The Design Management Institute (DMI) is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to heighten awareness of design as an essential part of business strategy. Founded in 1975, DMI has become the leading resource and international authority on design management. DMI has earned a reputation worldwide as a multifaceted resource, providing invaluable know-how, tools and training through its conferences, seminars, membership program, and publications.

More recently the DMI Web Conversations have been introduced, with DMI President Michael Westcott meeting online with innovation leaders from around the world to discuss important issues where design, business, and education meet. On July 31st, with Heather Fraser (DesignWorks, Rotman Business School, Toronto, Canada) as first guest, the theme of Designing Business & Education was addressed, given the volatile business environment the world faces.

Beyond the challenges of developing a culture of creativity by uncovering obstacles and opportunities for the future of design in business and education, what thrilled me the most was the relevance given by Heather Fraser to the emotional mindset intrinsic to the design mindset. In order to integrate and balance the nature of business with the methods and mindsets of design, you will undoubtedly need a set of skills but you will definitely need human skills. Emotions. “They are emotions but they are also skills” she stated, regarding 3 key emotions: empathy, positivity and courage. I couldn’t agree more.

As Michael Westcott noted “business really is personal, after all”. ^_^