WIP How does your diverse career background influence your approach to workplace dynamics?
GR My journey across different fields—starting in music, moving into economics, and eventually finding my place in design—has profoundly shaped how I view workplace dynamics. Each field taught me something unique: the creative freedom of music, the structured thinking of economics, and the collaborative spirit of design. These experiences allow me to approach workplace challenges with a multifaceted perspective, which I bring into the conversations on my talk show. I believe that blending these insights helps us explore and redefine what it means to belong and thrive in today’s work environments.
Guro is a seasoned design leader and advisor with global experience. Over the past decade, she’s held leadership roles at ÆRA, EY Doberman, Designit, and Netlife and now works as a Product Coach at Telenor. With an economics background focused on creative management, she’s led transformative projects for clients worldwide. A skilled facilitator and speaker, she contributes to conferences and podcasts on design, innovation, and leadership and also founded an interactive talk show on thriving at work, exploring themes like power, belonging, and change.
Embrace every experience as an opportunity to learn, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the growth process.
WIP How should students manage the fear of entering the professional world?
GR I completely understand how scary it can be to step into the professional world for the first time—I was there myself. My advice is to view this transition as an extension of your learning journey. Staying ambitious and giving yourself the space to grow at your own pace is crucial. Remember, your early career is more about learning and exploration than immediately performing at a senior level. Embrace every experience as an opportunity to learn, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the growth process.
I see every job as a form of paid research—a chance to learn and grow continuously. For me, the design industry is especially exciting because it’s constantly evolving, which means there’s always something new to learn.
WIP What is your perspective on the value of continuous learning in a career?
GR I see every job as a form of paid research—a chance to learn and grow continuously. For me, the design industry is especially exciting because it’s constantly evolving, which means there’s always something new to learn. I’ve learned to embrace this mindset throughout my career, knowing that every project and every role offers new opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge. This approach keeps me adaptable and curious, which I believe are essential qualities for long-term success and satisfaction in any career.
Created and produced as part of Bielke&Yang’s internship programme by students to provide valuable insights into the design industry. Featuring in-depth interviews with established professionals sharing their personal journeys into the field. Aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the design industry and empower aspiring designers to make informed decisions about their own professional paths.
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Initiated by Bielke&Yang