, multi-platform content delivery.
  • Enterprise CMS offers governance and workflow benefits but at a high cost.
  • The editor experience is critical for content management success.

Chapters

  • 01:51 Understanding CMS Platforms and Categories
  • 05:57 What to Look for in a CMS
  • 11:42 Evaluating Traditional CMS Options
  • 16:26 The Rise of Webflow and Migration from Drupal
  • 20:01 Debating the Pros and Cons of Drupal
  • 21:32 Visual Development Platforms: Framer and Webflow
  • 26:58 Headless CMS: The Future of Content Management
  • 28:27 Enterprise CMS and Digital Experience Platforms (DXP)

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right CMS for Your Business Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:33:16 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss various content management systems (CMS) and their implications for businesses. They explore the risks associated with third-party integrations, the evolution of CMS platforms, and the importance of evaluating options based on specific business needs. The discussion covers site builders, traditional CMS, headless CMS, and enterprise solutions, highlighting the pros and cons of each. They also touch on the role of open source in CMS choices and the emergence of digital experience platforms (DXP). In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss various content management systems (CMS) and their implications for businesses. They explore the risks associated with third-party integrations, the evolution of CMS platforms, and the importance of evaluating options based on specific business needs. The discussion covers site builders, traditional CMS, headless CMS, and enterprise solutions, highlighting the pros and cons of each. They also touch on the role of open source in CMS choices and the emergence of digital experience platforms (DXP). site builders, cybersecurity, open source, digital experience platforms, visual development, headless cms, enterprise cms, cms platforms false full 25 490daf7e-78a3-495e-9afd-72ab9a3f83d0 CMS Reality Check: Navigating the CMS Landscape Takeaways

  • Explore different types of CMS: traditional, headless, and enterprise.
  • Understand the pros and cons of each CMS type.
  • Learn what to look for and avoid in a CMS.
  • Discover the scalability of different CMS platforms.
  • Gain insights into CMS suitability for various business needs.
  • Symon Oliver shares his expertise on CMS.
  • Marcello Gortana discusses CMS categories.
  • The importance of choosing the right CMS for your business.
  • Common misunderstandings about CMSs.
  • Why open source CMS might not always be the best choice.

Title Options

  • Navigating the CMS Landscape
  • Understanding CMS Types
  • Choosing the Right CMS for Your Business
  • The Pros and Cons of CMS Platforms
  • Scalability in CMS: What You Need to Know
  • Insights from Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana
  • Avoiding Common CMS Pitfalls
  • The Future of Content Management Systems
  • Why Your CMS Choice Matters
  • Exploring Headless and Enterprise CMS

Chapters

  • 00:01:05 Introduction to CMS Types
  • 00:01:17 What to Look for in a CMS
  • 00:01:29 Categories of CMSs
  • 00:02:18 Headless and Enterprise CMSs
  • 00:03:00 Scalability and Suitability
  • 00:04:11 Specialty CMS Platforms
  • 00:05:27 Risks and Considerations
  • 00:08:46 Fun with Headless CMSs

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:30:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/cms-reality-check-navigating-the-cms-landscape-WV_iyS9z Takeaways

  • Explore different types of CMS: traditional, headless, and enterprise.
  • Understand the pros and cons of each CMS type.
  • Learn what to look for and avoid in a CMS.
  • Discover the scalability of different CMS platforms.
  • Gain insights into CMS suitability for various business needs.
  • Symon Oliver shares his expertise on CMS.
  • Marcello Gortana discusses CMS categories.
  • The importance of choosing the right CMS for your business.
  • Common misunderstandings about CMSs.
  • Why open source CMS might not always be the best choice.

Title Options

  • Navigating the CMS Landscape
  • Understanding CMS Types
  • Choosing the Right CMS for Your Business
  • The Pros and Cons of CMS Platforms
  • Scalability in CMS: What You Need to Know
  • Insights from Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana
  • Avoiding Common CMS Pitfalls
  • The Future of Content Management Systems
  • Why Your CMS Choice Matters
  • Exploring Headless and Enterprise CMS

Chapters

  • 00:01:05 Introduction to CMS Types
  • 00:01:17 What to Look for in a CMS
  • 00:01:29 Categories of CMSs
  • 00:02:18 Headless and Enterprise CMSs
  • 00:03:00 Scalability and Suitability
  • 00:04:11 Specialty CMS Platforms
  • 00:05:27 Risks and Considerations
  • 00:08:46 Fun with Headless CMSs

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> CMS Reality Check: Navigating the CMS Landscape Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:21:22 In this episode, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana delve into the world of Content Management Systems (CMS), exploring various types such as traditional, headless, and enterprise CMSs. They discuss the pros and cons of each, providing insights into what to look for and avoid when choosing a CMS. The conversation also touches on the scalability of different CMS platforms and their suitability for various business needs. In this episode, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana delve into the world of Content Management Systems (CMS), exploring various types such as traditional, headless, and enterprise CMSs. They discuss the pros and cons of each, providing insights into what to look for and avoid when choosing a CMS. The conversation also touches on the scalability of different CMS platforms and their suitability for various business needs. business needs, cms, content management systems, scalability, headless cms, enterprise cms false full 24 80a66be9-24c7-41da-80b6-7376ab85fc6b CMS Reality Check: Scale, Workflow and Tech Debt Takeaways

  • Clients often feel restricted by rigid website layouts.
  • Content management can become a frustrating experience.
  • A lack of flexibility in design can lead to client disengagement.
  • Mental barriers can prevent clients from updating their sites.
  • User experience is heavily influenced by website design.
  • Clients may lock themselves into systems that don't meet their needs.
  • The process of uploading content can be time-consuming and discouraging.
  • Effective website design should prioritize user flexibility.
  • Understanding client frustrations is key to improving design.
  • Open communication can help alleviate client concerns.

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 7 Nov 2025 12:49:30 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/cms-reality-check-scale-workflow-and-tech-debt-qfoPD2vV Takeaways

  • Clients often feel restricted by rigid website layouts.
  • Content management can become a frustrating experience.
  • A lack of flexibility in design can lead to client disengagement.
  • Mental barriers can prevent clients from updating their sites.
  • User experience is heavily influenced by website design.
  • Clients may lock themselves into systems that don't meet their needs.
  • The process of uploading content can be time-consuming and discouraging.
  • Effective website design should prioritize user flexibility.
  • Understanding client frustrations is key to improving design.
  • Open communication can help alleviate client concerns.

