Experiencing a startup exit, creating your own table instead of getting a seat at the table, what it takes to sell a compelling vision w/ Mitchell Clements Design Manager @ nCino Ep 115 The Way of Product with Caden Damiano

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.




#ProductDesign

#StartupGrowth

#Leadership

#WayOfProduct

#Innovation




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





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