Part 1: Honest, Realistic, and Optimistic Leadership Advice from Friends of IDEO

As the year winds down, we asked 20 friends of IDEO—including IDEO U instructors, Creative Confidence Podcast guests, and IDEO partners—to share honest leadership advice for leaders heading into 2026. In Part 1, hear reflections on uncertainty, creativity, and momentum. Host Mina Seetharaman and IDEO Partner Ilya Prokopoff share reactions and build on each leader’s advice. Many of the leaders featured on this episode have been guests on the podcast.