A Designer's Resilient Journey Crafting Growth, Impact, and Triumph in Business

“You never want to be in the Blockbuster situation where you thought you had a grip on the industry and you didn’t see around the corner for this major pitfall coming, or you’re not being innovative to make sure that you can avoid that pitfall no matter what.” - Fonz Morris

These words from Fonz Morris, Growth Design Lead at Netflix, perfectly encapsulate the mindset required to thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology and design. In a recent episode of the Technically Speaking podcast, he shared his insights and experiences, shedding light on his journey, his passion for growth design, and his commitment to making a lasting impact.

The Intersection of Business and Design

Fonz describes growth design as the intersection between business and design, where he focuses on the impact of design decisions on the business and vice versa. At Netflix, he and his team work on various projects to drive user acquisition, improve the sign-up process, increase conversion rates, and enhance customer retention. Their ultimate goal is to continue growing the platform's user base and provide value to millions of subscribers worldwide.

One project that stands out in his career is the password-sharing initiative at Netflix. This project had high stakes and required collaboration with executives and extensive user research. He and his team successfully implemented changes that impacted Netflix and influenced other streaming platforms to follow suit. This project validated his skills and capabilities, reinforcing his confidence as a world-class designer and leader.

Embracing Challenges and Trusting the Process

Challenges and setbacks have marked Fonz's journey, but he has always maintained a resilient and determined mindset. He recalls the disappointment of not getting hired at Google early in his career, but instead of letting it discourage him, he used it as motivation to prove himself. Years later, he had the opportunity to speak at Google's Equity and Inclusion Summit, which was a culmination of his growth and impact in the industry.

His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and trusting the process. He emphasizes the importance of patience and self-belief, urging others to invest in themselves and their growth. He encourages emerging creatives and professionals to take risks, spend time and money on themselves, and embrace the journey of self-improvement.

Expanding Impact Beyond Design

Fonz's impact extends beyond his role as a growth design lead. He is involved in various ventures, including working with a venture capital (VC) firm, angel investing, and serving as a board member. His involvement in the VC space stems from a desire to understand the business side of startups and contribute to the entrepreneurship community. As an LP (limited partner) in a fund, he can advise companies and be part of their growth journey.

His growth design experience and understanding of business dynamics make him a valuable asset in the VC space. He brings a unique perspective to investment decisions and can guide portfolio companies. Additionally, his involvement in angel investing allows him to support early-stage startups and contribute to their success.

The Power of Communication and Community

Throughout his career, Fonz has recognized the importance of communication and community. He emphasizes the need for designers to develop strong communication skills and be active participants in meetings and discussions. Soft skills, such as listening and effective writing, are just as crucial as hard skills in design.

He also highlights the significance of building a supportive community and leveraging connections. He encourages designers to network, attend events, and seek mentorship. By actively engaging with the design community, designers can expand their knowledge, gain valuable insights, and create growth opportunities.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Fonz Morris's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and continuous learning. From his early experiences in Atlanta to his current role at Netflix, he has embraced challenges, trusted the process, and made a lasting impact in the design and tech industry.

As he continues to grow and expand his impact, he remains committed to supporting others and promoting entrepreneurship. His involvement in the VC space and angel investing allows him to contribute to the success of startups and make a difference in the lives of aspiring entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, his future is bright. His memoir, "Self Design," is on pre-order now, offering readers a glimpse into his inspiring journey. With his passion for growth design, commitment to community, and dedication to making a lasting impact, he is poised to continue shaping the future of design and technology.

“Have patience in yourself. Get out there, meet people, network, ask questions. Get a mentor. Have fun. Treat yourself like a project. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Reach out to me if you have questions. I’ll get to you as soon as I can. I try to be as supportive of the community as possible, and that’s how we get shit done, bro.” - Fonz Morris

What’s Next:

Listen to today’s new release on Apple Podcasts to learn more about Fonz Morris, Self Design, and Designing Growth: The Resilient Journey to Crafting Impact and Triumph in Business.