We often talk about failure as the opposite of success when it’s actually a vital ingredient in our personal and professional development. Unfortunately, many of us view failure as something to be ashamed of. But we can change that and cut ourselves some slack, reframing our perceived shortcomings as empowering catalysts.

Join us Wednesday, August 21, to hear personal stories of times our speakers have taken the leap, fallen short, and gotten back on their feet again. Learning how to turn mistakes big and small into assets, you’ll leave inspired and ready to share stories of your own. There will be free snacks, drinks, and networking in between speakers to get to know your design community.

Special thanks to Marcos Cuellar, Lois Snavely, Melody Pohla, and Yash Rastogi for planning this event, to Flatiron School for hosting this event, and to The Creative Group for sponsoring this event.

Speakers

Becky Rother, Product Designer, Adler Planetarium

Becky Rother is the lead designer at Zooniverse, the world's largest citizen science platform, based in the Adler Planetarium in Chicago and the University of Oxford in the U.K. In this role, she helps scientists and researchers from all over the world connect with a volunteer network of over 1.7 million citizen scientists to process datasets and learn more about the universe through projects in topics ranging from astronomy to zoology. Prior to joining Zooniverse, she has had experience at a variety of product and UI design roles from small shops to big agencies. In her spare time, she moderates a monthly “tech-adjacent” lecture series, co-hosts a monthly meetup for designers and developers around Chicago, and mentors design students at a local design bootcamp.

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Mark King, Partner, Lift Collective

When he was young, Mark’s mother used to tell him that he should change things rather than complain about them. Believing that so much of the world could be better, he decided to make it into his career. After completing his masters degree at the Institute of Design in Chicago, Mark has led user-centered design research and strategy projects with dozens of companies who all have one thing in common: the desire to understand their current and potential users’ unmet needs to create desirable, feasible, profitable, and sustainable solutions. He has helped large companies (ex., Dexcom, Nike, and Levy Restaurants), small companies (ex., Inventables, Jugl, and Entertainment Cruises) and non-profits (ex., Francis Parker School, Nutrient Rich Foods Coalition, and Infiniteach). He also started a product design company with his daughter.

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Kenny Friedman, Senior Creative Director, Upshot

Kenny Friedman is a Creative Director and failure enthusiast who is powered by coffee and the fear of boredom.

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Sharlene King, Senior Designer, Morningstar

Sharlene King is a UX designer focusing on accessibility and behavior. During business hours, she works at Morningstar Inc, building software that helps investors improve their financial health. In the past, she's worked at major agencies and small boutiques for clients, including global pharmaceuticals or independent artists. In the after-hours and weekends, she corrupts the youth by teaching design through the Adler Planetarium and Chicago Public Schools and other programs promoting equity in education. She also enjoys a good kitten rescue. She prefers food to booze and will ask before taking the last slice of pizza.