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> CMS Reality Check: Scale, Workflow and Tech Debt Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver 00:18:24 This week, we talk through the red flags that show up long before a CMS becomes a problem. Slow publishing, brittle layouts, broken plugins, tech-stack friction—if any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to rethink your platform. We cover the core criteria teams should use when evaluating their next CMS. This week, we talk through the red flags that show up long before a CMS becomes a problem. Slow publishing, brittle layouts, broken plugins, tech-stack friction—if any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to rethink your platform. We cover the core criteria teams should use when evaluating their next CMS. wordpress, retainer models, website design, webflow, client experience, content management, cms false full 23 25b537a5-f36f-4804-b89a-ee077aa7bca7 Why Complex Projects Fail Before They Even Start Takeaways

  • Complexity arises from various factors including technology, people, and governance.
  • The more people involved in a project, the more complex it can become due to internal politics.
  • Discovery is crucial for understanding project scope and requirements.
  • Budget and time constraints are key considerations in project feasibility.
  • Clarity in project goals and deliverables is essential for success.
  • Engaging stakeholders early can mitigate complexity and decision fatigue.
  • A structured approach is necessary for managing complex projects effectively.
  • Discovery should be treated as a standalone phase to ensure thorough planning.
  • Understanding the audience and their needs is vital for project success.
  • Communication is key to aligning expectations and understanding project complexity.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding Project Complexity
  • 06:56 The Impact of Complexity on Projects
  • 11:08 Navigating Complex Projects: Discovery and Strategy
  • 16:54 The Importance of Structure in Complex Projects

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/why-complex-projects-fail-before-they-even-start-ecivd_Ud Takeaways

  • Complexity arises from various factors including technology, people, and governance.
  • The more people involved in a project, the more complex it can become due to internal politics.
  • Discovery is crucial for understanding project scope and requirements.
  • Budget and time constraints are key considerations in project feasibility.
  • Clarity in project goals and deliverables is essential for success.
  • Engaging stakeholders early can mitigate complexity and decision fatigue.
  • A structured approach is necessary for managing complex projects effectively.
  • Discovery should be treated as a standalone phase to ensure thorough planning.
  • Understanding the audience and their needs is vital for project success.
  • Communication is key to aligning expectations and understanding project complexity.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding Project Complexity
  • 06:56 The Impact of Complexity on Projects
  • 11:08 Navigating Complex Projects: Discovery and Strategy
  • 16:54 The Importance of Structure in Complex Projects

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Why Complex Projects Fail Before They Even Start Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver 00:19:12 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana delve into the intricacies of managing complex projects. They explore what defines project complexity, the impact of that complexity on project management, and the critical role of discovery in navigating these challenges. The discussion emphasizes the importance of clarity, structured approaches, and effective communication among stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes. In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana delve into the intricacies of managing complex projects. They explore what defines project complexity, the impact of that complexity on project management, and the critical role of discovery in navigating these challenges. The discussion emphasizes the importance of clarity, structured approaches, and effective communication among stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes. stakeholder engagement, budget planning, project strategy, product design, complexity, web design, project management, technology integration, project scope, team dynamics, project governance, discovery false full 22 6a4110df-50ae-4441-88fe-764bde85fdec From Maintenance to Value: Rethinking Website Support Models Takeaways

  • Bad support is a primary reason for vendor switching.
  • Good support should be proactive and value-driven.
  • Traditional support models often prioritize agency profit over client needs.
  • A shift in mindset is needed from support to partnership.
  • Value-driven retainers focus on measurable improvements, not just maintenance.
  • Knowledge transfer is essential for client self-sufficiency.
  • Red flags include lack of documentation and predatory retainer models.
  • Clients should conduct a cost-benefit analysis for support needs.
  • Finding a good vendor is challenging and requires due diligence.
  • Partnerships should align with client goals for success.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Importance of Vendor Support
  • 03:02 Defining Good vs. Bad Support
  • 05:52 The Pitfalls of Traditional Support Models
  • 08:46 Shifting Mindsets: From Support to Partnership
  • 11:45 Value-Driven Retainers and Their Benefits
  • 14:43 Red Flags in Vendor Relationships
  • 17:43 Navigating the Support Landscape
  • 20:38 Finding the Right Vendor Partner

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:16:41 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/from-maintenance-to-value-rethinking-website-support-models-jqIYWh8J Takeaways

  • Bad support is a primary reason for vendor switching.
  • Good support should be proactive and value-driven.
  • Traditional support models often prioritize agency profit over client needs.
  • A shift in mindset is needed from support to partnership.
  • Value-driven retainers focus on measurable improvements, not just maintenance.
  • Knowledge transfer is essential for client self-sufficiency.
  • Red flags include lack of documentation and predatory retainer models.
  • Clients should conduct a cost-benefit analysis for support needs.
  • Finding a good vendor is challenging and requires due diligence.
  • Partnerships should align with client goals for success.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Importance of Vendor Support
  • 03:02 Defining Good vs. Bad Support
  • 05:52 The Pitfalls of Traditional Support Models
  • 08:46 Shifting Mindsets: From Support to Partnership
  • 11:45 Value-Driven Retainers and Their Benefits
  • 14:43 Red Flags in Vendor Relationships
  • 17:43 Navigating the Support Landscape
  • 20:38 Finding the Right Vendor Partner

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> From Maintenance to Value: Rethinking Website Support Models Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:21:43 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the critical role of vendor support in website management. They explore the differences between good and bad support, the pitfalls of traditional support models, and the importance of shifting from a reactive support mindset to a partnership approach. The discussion emphasizes the need for value-driven retainers, the significance of knowledge transfer, and the red flags to watch for in vendor relationships. Ultimately, they highlight the challenges clients face in finding the right vendor partnership that aligns with their goals. In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the critical role of vendor support in website management. They explore the differences between good and bad support, the pitfalls of traditional support models, and the importance of shifting from a reactive support mindset to a partnership approach. The discussion emphasizes the need for value-driven retainers, the significance of knowledge transfer, and the red flags to watch for in vendor relationships. Ultimately, they highlight the challenges clients face in finding the right vendor partnership that aligns with their goals. website optimization, value-driven support, retainer models, support contracts, partnership, client-vendor relationship, digital transformation, user experience, vendor support, website management false full 21 39928f54-2516-43c4-8158-93beb6094008 Web Design vs UX Design: What is the difference, and why UX wins long term Takeaways

