Ampli Podcast
Ampli Podcast
Ampli
We curate the coolest tech jobs and the hottest events in Berlin and deliver them to your inbox. Whether you’re a Berliner or planning to make it your new home, our newsletter can help you find your next opportunity! ampli.substack.com
"Just Make Things"
In this insightful conversation with Asis from Glazed, we explore what it takes to build a startup from scratch, how to stay grounded during unpredictable growth, and the role of personal projects, mindset, and endurance in making your own opportunities.What You’ll Learn:* The unexpected power of “just starting” and building small things* Why vibe coding is exciting but still early* How Asis and his co-founder balance ambition with mental health* Glazed’s mission to become the go-to analytics tool for designers* What finding product-market fit feels like behind the scenesKey Takeaways:* Prototypes > Promises: Talking isn’t testing — you learn by doing.* Start scrappy: Asis didn’t “found a company” until he realized he’d already done so many things that resembled one.* Mental stamina matters: Treat startups like an endurance sport.* Vibe coding is great for prototyping, but not ready for prime-time scale.* Glazed is on a mission: To make data accessible and intuitive — not just for analysts, but for the designers shaping user experience.You can follow Asis here, and here and here! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com
May 21, 2025
19 min
Rethinking Design Careers: Beyond the Portfolio and Into the Real World
Topic:The evolving role of designers in today's workforce, why traditional career advice falls short, and how to unlock growth through systems thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and entrepreneurial curiosity.What You’ll Learn:* Why design portfolios and perfect CVs aren’t enough—and what really matters to employers.* How thinking systemically can help you build a sustainable and fulfilling career in design.* Where to look for inspiration and clients outside the design world.* Alternative paths to traditional employment—like collectives, agencies, and building your own product.* The importance of failure, curiosity, and learning from business to grow as a creative.Key Takeaways:* Mindset matters more than aesthetics—your ability to ask good questions, communicate clearly, and collaborate is key.* Be curious about other systems—understand how politics, business, and institutions work to design with real-world impact.* Go where the clients are—attend industry-specific events, not just design conferences.* Explore new models—not everyone needs to freelance or take a job; you can build products or join/start collectives.* Failure is part of the journey—you’ll learn more from building (and failing) than from staying in the comfort zone.……Berlin Design E.V | Website Berlin Design E.V Linkedin | Berlin Design Networkand you can follow Nick here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com
May 7, 2025
23 min
On embracing Ai , and leading with passion | Behrad Mirafshar (Bonanza Studios | UX for Ai Podcast)
What You'll Learn:* The growing importance of AI in design and development.* The shift in roles from traditional designers to "makers" using AI tools.* Insights into AI tools like ChatGPT, Framer, and Webflow.* The process of adopting AI in design workflows.* The philosophy of working with AI, balancing passion and patience.Key Takeaways:* Adopting AI as a Designer:* AI tools are rapidly evolving and will likely play a central role in design workflows.* AI is not just for augmenting existing skills but can be used to reimagine the role of a designer.* From Designer to Maker:* Designers should view themselves as "makers," not just as users of tools.* Passion is essential for turning ideas into tangible products.* Choosing the Right Tools:* It’s still unclear which tools will dominate, but platforms like ChatGPT 4.5, Framer, and Webflow show promise.* Personal preference for tools depends on the desire to avoid manual coding and focus on getting projects live.* Patience in the Process:* The journey with AI in design is a process of trial and error—be willing to start over if things go wrong.* Embrace the learning curve and approach it as an investment in your future work.* Commit to Ideas and Avoid the Pressure of Commercialization:* Don't worry about creating "unicorns" or overly commercial projects.* Focus on building something you’re passionate about, even if it’s small (e.g., a journal app that you want to use).* Ground Zero for Everyone:* The field is still new, and everyone is figuring it out together.* Failure and mistakes are part of the learning process, and passion will drive you to continue when setbacks occur.………….You can find Behrad Mirafshar at Linkedin | UX for AI Podcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com
Apr 9, 2025
27 min
On Community building , and more | Damian Martone (Hatch Conference + Leadership Ateliers | Community Organizer & Host at Berlin Product Designers Meetup)
TopicBuilding and Growing a Design CommunityWhat You'll Learn* How to start and sustain a successful design meetup.* The role of consistency in fostering a strong community.* Balancing community building with personal and professional commitments.* Lessons from running Berlin Product Designers Meetup and Hatch Conference.Key Takeaways* Consistency is key: Regularly showing up and hosting events fosters a strong sense of community.* Start small and be persistent: Early challenges include finding venues, funding events, and gaining sponsorships.* Build a reliable team: Having a dedicated team ensures sustainability and allows for flexibility.* Adaptability matters: Unexpected disruptions (e.g., speaker cancellations, strikes) require quick problem-solving.* Community-driven growth: Engaging attendees and leveraging their network helps expand resources and partnerships.…………..Follow Damian at LinkedinGet tickets to Hatch Conference hereFollow Berlin Product Designers Meetup to be updated of their meet-upsHave a cool idea and want to speak at BPD? Sign up here!Want to host a BPD, here’s all you need to know! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com
Apr 2, 2025
19 min
Re-inventing the approach to finding a job , and more | Mathieu Ritter (Founder - Undiscovered)
We spoke to Mathieu Ritter - Talent Acquisition Expert (Founder of Undiscovered) about navigating the Design Job Market, and all the Strategies that could help you land your next role. Topics :* Introduction to Undiscovered and its unique approach * Navigating the brutal job market * Strategies for job seekers * Standing out as a designer * Breaking into the industry as a junior designer * The evolving role of designers * Future hiring trends and skills needed* Final thoughts and advice for candidatesWhat You'll Learn: * Practical techniques for finding hidden job opportunities* How to properly utilize LinkedIn without falling into common traps* The importance of networking and building relationships in the industry* Specific portfolio strategies that get attention from hiring managers* Ways to break into the industry as a junior designer* How the design industry has evolved and what skills are increasingly valuedKey Takeaways:* Success in job hunting requires looking beyond just applying on LinkedIn* Personal branding and authentic presentation are crucial for standing out* Companies value designers who understand business context and can communicate well* Product companies and agencies offer different career paths with distinct advantages* Junior designers face challenges but can succeed with the right approach to mentorship and learning* Technical knowledge (coding, API integration) is increasingly valuable for designers* Authenticity is the "magic wand" that helps candidates stand out in interviews* Networking strategies should focus on building genuine relationships rather than transactional connections………….You can find Mathieu Ritter at: LinkedIn | Undiscovered | ADPlist This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com
Mar 19, 2025
27 min
Chat with Lena Kul
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com
Feb 27, 2025
19 min