Founder Foundry

Founder Foundry is a community site designed to help service business entrepreneurs build a foundation for their business. Get access to an online resource jam-packed with helpful content and a private community where you can ask questions, get feedback, and create meaningful relationships.

Founder & CEO

Uptime Media

Investor & Advisor

Raw Studio

Founder - Non-Executive Director

Note.co

Working on something interesting! Join our Beta! https://note.co

WDX (Web & Digital Experience) - f.k.a Sydney Designers

Sydney Designers Meetup is a meetup of Sydney-based designers enthusiasts. We share and talk about design and everything related. More infos: https://sydneydesigners.org 

My role: 
I'm genuinely passionate about sharing and connecting with people. I organise the meetup every month and bring on amazing speakers for people to learn but most importantly to connect and network.

Main Organizer

KeyPay Cloud Payroll & Workforce Management

Disrupting payroll via design. Leading the design team to shape the future of cloud payroll.

Lead Designer

Leading the Design in KeyPay. Redesigning every part of the app. Product, and Visual.

Senior Product Designer

vyte.in

Vyte.in is the best way to plan an event with a group of people. From a business meeting to a nigtht out with friends, vyte.in will make the process of organizing much smoother. Forget endless email threads and doodle, and sign up for the beta: http://vyte.in

Product Designer & Co-Founder

Philippe HONG

Freelance Creative Designer UI/UX & Front-end Developer. Clients: Snappr, Apptimize, BETC, Popsy, Sanofi, Badoit, Schneider Electric, etc..

Freelance

Airtasker

Product Designer in charge of the Mobile Product (Web, iOS and Android). User experience and Front-dev

Product Designer

Coeurs et arts

Art Director

After five intense years of running my successful million-dollar design agency, I hit a major roadblock. Burnout didn't just knock on my door—it barged right in and left me bedridden for three days straight. I didn't want to get up or face the world. Lying there, I thought to myself, "Okay, this is enough."

The next day, I made the tough decision to let go of all my employees. I knew I needed a break—a real one—to rethink my priorities and figure out what I truly wanted in life.

It felt like I slammed a giant reset button, letting out a big sigh that carried away years of stress and unspoken worries.

Growing up in France as a shy Asian kid in a mostly Western culture, I often felt like I didn't quite fit in. I was quiet and kept to myself. Design became my safe space—a way to express my creativity without having to say a word. But deep down, I was super ambitious, always juggling side projects and trying to "build something" meaningful.

That constant drive helped me achieve a lot, but it also led me straight into burnout.

As I lay there, I couldn't help but wonder: How does our mind work? How can I bounce back? How can I make sure this never happens again?
Those questions sparked an inward journey—a deep dive into understanding the mind and all its amazing potential. I realised that overcoming burnout wasn't just about resting; it was about transforming my mindset. I learned tools and techniques to not only help me get back but also be a better version of myself—stronger, wiser, and happier.

I believe everyone deserves to know how to utilise their mind to its fullest.
If you are like me, you want to be YOUR best self.
You want to unlock a new level of effectiveness and fulfilment.
You want to feel motivated and excited every day.
You want to feel confident and smart.
You want to prioritise what matters, manage your emotions like a boss, and build habits that support your professional and personal growth.

Join me in this journey.

This is the reason I created The Effective Mindset, a community-based hub where we share science-based resources, techniques, and habits for being our most effective selves.

We all deserve to be at our peak and to live without regrets. Because we all deserve to thrive, not just survive.

Philippe Hong

:Different

- Led research and development for the product roadmap, aligning initiatives with strategic business goals.
- worked closely with the CEO to develop and implement pivot strategies, playing a crucial role in the development of the MVP.
- Played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts by crafting compelling and persuasive pitch decks.
- Conducted continuous exploration and experimentation to uncover new opportunities and validate innovative concepts.
 - Designed and refined the UX for mobile experiences, enhancing product features and establishing a robust UX framework.
- Built and expanded the design team by recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding top talent.

Lead Strategic Design UX

Human Relations Studio

I co-founded Human Relations Studio, (product brand consultancy) recognising a significant market opportunity to help evolving companies reposition themselves and establish a profound connection with their human audience amidst our constantly changing world. Our rebranding studio is backed by a team of strategic creatives with over 20 years of experience collaborating with diverse clients, including startups, companies, agencies, ventures, and brands.

At Human Relations, we are dedicated to transforming the brand identity of companies at crucial stages of evolution. We firmly believe that a powerful brand identity can elevate a company's positioning, broaden its customer base, and ultimately drive revenue growth.

Key Achievements thus far:

• Spearheaded the establishment of Human Relations Studio, leveraging expertise in creative problem-solving and design strategy to drive business success.
• Cultivated a talented team of strategic creatives, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Successfully collaborated with diverse clients, delivering impactful rebranding solutions to enhance their market presence and audience engagement.