  • User experience (UX) design is often misunderstood and conflated with web design.
  • Web design focuses on aesthetics and marketing, while UX design emphasizes functionality and user engagement.
  • The evolution of design roles has led to a complex landscape where UX, UI, and web design intersect.
  • Websites should be treated as products to ensure long-term engagement and optimization.
  • Continuous improvement is essential for maintaining effective websites.
  • Aesthetic design alone does not solve business problems; UX-driven design is necessary.
  • The ideal designer possesses skills in UX, UI, and web aesthetics, often referred to as a 'unicorn.'
  • Organizations need to understand the value of UX to avoid poor design decisions.
  • The conversation highlights the importance of bridging marketing, business, and technology in design.
  • Defining clear roles and expectations in design teams can lead to better outcomes.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding UX and Web Design
  • 12:47 Defining User Experience and Web Design
  • 23:52 The Role of UX Designers in Web Development
  • 29:34 Wrapping Up: UX vs Web Design

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/web-design-vs-ux-design-what-is-the-difference-and-why-ux-wins-long-term-a0hj226P Takeaways

  • User experience (UX) design is often misunderstood and conflated with web design.
  • Web design focuses on aesthetics and marketing, while UX design emphasizes functionality and user engagement.
  • The evolution of design roles has led to a complex landscape where UX, UI, and web design intersect.
  • Websites should be treated as products to ensure long-term engagement and optimization.
  • Continuous improvement is essential for maintaining effective websites.
  • Aesthetic design alone does not solve business problems; UX-driven design is necessary.
  • The ideal designer possesses skills in UX, UI, and web aesthetics, often referred to as a 'unicorn.'
  • Organizations need to understand the value of UX to avoid poor design decisions.
  • The conversation highlights the importance of bridging marketing, business, and technology in design.
  • Defining clear roles and expectations in design teams can lead to better outcomes.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding UX and Web Design
  • 12:47 Defining User Experience and Web Design
  • 23:52 The Role of UX Designers in Web Development
  • 29:34 Wrapping Up: UX vs Web Design

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Web Design vs UX Design: What is the difference, and why UX wins long term Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:21:03 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana explore the distinctions and overlaps between UX design and web design. They discuss the evolution of these fields, the importance of treating websites as products, and the role of user experience in achieving business goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and the challenges of defining roles within the design industry. In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana explore the distinctions and overlaps between UX design and web design. They discuss the evolution of these fields, the importance of treating websites as products, and the role of user experience in achieving business goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and the challenges of defining roles within the design industry. aesthetics, technology, business goals, optimization, product design, web design, marketing, user experience, design systems, ux design false full 20 375f3618-8b70-413c-aa13-47559202dd1b How to Plan a Website (Without These 7 Costly Errors) Takeaways

  • Start with problems, not solutions.
  • Define the objectives and outcomes clearly.
  • Setting a realistic budget early is crucial.
  • Involve decision makers early in the process.
  • A strong brief is the cheapest way to de-risk a project.
  • Vague features can lead to project failure.
  • Understand your commitment during project phases.
  • Budget transparency helps everyone self-qualify.
  • Frame the problems, not the solutions.
  • Manage decision makers and involve them early.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Lunch Conversations
  • 02:18 Project Management and Vendor Sourcing
  • 05:27 Scoping and Briefing for Digital Projects
  • 08:12 The Importance of Clear Objectives
  • 11:11 Understanding Audience Priorities
  • 14:07 Budgeting for Digital Projects
  • 17:03 Defining Features and Requirements
  • 20:08 Stakeholder Involvement in Projects
  • 22:54 Recap and Key Takeaways

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 03:10:17 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-plan-a-website-without-these-7-costly-errors-Nl0b4bho Takeaways

  • Start with problems, not solutions.
  • Define the objectives and outcomes clearly.
  • Setting a realistic budget early is crucial.
  • Involve decision makers early in the process.
  • A strong brief is the cheapest way to de-risk a project.
  • Vague features can lead to project failure.
  • Understand your commitment during project phases.
  • Budget transparency helps everyone self-qualify.
  • Frame the problems, not the solutions.
  • Manage decision makers and involve them early.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Lunch Conversations
  • 02:18 Project Management and Vendor Sourcing
  • 05:27 Scoping and Briefing for Digital Projects
  • 08:12 The Importance of Clear Objectives
  • 11:11 Understanding Audience Priorities
  • 14:07 Budgeting for Digital Projects
  • 17:03 Defining Features and Requirements
  • 20:08 Stakeholder Involvement in Projects
  • 22:54 Recap and Key Takeaways

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> How to Plan a Website (Without These 7 Costly Errors) Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver 00:29:45 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the intricacies of project management and vendor sourcing in digital transformation projects. They emphasize the importance of clear scoping, defining objectives, and involving stakeholders early in the process. The discussion also covers budgeting strategies and the significance of framing problems rather than solutions when initiating projects. The conversation concludes with a recap of key takeaways for marketers to ensure successful project execution. In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the intricacies of project management and vendor sourcing in digital transformation projects. They emphasize the importance of clear scoping, defining objectives, and involving stakeholders early in the process. The discussion also covers budgeting strategies and the significance of framing problems rather than solutions when initiating projects. The conversation concludes with a recap of key takeaways for marketers to ensure successful project execution. product design, website projects, web design, audience prioritization, stakeholder involvement, scoping, vendor sourcing, project management, digital transformation, objectives, budgeting, digital projects false full 19 577b8955-54b2-4fc9-9558-8aef5753d6ea 7 AI Traps Killing UX Right Now and How to Avoid Them Takeaways

  • Nvidia's deal with OpenAI signifies a major investment in AI technology.
  • The race to AGI is leading companies to make risky bets without guaranteed returns.
  • Different thinkers in AI include pioneers, pragmatists, and purists, each with unique perspectives.
  • The design community is grappling with the implications of AI on their work.
  • The 'Seven Deadly AI Sins' highlight critical issues in UX design.
  • Speculative design encourages thinking about future possibilities and ethical implications.
  • AI's impact on productivity is changing expectations within roles.
  • Historical design practices can inform current approaches to technology and design.
  • The conversation around AI is evolving, with a shift towards critical engagement.
  • Reviving discussions on Xeno design can provide valuable insights into future design practices.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Updates on the Race
  • 00:05 AI Developments and Industry Insights
  • 04:43 Types of Thinkers in Design and AI
  • 09:47 The Seven Deadly AI Sins for UX Professionals
  • 11:39 Wasted Time in Production
  • 12:12 Lost Details and Fidelity Traps
  • 14:02 Isolated Ideation vs. Inclusion
  • 14:58 Naive Trust and Skepticism
  • 15:25 Bland Taste in AI Content
  • 16:18 Defensive Outlook on Experimentation
  • 17:02 Speculative Design and Future Thinking
  • 17:54 Zeno Design and Its Relevance
  • 21:45 Empathy in Design: Becoming a Self-Driving Car
  • 23:18 Critical Design and Work-Life Balance

