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What happens when two brilliant minds decide to redesign not just their careers, but how we collaborate, lead, and connect?
Let's find out!
During this episode of Trailblazing for Success, we sat down with Cary Lopez and Anca Castillo, co-founders of Design Convo and LoomMas, to uncover the secrets behind human-centered design, building bespoke teams, and navigating entrepreneurship with empathy and trust.
From practical team exercises to the power of living your values, they dropped gems that anyone in leadership can use today. Let’s unpack their journey and insights, highlighting the lessons that can inspire us all.
1. Teamwork: The Art, Science, and Magic
Teamwork isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a skill set we’re rarely taught and are expected to excel in from day one in the workplace. Cary summed it up perfectly: “We’re shoved into the business world where 90% of our work relies on collaboration, and no one teaches us how to do it well.”
Design Convo’s human-centered design approach resonates deeply with our focus on helping teams thrive in uncertainty. When you start with the people rather than the processes, you unlock new levels of trust, creativity, and adaptability. Their approach is a perfect blend of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and relational skills that transform disconnected teams into cohesive powerhouses. Collaboration flourishes when people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Leader Tip: Start your next meeting with a “Collaboration Pulse Check.” Ask everyone to share how they’re feeling about their workload and the team’s dynamic. It’s a quick, informal way to surface challenges and create alignment before diving into tasks.
Make It Fun: Hold a “team talent show” where everyone showcases a hidden skill or hobby. It’s not only a bonding experience, it’s also a way to see each other’s strengths in a new light. You may even discover talents that add to your team's capabilities.
2. The Power of Self-Awareness and Sharing
The Guide to Me exercise was a standout example of turning self-awareness into collaboration gold. Cary and Anca explained how this simple activity - mapping out work styles and preferences - can dissolve assumptions and build trust. Imagine knowing upfront that someone needs time to process while another thrives in brainstorming sessions. It changes the game!
When teams invest in understanding how individuals work best, they open the door to deeper collaboration. This isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about empathy. Recognizing that different working styles are assets, not obstacles, shifts team dynamics. Transparency creates clarity, and clarity fosters trust, which leads to results that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
Leader Tip: Schedule a “Self-Awareness Sprint” with your team. Have everyone answer questions like “What’s one thing I need to thrive at work?” and “What’s one thing I struggle with?” Share responses in a safe space to create clarity and compassion.
Make It Fun: Play “Collaboration Bingo.” Create a bingo card with traits like “external processor,” “introvert,” or “prefers written over verbal communication.” Team members fill in their squares and share as a way to identify patterns and spark conversations about their work styles.
3. Building a Business (and Life) You Love
One of the most inspiring parts of the conversation was Cary and Anca’s commitment to designing not just a business, but a life aligned with their values. From launching LoomMas (a fabulous marketplace for finding just the RIGHT boutique consultant), to their co-leadership approach, they’ve shown what’s possible when you live your values and prioritize well-being.
This mindset isn’t just for entrepreneurs. Leaders and teams benefit when they intentionally design their work lives. Whether it’s creating boundaries, embracing flexibility, or carving out space for creativity, alignment between personal values and professional goals leads to fulfillment and success. Cary and Anca are proof that when you focus on what matters most, you’re more innovative and resilient, no matter the challenges you face.
Leader Tip: Create a “Values Alignment Map.” Identify your team’s core values and compare them to your company’s goals. Highlight where they align and brainstorm how to better integrate personal values into daily work.
Make It Fun: Host a “Dream Big” workshop where team members sketch out their ideal workday and life goals. Share them with the team to uncover synergies and opportunities to support each other’s visions. Add snacks and music for a laid-back vibe!
Closing Thoughts: Cary Lopez and Anca Castillo left us with a wealth of insights, humor, and inspiration on this episode of Trailblazing for Success. Their stories are a powerful reminder that when we prioritize people, ourselves and our teams, business becomes a space for connection, creativity, and growth. (Plus, they're just really cool!)
Ready to transform your team or organization? Take a page from Cary and Anca’s playbook and start with small, meaningful steps like sharing your work styles, aligning values, and making space for joy.
DesignConvo is focused on the art of collaboration, the core of strategic planning, and the hope and fun generated by people working together effectively for a common goal.
"Why had we mastered the design of everything around us, but stumbled when it came to meaningful collaboration? Merging our expertise in process improvement, design thinking, human centered design, and facilitation, we embarked on a mission to reshape how organization and leaders collaborate. Our aim was clear: we need to design conversations that matter, facilitating breakthroughs rather than breakdowns.
After relentless prototyping, rigorous testing, and feedback from hundreds of users, our revolutionary CONVO framework emerged. It wasn’t just a tool; it was a beacon for leaders navigating the stormy seas of diverse opinions and intricate challenges. That magic extended beyond collaborative conversations. It began to change entire organizations. By nurturing vulnerability, establishing trust, and igniting innovative thinking, leaders were not just speaking; they were truly connecting.
And so, from a moment of collective frustration, DesignConvo was born - transforming not just conversations, but the very essence of leadership and strategy in our ever-evolving world."
LoomMas connects organizations that need support with the experts who can provide it. Check them out!
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