Design Thinking: Interview with Zoé Bezpalko of Autodesk
In February, Santa Cruz Works will host two (2) New Tech events: Design Thinking on February 5, and Green Tech on February 19. We interviewed Zoé Bezpalko with Autodesk and learned that she would be a valuable speaker at both events. Why? Because design, technology, and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
Zoé Bezpalko
SCW: Tell us about your journey from France to Autodesk in California.
Zoé: I got a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering at École des Mines de Nantes, a French high-level engineering school focused on environmental management, renewable energy, and sustainability. I then worked in Asia to help manufacturers create more eco-friendly and sustainable products, since many of those products are shipped to Europe. Next, I moved to San Francisco get a MBA in Design Strategy which included Design Thinking.
SCW: I think you also won some awards along the way?
Zoé: Yes, I was fortunate to be an UNLEASH winner. UNLEASH is a global sustainability initiative that brings together 1,000 young leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs annually to accelerate breakthrough solutions for the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). We try to solve some of the world's biggest challenges. My focus was reusing materials from building demolitions, scanned and identified by AI, to be used with architecture platforms such as Autodesk, and ultimately in as materials in new buildings.
SCW: Is Design Thinking recognized at Autodesk?
Zoé: Design Thinking is very much a part of the company culture at Autodesk. We use an internal tool called Luma. It helps us be more productive and work better with our customers as well as each other. Case study.
SCW: How does Design Thinking integrate with both your career and life?
Zoé: I believe design is part of everything, even nature. Design Thinking is a wholistic framework for life.
SCW: Are you seeing growth in the number of tech companies taking a key role in addressing climate change?
Zoé: Absolutely, it’s one of the major trend we are seeing in sustainability – the growing number of companies that are voluntarily committing to sustainability. Our team led a research last year and estimated that over 52% of our customers in the Design & Manufacturing industries have sustainability goals and KPIs. And this number skyrocketed to over 90% when looking at our Named Accounts (largest customers).
Over 52% of our customers in the Design & Manufacturing industries have sustainability goals and KPIs.
SCW: You are an ocean swimmer, you have agreed to come to Santa Cruz to present to us, and maybe go surfing too. Have your thought about moving to Santa Cruz?
Zoé: Well it is certainly a possibility. The Santa Cruz work & life balance, deep concerns for the environment, and inspirational tech companies are very appealing. My kind of people!
