#047 Maris Garcia

In this episode, I sit down with Maris Garcia, a seasoned professional in the world of human-centered design. Maris shares her journey from studying architecture and psychology in college to working at Gravity Tank, a leading innovation consulting firm. She discusses the importance of empathy in her work and how she uses a combination of research, strategy, and design to create new things that can range from the next camcorder for Samsung to Illinois's response to mass shootings. Maris also opens up about her personal life, including her upbringing with a designer mother and a service-oriented father, and how that has influenced her approach to her work and parenting. She shares her passion for making things better for people and the challenges she faces as a working parent. Towards the end of the conversation, Maris expresses her need for optimism and strategies to navigate difficult conversations and situations, particularly in the context of the recent conflict in Israel and Gaza. This episode is a deep dive into the world of human-centered design and a testament to the power of empathy and intentionality in creating meaningful change. Show Links Maris Garcia Homepage - https://marisgarcia.com/ Maris' LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisgarcia/ Maris Life Templates - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16lqMtQUVW2YjIJpnr2cRreGtBZ0pjt6pwE6gl__5FYM/edit#gid=514170746 Roca Website - rocainc.org:Marc's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcdhans/