Experiencing a startup exit, creating your own table instead of getting a seat at the table, what it takes to sell a compelling vision w/ Mitchell Clements Design Manager @ nCino Ep 115

On #wayofproduct this week, we're joined by Mitch Clements, a seasoned product design manager whose career journey has taken him from a budding startup in a basement to a pivotal role in a billion-dollar unicorn. Mitch shares his transformative experiences and insights on leading design innovations and influencing company culture in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.Here's what we're diving into:⭐ Mitch's unique journey from a small basement startup, Simple Nexus, to its acquisition by nCino, valued at $1.2 billion.⭐ The critical role of design vision and strategy in propelling a company's growth and maturation.⭐ How continuous user-focused design and customer listening shaped Simple Nexus's success and acquisition appeal.⭐ The power of sharing and collaborating on design visions company-wide, creating a unified direction and excitement.⭐ Mitch's transition from hands-on design to empowering and leading a team of designers in a larger corporate environment.Subscribe and listen to The Way of Product on...🎧 Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pivot/id1442980948?mt=2&uo=4🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7dy9vYUPNj3dH9lKAVDheV🎧 Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81ODQxMTc0L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz🎧 Audible - https://podcasters.amazon.com/podcasts/9ed01fe7-2dbd-4eb6-a114-12ed367e371fHow to tune in for the new releases:📺 Watch the podcast clips - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrBZL31DoAT7vW2vbYkeXhw📲 Watch Episode Clips on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@caden.damiano?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc📲 Watch Episode Clips on X - https://twitter.com/Caden_Damiano📸 Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caden.damiano/Who is Mitch Clements?Mitch Clements is a dynamic leader in the world of product design, whose passion for creating impactful user experiences has driven his career from a hands-on designer to a strategic manager. Starting at Simple Nexus, a small basement startup, he played a significant role in the company's rapid growth and eventual acquisition by nCino. Mitch's approach goes beyond aesthetics; it's about deeply understanding user needs and crafting strategies that align with the company's vision. His journey is a testament to the power of design thinking and its role in transforming not just products but entire companies.For more of Mitch's inspiring story and insights into leading design in the tech industry, check out the episode and don't forget to subscribe to The Way of Product for more enlightening conversations.#ProductDesign#StartupGrowth#Leadership#WayOfProduct#InnovationConnect with Mitchell Clements https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-clements/00:00 The Journey of a Startup01:08 Acquisition by nCino01:28 Transition to a Manager Role02:03 The Importance of Design in Unconventional Industries03:56 The Challenges of Scaling a Startup05:31 The Role of Design in Streamlining the Home Ownership Journey06:45 Creating a Vision for the Future08:16 The Impact of Design on Acquisition09:01 The Importance of a High-Level Vision10:30 The Role of Design in Company Strategy12:36 The Power of Collaborative Vision23:59 The Transition from Designer to Manager29:15 Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com