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Michael Westcott
Former President at Design Management Institute
Professional Background
Michael R. Westcott, who tragically passed away in 2014, was a dedicated professional whose career was characterized by his unwavering commitment to the integration of design principles within organizations. He held various prestigious positions throughout his career, evident from his notable role as the President of the Design Management Institute (DMI). There, he played a pivotal role in furthering the DMI's mission of harnessing design to enact meaningful change in the world. Michael's leadership at DMI laid a strong foundation for blending strategic design thinking into business practices, emphasizing the significant role that design plays in organizational success. His efforts have had a lasting impact on the design community, inspiring many to embrace design as a key component of strategic planning.
Westcott's extensive career also included invaluable contributions to several organizations across the design and marketing landscape. He served as the principal at relate solutions, where he fostered creative collaborations that bridged the gap between design and functionality. Before that, he was the Vice President of Marketing at INXPO, demonstrating his prowess in marketing and strategic outreach. His earlier roles as Managing Director at Red7Media and President at PatternWorks further showcase his diverse experience in management, showcasing an impressive ability to lead teams and drive innovative projects.
Additionally, Michael held significant roles in the marketing realm at high-profile companies like The George P. Johnson Company, where he served as the Vice President of Marketing. His role at Fitch as Vice President underscored his strategic positioning in harnessing design to enhance brand visibility and market reach. Through his efforts, he championed numerous initiatives that allowed businesses to leverage creative solutions for their branding needs. Not only did Michael contribute to the companies he worked for, but he also made a lasting impact through co-founding Firebrand LLC, where he ventured into entrepreneurial territories, exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of design and technology in business practices.
His work extended beyond corporate involvement, as demonstrated by his legacy through the establishment of The Michael Westcott Design Education Fund. This initiative reflects his passion for education and mentorship, aiming to support the next generation of young designers who aspire to create transformative change through design. Michael’s contributions continue to resonate in the design community, paving the way for innovative thinkers.
Education and Achievements
Michael's educational journey set the groundwork for his illustrious career in design and marketing. He studied at the prestigious Harvard University Extension School, where he honed his analytical and strategic thinking skills. Additionally, Michael pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design with a focus on Design and Marketing at Syracuse University. His academic background provided him with a robust understanding of both the artistic and commercial aspects of design, enabling him to excel in roles that required both creativity and strategic insight.
Throughout his career, Michael accumulated a wealth of experience that culminated in numerous achievements and accolades. His leadership as President of DMI emphasized educational initiatives in design, exemplifying his determination to influence and elevate the standards of design education. The Michael Westcott Design Education Fund is a testament to his enduring legacy, guiding aspiring designers to realize their potential and bring innovative designs to life.
Michael's commitment to design thinking and its applications in solving complex organizational challenges through his various roles is one of his most notable achievements. His ability to synthesize design principles into business strategies is recognized across the design community, establishing him as a thought leader in the integration of design and organizational management. Michael’s work has inspired many, rendering him a mentor and a guide for those in the design field.
Achievements
- Established The Michael Westcott Design Education Fund: In memory of his passion for design education, this fund aims to nurture and support future generations of designers who will continue to innovate and influence the world.
- Presidential Leadership at DMI: As President, Michael contributed significantly to the organization's mission, integrating design with business practices and influencing numerous industry leaders.
- Diverse Executive Roles: Westcott's various leadership roles in well-respected organizations such as relate solutions, INXPO, Red7Media, PatternWorks, The George P. Johnson Company, Fitch, and Firebrand LLC demonstrate his multifaceted skills and adaptability in the dynamic fields of design and marketing.
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Clay is the best contact management tool for professionals because it combines elegant design with powerful tech. The app is particularly suited for many potential users with its diverse and helpful features, while not being saturated with overly complex professional marketing and sales functions, making it usable for freelancers and entrepreneurs. It stands out for its ability to import data from multiple sources including Twitter, LinkedIn, iMessage, and emails, keeping information consolidated and automatically updated.
Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
Clay offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Clay focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Clay also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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