Interviewee
Great , My journey began in my early university days. I’ve always had a deep passion for creating things that people can use in their everyday lives. That passion led me to study Architecture, where I developed a strong foundation in design thinking and problem-solving. Over time, I became increasingly interested in the potential of technology, especially its ability to enhance user experience and solve real-world problems. However, I noticed that in the construction sector, technology wasn't being widely adopted and that sparked something in me. I realized I wanted to explore tech more deeply. That decision led me to shift my focus toward product design, where I now work on building solutions that are practical, user-centered, and genuinely improve people’s lives.
Great , My journey began in my early university days. I’ve always had a deep passion for creating things that people can use in their everyday lives. That passion led me to study Architecture, where I developed a strong foundation in design thinking and problem-solving. Over time, I became increasingly interested in the potential of technology, especially its ability to enhance user experience and solve real-world problems. However, I noticed that in the construction sector, technology wasn't being widely adopted and that sparked something in me. I realized I wanted to explore tech more deeply. That decision led me to shift my focus toward product design, where I now work on building solutions that are practical, user-centered, and genuinely improve people’s lives.
Interviewer
Alright that sound's great
next question:
Do you work with a team as a product designer? If so, what challenges do you encounter when collaborating with them?
Alright that sound's great
next question:
Do you work with a team as a product designer? If so, what challenges do you encounter when collaborating with them?
Interviewee
Okay , Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in different roles independently, as part of a team, as a team lead, and now as a manager. One recurring challenge I've faced is ensuring smooth collaboration with development teams. Since most of the work relies heavily on teamwork, misunderstandings about scope and expectations can arise. What I’ve learned is that the key to overcoming these challenges is mutual understanding. Taking the time to understand each team member’s responsibilities, constraints, and workflow has helped foster clearer communication, reduce friction, and create a more cohesive working environment. Building that shared context has made a significant difference in delivering successful outcomes.
Okay , Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in different roles independently, as part of a team, as a team lead, and now as a manager. One recurring challenge I've faced is ensuring smooth collaboration with development teams. Since most of the work relies heavily on teamwork, misunderstandings about scope and expectations can arise. What I’ve learned is that the key to overcoming these challenges is mutual understanding. Taking the time to understand each team member’s responsibilities, constraints, and workflow has helped foster clearer communication, reduce friction, and create a more cohesive working environment. Building that shared context has made a significant difference in delivering successful outcomes.
Interviewer
Great next question:
What strategies or approaches do you use when building a team? Do you prioritize technical skills, or do you place greater value on qualities like communication, collaboration, and adaptability?
Great next question:
What strategies or approaches do you use when building a team? Do you prioritize technical skills, or do you place greater value on qualities like communication, collaboration, and adaptability?
Interviewee
That’s a great question. When building a team, I place a strong emphasis on mindset and attitude. For me, the most valuable qualities are a willingness to learn, the courage to take risks, and the resilience to rebuild when things don’t go as planned. I look for people who are not afraid to 'crash and rebuild' because that’s often where the real growth and innovation happen. Communication and collaboration come next, as they’re essential for creating alignment and trust within the team. Technical skills are, of course, important but I believe they can be developed over time. What truly sets someone apart is their spirit, adaptability, and drive to continuously improve. Those are the qualities I prioritize when building a strong, future-ready team.
That’s a great question. When building a team, I place a strong emphasis on mindset and attitude. For me, the most valuable qualities are a willingness to learn, the courage to take risks, and the resilience to rebuild when things don’t go as planned. I look for people who are not afraid to 'crash and rebuild' because that’s often where the real growth and innovation happen. Communication and collaboration come next, as they’re essential for creating alignment and trust within the team. Technical skills are, of course, important but I believe they can be developed over time. What truly sets someone apart is their spirit, adaptability, and drive to continuously improve. Those are the qualities I prioritize when building a strong, future-ready team.
❤5
Interviewer
Great ma next question is:
What’s your perspective on the importance of soft skills in today’s work environment? As technical challenges become more manageable, soft skills seem to play an increasingly vital role especially in product design. Could you share which soft skills you personally rely on, such as communication or collaboration, and what you would advise others in the field to focus on?