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Thu, 2 Oct 2025 12:42:20 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/7-ai-traps-killing-ux-right-now-and-how-to-avoid-them-u_QDyyAe Takeaways

  • Nvidia's deal with OpenAI signifies a major investment in AI technology.
  • The race to AGI is leading companies to make risky bets without guaranteed returns.
  • Different thinkers in AI include pioneers, pragmatists, and purists, each with unique perspectives.
  • The design community is grappling with the implications of AI on their work.
  • The 'Seven Deadly AI Sins' highlight critical issues in UX design.
  • Speculative design encourages thinking about future possibilities and ethical implications.
  • AI's impact on productivity is changing expectations within roles.
  • Historical design practices can inform current approaches to technology and design.
  • The conversation around AI is evolving, with a shift towards critical engagement.
  • Reviving discussions on Xeno design can provide valuable insights into future design practices.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Updates on the Race
  • 00:05 AI Developments and Industry Insights
  • 04:43 Types of Thinkers in Design and AI
  • 09:47 The Seven Deadly AI Sins for UX Professionals
  • 11:39 Wasted Time in Production
  • 12:12 Lost Details and Fidelity Traps
  • 14:02 Isolated Ideation vs. Inclusion
  • 14:58 Naive Trust and Skepticism
  • 15:25 Bland Taste in AI Content
  • 16:18 Defensive Outlook on Experimentation
  • 17:02 Speculative Design and Future Thinking
  • 17:54 Zeno Design and Its Relevance
  • 21:45 Empathy in Design: Becoming a Self-Driving Car
  • 23:18 Critical Design and Work-Life Balance

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> 7 AI Traps Killing UX Right Now and How to Avoid Them Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:26:31 In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the evolving landscape of AI, focusing on significant developments such as Nvidia's massive investment in OpenAI. They explore different types of thinkers in the AI space, from pioneers to purists, and delve into the implications of AI on design and UX. The discussion also covers the 'Seven Deadly AI Sins' for UX professionals, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in the face of rapid technological advancement. Finally, they touch on speculative design as a means to envision a better future, drawing parallels to historical design practices. In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the evolving landscape of AI, focusing on significant developments such as Nvidia's massive investment in OpenAI. They explore different types of thinkers in the AI space, from pioneers to purists, and delve into the implications of AI on design and UX. The discussion also covers the 'Seven Deadly AI Sins' for UX professionals, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in the face of rapid technological advancement. Finally, they touch on speculative design as a means to envision a better future, drawing parallels to historical design practices. technology, innovation, openai, nvidia, marketing, ux, design, ai, creativity, speculative design, agi false full 18 a7e99a0b-fef1-4bed-ba84-e4138aed01ed Weekly Set: Design Thinking Is Out. Embedded AI Engineers Are In. Topics & Timestamps:

(00:00) Post-vacation chaos & travel with kids

(01:32) Toronto's ultra-walking trend and "suffer-fest" culture

(04:02) Why 95% of enterprise AI projects fail (and why that stat is flawed)

(05:02) OpenAI's Forward Deployed Engineer: new name, old consulting playbook

(10:42) How design thinking lost its strategic seat — from systems to pixel pushing

(14:10) Grassroots vs. enterprise AI: where real impact happens

(21:18) Side quests: car UX, sensors, and Italian road drama

 

Resources Mentioned:

• MIT's enterprise AI failure stat (context & critique)

• OpenAI's Forward Deployed Engineer job description

• IDEO's legacy of design thinking

• Toronto Reddit ultra-walking stories

 

Key Quotes:

"Design thinking didn't die — it got downgraded to pixel pushing."

"If it's turnkey, it's repeatable. And if it's repeatable, AI can do it."

"These FDE roles feel like consulting 2.0 — but still too engineering-led."

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/weekly-set-design-thinking-is-out-embedded-ai-engineers-are-in-1ZdU_3dh Topics & Timestamps:

(00:00) Post-vacation chaos & travel with kids

(01:32) Toronto's ultra-walking trend and "suffer-fest" culture

(04:02) Why 95% of enterprise AI projects fail (and why that stat is flawed)

(05:02) OpenAI's Forward Deployed Engineer: new name, old consulting playbook

(10:42) How design thinking lost its strategic seat — from systems to pixel pushing

(14:10) Grassroots vs. enterprise AI: where real impact happens

(21:18) Side quests: car UX, sensors, and Italian road drama

 

Resources Mentioned:

• MIT's enterprise AI failure stat (context & critique)

• OpenAI's Forward Deployed Engineer job description

• IDEO's legacy of design thinking

• Toronto Reddit ultra-walking stories

 

Key Quotes:

"Design thinking didn't die — it got downgraded to pixel pushing."

"If it's turnkey, it's repeatable. And if it's repeatable, AI can do it."

"These FDE roles feel like consulting 2.0 — but still too engineering-led."

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Weekly Set: Design Thinking Is Out. Embedded AI Engineers Are In. Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:27:57 Ultra-walking, AI flops, and the slow death (and rebirth) of design thinking. We unpack OpenAI's new Forward Deployed Engineer role, why 95% of enterprise AI projects stall, and how design lost its strategic seat. Plus: Toronto's suffer-fest walking trend, car UX done right (hello, 360° sensors), and a quick detour through travel chaos with kids. (Short alt:) Walking trends, failing AI rollouts, and why design must be more than pixels. Ultra-walking, AI flops, and the slow death (and rebirth) of design thinking. We unpack OpenAI's new Forward Deployed Engineer role, why 95% of enterprise AI projects stall, and how design lost its strategic seat. Plus: Toronto's suffer-fest walking trend, car UX done right (hello, 360° sensors), and a quick detour through travel chaos with kids. (Short alt:) Walking trends, failing AI rollouts, and why design must be more than pixels. innovation, product design, openai, technology trends, consulting, ux strategy, design thinking, ai, enterprise tech, user research false full 17 eb864cd1-bbd4-4f97-89e1-8316ac22faae Weekly Set: WCAG 3.0, Olivetti, and the AI Squeeze Topics & Timestamps:

(00:00) Back from Italy: airports, toddlers, and the upside down world

(02:27) Travel with kids vs solo travel: why lounges aren’t built for families

(04:54) AI fatigue? Posting, conferences, and marketing workflows

(07:30) CMA events, data science, and educating on automation/AI

(09:35) RGD stat: AI may cut 30% of agency margins (and why positioning matters)

