Let's Talk About Influence

Named “one of the most creative people in business” by Fast Company, and “one of the most influential designers working today” by Graphic Design USA, Debbie Millman is also an author, educator, curator and host of the podcast Design Matters. As the founder and host of Design Matters, one of the world’s first and longest running podcasts, Millman has interviewed over 400 artists, designers and cultural commentators, including Marina Abramovic, Steven Pinker, Milton Glaser, Malcolm Gladwell, Shepard Fairey, Barbara Kruger, Amanda Palmer, Alain de Botton and many more. In the 13 years since its inception, the show has garnered over a five-million-downloads per year, a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award and iTunes has designated it one of the best overall podcasts. Debbie is the author of six books, including two collections of interviews that have extended the ethos and editorial vision of Design Matters to the printed page: How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer and Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits. Both books have been published in over 10 languages.

Jakob is a designer and creative director with a passion for sustainability. He worked for the creative studio R/Greenberg Associates in New York before founding his own design agency, Trollbäck + Company. The Emmy-awarded company specializes in motion graphics for TV, film and advertising. In the fall of 2014, Jakob created the communication system for the 17 UN Global Goals, which today has become a universal language for sustainability. In 2017, Jakob founded The New Division, a Stockholm based strategic communication agency that focuses solely on sustainability. Today, Jakob and his team continue to work for a better world.

As a globally recognized design leader, Stephanie has extensive expertise in the strategic translation of brands into new products, services and experiences. Sought out for her ability to establish brand visions for the future, she has advised and collaborated with audiences ranging from the most recognized brands to brand new startups, and from venture capitalists to non-profit organizations. Stephanie has mentored multi-disciplinary design teams encompassing strategy, product development, interaction design and communication, and as creative director on projects across sectors such as healthcare, wellness, mobility, beauty, sports and food & beverage. Over the years, Stephanie’s work has been featured in over 50 publications, and received accolades by The One Show, the UX Awards, BIMA, Cannes Lions and the AIGA. She is a leading advocate for gender inclusivity and social impact. Most recently, Stephanie joined as Design Advisor on the Board of Simprints, a non-for-profit tech company looking to close the identification gap of over 1 billion people in regions marked by poverty.

Mustaali is an independent art director and graphic designer whose focus lies at the intersection of interdisciplinary concept development and visual communication. As an engineer turned designer, Mustaali's creative process is a cohesive blend between left and right brain thinking. He is a circle, living in a square, drawing triangles. Being both a third culture kid and an avid traveller, his sense of belonging extends well beyond geographic boundaries. This multi-faceted sense of belonging and experiences play an important role in exploring intersection of identities. His work focuses on projecting a more inclusive and holistic view of Canada’s varied framework through client projects, personal initiatives and community activations. Along with celebrating and advocating for diversity in the creative sector, Mustaali’s approach centers around community building, elevating creativity and designing for social good. Mustaali has worked alongside several agencies such as Rethink, 123w, Cossette, RallyRally (and more) with work spanning across a wide array of industries. His projects have been internationally recognized by numerous publications, media outlets and award shows, most recently as a finalist for the RGD ULTRABOLD Awards.