In this episode, Luke Des Cotes, leader of Metalab, joins Rebecca Kalogeris to share how his creative background and entrepreneurial mindset have helped transform groundbreaking ideas into successful, market-ready products.
Key Takeaways:
- Creativity Needs to Meet Execution – Great products require more than a concept; they demand rigorous research, design, engineering, and most importantly, delivery.
- Consultants Can Help – External perspectives can help large organizations escape internal blind spots and uncover bigger opportunities.
- Challenger Mindset – Product professionals should draw inspiration from outside their immediate categories to fuel breakthrough thinking.
- Discovery Culture – A willingness to experiment rapidly and pivot toward opportunity can accelerate innovation.
Guest Bio:
Luke Des Cotes is CEO of Metalab, the agency behind some of the most iconic products in tech. Metalab made its name designing for companies like Slack, Uber, and Instacart. The team continues to leave its mark across emerging startups and household names — from Suno, Midjourney, and Pika to Nike and The Atlantic. Luke is also GP at Metalab’s Venture Fund, helping early-stage start-ups become the next unicorn.
ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:
Since 1993, Pragmatic Institute has provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals. Our comprehensive methods and Pragmatic Framework equip professionals with the skills to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. We offer online, in-person, and on-demand courses taught by industry experts with decades of experience.
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