As a Peer Innovation Coach and student-initiated course instructor, Clark helped peers unlock the power of design thinking across disciplines. From teaching user experience and biomimicry to embracing empathy and rapid iteration, his journey through The Academy cultivated a mindset rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Describing it as a "Magic Grow" spell, Clark credits the experience with sparking a passion for creative problem-solving that continues to shape his career and personal evolution.
If the Academy were a magic potion, it cast the 'Magic Grow' spell on me! It instilled a growth mindset that has profoundly shaped my life and career.
How were you involved with The Academy during your time as a student?
I was involved with the Academy as a Peer Innovation Coach and an instructor for Explorations in Design (IDEA258D), a student-initiated course hosted by the Academy. As an instructor, I guided students from diverse academic backgrounds through experiential learning that explored various facets of design and design thinking, including user experience design, graphic design, branding, and biomimicry. It was incredibly rewarding to witness students grow their confidence and apply design tools to their own lives and careers!
What tools or skills did you gain through your experience with The Academy that you’re using today?
The Academy was instrumental in teaching me the importance of empathy in the product design process, enabling me to create user-centric solutions that address real-world challenges. I also learned the value of rapid iteration—prioritizing quantity over quality during brainstorming sessions has often been the key to clearing a creative path forward. Additionally, the Academy emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving. Cross-functional collaboration leads to more innovative solutions and an effective product development process. I could mention many more skills and tools though-the list goes on and on!
If your experience with The Academy were a magic potion, what spell did it cast on you?
If the Academy were a magic potion, it cast the 'Magic Grow' spell on me! It instilled a growth mindset that has profoundly shaped my life and career. This mindset is evident in skills like embracing peer feedback, learning from failures, and channeling curiosity into innovation. The Academy fueled my passion for continuous learning and personal growth—a drive to always improve and explore new possibilities that I carry with me every day.