(13:41) When AI builds websites: friend’s gym startup and UX blind spots

(15:41) Generalists vs specialists: why flexibility wins in the AI era

(18:50) WCAG 3.0: from A/AA/AAA to Bronze/Silver/Gold, expanding to apps, VR, AR, and AI

(23:27) Accessibility meets emerging tech—and Apple’s thin iPhone speculation

(27:14) Italian design hits: porcini mushrooms, gelato, and espresso culture

(31:20) Olivetti: typewriters, modernist posters, and design-led workplaces

(35:19) Apple, Braun, and the design lineage from Olivetti showrooms to Cupertino

(36:36) Corporate culture pioneers: housing, libraries, daycare in 1908

(37:02) Wrapping with design as strategy, not just decoration

 

Resources Mentioned:

WCAG 3.0 Draft Guidelines – expanding accessibility standards

CMA (Canadian Marketing Association) – councils & committees

RGD (Association of Registered Graphic Designers) – event on AI + agencies

Olivetti – typewriter manufacturer, design-led culture, MoMA collection

 

Key Quotes:

“Travel is a young man’s, no-children game.”

“AI stands to remove about 30% margin from agency work.”

“If it’s turnkey, it’s repeatable. And if it’s repeatable, AI can do it.”

“Accessibility isn’t just websites anymore—it’s VR, AR, AI, and apps.”

“Design was not decoration. It was the strategy. It was the culture.”

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:38:40 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/weekly-set-wcag-30-olivetti-and-the-ai-squeeze-t0hB6dj0 Topics & Timestamps:

(00:00) Back from Italy: airports, toddlers, and the upside down world

(02:27) Travel with kids vs solo travel: why lounges aren’t built for families

(04:54) AI fatigue? Posting, conferences, and marketing workflows

(07:30) CMA events, data science, and educating on automation/AI

(09:35) RGD stat: AI may cut 30% of agency margins (and why positioning matters)

(13:41) When AI builds websites: friend’s gym startup and UX blind spots

(15:41) Generalists vs specialists: why flexibility wins in the AI era

(18:50) WCAG 3.0: from A/AA/AAA to Bronze/Silver/Gold, expanding to apps, VR, AR, and AI

(23:27) Accessibility meets emerging tech—and Apple’s thin iPhone speculation

(27:14) Italian design hits: porcini mushrooms, gelato, and espresso culture

(31:20) Olivetti: typewriters, modernist posters, and design-led workplaces

(35:19) Apple, Braun, and the design lineage from Olivetti showrooms to Cupertino

(36:36) Corporate culture pioneers: housing, libraries, daycare in 1908

(37:02) Wrapping with design as strategy, not just decoration

 

Resources Mentioned:

WCAG 3.0 Draft Guidelines – expanding accessibility standards

CMA (Canadian Marketing Association) – councils & committees

RGD (Association of Registered Graphic Designers) – event on AI + agencies

Olivetti – typewriter manufacturer, design-led culture, MoMA collection

 

Key Quotes:

“Travel is a young man’s, no-children game.”

“AI stands to remove about 30% margin from agency work.”

“If it’s turnkey, it’s repeatable. And if it’s repeatable, AI can do it.”

“Accessibility isn’t just websites anymore—it’s VR, AR, AI, and apps.”

“Design was not decoration. It was the strategy. It was the culture.”

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Weekly Set: WCAG 3.0, Olivetti, and the AI Squeeze Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:37:56 A catch-up from Florence to typewriters to tech. We swap travel war stories (kids, lounges, gelato), then dig into WCAG 3.0's shift to bronze/silver/gold and what broader accessibility means for apps, VR/AR, and AI. We compare notes on AI's impact on agency margins, why generalists may have the edge, and how productization invites copyable workflows. Plus a quick detour through Italian design history—Olivetti's design-led culture and its influence on Apple—and a peek at CMA councils, speaking gigs, and early podcast metrics. All roads lead back to systems, not just screens. Alt (short): Airports, AI, accessibility, and Olivetti—why the future of design is systems, not just screens. A catch-up from Florence to typewriters to tech. We swap travel war stories (kids, lounges, gelato), then dig into WCAG 3.0's shift to bronze/silver/gold and what broader accessibility means for apps, VR/AR, and AI. We compare notes on AI's impact on agency margins, why generalists may have the edge, and how productization invites copyable workflows. Plus a quick detour through Italian design history—Olivetti's design-led culture and its influence on Apple—and a peek at CMA councils, speaking gigs, and early podcast metrics. All roads lead back to systems, not just screens. Alt (short): Airports, AI, accessibility, and Olivetti—why the future of design is systems, not just screens. rgd, olivetti, agency margins, design history, digital strategy, braun design, vr accessibility, ux strategy, cma council, ar accessibility, travel with kids, ai, apple design, ai workflows, italian design, wcag 3.0, generalist vs specialist, accessibility false full 16 99bba8c5-7339-49f6-9390-5a4b86bac683 Weekly Set (vibe-cast): Pizza Intelligence, Fake MVPs, and Music is Dead Topics & Timestamps:

  • (00:00) Intro music review - Suno AI generated tennis yacht rock
  • (01:10) AI music revolution: The million-dollar AI musician deal and why music is dead
  • (03:23) Google Zero: Financial Times on the race to zero organic traffic
  • (06:51) Ethereum's 2026 UX roadmap: 19 minutes → 15 seconds transaction time
  • (09:34) MIT Study: 95% failure rate for enterprise AI (it's not what you think)
  • (13:22) The Pentagon Pizza Index: Tracking global crises via pizza delivery data
  • (17:23) Polymarket: $56M betting on Fed decisions, plus Bad Bunny vs. Taylor Swift
  • (19:36) The MVP is dead: Why your "MVP" is actually a full product launch

Resources Mentioned:

  • Suno AI - AI music generation platform
  • Financial Times article: "The Race to Google Zero"
  • Ethereum L2 UX improvements announcement
  • Pentagon Pizza Index (real website tracking DC pizza orders)
  • Polymarket - Crypto prediction market platform
  • MIT report on Gen AI implementation failures

Key Quotes:

  • "Music, popular music is done"
  • "95% of Gen AI investments produce zero returns"
  • "Domino's is a tech company, not a pizza company"
  • "Proof of concept is the new MVP, MVP is the new beta"

Next Week: Marcello takes over intro music duties with Suno AI. Genre TBD.

New Term Alert: "Vibe-casting" - Podcast format with no plan, just vibes.

