Unconventional Pathways: Kerry's Evolution from Tech Support to Disney Designer.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and Kerry McPhearson 📓's journey has been no different. From being a passionate audiophile and college dropout to becoming a designer at Disney, Kerry's path has been anything but predictable. A self-described lover of vinyl records and Pokémon cards, he even pushed Microsoft Publisher to its limits to express his love for design.

Before entering the world of design, Kerry was a technical support worker. In that role, he experienced firsthand the frustration of software updates that only seemed to exacerbate problems for users. That's when he realized he could bring about change. And so, he decided to switch careers and step into product design, aiming to humanize software in the process.

In his quest for improvement, Kerry adapted the diligent practice he used to become a top musician during his high school and college days. This commitment to consistency and improvement led him to work on products used by millions, from enhancing supply chain cloud management systems at STORD to shaping digital strategy for Inspire Brands' food chains like Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and SONIC.

At Disney, he now faces the challenge of integrating the designs of two giant platforms, Disney and Hulu. But Kerry thrives on challenges. His belief in adaptability - the same quality that had inspired me to believe in his potential despite his unconventional background during his Coho application - continues to be the compass guiding him through his career.

Kerry's design philosophy is deeply rooted in problem-solving and empathy. He believes that when a mistake occurs, one shouldn't blame the individual but rather the process. And then, fix the process. His curiosity pushes him to question the status quo, be it a recruiting method or a user interface. He believes software shouldn't force a user to question their humanity, an idea he echoes from designer Amie Thao.

But Kerry's vision goes beyond product design. He wants to transform how we work. To him, leadership is not about having a title. It's about nurturing a team, understanding their needs, and helping them grow beyond their current roles. It's about being accountable to the product, the process, and the people.

This mindset has won him the admiration of his peers. When I asked online for nominations of individuals who deserved recognition, Kerry was modest and nominated others. However, the responses were overwhelming, with many praising Kerry as a true leader. It was a testament to Kerry's unique bond with those he works with or meets along the way.

Kerry's journey, filled with determination, adaptability, and a strong sense of community, is still unfolding. His story is not just about personal success but about creating a ripple effect of positive change. And this is just the beginning. His journey inspires anyone willing to question, innovate, and extend a hand to those on the same path.

Watch this space; there's much more to come from Kerry.

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