Solving the Right Problem: Design Thinking for Leaders and Resilient Teams with Kat Mather

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“Design thinking is conscious decision-making.” - Kat Mather

In this episode, I discuss design thinking with Kat Mather from Design Linking, a design professional with over 25 years of experience. We explore how design thinking helps teams address root causes instead of surface-level issues, enhancing problem-solving. Kat shares her transition into facilitation and the importance of balancing divergent and convergent thinking. 

We delve into the five phases of design thinking—empathy, defining the problem, ideation, prototyping, and testing—and the critical role of prototyping in fostering learning. The conversation highlights strategies for creating collaborative environments and emphasizes cultivating healthier organizational cultures through design thinking for lasting impact.

Key Takeaway Insights and Tools:

• Design thinking = conscious decision-making: uncover the root problem, map system impacts, and keep humans at the centre. 
• Use the five phases—flexibly: Empathize → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test; don’t rush discovery and don’t treat the method as rigid steps.
• Prototype to learn, not to impress: a sketch, a model, or role-play—share ideas early, get feedback fast, iterate.
• Balance divergent ↔ convergent thinking (Double Diamond): open wide to explore, then converge to decide—without letting the boss or loudest voice dominate.
• Mindset over mechanics: optimism, empathy, curiosity, growth, collaboration, risk tolerance; progress matters more than being “right.”

Bio:

Kat Mather is the founder of Design Linking, helping leaders and teams solve complex collaboration and communication challenges through creative problem-solving and facilitation. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning design, communication, and cross-departmental teamwork, Kat helps organizations unlock clarity, ownership, and action in even the most high-stakes environments.

She designs and facilitates bespoke workshops that blend creativity with strategy, drawing on Design Sprints, design thinking, and systems mapping to spark innovation and drive change. Known for bringing structure to complexity while keeping things engaging, Kat shares insights through her Design Linking blog and speaking engagements—expect energy, fresh thinking, and a touch of maverick spirit as she explores how design helps teams thrive.

Links:

Website: https://www.designlinking.no/
Substack blog: https://designlinking.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designlinking/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katmather/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-linking
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579423581534

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