The Creative Confidence Podcast has been going strong for nearly a decade, with more than 120 leaders sharing their advice, tips, and stories with the IDEO U community. Longtime podcast listeners might recognize the voices of IDEO U Founder Suzanne Gibbs Howard and Design Director Coe Leta Stafford, our original hosts who masterfully surfaced insights and lessons from our expert guests. Now, we’re excited to introduce you to the new voice of the Creative Confidence Podcast – IDEO’s Head of New Ventures, Mina Seetharaman.

In a special episode of the Creative Confidence Podcast, IDEO CEO Derek Robson sat down with Mina to learn more about her journey to creative confidence – what it means to her, lessons she’s learned, and advice she has for leaders. Plus, some very important facts, like her animal alter ego.

Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more about Mina, and join us in welcoming her to the program.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

From journalism to innovation: Mina’s career journey 

As the Head of New Ventures at IDEO, Mina leads strategy for IDEO’s learning and media initiatives, including IDEO U. In this role, she is focused on finding new, customer-focused, tech-supported ways to deliver IDEO’s long-standing value proposition to our clients. Her specialty is helping iconic brands undergo major transformations and become competitive market leaders.

She has led strategy and operations at respected media and content companies, including The New York Times, Gartner, The Economist, and OgilvyOne. She is experienced in launching new product offers, developing and leading teams, and driving cultural and operational change. She holds a degree in Journalism from New York University, speaks six languages, and is an amateur abstract expressionist painter.

Connect with Mina on LinkedIn.

Mina’s Mindset: Lessons on courage, risk, and self-belief

Creative confidence is a muscle, not a trait

Mina challenges the notion that creativity is reserved for a select few. Instead, she sees it as something we all possess and can develop.

“Creative confidence is your belief in your ability to flex that muscle—to drive an outcome or make a change.”

Growth comes from stretch roles

One of Mina’s boldest career moves was stepping into roles that no one else had done before. Her mindset? “What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Maybe I don't succeed. But nobody else has succeeded either. I saw an opportunity for me to grow and learn.”

Leadership is about helping others succeed

At The Economist, Mina had to pivot from leading junior teams to managing experts. It forced her out of her comfort zone and led her to define her human-centered leadership style. This powerful question helped her get there:

“What value can I bring as a leader that helps experts thrive in their expertise?”

Make space for risk-taking

Mina sees value in creating safe spaces for risk-taking, especially when teams are going through change.

“You take the risk, I’ll take the blame. If I believe in the direction, then part of my job is to shield you.”

Observe others to spark your creativity

Mina’s favorite way to learn is by watching how others solve problems.

“It often helps me to view things I wouldn’t have seen on my own. Observing others gives me a fresh perspective.”

Let regret be your motivator

When faced with hard decisions or new challenges, Mina taps into a powerful question: Will I regret not trying?

“Often the answer is yes. And that to me is much worse than getting something wrong. That thought pushes me into the space where I’m willing to be a little uncomfortable to discover my own confidence.”

Fall in love with the problem

One of the reasons Mina was drawn to IDEO is our deep-rooted optimism and the idea that you can improve anything if you’re curious and persistent.

“There’s an optimism in identifying a problem and believing you can make it better. People here fall in love with the problem and listen to understand.”

Believe in yourself the way you believe in others

Mina shared that she often finds it easier to recognize potential in others than in herself. Her advice to her younger self? Show yourself the same belief and grace you show to those around you.

“I’m so quick to see the value in what other people bring to the table and so quick to question what I might be able to do. I’d tell my younger self to believe in myself the way I believe in others.”

Don’t miss what’s coming: AI, storytelling, and creative leadership 

Mina is excited to shift into the interviewer’s seat and dive into topics that matter most to creative leaders—like AI, navigating uncertainty, storytelling, and more. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Creative Confidence Podcast to hear about upcoming episodes first. And sign up for IDEO U emails to get invites to our live podcast events.