Anna Klatt

When it comes to product design, sometimes the smallest features can make the biggest difference. During one of the many enlightening conversations Ruthwick Pathireddy and I had at the PEAK Grantmaking conference last month, we heard two things loud and clear. 1. Foundations want to find ways to reduce burden on grantees 2. Grantees want to spend less time filling out forms and more time on their programs While a product cannot solve these challenges entirely, there are small things we can do as a grants management system to help. The AI feature we launched 6 months ago (https://lnkd.in/ePnVkJkg) is one way we try to help but today we added something else. Starting today, when a grantmaker builds a form in our platform, they will see an AI-enabled time estimate to provide visibility into how long it will take a grantee to complete their form (screenshot below). Thank you to Jonah Allibone for developing this so quickly and thank you to C. Davis Fischer for the great idea!

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When I look at the way we consider diversity in our design for living systems -- organizations, groups, and communities -- one thing that is often missed is neurodiversity. What's interesting is that designing with neurodiversity in mind has the benefit of building on our best design research already and has the spillover benefits of accounting for other types of diversity as well. The key is reminding ourselves that we can think, feel, perceive, and experience the world differently and that brings with it different capacities and constraints. Do this well and we do better for all of us by creating policies, practices, programs, and products that meet more of who we are as humans, not just some of us. This is my latest thinking about designing for differences and living systems and what might be the start of a few more pieces to come. #design #neurodiversity #organizations #evidence #evaluation https://lnkd.in/gzBneU2h

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I have 5 key components to building a business intentionally and purposefully: 🔹 Deep-seated Ownership 🔹 Clear and Enticing Vision I🔹 ntentional Community 🔹 Simple and Sustainable Systems 🔹 Aligned and Purposeful Action At my Design Your Biz on Purpose Retreat, we'll use these concepts to connect deeply, solve problems collaboratively, and discuss intentional leadership to achieve meaningful results! #TeamDevelopment #Coaching #WomeninBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #LeadershipDevelopment

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"It's all about design." Great book list and perspective on design from the great Valerie Casey. I'd add (in no particular order, but all highly influential on me) • Design for the Real World, Victor Papanek; • Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth, Buckminster Fuller (yeah, maybe too meta, but still); • Environmental Design Primer, Tom Bender; • Biomimcry, Janine Benyus; • Cradle to Cradle, Bill McDonough & Michael Braungart; • Design with Nature, Ian McHarg; • Designing Freedom, Stafford Beer. My feeling: the entire "sustainability" conversation is a conversation about design.

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Did I mention I am also certified in Design Thinking Methodology? While I search for my next role, I wanted to put this skill out there for anyone hiring for a leadership role that would utilize these skills! Read my recent article about being a Design Thinking facilitator: https://lnkd.in/gTzMYRWG #ExperienceDesign #ForHire #OpentoWork #DesignThinking #IdeationFacilitator #CreativeMarketing #ExecutivesandManagement

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Critical thinking skills were fully engaged at today's Twin Cities Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Roundtable. The current state of flux in DEI work is highlighted in this piece from HR Dive yesterday (https://lnkd.in/e4irGW-j) Regardless as to where you stand on the topic, as with many things in life, constantly reimagining what we do and how we do it can be good practice. Dr. Ramon Pastrano IV, D.Min., MATS, MSM led a great session in Human-Centered Design. Cassandra Gomez led a thoughtful and reflective conversation about mental health. Thanks to co-Chairs Philomena Morrissey Satre and Kevin Lindsey, and the entire TCDEIR team who put the work into making these gatherings happen. “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not turbulence itself, but to act with yesterday's logic” - Peter Drucker. #dei #inclusiveleadership #diveristyequityinclusion #curiousleadership #professionaldevelopment #learninganddevelopment #humanresources

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I really enjoyed talking with Gene Hammett about #FixingWork on the latest episode of the Growth Think Tank podcast. We talk about the root causes of today's engagement crisis, the benefits and challenges of designing intrinsically motivating work, and the steps every leader can take their organization to the next level. #WorkDesign #EmployeeEngagement #Scaling #transformation #operatingmodel

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If you get into the rut of approaching problems with the same thinking, yet expecting different outcomes, what can you do to disrupt your mindset? Get into nature. Check out this episode of Scaling Up Business to hear Jeff Karp’s ideas about drawing inspiration from nature's problem-solving mechanisms (and much more, of course). #BillGallagher #ScalingUpPodcast #ScalingUpBusinessPodcast #ScalingCoach #JeffKarp #Intentionality #Nature #Bioinspiration