Partner

Flyte

As a Strategic Advisor to Flyte, I played a vital role in guiding the CEO on product and brand strategy, providing valuable feedback and recommendations on design hires and agency engagements. 

Key Contributions:
• Advised the CEO on strategic decisions related to product development and brand positioning, contributing to Flyte's growth and success.
•Leveraged creative problem-solving skills to identify innovative solutions, resulting in impactful design hires that strengthened Flyte's design capabilities.
•Provided critical insights and feedback on agency engagements, optimising the brand's visual identity and customer experience.
• Instrumental in the successful execution of a comprehensive rebranding effort, positioning Flyte for sustained market relevance and growth.

Strategic Advisor

HoneyBook

As the Lead Strategic Brand Design for HoneyBook's rebranding initiative, I played a pivotal role in developing a compelling branding concept that effectively conveyed the company's vision and core values. This project involved extensive research and required me to identify, hire, and manage top creatives to collaborate on the endeavor.

Key Responsibilities:
• Conceptualised and crafted a robust logo brand design that resonated with HoneyBook's vision, helping to reinforce the brand's identity in the market.
• Assembled a high-performing team of creatives, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment to ensure exceptional project delivery.
• Collaborated closely with the company's leadership and key stakeholders, actively incorporating their input to meet their specific needs and expectations.

Achievements:
• Successfully led the logo rebranding effort, resulting in a refreshed brand identity that received positive feedback from both internal and external audiences.
• Ensured the project's timely completion, meeting all objectives and milestones within the allocated timeframe.

Fractional Lead Strategic Brand Design (rebrand)

1835i

As the Lead Design Strategy at 1835i's Business Creation Lab, I spearheaded the design and testing of innovative business propositions from conception to execution. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I led human-centred design workshops internally and externally to ensure customer-centric solutions. My role involved managing both external and internal production teams to develop compelling communications for 1835i.

Key Accomplishments:
• Successfully designed and presented four business propositions, including those related to personal finance, real estate, and more.
• Launched one of the developed business propositions in the market, achieving positive outcomes and impact.
• Implemented robust internal processes for venture creation, streamlining operations and enhancing overall efficiency.
• Developed cohort programs to support external founders, providing them with valuable resources and mentorship.

Responsibilities:
• Led design strategy for Creative Labs, driving the creation and validation of novel business concepts.
• Oversaw the coordination and collaboration of external and internal production teams, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Facilitated human-centred design workshops, fostering a customer-centric approach to problem-solving.
• Engaged with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align design strategies with organisational goals.

Lead Design Strategy, Venture Studio

As the Head of Design at LandingPad, I played a pivotal role in driving the development and enhancement of user experiences across multiple products on native mobile and web platforms. Leading a team of designers, I focused on feature design, conducting thorough research, wireframing, prototyping, and ensuring the successful delivery of new experiences aligned with the current and future product roadmap.

Key Contributions:
• Elevated the user experience across LandingPad's product portfolio, resulting in increased user satisfaction and engagement.
• Collaborated with fellow designers to establish and expand product design patterns and a comprehensive design system, ensuring design consistency and efficiency.
• Successfully managed a team of designers and the head of marketing, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Sourced and effectively managed outside agencies and contractors, optimizing project outcomes and resource allocation.
• Spearheaded the development and creation of brand and marketing materials across LandingPad's product offerings, contributing to brand cohesion and recognition.

Achievements:
• Led the creation of an app that achieved top 10 rankings in the app store under the real estate category.
•The app reached an impressive 5.5 million ANZ customers and garnered 250k downloads, achieving significant market penetration and success.

Responsibilities:
• Conducted product and brand design workshops for key internal stakeholders, including the CEO, head of product, and head of marketing, to align design strategies with business objectives.

Head Of Design (LandingPad Venture)

Lead Strategic Designer, ANZi New Business Labs

As the Design Director at Yup, an on-demand tutoring app for K-12, I played a crucial role in guiding the design process from the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage to Series A funding, spanning over 3.5 years. During this period, I led the team in achieving product-market fit and fostering a seamless user experience.

Key Achievements:
• Led the end-to-end design process, encompassing user research, UX/UI design for both iOS and Android platforms, and product prototyping.
• Spearheaded the development of the brand identity, contributing to Yup's recognition and positioning in the market.
• Successfully oversaw growth marketing initiatives, driving user acquisition and engagement strategies.
Designed web app experiences, marketing websites, and landing pages, ensuring consistent and compelling user interactions across various touchpoints.
• Developed and maintained robust design systems, optimising design workflows and ensuring design consistency.
• Produced and edited video demos, effectively showcasing product features and benefits to users and stakeholders.
• Leveraged contract recruiting and management to build and nurture a talented design team.