Great ma next question is:
What’s your perspective on the importance of soft skills in today’s work environment? As technical challenges become more manageable, soft skills seem to play an increasingly vital role especially in product design. Could you share which soft skills you personally rely on, such as communication or collaboration, and what you would advise others in the field to focus on?
Interviewee
I believe soft skills are more critical than ever, especially in fields like product design where understanding people is at the heart of everything we do. Personally, I rely heavily on communication, empathy, and adaptability. These are the skills that allow me to collaborate across teams, understand user needs, and turn complex problems into practical solutions.
As an Ethiopian, I’ve also come to realize how important it is for us especially in the tech space to learn how to 'sell' our ideas, our work, and ourselves. One big part of that is effective communication, particularly in English. It’s not just about language, but about the ability to share ideas clearly and confidently in a global context. I used to believe that luck wasn’t on our side, but I’ve come to understand that with the right mindset and soft skills, we can create our own opportunities. My advice to others is to focus on developing communication, active listening, and collaboration those are the skills that amplify technical ability and open doors.
I believe soft skills are more critical than ever, especially in fields like product design where understanding people is at the heart of everything we do. Personally, I rely heavily on communication, empathy, and adaptability. These are the skills that allow me to collaborate across teams, understand user needs, and turn complex problems into practical solutions.
As an Ethiopian, I’ve also come to realize how important it is for us especially in the tech space to learn how to 'sell' our ideas, our work, and ourselves. One big part of that is effective communication, particularly in English. It’s not just about language, but about the ability to share ideas clearly and confidently in a global context. I used to believe that luck wasn’t on our side, but I’ve come to understand that with the right mindset and soft skills, we can create our own opportunities. My advice to others is to focus on developing communication, active listening, and collaboration those are the skills that amplify technical ability and open doors.
Interviewer
Alright ma next question
What are your thoughts on the role of AI? Some argue that relying on AI diminishes one’s creative capacity and shouldn’t be considered genuine writing. As a product designer, to what extent does AI factor into your workflow? What percentage of your work would you say involves AI?
Alright ma next question
What are your thoughts on the role of AI? Some argue that relying on AI diminishes one’s creative capacity and shouldn’t be considered genuine writing. As a product designer, to what extent does AI factor into your workflow? What percentage of your work would you say involves AI?
Interviewee
Perfect question.That’s a great point. As someone deeply involved in technology, I don’t see AI as a threat I see it as a massive opportunity, especially for Africa. For decades, we've been sitting on the sidelines of technological advancement. But AI levels the playing field. It’s a powerful tool that, when used right, can help us accelerate development across sectors.
In my workflow as a product designer, I see AI as a partner it assists with tasks like ideation, research, automation, and even testing. But it doesn’t replace creativity; it simply supports it. AI lacks the emotional and cultural depth that real human creativity brings. What it has is execution power and as Africans, that's what we need right now: tools that help us act, build, and scale. So for me, AI contributes maybe 20–30% to the process, but the core direction, vision, and creativity still come from humans. My view is simple: AI isn’t here to take away creativity it’s here to empower it.
Perfect question.That’s a great point. As someone deeply involved in technology, I don’t see AI as a threat I see it as a massive opportunity, especially for Africa. For decades, we've been sitting on the sidelines of technological advancement. But AI levels the playing field. It’s a powerful tool that, when used right, can help us accelerate development across sectors.
In my workflow as a product designer, I see AI as a partner it assists with tasks like ideation, research, automation, and even testing. But it doesn’t replace creativity; it simply supports it. AI lacks the emotional and cultural depth that real human creativity brings. What it has is execution power and as Africans, that's what we need right now: tools that help us act, build, and scale. So for me, AI contributes maybe 20–30% to the process, but the core direction, vision, and creativity still come from humans. My view is simple: AI isn’t here to take away creativity it’s here to empower it.
Interviewer
Alright Could you share the story of your first paid job or project how you landed it and what the experience was like? And if you're comfortable, we'd also love to hear about the kind of high-paying projects you're involved in today.
Alright Could you share the story of your first paid job or project how you landed it and what the experience was like? And if you're comfortable, we'd also love to hear about the kind of high-paying projects you're involved in today.
