This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Bracken Darrell, CEO of Logitech, to the podcast.
In this concise episode, Bracken Darrell, a distinguished industry leader, difference maker, and captivating storyteller, offers his insights on life, leadership, learning, the significance of design thinking, Logitech’s commitment to sustainability, maintaining agility, and cultivating values of hunger and humility.
Hailing from Owensboro, Kentucky, Bracken pursued English in Arkansas and later graduated with a degree in Accountancy in Texas. He started his career as a public accountant at Arthur Andersen, then earned his MBA at Harvard, which propelled him into brand management at P&G. Eventually, Bracken transitioned to General Management at GE, paving the way for his appointment as Logitech’s CEO in 2012.
While his career may appear impeccably linear on paper, Bracken Darrell has navigated and triumphed over imposter syndrome. He has been intentional with his goals, learned from mistakes, acknowledged successes, and remained humble and focused on the journey ahead—all the hallmarks of engineering serendipity.
Under Bracken’s leadership, Logitech has seen remarkable growth. After a decade at the helm, driving innovation, digital transformation, and nurturing a design-led culture, Bracken is now dedicated to “transforming forward” and amplifying Logitech’s impact beyond mere profit, ultimately benefiting both people and the planet.
Thanks to Katz Keily for the connection.
Time Codes
00:00 Intro
02:44 Who is Bracken?
03:35 Who or what made him?
06:30 The impact and value of his siblings
08:50 Brakcen’s view on his role as a leader and taking a stand
11:50 The role and opportunity for Companies to take a moral position
14:30 Influencing other companies on sustainability by leading through example and the need for industry standards
17:50 Bracken describes three core areas important for design thinking
20:00 Bracken discusses his design principles
22:00 I ask Bracken about his perspective on success and failures and how he applies a learning and experimentation lens
25:30 Meeting and learning from start-up founders
28:00 Bracken explains his view on being transparent and his growth as a leader
30:44 His sense of urgency on the need to take action on sustainability
33:15 The organizational values of humility and hunger and learning.
34:30 Bracken on competition, the love of the practice, and the process of learning
36:00 Is there a book coming?
37:00 Pulling off the three levels of design
38:45 Confronting barriers and doubt
39:50 Brackens natural gifts?
40:40 What he’s complemented for?
Social Links
Links Mentioned
Memoirs of Hadrian Marguerite Yourcenar