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What's Age Got to Do With It? Wow! I was just on a webinar on design for #aging and one of the presenters apologized for having difficulty with tech by saying "I have never felt so old." No, no, no! This was followed by referring to the exponential growth of the #olderadult population as the Silver Tsunami. Again, no. It's shocking coming from someone who provides services for older adults. But they are not alone, unfortunately I've heard many ageist comments from respected colleagues, even proponents of #DEI. These stereotypes are part of the fabric of our society. It's common to use them, but with awareness it no longer has to be. Here are resources from the The National Center to Reframe Aging to help you and your colleagues become aware of #ageist language that reinforces negative stereotypes of #age and #aging that we have been socialized to use, and how to stop using them. No matter what your work is or the topic of your presentation, please explore and share and consider reminding people of this language before an event. https://lnkd.in/eRPhv-K7

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Want to hang out with me and Bruce McCarthy in Mountain View, CA on Thursday 7/18? #Productmanagement is as much about working with the people in your company as it is about solving customer problems. Come learn some #stakeholdermanagement secrets and commiserate with your fellow product managers in an interactive Q&A session. Plus you could win a free book! Check out the details below.

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20 marvelous and curious people are participating in our Inner Confidence workshop at the Center for Deep Self Design on October 28. Perhaps you should come, too. FYI, we are not teaching self-promotion, or swagger, or how to better bang one's proverbial balls on a table. We are teaching confidence that abides. It is infinitely more interesting, and more useful. Join us. https://lnkd.in/gahTJN9z

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Systems thinking is a key theme of Why Design Is Hard and some of my other books. Thinking in feedback loops is so important if you are trying to change something. I love Dontella Meadows' rankings for how to try and influence something, based on systems thinking. PLACES TO INTERVENE IN A SYSTEM (in increasing order of effectiveness) 9. Constants, parameters, numbers 8. Regulating negative feedback loops 7. Driving positive feedback loops 6. Nodes of intersection 5. Information flows 4. The rules of the system (incentives, punishments) 3. The distribution of power 2. The goals of the system 1. The mindset or paradigm of the system #designishard #systemsthinking

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Why Every Company Needs a Futurist in Residence The future is closer than we think—and it’s not something to fear but to shape. My incredible IDEO colleague, Jennifer Lo, shares a thought-provoking perspective on why every organization should consider having a Futurist in Residence. Here’s the core idea: businesses that thrive don’t just react to change—they anticipate it. A Futurist in Residence helps leaders look beyond immediate challenges, uncover hidden opportunities, and build resilience in an ever-shifting world. Jennifer’s article unpacks how this role can: • Illuminate emerging trends before they become mainstream. • Expand organizational thinking from short-term wins to bold, long-term vision. • Equip teams to navigate uncertainty with confidence and creativity. The future isn’t just out there—it’s something we can actively create. Jennifer’s insights are a must-read for anyone ready to think bigger, plan smarter, and lead with purpose. Read her full article here: https://lnkd.in/dy4p65Mn What’s your take? Does your organization have the mindset and tools to create the future? Let’s explore together. 👇

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🔹🔷 Day 3: Bringing Spirituality Into Leadership 🔹🔷 For my third conversation, I spoke with Annette Mason, a Global Leadership Guide and Sabbaticalist. She helps leaders create intentional sabbaticals. As we spoke, she shared an idea that really resonated with me: the integration of spirituality into business conversations. For Annette, leadership goes beyond metrics and strategy; it’s about helping leaders connect to their deeper values and purpose. Annette shared how designing intentional sabbaticals allows leaders to step back and renew themselves personally and professionally. She believes that leadership isn’t just about hitting goals or driving performance—it’s about aligning work with what truly matters. By introducing spirituality into these conversations, she helps leaders explore their deeper values and create a more holistic leadership style—one that blends professional growth with personal fulfillment. Annette’s approach left me thinking about how spirituality and purpose can create more grounded, meaningful leadership. 💡 Takeaway: Intentional sabbaticals that focus on mind, body, and spirit are powerful tools for leadership. 💬 Have you ever introduced deeper conversations, like spirituality, into your business or leadership role? #Leadership #SpiritualityInBusiness #HolisticLeadership #LeadershipGrowth #PurposeDriven #Renewal #90NetworkingConversations https://lnkd.in/eDCzUAr6

