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/tokyo/lineup/talks/harrison-wheeler/

How AI is Reshaping Design Leadership and Culture: Courage, Clarity, and Action in Times of Change

Let’s face it, the industry isn’t what it used to be. AI is changing everything, faster than we ever thought possible and the old ways that used to keep us afloat are quickly becoming dead weight. Our budgets are tighter, our timelines are shorter, and we no longer have the luxury of endless resources. So how do we keep ourselves and our teams on track and thriving when the world around us is in constant flux?

Recognizing the Shift - Learn why old ways of operating no longer work, and how focusing on real-world insights and limited resources can propel innovation.

Defining Clarity of Purpose - See how data-backed trends and research can shape your team’s direction, illustrated through real examples of purposeful pivots that drove meaningful outcomes in my own organization.

Taking Action for Transformative Change - Explore how proactive experimentation and “showing the thing to change the thing” can spark the inspiration teams need to fully engage with AI’s possibilities.

By the end of our time together, you’ll walk away with a clearer perspective on harnessing AI-driven shifts, practical ways to define and communicate your purpose with data, and the conviction to lead your team through disruption with courage, clarity, and heart. Let’s get ready to break old paradigms and embrace what’s next.

About Harrison

Harrison Wheeler is a seasoned product design leader who discovered his passion for technology at the age of 12. While studying Graphic Design at the University of Iowa and playing Division I football, he learned how discipline and leadership on the field translates to guiding creative teams.

Harrison has worked at companies large and small. He led a design team at Base CRM, eventually acquired by Zendesk and for nearly eight years, he’s lead design on the LinkedIn Marketing Solutions team that connects companies with over a billion members worldwide. 

In 2020, Harrison launched the “Technically Speaking” podcast to spotlight underrepresented voices in design, business, and technology and writes weekly thoughts on Leading Design in Imperfect Organizations.