Aligning Careers with Purpose for Lasting Impact: Using Design to Solve the World's Wicked Problems and More.

Imagine a career where your work not only fuels your bank account but genuinely fulfills you—where your purpose drives every project, and impact matters as much as the final design. 

In episode 26 of The Developing Life Podcast- special guest Terri Irwin challenges creatives to do exactly that. She shares how aligning your skills with a mission gives you the unique power to create work that resonates on a deep level, offering true fulfillment.

In this episode, hosted by Heather Crank- you’ll hear how Terri’s journey—from the fast-paced commercial design world to building a purpose-driven curriculum at Carnegie Mellon—helped her redefine design’s role in solving complex, global issues.

This conversation isn’t just about theory; it’s packed with insights you can apply now, helping you transition from simply creating beautiful work to tackling wicked problems with real-world solutions.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

1. Purpose Meets Profession: Discover how to create a career that aligns with your values, bringing lasting fulfillment and a sense of mission to your work.
2. Systems Thinking Unlocked: Learn why treating your designs as part of a broader ecosystem enhances their impact and relevance.
3. Design for Change, Not Consumption: Shift from consumer-driven projects to work that leaves a sustainable mark on the world.

Ready to move beyond aesthetics and start designing a career with real purpose? This episode is your roadmap.