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 5 Sep 2025 12:30:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/weekly-set-vibe-cast-pizza-intelligence-fake-mvps-and-music-is-dead-QJzkACK6 Topics & Timestamps:

  • (00:00) Intro music review - Suno AI generated tennis yacht rock
  • (01:10) AI music revolution: The million-dollar AI musician deal and why music is dead
  • (03:23) Google Zero: Financial Times on the race to zero organic traffic
  • (06:51) Ethereum's 2026 UX roadmap: 19 minutes → 15 seconds transaction time
  • (09:34) MIT Study: 95% failure rate for enterprise AI (it's not what you think)
  • (13:22) The Pentagon Pizza Index: Tracking global crises via pizza delivery data
  • (17:23) Polymarket: $56M betting on Fed decisions, plus Bad Bunny vs. Taylor Swift
  • (19:36) The MVP is dead: Why your "MVP" is actually a full product launch

Resources Mentioned:

  • Suno AI - AI music generation platform
  • Financial Times article: "The Race to Google Zero"
  • Ethereum L2 UX improvements announcement
  • Pentagon Pizza Index (real website tracking DC pizza orders)
  • Polymarket - Crypto prediction market platform
  • MIT report on Gen AI implementation failures

Key Quotes:

  • "Music, popular music is done"
  • "95% of Gen AI investments produce zero returns"
  • "Domino's is a tech company, not a pizza company"
  • "Proof of concept is the new MVP, MVP is the new beta"

Next Week: Marcello takes over intro music duties with Suno AI. Genre TBD.

New Term Alert: "Vibe-casting" - Podcast format with no plan, just vibes.

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Weekly Set (vibe-cast): Pizza Intelligence, Fake MVPs, and Music is Dead Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver 00:28:01 Marcello and Symon vibe-cast through the collapse of several industries while remaining oddly optimistic. The duo opens by confronting the death of human music via Suno AI (RIP popular music), before diving into the Financial Times' report on "Google Zero" - the race to zero organic traffic as AI search cannibalizes the entire internet. Marcello shares Ethereum's shocking discovery of user experience (only took them until 2026), promising to cut transaction times from a leisurely 19-minute coffee break to 15 seconds. Simon counters with MIT data showing 95% of enterprise AI projects are failing spectacularly, though mostly because nobody knows how to measure "vibes improved by ChatGPT." The conversation peaks with the Pentagon Pizza Index - a real website tracking Domino's deliveries to predict global crises - which somehow connects to Polymarket, where $56 million is currently riding on Federal Reserve decisions and Bad Bunny vs. Taylor Swift supremacy. They close with a requiem for the term "MVP," which has apparently lost all meaning in the wild, suggesting we just accept that proof-of-concepts are the new MVPs and MVPs are now just... the entire product. Also discussed: AI scrapers destroying websites, why UX designers should just call themselves web designers, and Marcello's shocking exit from the Ethereum game. Marcello and Symon vibe-cast through the collapse of several industries while remaining oddly optimistic. The duo opens by confronting the death of human music via Suno AI (RIP popular music), before diving into the Financial Times' report on "Google Zero" - the race to zero organic traffic as AI search cannibalizes the entire internet. Marcello shares Ethereum's shocking discovery of user experience (only took them until 2026), promising to cut transaction times from a leisurely 19-minute coffee break to 15 seconds. Simon counters with MIT data showing 95% of enterprise AI projects are failing spectacularly, though mostly because nobody knows how to measure "vibes improved by ChatGPT." The conversation peaks with the Pentagon Pizza Index - a real website tracking Domino's deliveries to predict global crises - which somehow connects to Polymarket, where $56 million is currently riding on Federal Reserve decisions and Bad Bunny vs. Taylor Swift supremacy. They close with a requiem for the term "MVP," which has apparently lost all meaning in the wild, suggesting we just accept that proof-of-concepts are the new MVPs and MVPs are now just... the entire product. Also discussed: AI scrapers destroying websites, why UX designers should just call themselves web designers, and Marcello's shocking exit from the Ethereum game. web design, pentagon pizza index, design, organic traffic decline, suno ai, ai music death, polymarket, ethereum ux, enterprise ai failure, mvp definition, vibe-castingretry, google zero false full 15 9ac761c1-aaf9-45b8-9620-e03b69ae73ec Weekly Set - Symon's PSA: AI Hype, Job Cuts, and the Future of Work In this episode, Symon and Marcello dive into the messy intersections of AI, algorithms, and work culture:

  • The rise (and fatigue) of formulaic LinkedIn posts
  • How AI is shaping content, and why quality often gets buried under quantity
  • AWS' take on why replacing junior devs with AI is "the dumbest idea"
  • Anxiety around AI detectors, writing styles, and online discourse
  • Layoffs, risk, and the snake-oil element of new SaaS tools
  • Security pitfalls, vibe-coded apps, and the Tea app breach
  • Why non-experts might build the most surprising (and dangerous) things with AI
  • Sam Altman's "fast fashion era of SaaS" and what it means for tech's future

Expect a mix of critique, humour, and perspective. All grounded in the realities of design, development, and running a business today.

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:30:59 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/weekly-set-symons-public-service-announcement-D_tJvqaQ In this episode, Symon and Marcello dive into the messy intersections of AI, algorithms, and work culture:

  • The rise (and fatigue) of formulaic LinkedIn posts
  • How AI is shaping content, and why quality often gets buried under quantity
  • AWS' take on why replacing junior devs with AI is "the dumbest idea"
  • Anxiety around AI detectors, writing styles, and online discourse
  • Layoffs, risk, and the snake-oil element of new SaaS tools
  • Security pitfalls, vibe-coded apps, and the Tea app breach
  • Why non-experts might build the most surprising (and dangerous) things with AI
  • Sam Altman's "fast fashion era of SaaS" and what it means for tech's future

Expect a mix of critique, humour, and perspective. All grounded in the realities of design, development, and running a business today.

