In today’s complex organizations, silos are rarely designed—but they’re deeply felt. What if we could turn that confusion into connection—not by simplifying complexity, but by designing for it? This talk explores inclusive, cross-disciplinary collaboration through real-world case studies in intelligent mobility and healthcare innovation. From co-creating with software engineers across four continents to facilitating alongside clinicians and data scientists, I’ll share what it takes to design across language, culture, and expertise.

Participants will gain insights into fostering spaces where diverse voices contribute meaningfully—and how discomfort, when designed with intention, becomes a powerful connector. Personal stories—from being the only woman and non-engineer on stage at a Tokyo engineering conference to challenging assumptions at an international symposium on AI and health data—show how shifting the question can help untangle the mess—together.