Global Design and Innovation: Lessons from Olivier Cottin, S5, Ep.3

In this episode, we are joined by Olivier Cottin, an experienced product design leader with 18 years in venture building and human-centered design. Olivier has worked with top companies like Careem, Uber, and Shell, helping startups achieve product-market fit through innovative design strategies. Currently an advisor and product design leader at Nyla Bank, he brings invaluable insights into transforming customer needs into successful digital products. Discussion points - ~ Can you share your journey with us and what it has been like so far? 1:46 ~ How has your multicultural and diverse background influenced your approach to work? 7:28 ~ Rapid fire round 10:45 ~ How has your background in human-computer interaction shaped your approach to fintech design and understanding user psychology? 16:54 ~ How does designing for Middle Eastern and Asian markets differ from working in Europe or the West? 20:28 ~ Now that you’re on the other side as a venture capitalist, how has that perspective shifted your approach to design and innovation? 28:59 ~ What common mistakes do you see in startup pitches, and what advice would you offer to entrepreneurs to stand out. 30:16

Show notes -

~ I’ve realized there’s a whole part of the world that does things differently. It’s not that it’s the wrong way; it’s just different, and it takes time to adapt and relearn. ~ In emerging markets, it’s not always about the quality of execution; it’s about being first to market, locking in your distribution, and eliminating competition early. ~ Founders often get so obsessed with their product that they skip validation, pouring time and money into something without knowing who will buy it or how to distribute it. ~ Having a mixed heritage and career across different regions has taught me to approach problems with multiple perspectives and adapt to unique ways of doing things. ~ Accounting taught me the value of structure, but I also realized that creativity within such rigid frameworks often leads to undesirable consequences. ~ Business is all about people. To create value, you need to deeply understand your customers—their behaviors, demographics, and what problems you’re solving for them. Links - www.linkedin.com/in/oliviercottin www.nylabank.com