321: Knowledge-sharing in a design team (the wins and the failures)

321: Knowledge-sharing in a design team (the wins and the failures)

Author: Charli Prangley, Femke Van Schoonhoven October 27, 2025 Duration: 33:41

Femke and Charli discuss how to foster a culture of knowledge sharing at a workplace. They explore how to structure language-sharing sessions, whether these should focus on work-related topics or personal expertise, how to encourage team members to participate, and what roles leaders and team members play in sharing knowledge.

Timestamps:

01:25 Episode start

02:27 Catch up

06:52 How did educational 'Lunch and Learn' sessions come about at Femke’s work?

08:06 Are these sessions about work topics or personal expertise?

11:26 Does Kit have a format for ICs to sign up or volunteer to share with the team? How is knowledge sharing structured at Charli’s and Femke’s jobs?

21:03 Does sharing come from anyone on the team or mainly leaders? How much do leaders set an example, and how did you get that started?

21:47 How do you protect team members’ time and set expectations for knowledge sharing beyond their regular responsibilities? Do you expect everyone to share knowledge at a certain level, and how much of it is built into their responsibilities?

26:32 How often do you do knowledge sharing?

26:52 Do you encourage your team to consume any of your content?

Links: 

Femke's community

Femke’s course “Product strategy for designers”

Share your topic suggestions for the show with us at hello@designlife.fm


Hosted by designers Charli Prangley and Femke Van Schoonhoven, Design Life feels like eavesdropping on a candid conversation between two friends who genuinely understand the hustle. This podcast digs into the reality of a creative career, moving beyond portfolio tips to discuss the actual challenges of making a living from your ideas. Each episode stems from their own experiences as serial side-project addicts, covering everything from navigating client negotiations and pricing your work to pushing through creative blocks and finding time for personal work. You’ll hear them dissect the intersection of design, business, and technology with a relatable, grounded perspective. The discussion they foster is particularly valuable for young creatives seeking honest advice and a sense of community, all delivered through the lens of two practitioners in the field. Tune in for a blend of practical strategy and personal reflection that focuses on building a sustainable and fulfilling design practice.
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