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Navigating Election Uncertainty with Design Thinking: Part 3 In this series, we’ve been working through how design thinking can help us navigate the election season with a bit more clarity and compassion. So far, we’ve covered Empathy (understanding how people might feel), Define (nailing down the core challenges), and Ideate (brainstorming creative solutions). Now we’re onto Prototype and Test—where we try things out and learn what works, all while staying open to adapting along the way. 🛠 Prototype: Start Small, Learn Fast Once you have a few ideas, start with small experiments to see what sticks. You might: *Pilot a Post-Election Check-In: Set up a quick check-in for your team to see how they’re feeling. Do people need extra support? Is this approach helpful? *Try Out Different Public Statements: Draft a couple of variations for any post-election statement, then get feedback. Does the tone resonate with people across your organization? *Organize a Drop-In Support Session: Offer a one-time drop-in space where team members can process the election results together. This can be virtual or in-person and gives people an opportunity to share thoughts and connect in a structured, supportive environment. 🧪 Test: Gather Feedback and Iterate Testing is about collecting real-time feedback to refine your approach. After implementing a pilot, follow up with team members to see what worked and what didn’t. Were their needs met? Did the solutions feel inclusive and supportive? Testing lets you learn quickly and adjust without committing to a full rollout. It’s about finding what works before going all-in. 🔄 Implement and Adapt: Be Ready to Pivot After testing, put your plan in place but keep listening and adapting. The weeks after an election can bring unexpected challenges, so flexibility will be essential. If something’s not working, go back to Empathy and listen to what your team needs most. Remember, It’s All Iterative Design thinking isn’t about getting it right the first time—it’s about continuous learning. Empathy, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test are all steps in a cycle. Each time you loop through, you’re refining your approach based on what you’ve learned. Thanks for following along in this series! I’d love to hear how you’re applying these ideas—what’s working well, and what new insights have come up for you? Here are some other great resources I really like https://lnkd.in/gUyGgXWt and SHRM has some great resources as well https://lnkd.in/gR23_fUC 

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🤔 Do you know that "mattering" can be divided into explicit and implicit forms? 💼 Implicit mattering includes essentials like salaries and benefits at work or providing food and care in families. 🌟 Explicit mattering involves bonuses, promotions, or spontaneous gifts that show extra appreciation. 💪 Balancing both forms is key to fostering trust and productivity in any relationship. Check this post for more on Explicit and Implicit Mattering. https://lnkd.in/gCwZFKsY How do you express explicit and implicit mattering ? I welcome you to share ideas and experiences. #YourWorkLifeSynergy #Matttering #Productivity #InclusiveLeadership

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Watching this video made me LOL 😂, but the way philanthropy funds purpose-driven organizations 🥜 is no laughing matter 🤬 For the last 6 years, our collaborative design studio Idea2Form (I2F) has been addressing the design and marketing needs of under-resourced nonprofits, many of whom are trying to solve some of the world's biggest challenges. The reality is very few nonprofits (especially BIPOC-led) have the resources they need to invest in things like design and marketing. I ask you...in today’s rapidly changing world of technology and digital content, what kind of business can thrive without a marketing budget or strong online presence? The answer is very few. How do nonprofits build public awareness and inspire support for their causes if foundations don't consider marketing a mission-critical expense? Furthermore, how can we expect nonprofits to use unrestricted grant dollars to pay for marketing when many are struggling to cover staff salaries and basic operating expenses? This is part of the reason I decided to join the board of the Grunin Foundation, so I can influence how family foundations support under-resourced nonprofits in more dignified ways and push back on harmful practices that disparage those on the frontlines of change. Philanthropy can and must do better!!! #democratizingdesign #design4socialimpact #idea2form What is Pizza Shops Where Funding Like Nonprofits... Ad by the Human Service Council of NY:

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Aha! For those of you in the association or nonprofit space, I wrote an article on how to repurpose your current offerings into new value for your members: "Ten Product Ideas: A Guide to New and Diversified Revenue for Associations" https://lnkd.in/gPzFE-qE In it, offer a framework for reaching new members through product spinoffs. Take a look! #associations #nonprofits #assnchat #associationmanagement

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