Design should be at the heart of any business, serving as more than mere aesthetics. It shapes how your brand and products are perceived, laying the foundation for customer engagement and loyalty.
Nicolas Orban
Aug 23, 2023
Previous roles/jobs
My journey began in a video agency in Denmark, where my fascination for the advertising world and passion for making short movies sparked my career. However, I soon found myself captivated by the agency world, leading me to make the leap into the realm of design.
From there, it was a crazy adventure! I kept learning and growing, and eventually, I summoned the courage to start my very own design agency. At the beginning, I tinkered with mobile app designs, which was pretty neat. But over time, I got hooked on crafting more intricate products. That's when the real excitement began!
The best part? I got to experience the whole product development process, from sparking mind-blowing concepts to nailing down brand identities, overseeing development, and subjecting products to rigorous testing. It was like a wild rollercoaster of creativity, and honestly, I was loving every twist and turn.
And now, here I am, head of design at Conduktor, where I get to bring all those crazy experiences and hard-earned skills to the table. It's been quite a journey, and who knows where it'll lead me next? But one thing's for sure – I'm ready for whatever comes my way!
Why did you join Conduktor?
When I joined Conduktor, I was driven by an immense sense of opportunity to lay the foundation for a startup. Product design alone wasn't enough for me; I wanted to play a key role in nurturing the company's branding as it grew.
In the startup world, having a fantastic product is just the beginning. Success hinges on having a crystal-clear brand strategy, concise communication, and the right exposure. It's a serious endeavor, and I understood the importance of these elements in securing the company's path to success.
At Conduktor, we take this mission seriously, and I'm excited to be part of the team driving the company forward with our combined passion and dedication to building something extraordinary.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Moving to London was a significant change for me, and being able to work in the office has been an excellent advantage. The work sessions are intense and productive, making each day truly count.
My mornings start with organizing the essentials - checking emails, planning the day ahead, and setting clear goals. As the day progresses, I immerse myself in solving more complex challenges alongside the design and product teams. Building strong relationships and ensuring everyone is on the same page keeps the engine running smoothly.
Yet, amidst the serious work, I always make it a point to reserve the final moments of the day for the small bits that make design truly enjoyable. It's when I can experiment, explore, and inject creativity into the process. These moments remind me of the joy and passion that brought me to this field in the first place.
What’s been your biggest challenge at Conduktor?
One of the most significant challenges I faced was convincing everyone that good design goes way beyond creating aesthetically pleasing stuff. It's a powerful business differentiator that can make or break a company's success.
Design isn't just about making things look pretty; it's about making a genuine impact on the business. It's about understanding users, solving their problems, and creating experiences that drive results. Getting this message across and having everyone onboard with the idea was no easy task.
What are you most excited about in the coming months for the business/your team/your department?
We've been hard at work to enhance our brand identity, and I'm looking forward to my team unveiling the impressive results of our efforts. Alongside that, we're building an improved design system to bring greater consistency to our product offerings. These are essential steps for us, and I'm eager to see the positive impact they'll have on our company's growth and success.
What was your favourite company offsite moment and why?
My all-time favorite memory has to be from the very first company offsite. It was such an unexpected thrill! I had just signed the contract with Conduktor, and the very next day, I got a call saying I could meet the team in Bordeaux. I had only a few hours to get ready and head to the airport.
Rushing through the airport, I managed to catch my flight, and a few hours later, I was finally meeting the team in person. The welcoming energy and the camaraderie were simply unforgettable.
What’s one thing you have learned more about this year?
While it may not sound as thrilling, one of the most valuable lessons I've learned is to trust the process and exercise a bit more patience in seeing results. In the fast-paced world of startups, it's easy to get caught up in the rush for immediate outcomes. However, I've come to appreciate that some things take time to mature and develop into meaningful results.
When you’re not working you’re…
Since I recently moved to London, my free time is all about exploring the city and immersing myself in the experiences it has to offer. Urban photography has become a passion of mine, and I find joy in discovering new and captivating spots for interesting snapshots.
Which of Conduktor’s values speaks to you most and why?
"Speak the truth" hits home for me the most. In a startup, it's crucial to be honest about what's working well and, even more importantly, when things aren't going as planned. Open communication is the bedrock of growth and improvement.
Thank you Claudiu!
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