Interviewee
My first paid job as a product designer was for an education consulting company that wanted to digitize their internal processes. It was a significant milestone for me, not just because it was my first paying gig, but because of how I landed it. The opportunity came through a recommendation based on a project I had previously done for free. That experience really shaped my mindset it taught me that doing unpaid work in the beginning isn’t a waste; it’s an investment in your skills, your reputation, and your future opportunities. I always encourage young designers to take on meaningful, even unpaid, projects to build credibility and momentum.
As for today, while I can’t go into full detail due to confidentiality agreements, I’ve worked with companies in Nigeria, the U.S., and South Korea. These high-value projects have been both challenging and rewarding. They've also shown me just how competitive the global landscape is. In Ethiopia, we sometimes underestimate the level of skill required to compete internationally. What I’ve learned is that talent alone isn’t enough we need a learning mindset, adaptability, and the drive to meet global standards. That’s how we unlock higher-paying, high-impact opportunities.
My first paid job as a product designer was for an education consulting company that wanted to digitize their internal processes. It was a significant milestone for me, not just because it was my first paying gig, but because of how I landed it. The opportunity came through a recommendation based on a project I had previously done for free. That experience really shaped my mindset it taught me that doing unpaid work in the beginning isn’t a waste; it’s an investment in your skills, your reputation, and your future opportunities. I always encourage young designers to take on meaningful, even unpaid, projects to build credibility and momentum.
As for today, while I can’t go into full detail due to confidentiality agreements, I’ve worked with companies in Nigeria, the U.S., and South Korea. These high-value projects have been both challenging and rewarding. They've also shown me just how competitive the global landscape is. In Ethiopia, we sometimes underestimate the level of skill required to compete internationally. What I’ve learned is that talent alone isn’t enough we need a learning mindset, adaptability, and the drive to meet global standards. That’s how we unlock higher-paying, high-impact opportunities.
Interviewer
Great next question.When it comes to university, what advice would you give to freshman students about choosing a department and other important factors they should consider?
Great next question.When it comes to university, what advice would you give to freshman students about choosing a department and other important factors they should consider?
Interviewee
There’s always a debate around whether university is truly necessary, and I understand both sides. But my take is this: if you have the opportunity to attend university, use it as a platform to discover and build on your passion. Don’t just chase what's popular focus on what excites you and what you’re naturally curious about. Then, work on making that passion marketable. That means developing real-world skills, learning from others, and being intentional about your growth.
Your department or major is just one part of the journey. What matters more is how you use your time the projects you take on, the people you surround yourself with, and the mindset you bring. University should be a launchpad, not a final destination.
There’s always a debate around whether university is truly necessary, and I understand both sides. But my take is this: if you have the opportunity to attend university, use it as a platform to discover and build on your passion. Don’t just chase what's popular focus on what excites you and what you’re naturally curious about. Then, work on making that passion marketable. That means developing real-world skills, learning from others, and being intentional about your growth.
Your department or major is just one part of the journey. What matters more is how you use your time the projects you take on, the people you surround yourself with, and the mindset you bring. University should be a launchpad, not a final destination.
Interviewer
Great ma next question is:
What did you learn during your five years in the Architecture and Urban Planning department both academically and socially while you were a university student? How have those experiences contributed to your current work or life today?
Great ma next question is:
What did you learn during your five years in the Architecture and Urban Planning department both academically and socially while you were a university student? How have those experiences contributed to your current work or life today?
Interviewee
Great,During my five years in the Architecture and Urban Planning department, I learned a lot both academically and socially. Academically, architecture taught me how to approach problems structurally, how to think creatively within constraints, and how to bring abstract ideas into tangible form. It gave me a strong foundation in design thinking, which I still use every day in my work as a product designer.
Socially, my journey wasn’t always smooth. At one point, I found myself surrounded by people and influences that didn’t align with my goals. But I believe it’s never too late to change direction. I took that moment to reflect, realign with my true ambitions, and start building habits and connections that supported my growth. I'm not claiming to be perfect or always at full speed, but one thing I’ve come to believe strongly is this: if I associate myself with something valuable whether it's a mission, a project, or a mindset then I become valuable too, whether others recognize it or not.
University was more than just academic learning. It was a space for self-discovery, learning from mistakes, and building resilience. And I’m grateful for the good friends and the better mindset I found along the way.
