Agnes Pyrchla works for Frog Design and wears many hats while at work. She is a design researcher, systems thinker, and business strategist. She is passionate about solving problems with her clients and uses her ability to make things feel more achievable. She has a plethora of experience and is very excited about maintaining respect for the environment with her ideas and solutions within the company. To attend her mentor session, an RSVP is required.
Tell me a little about yourself! Where you went to school, how you got started in your career, etc.
I’ve approached my career like a detective, following clues about my interests without ever really knowing that certain fields existed until I stumbled upon them (by asking a lot of questions). I studied business and arts administration at the University of Virginia. I’ve worked in music management, advertising, management consulting, non-profit administration, and now, as a strategist at a design consultancy. What ties all of these experiences together is a love for storytelling and scrappy problem solving; these are threads I continue to hold onto as my career progresses.
What got you into the career you have now?
A mindset — never really fitting into a neat box, and being insatiably curious. I’ve always considered myself to be analytical and creative at the same time, and I’ve had a hard time finding roles that nurtured both. Now, my career both encourages and demands that. Once Mark (a Technology Director at frog) called us the “land of misfit toys,” and it couldn’t be more true for me.
Is this your first time at SXSW? What are you most excited about?
It’s my second time attending, but my first time in an “official” capacity. I came for the first time to see music (I still remember The Alabama Shakes and Sylvan Esso’s performances), but this time I’m looking forward to the Cities Summit.
What is the primary focus of your event?
I am hosting a mentorship session — which means I’ll be sitting at a table waiting for people to come up and ask me whatever they want. I’m particularly interested in hearing from folks who are first-generation Americans (because I am one, too). I had to figure a LOT of things out on my own, and if I can lessen that burden for anyone out there who doesn’t have solid professional mentorship at home (beyond advice to become a doctor or lawyer), come see me.
What made you want to get involved with SXSW?
Getting involved with SXSW is a gift because I get to pause, take a step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and exchange ideas with others about how we want our futures to feel like.
What do you want the audience’s biggest takeaway to be from this mentor session?
You are the author of your own narrative, the inventor of your own reality. Write down what you want and it will happen — because you will make it so.
What is your favorite part about working for frog design?
The humans who stretch my perspective on a daily basis. You can give everyone on a team the same task and we’d each come back with a different take. I’m blown away by that, continuously.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The anthropology of it. My job is to get to know people and make sure they are reflected and represented in the products we use today. I get to learn about people every day. What a trip. In the same vein, I’m grateful for the trust our clients put in us to help them answer some meaty questions.
What is the main focus or goal of frog design as a company?
Broadly, to better the human experience by designing products/experiences/physical spaces/organizations that resonate with the people using them. More tactically, we work with clients who are excited about creating something new and who need a partner (or partners) in bringing that thing to life.
What advice do you have for companies or entrepreneurs to be as successful as possible?
“Success” is a thorny word because we all have personal definitions of it. To me, success means living each day with intention. Am I making the reality I want to see happen? Did I do something kind for someone (including myself) today?
People are sponges. We gravitate towards people who live and act this way. I can tell when someone believes in their product/team/company wholeheartedly, and I want to work with those people. I think others might feel the same way, too, and this gives rise to success. At least that’s what success feels like to me.
Friday, March 10
3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
JW Marriott – Salon 8/110 E 2nd St
Find out more: Agnes Pyrchla (frog): Mentor
Featured Image: Pixabay