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Weekly Set - Symon's PSA: AI Hype, Job Cuts, and the Future of Work Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver 00:26:20 A candid 30-minute conversation between Symon and Marcello about algorithms, AI in the workplace, and the "fast fashion" era of SaaS. From LinkedIn rage-bait to AWS' stance on junior developers, they unpack hype, anxiety, and what democratized AI means for small teams, security, and creativity. A candid 30-minute conversation between Symon and Marcello about algorithms, AI in the workplace, and the "fast fashion" era of SaaS. From LinkedIn rage-bait to AWS' stance on junior developers, they unpack hype, anxiety, and what democratized AI means for small teams, security, and creativity. technology, startups, ai detectors, design, algorithms, business, ai, linkedin, aws, vibe coding, junior developers, saas, security breach true full 14 7c261457-fad4-4e83-9134-92a673a52ef5 Accessibility Compliance for Marketers: Stay Legal, Stay Inclusive Sun, 13 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/accessibility-compliance-for-marketers-stay-legal-stay-inclusive-A_dWk_K1 Accessibility Compliance for Marketers: Stay Legal, Stay Inclusive Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:35:08 Free Accessibility Audit Here!! https://www.designtennis.com/microsites/is-your-website-truly-accessible-find-out-now Don’t let accessibility issues put your business at risk. Discover how marketers can audit their websites, identify compliance gaps, and apply actionable fixes to meet AODA and ADA requirements. Learn more at: https://www.designtennis.com/microsites/is-your-website-truly-accessible-find-out-now Watch more videos at: / @tennis7631 Follow us on Instagram @tennis.digital Follow us on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/designtennis Free Accessibility Audit Here!! https://www.designtennis.com/microsites/is-your-website-truly-accessible-find-out-now Don’t let accessibility issues put your business at risk. Discover how marketers can audit their websites, identify compliance gaps, and apply actionable fixes to meet AODA and ADA requirements. Learn more at: https://www.designtennis.com/microsites/is-your-website-truly-accessible-find-out-now Watch more videos at: / @tennis7631 Follow us on Instagram @tennis.digital Follow us on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/designtennis digital design, accessibility compliance, aoda, web, digital, marketing, design, digital consulting, website, accessibility, ada false full 13 3b45e147-811d-4882-b7c4-3d94c8dcbb56 Ep 12. What is Design? What exactly is design?

 Design is a broad and multi-faceted field that spans various industries and disciplines. From graphic design to industrial design, from fashion design to web design, the concept of design is ever-present in our daily lives. But what exactly is design, and how does it impact our world? 

Co-founders Symon and Marcello of Tennis Inc, a user experience design firm, explore what they think design means from the context of web and user experience. They explore how they would define design, the different viewpoints of design from an aesthetic and planning perspective, how web design is a unique discipline, de-risking, and the importance of being agile in how you work as a designer.

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Fri, 5 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-12-what-is-design-T2jlv_Bv What exactly is design?

 Design is a broad and multi-faceted field that spans various industries and disciplines. From graphic design to industrial design, from fashion design to web design, the concept of design is ever-present in our daily lives. But what exactly is design, and how does it impact our world? 

Co-founders Symon and Marcello of Tennis Inc, a user experience design firm, explore what they think design means from the context of web and user experience. They explore how they would define design, the different viewpoints of design from an aesthetic and planning perspective, how web design is a unique discipline, de-risking, and the importance of being agile in how you work as a designer.

