Introduction
In the episode titled "Dare to Redefine Success - Pablo Honey" of the Daring Creativity. Daring Forever. podcast, host Radim Malinic engages in a profound conversation with Pablo Hanning, a seasoned designer, creative director, and educator. Released on July 28, 2025, this episode delves deep into the multifaceted nature of success, creativity, and personal growth, all through the lens of Pablo's rich and diverse experiences.
Guest Background
Pablo Hanning brings over two decades of experience in design, having worked with Fortune 100 companies and innovative startups alike. Born in Galicia, raised in Switzerland, and having lived in Barcelona before settling in New York City, Pablo's multicultural background significantly shapes his approach to creativity and leadership.
Radim introduces Pablo by highlighting his extensive career and accolades, including his award-winning short stories on escapism and his early ventures into Adobe Flash. Pablo himself describes his roles, emphasizing his identity beyond professional titles:
"I'm just a human, like everyone, full of fears and curiosities. What defines more who I am... is traveling in between those roles and concepts." [04:25]
Early Creative Journey
Pablo's journey into creativity began in a humble setting. Growing up in Switzerland after his family migrated from Galicia, he subconsciously absorbed the region's impeccable design aesthetics—architecture, typography, and signage—which later influenced his professional path. Reflecting on his childhood, Pablo shares:
"When looking back, even traveling back to Switzerland, I was recognizing a lot of things that I loved... how much of an impact that childhood surrounded by all good design had on my understanding or the profession later on." [05:02]
His early passion for writing led to the publication of two short stories during his teenage years, both centered around themes of escapism. These achievements spurred his confidence and inspired him to pursue a creative career despite lacking familial references in the arts:
"I was the first one going to College in my entire lineage... no one in my family went to higher education." [12:49]
Moving to Barcelona and Building a Career
Pablo's pivotal move to Barcelona was inspired by a Flash animation he witnessed at a local festival called OFF. This experience ignited his passion for interactive design and pushed him to leave his stable job in Galicia to explore new creative horizons. He recounts:
"I saw this Japanese guy on stage, Yugo Nakamura, presenting these visual poems created in Flash... it just blew my mind... I moved to Barcelona, knowing that I had to pursue something similar to what YouGob was doing." [24:32]
In Barcelona, Pablo juggled working at a restaurant and building his design portfolio, demonstrating resilience and dedication. This period was challenging yet transformative, ultimately leading to opportunities such as teaching at the Institute of European Design and securing a position at a pioneering agency, RGA New York, where he worked on high-profile campaigns for brands like Nike.
Redefining Success
A central theme of the conversation revolves around the evolving definition of success. Pablo emphasizes that his understanding of success has shifted over time, influenced by personal growth and changing priorities:
"Success is such a tricky concept... It really changes for me. It has changed and it keeps changing every maybe season." [39:14]
Initially, success for Pablo was tied to his portfolio and creative achievements. Over time, it has encompassed financial milestones, meaningful connections with friends and family, and the ability to inspire others. Currently, he values the impact of his storytelling and philosophies on others more than tangible accolades.
Leadership and Management Philosophy
As the Head of Design at Automattic, Pablo manages a diverse and globally dispersed team of 80 designers. He attributes his effective leadership to the kindness and talent of his team members:
"Having great people... Not just skilled and talented, but also gracious and super kind... that makes everything half as difficult as it should be." [42:55]
Pablo balances his role as a manager with his identity as a craftsperson, often finding himself designing even while leading. The remote nature of his work poses challenges, such as fostering creative connections, but the supportive environment at Automattic mitigates these hurdles.
Balancing Introversion and Leadership
Despite his leadership role, Pablo identifies as shy and sensitive to overwhelming stimuli. He discusses the duality of his personality—confidence when on stage and a need for solitude to recharge:
"There are two modes. One in which you've seen me on stage... and the other mode... is often overwhelmed by stimuli." [46:01]
This balance allows him to excel in public speaking and leadership while also ensuring he takes time to recover and maintain his well-being. His awareness of these dynamics enables him to support his team effectively while managing his personal energy.
Concept of Home and Identity
Pablo's transient lifestyle raises questions about the notion of home. He defines home not as a static place but as a state of mind, emphasizing adaptability and a sense of belonging wherever he is:
"Home to me is where my feet are... I feel at home in motion, and I feel at home on a plane where I'm very creative and feel very comfortable." [52:04]
Living in multiple countries has fostered a sense of home in various places, particularly in New York City, where he has spent the most time. This fluid concept of home reflects his broader worldview and adaptability, essential traits for a creative leader in a dynamic industry.
Conclusion
The conversation between Radim Malinic and Pablo Hanning offers invaluable insights into redefining success through the lens of creativity, multiculturalism, and personal growth. Pablo's journey from a small village in Galicia to a leadership role in a global company exemplifies the essence of daring creativity—embracing imperfections, adapting to change, and continuously moving forward. His reflections on managing a large, remote team, balancing introversion with public roles, and redefining success provide a nuanced perspective for creatives seeking to navigate their own paths.
As Radim aptly summarizes, "Are you ready to discover what happens when you dare to create?"—this episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of embracing one's unique journey and redefining success on one's own terms.
Notable Quotes
- Pablo Hanning [00:38]: "Success is such a tricky concept... It really changes for me. It has changed and it keeps changing every maybe season."
- Pablo Hanning [04:25]: "I'm just a human, like everyone, full of fears and curiosities."
- Pablo Hanning [05:02]: "When looking back... how much of an impact that childhood surrounded by all good design had on my understanding or the profession later on."
- Pablo Hanning [24:32]: "I saw this Japanese guy on stage, Yugo Nakamura, presenting these visual poems created in Flash... it just blew my mind."
- Pablo Hanning [39:14]: "Success is such a tricky concept... It really changes for me. It has changed and it keeps changing every maybe season."
- Pablo Hanning [42:55]: "Having great people... Not just skilled and talented, but also gracious and super kind... that makes everything half as difficult as it should be."
- Pablo Hanning [46:01]: "There are two modes. One in which you've seen me on stage... and the other mode... is often overwhelmed by stimuli."
- Pablo Hanning [52:04]: "Home to me is where my feet are... I feel at home in motion, and I feel at home on a plane where I'm very creative and feel very comfortable."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Daring Creativity not only highlights Pablo's personal and professional journey but also invites listeners to reflect on their definitions of success and creativity. By sharing his vulnerabilities and triumphs, Pablo exemplifies the podcast's core message: creativity isn't about perfection. It's about showing up with all your doubts, insecurities, and imperfections—and making them count.