Building a Successful Design Consultancy
Arlene Birt, a visual storyteller and educator, discusses the intersection of motherhood and running her own company with employees.
Arlene and host, Kaila Sachse, discuss practical parenting hacks, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of creating a supportive community.
Arlene also shares her journey from freelancing to running a successful design consultancy, emphasizing the need for financial health and effective communication in both parenting and business.
The conversation highlights the evolving nature of priorities and the significance of understanding complex topics in a relatable way.
More About Arlene Birt
Arlene Birt is a mom, and she creates visuals to help individuals connect emotionally to seemingly distant environmental topics.
A visual storyteller, information designer, and educator, her visuals explain the complexities of science and social topics to non-expert audiences. As graphics officer with the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), she co-created figures with 60+ climate scientists – including one that landed on the front page of global news media. Birt is a professor in Creative Entrepreneurship at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), and founder and creative director of design consultancy, Background Stories.
Her work has been featured in the Washington Post, Financial Times, Le Monde, Creative Review, U.S. News and World Report, and numerous other global media. She has published chapters in several books, including New Challenges for Data Design.
Birt was visiting fellow at Seoul National University (2023-’24), adjunct faculty of Wuhan University of Technology, Fulbright fellow in the Netherlands, and has held several artist residencies. Birt holds a master’s degree from Design Academy Eindhoven (the Netherlands) and runs workshops internationally.
After Bedtime, “Why Doesn’t My Kid Listen? (And What To Do Instead of Yelling)”
Featured Advertisers
Save 10% on Drymile
Use code BUB at checkout to save on waterproof socks, gloves, and more.
Riverside, record & edit your podcast
We use Riverside and LOVE it! Get an online studio for high-quality recording & simplified editing.
Receive $20 for Buzzsprout podcasting
Start podcasting with Buzzsprout, the easiest software for hosting, promoting, & tracking your show.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
