DE S IGN CENTRE
WORDS OF WISDOM
What are the secrets to success in design? Giles Kime asks five leading creatives how they have learnt to manage clients, teams – and themselves
CHARU GANDHI Founder and director, Elicyon
Listening is the foundation of a successful relationship with clients. By empathising with their needs and vision, we build trust through honesty, transparency and open dialogue. For me, it’s not just about delivering a project; it’s about making clients feel genuinely at the heart of the process. We’ve always valued our recruitment process,
ensuring we attract exceptional talent aligned with our ethos. But hiring is only the beginning; retaining and nurturing a team is where the real work begins. To this end, we’ve developed training programmes, feedback channels, and 360-degree reviews to create a supportive environment. I’ve been fortunate to have had many mentors and
coaches throughout my career. From industry leaders to business coaches, I’ve always sought out people who can challenge and inspire me. One lesson that
resonates deeply is encapsulated in Maya Angelou’s words: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” I’ve also learnt the value of collective learning
through our team at Elicyon. It inspires me daily, reminding me that mentorship is not a one-way street but a reciprocal process. The trust and belief of those around you can become one of your greatest assets. As someone deeply ambitious for my projects
and clients, I find myself driven to work relentlessly. However, I’ve learnt that investing in rest and creating space for inspiration outside daily tasks is not just necessary but also invaluable. I’ve also come to accept that the lines between life and work often blur, particularly as a founder. But rather than resist this, I’ve embraced it. These blurred boundaries have led to some profoundly creative moments.
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© Nick Rochowski
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