Links

You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

]]> Ep 12. What is Design? Marcello Gortana, Symon Oliver 00:28:10 What exactly is design? Design is a broad and multi-faceted field that spans various industries and disciplines. From graphic design to industrial design, from fashion design to web design, the concept of design is ever-present in our daily lives. But what exactly is design, and how does it impact our world? Co-founders Symon and Marcello of Tennis Inc, a user experience design firm, explore what they think design means from the context of web and user experience. They explore how they would define design, the different viewpoints of design from an aesthetic and planning perspective, how web design is a unique discipline, de-risking, and the importance of being agile in how you work as a designer. What exactly is design? Design is a broad and multi-faceted field that spans various industries and disciplines. From graphic design to industrial design, from fashion design to web design, the concept of design is ever-present in our daily lives. But what exactly is design, and how does it impact our world? Co-founders Symon and Marcello of Tennis Inc, a user experience design firm, explore what they think design means from the context of web and user experience. They explore how they would define design, the different viewpoints of design from an aesthetic and planning perspective, how web design is a unique discipline, de-risking, and the importance of being agile in how you work as a designer. design director, strategy, app design, technology, web, digital, marketing strategy, marketing, design, user experience, business, design strategy, user experience design, creative false full 12 b2423a11-658a-4948-a803-ec07e2a5ec28 Ep 11. Brand Economics with Mark Radha Wed, 30 Nov 2022 20:00:00 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Mark Radha, Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-11-brand-economics-with-mark-radha-zlGVbFwQ Ep 11. Brand Economics with Mark Radha Mark Radha, Symon Oliver, Marcello Gortana 00:46:44 We are back after a long hiatus with a new format discussing the role of digital and design in society, entrepreneurship, and businesses. In this episode, we dive deep into Brand Economics with Mark Radha a self-proclaimed "finance geek" and brand strategist who combines behavioral science and econometrics to formulate a data-backed strategy called Brand Economics which Mark has leveraged with tier 1 brands such as GE, Facebook, Cirque du Soleil, Canada Goose, SickKids, and Deloitte, to name just a few. We are back after a long hiatus with a new format discussing the role of digital and design in society, entrepreneurship, and businesses. In this episode, we dive deep into Brand Economics with Mark Radha a self-proclaimed "finance geek" and brand strategist who combines behavioral science and econometrics to formulate a data-backed strategy called Brand Economics which Mark has leveraged with tier 1 brands such as GE, Facebook, Cirque du Soleil, Canada Goose, SickKids, and Deloitte, to name just a few. strategy, web, entrepreneur, digital, design, business, brand, culture false full 11 d690d12b-c1ec-4110-8905-8441d6b863f4 Nick Hobson Wed, 1 Jul 2020 17:10:48 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Tennis, Nick Hobson) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/nick-hobson-H66gqUk2 Nick Hobson Tennis, Nick Hobson 00:36:34 This week we wrap up our series with Nick Hobson, Ph.D. Chief Behavioral Scientist at The Behaviorist. In this episode, we talk with Nick about the origin of behavioural insights teams in government; and how the pandemic has pushed behavioural science back into the “lab of real-life.” This is our final episode in the series, and we are going to begin exploring some new themes moving forward. It has been an incredible experience, thanks for listening! This week we wrap up our series with Nick Hobson, Ph.D. Chief Behavioral Scientist at The Behaviorist. In this episode, we talk with Nick about the origin of behavioural insights teams in government; and how the pandemic has pushed behavioural science back into the “lab of real-life.” This is our final episode in the series, and we are going to begin exploring some new themes moving forward. It has been an incredible experience, thanks for listening! strategy, consulting, design, design thinking, covid-19, behavioural science true full 10 a2ca71d8-d350-412e-9564-4bcbfa9306b1 Emma Quin Fri, 19 Jun 2020 13:21:05 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (textile museum of canada, Emma Quin) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/emma-quin-45U4b8c8 Emma Quin textile museum of canada, Emma Quin 00:36:35 In this episode, we speak with Emma Quin, Executive Director of The Textile Museum of Canada about re-opening and how organizations like Museums will have to evolve and adapt as they reopen in waves. In this episode, we speak with Emma Quin, Executive Director of The Textile Museum of Canada about re-opening and how organizations like Museums will have to evolve and adapt as they reopen in waves. museums, digital consulting, covid-19 false full 9 f9e87b86-44c9-46b1-bbeb-9941079d6a83 Shane Saunderson Wed, 10 Jun 2020 11:59:01 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (shane saunders) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/shane-saunderson-QHcIu5LG Shane Saunderson shane saunders 00:38:50 We have 3 episodes left in our survive and thrive series before we end the series and archive it as a moment in time that we all experienced together. In this episode, we speak with Shane Saunderson co-founder of AI startup Babbly and currently researching human-robotic interactions during his PhD. We had a super interesting conversation about the evolution of robotics spurred by what we are currently experiencing through physical distancing. We have 3 episodes left in our survive and thrive series before we end the series and archive it as a moment in time that we all experienced together. In this episode, we speak with Shane Saunderson co-founder of AI startup Babbly and currently researching human-robotic interactions during his PhD. We had a super interesting conversation about the evolution of robotics spurred by what we are currently experiencing through physical distancing. robotics, foresight, design thinking, ai, hci, human computer interaction true full 8 61079240-a657-4b54-840e-3fb108471ea5 Tatiana Soldatova Fri, 22 May 2020 15:38:59 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Tatiana Soldatova) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/tatiana-soldatova-PLjDeCCX Tatiana Soldatova Tatiana Soldatova 00:30:16 In our most recent episode we speak with Tatiana Soldatova, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Syllable, an architecture and interior design company. We talked about how the interior design industry has been affected and how physical distancing may change how we think about designing workspaces. In our most recent episode we speak with Tatiana Soldatova, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Syllable, an architecture and interior design company. We talked about how the interior design industry has been affected and how physical distancing may change how we think about designing workspaces. interior design, strategy, entrepreneurship, design thinking false full 7 4bde60ef-af55-4dc3-941c-c74e9bfe5adb Robert Bolton Wed, 13 May 2020 03:05:10 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Robert Bolton) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/robert-bolton-Oov9I_rf Robert Bolton Robert Bolton 00:56:16 Thrilled to have spoken with Robert Bolton from the foresight studio, From Later. Our meandering conversation explores hybrid media events, a surprising surge for bike shops, and the future of commercial spaces. This week is a big mental download. Thrilled to have spoken with Robert Bolton from the foresight studio, From Later. Our meandering conversation explores hybrid media events, a surprising surge for bike shops, and the future of commercial spaces. This week is a big mental download. strategy, futurism, consulting, design, foresight, business, speculative design false full 6 d4f0f2d4-deba-4a1f-a42b-18415c470094 Martin Williams Wed, 6 May 2020 00:13:24 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Martin Williams) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/martin-williams-bKJHfWyK Martin Williams Martin Williams 00:39:14 This week we interviewed Martin Williams, Co-founder of a food innovation company called Recipe For Tmrw. We explore how at times like these, simply having a great product is not enough if your operational strategies are weak, and customers can’t access or engage. We also talk about the future of supply chains, and the pitfalls of Just in Time (JIT) manufacturing during a global pandemic. This week we interviewed Martin Williams, Co-founder of a food innovation company called Recipe For Tmrw. We explore how at times like these, simply having a great product is not enough if your operational strategies are weak, and customers can’t access or engage. We also talk about the future of supply chains, and the pitfalls of Just in Time (JIT) manufacturing during a global pandemic. management consulting, strategy, entrepreneurship, marketing, design thinking, covid-19, business consulting true full 5 f61e3767-9468-4969-9840-17f0dfdc7891 Mark Garner Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:43:03 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Mark Garner) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/mark-garner-KJ_8jfCt Mark Garner Mark Garner 00:37:18 This week we interviewed Mark Garner, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director at Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area (DYBIA). Great conversation about how social distancing is reshaping the way we think about conventional retail and how organizations like BIA's are going to need to evolve and support businesses of the future. This week we interviewed Mark Garner, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director at Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area (DYBIA). Great conversation about how social distancing is reshaping the way we think about conventional retail and how organizations like BIA's are going to need to evolve and support businesses of the future. entrepreneurship, design, design thinking, covid-19, business false full 4 faa264cb-d76e-4a5e-b8d0-7640d090e6b6 Steve Pons and Jen Roney Wed, 22 Apr 2020 21:45:09 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Steve Pons, Jen Roney) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/steve-pons-and-jen-roney-aAI37WHy Steve Pons and Jen Roney Steve Pons, Jen Roney 00:36:24 This week we interviewed Steve Pons, Managing Director and Jen Roney, Senior Manager Brand and Creative Strategy at Staples Promotional Products. We touched on consumer behaviour, demand vacuums, and the shifting demand of skills required to manage remote teams. This week we interviewed Steve Pons, Managing Director and Jen Roney, Senior Manager Brand and Creative Strategy at Staples Promotional Products. We touched on consumer behaviour, demand vacuums, and the shifting demand of skills required to manage remote teams. management, consulting, design, covid-19, business, staples false full 3 b30bfc11-d00f-48eb-8499-5febeb294a2b Paul Lockhard Tue, 14 Apr 2020 17:49:54 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Paul Lockhard) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/paul-lockhard-ZcH4nOpI Paul Lockhard Paul Lockhard 00:32:11 Paul Lockhard, President and CEO of Colour a creative digital agency, talks to us about how the effects of COVID-19 are pushing organizations to get more creative and innovative. We also discuss an interesting framework he developed for organizations to view some of their challenges and strategies. Paul Lockhard, President and CEO of Colour a creative digital agency, talks to us about how the effects of COVID-19 are pushing organizations to get more creative and innovative. We also discuss an interesting framework he developed for organizations to view some of their challenges and strategies. consulting, marketing, design, covid-19, business false full 2 b3247298-56ab-4da8-9653-9268b5f2899d Gregory Dixon Mon, 6 Apr 2020 16:08:01 +0000 collaborate@designtennis.com (Greg Dixon) https://survive-and-thrive.simplecast.com/episodes/gregory-dixon-xZae5jhI Gregory Dixon Greg Dixon 00:31:49 What happens when the industry that your 15-year-old company operates in disappears overnight? Greg Dixon is leading Sentient HR through an unprecedented time brought on by COVID-19. For more about who Tennis is and transcripts of individual talks please visit designtennis.com. What happens when the industry that your 15-year-old company operates in disappears overnight? Greg Dixon is leading Sentient HR through an unprecedented time brought on by COVID-19. For more about who Tennis is and transcripts of individual talks please visit designtennis.com. false full 1