Responsibilities:
•Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering and product management, to align design efforts with business goals.
•Conducted user research to gain valuable insights and inform data-driven design decisions.
•Created an engaging and intuitive user experience, contributing to Yup's positive reputation among its target audience.
•Participated in strategic discussions and product planning, contributing to Yup's growth and market expansion.

Design Director (acquired by Prenda)

hello network, inc.

As the Lead Visual Product Designer at hello network, inc., I played a key role in shaping the user interface and experience of the social app on iOS. My design expertise and leadership were instrumental in creating the first version of the app, ensuring a visually appealing and user-friendly product.

Key Contributions:
• Led the visual UI design efforts, transforming concepts into a compelling and intuitive user interface on iOS.
• Facilitated R&D user workshops, gathering valuable insights to inform design decisions and enhance user experiences.
•Designed the marketing website, effectively communicating the app's value proposition and driving user acquisition.

Responsibilities:
•Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers and engineers, to align design strategies with product goals.
•Contributed to the user experience design, ensuring a seamless and delightful journey for app users.
•Participated in R&D activities to explore new design directions and innovative features for future iterations.

Lead Visual Product Designer

Yahoo

As the Lead Designer for UX/UI at Yahoo, I played a pivotal role in shaping the mobile entertainment product for Yahoo! Screen on the Android tablet platform. My design expertise and innovative mindset led to the conception and prototyping of a mobile product concept for Yahoo's celebrity entertainment, which was presented to Marissa Mayer, CEO.

Key Achievements:
* Successfully led the design efforts for Yahoo! Screen's mobile entertainment product, ensuring an engaging user experience on the Android tablet platform.
* Spearheaded the conception and prototyping of a mobile product concept, contributing to Yahoo's entertainment offerings and strategic vision.
*Initiated a new era of innovation as the third mobile designer to lead the company's New York office, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.
*Made significant contributions to the redesign of Yahoo's brand, including the selection of the final type treatment that became part of Yahoo's identity.
*Played a crucial role in the successful launch of Flickr's print book product by redesigning the landing page, enhancing user engagement and conversions.

Responsibilities:
* Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including product managers and engineers, to translate ideas into tangible, user-centric designs.
* Executed web design and iOS design projects, ensuring a consistent and seamless user experience across platforms.

Lead Creative / Design Director

MileWise

As the first designer and a key member of the founding team at MileWise, I played a pivotal role in shaping the product's design, marketing, and brand strategies. My versatile role encompassed product design for both the web and mobile app, creating compelling marketing materials, and driving brand growth.

Key Accomplishments:
* Successfully shipped two versions each of the Android and iPhone apps, driving user engagement and satisfaction.
*Led the company's rebranding efforts, establishing a strong brand identity that resonated with the target audience.
*Played a central role in creating a robust online presence, resulting in a remarkable 400% increase in the user base.
*Achieved recognition for the app, which was featured in the top ten travel apps in the US App Store.
Contributed significantly to the company's acquisition by Yahoo, validating the product's value and potential.

Responsibilities:
*Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product design and development.
Designed multiple product landing pages and marketing funnels to optimize user acquisition and retention.
*Effectively articulated the value proposition of the product, driving user adoption and engagement.

Head of Design (acquired by Yahoo)

f you’re reading this, thanks for taking the time to learn about me—you’re either really curious or just enjoy reading LinkedIn bios (no judgment!).

My career has taken me around the world, with half of it spent in the US, from New York to San Francisco, and now back in Australia. I’ve been fortunate enough to work at the intersection of design, innovation, and brand strategy for over 15 years. Over that time, I’ve honed three key strengths: leading through connection, solving complex problems with creativity, and raising the bar on brand and product experiences.

I believe in leading through connection. Whether I’m working with teams, clients, or stakeholders, I prioritize empathy, trust, and open communication. I even went through Google’s Rare Leadership program, where I sharpened my skills in fostering inclusive environments and boosting emotional intelligence. At ANZ (1835i), I led remote teams throughout the COVID era, keeping everyone motivated and connected—despite the pandemic and Zoom fatigue!

The first part of my career was spent in the agency world at top firms like R/GA, MRM, and AKQA. There, I developed a passion for raising the bar on creative and product experiences. I’ve worked on global rebrands, including HoneyBook and Yahoo, always pushing for that balance between cutting-edge creativity and seamless functionality.

When it comes to strategic problem-solving, I thrive on merging creativity with business objectives. I’ve led product innovation efforts at :Different and ANZ (1835i), grounding my work in research and ensuring that we’re solving the right problems for both users and the business.

If you’re into fonts, branding, product design, UK late 90s graphic design & fashion, electronic music, or anything tech product-related, reach out! Or if you’ve got an amazing product idea and are wondering how to get it to market, I’m always up for a chat.

taplio

The Battle

Philippe Hong

Joel Wasserman

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