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.

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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.

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Connect with Mitchell Clements https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-clements/

00:00 The Journey of a Startup

01:08 Acquisition by nCino

01:28 Transition to a Manager Role

02:03 The Importance of Design in Unconventional Industries

03:56 The Challenges of Scaling a Startup

05:31 The Role of Design in Streamlining the Home Ownership Journey

06:45 Creating a Vision for the Future

08:16 The Impact of Design on Acquisition

09:01 The Importance of a High-Level Vision

10:30 The Role of Design in Company Strategy

12:36 The Power of Collaborative Vision

23:59 The Transition from Designer to Manager

29:15 Conclusion