This week we meet Brett Heil, Managing Director of The Pulse.
What’s your golden rule?
No amount of polish can save an application without clear value to the user. Having said that, don’t view design as purely an aesthetic, but as a strategic tactic for solving a business problem.
Who has been your biggest influence?
John Maeda, who is a true renaissance man. He is a designer, computer scientist, and creative leader. He is credited with being the father of modern motion graphics, which is a tool we use daily in our business. As President of the Rhode Island School of Design he lead a movement to transform STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) to STEAM by adding ART.
His desire to connect the worlds of design, technology and business together is a vision that we at The Pulse share.
Most hated business expression?
Can you give me a ballpark cost for this job?
In our business, there is no cookie-cutter solution. You will almost always get better results if you slow the process down and allow your creative partner to spend time to fully understand the scope of the brief.
What's the smartest business idea you've had?
Introducing live streaming of rich content via an airline’s on-board wi-fi server.
Everyone owns their own device. This idea potentially minimizes the amount of hardware necessary on a plane and would reduce the amount of fuel necessary per flight. This method of data streaming would be designed to support immersive content, such as augmented reality for safety cards, or virtual reality for personal headsets. Watch this space.
Which leader do you admire most and why?
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple.
In 2015 Apple was voted No 1 on Fortune’s list of World’s most admired companies for the 8th year in a row, ranking first in all of the 9 key attributes of reputation. The reason I admire Tim Cook is that he has maintained Apple’s leadership position in the absence of Steve Jobs, the man we all thought was so integral to Apple’s survival.
It doesn’t hurt that he is serious about sustainability, green energy sources and a vocal proponent of anti-discrimination legislation.
What’s your favourite word?
“Impossible”. Nothing challenges me more!
Tell us a secret
I always wanted to be a pilot but I’m partially colour blind!
Read more interviews in our Clubhouse. We’re looking to profile all members so please email Leah to get involved.
Newsletter
Enjoy this? Get more.
Our monthly newsletter, The Edit, curates the very best of our latest content including articles, podcasts, video.
Become a member
Not a member yet?
Now it's time for you and your team to get involved. Get access to world-class events, exclusive publications, professional development, partner discounts and the chance to grow your network.