Great,During my five years in the Architecture and Urban Planning department, I learned a lot both academically and socially. Academically, architecture taught me how to approach problems structurally, how to think creatively within constraints, and how to bring abstract ideas into tangible form. It gave me a strong foundation in design thinking, which I still use every day in my work as a product designer.
Socially, my journey wasn’t always smooth. At one point, I found myself surrounded by people and influences that didn’t align with my goals. But I believe it’s never too late to change direction. I took that moment to reflect, realign with my true ambitions, and start building habits and connections that supported my growth. I'm not claiming to be perfect or always at full speed, but one thing I’ve come to believe strongly is this: if I associate myself with something valuable whether it's a mission, a project, or a mindset then I become valuable too, whether others recognize it or not.
University was more than just academic learning. It was a space for self-discovery, learning from mistakes, and building resilience. And I’m grateful for the good friends and the better mindset I found along the way.
Interviewer
Alright ma next question is:
Is there anything you regret not doing during university or in your career afterward or something you did that you now wish you hadn’t?
Alright ma next question is:
Is there anything you regret not doing during university or in your career afterward or something you did that you now wish you hadn’t?
Interviewee
Looking back, one of my biggest regrets during university is not fully using the time to build more practical skills outside of the classroom. I was very focused on getting through the courses and keeping up with assignments, but I didn’t explore enough of the tools, side projects, or opportunities that could’ve accelerated my growth earlier. I also spent time around people and distractions that didn’t align with my goals, which delayed my focus.
But I don't dwell on regret I see it as a reminder. That experience taught me the value of being intentional with my time and environment. Since then, I’ve become much more focused, and I try to make every experience count, whether in work or personal growth. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be: explore more, build early, and surround yourself with people who reflect who you want to become.
Looking back, one of my biggest regrets during university is not fully using the time to build more practical skills outside of the classroom. I was very focused on getting through the courses and keeping up with assignments, but I didn’t explore enough of the tools, side projects, or opportunities that could’ve accelerated my growth earlier. I also spent time around people and distractions that didn’t align with my goals, which delayed my focus.
But I don't dwell on regret I see it as a reminder. That experience taught me the value of being intentional with my time and environment. Since then, I’ve become much more focused, and I try to make every experience count, whether in work or personal growth. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be: explore more, build early, and surround yourself with people who reflect who you want to become.
Interviewer
Good. Finally, would you like to share a message with our audience and us that I haven’t brought up?
Good. Finally, would you like to share a message with our audience and us that I haven’t brought up?
Interviewee
Thank you once again for giving me the space to share my journey. If there’s one message I’d love to leave with the audience, it’s this: we need to start valuing each other as fellow human beings. No one is above or beneath anyone it’s only our actions, circumstances, or roles that sometimes make us feel otherwise. But at our core, we’re all equal.
If we want to grow as individuals, as a community, and as a continent we need to shift from comparison to collaboration, from judgment to understanding. Let’s respect, support, and uplift each other. That’s how real progress begins. That’s my voice, and that’s my message.
Thank you once again for giving me the space to share my journey. If there’s one message I’d love to leave with the audience, it’s this: we need to start valuing each other as fellow human beings. No one is above or beneath anyone it’s only our actions, circumstances, or roles that sometimes make us feel otherwise. But at our core, we’re all equal.
If we want to grow as individuals, as a community, and as a continent we need to shift from comparison to collaboration, from judgment to understanding. Let’s respect, support, and uplift each other. That’s how real progress begins. That’s my voice, and that’s my message.
Interviewer
That’s a great message truly relevant for today and important for our country.
Thanks, Bura, for your time and willingness to share your journey with us and the audience.
That’s a great message truly relevant for today and important for our country.
Thanks, Bura, for your time and willingness to share your journey with us and the audience.
We believe today’s session was truly insightful and full of valuable lessons. If you have any questions for our guest or for us, feel free to drop them in the comments section.
In our next session, we’ll be joined by another amazing guest so stay tuned! Until then, have a great evening and a bright, productive week ahead.
Bye bye👋👋
In our next session, we’ll be joined by another amazing guest so stay tuned! Until then, have a great evening and a bright, productive week ahead.
Bye bye👋👋