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The Mindset that Makes You Better at Everything - with Wayne Li

December 9, 2025 · 45 min

Show notes

Design thinking isn’t just for designers, it’s something we all practice, often without realizing it. As Wayne puts it, “Everyone is a designer… because everyone has to create something for someone.”

In this conversation, Wayne Li — professor, product designer, and global design-thinker — breaks down how design thinking can transform the way we move through the world. It makes you more curious, empathetic, and observant — qualities that strengthen problem-solving in any field. He also talks about concepts in his book, Design Empathy and Contextual Awareness, which is available in the ⁠UK⁠, ⁠US⁠ and other ebook platforms. Listeners in the UK, you can get a 30% DISCOUNT using the code MINDBLEND30 on the UK site.

If you’ve ever wondered how to think more creatively, understand people better, or design a richer life, this episode is full of generous wisdom (and surprisingly helpful omelet analogies).


About Wayne Li

Wayne is a global designer, educator, and professor, known for blending engineering, art, and human-centered design into a powerful approach to solving real-world problems. He has designed products and experiences for major brands across industries, and now teaches students and professionals how to think more creatively and empathetically. Wayne is also the author of Design Empathy and Contextual Awareness: Frames of Reference for the 21st Century Creative, a book that helps readers understand how awareness, curiosity, and intentionality shape every experience we create in work and in life. The book is available in the UK, US and other ebook platforms. Listeners in the UK, you can get a 30% DISCOUNT using the code MINDBLEND30 on the ⁠UK⁠ site.

You can also connect with Wayne on LinkedIn, and wlidesign.com.


Music YouTube license code: Music Tango de la terrasse EBXILZBYWOLEH1ET


Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations—through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.

What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going, connect on LinkedIn @⁠Mind-Blend⁠ or mindblendpodcast [@] gmail.com.

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