The 4% Amplified
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The 4% Amplified •
Visualize the Vibe: The Art of Seeing Sound
EP. 08
In this episode, Sunni shares her creative process, showing how sound shapes the way she designs.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How music sparks visual concepts that shapes her design direction
The connection between sound, emotion, and visual storytelling
Why genres feel like distinct visual “worlds”
Whether you’re a musician, designer, or just someone who can’t imagine life without a good playlist, this episode will inspire you to see—and hear—your creativity in a whole new way.
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Designing for the Future
EP. 07
In this episode of The 4% Amplified, Sunni sits down with Esosa, Creative Director and visionary founder of Iconiq Creative Group, to explore what it really means to build unapologetic, culture-driven brands that spark genuine connection—especially for leaders driving social and cultural impact. Through her leadership at Iconiq, Esosa transforms followable brand concepts into magnetic experiences rooted in mission and identity. From her signature Voice-Driven Strategy to raw, authentic visual storytelling, she reframes branding as a tool for deep connection—not just decoration. At the heart of her work is a belief that great branding begins with confident leadership: “Designing beyond logos, brand strategy now starts with leadership.” She helps organizations move from simply speaking at communities to engaging in real, transformative conversations.
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Business of Design
EP. 06
In this episode of The 4% Amplified, Sunni sits down with UX design manager and career coach Marvin Hassan to explore what it really means to build a sustainable, impactful design career—especially for those navigating mid-career plateaus. With over two decades of experience in the design field, Marvin has led UX teams that not only deliver strong design outcomes but also serve as trusted partners to the business. Beyond his leadership roles, Marvin is deeply committed to supporting mid-career UX professionals who feel stuck or undervalued—helping them recognize their worth, leverage their strengths, and reclaim joy in their work. Together, Marvin and Sunni also touch on a growing trend in the design world: the shift toward freelancing and redefining success on your own terms. If you’re considering making that leap, Sunni recommends this step-by-step guide on how to start freelancing.
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Designing for Accessibility
EP. 05
In this episode of The 4% Amplified, Sunni turns the spotlight on designing for accessibility—not as a checklist, but as a deep and compassionate practice rooted in inclusion, empathy, and justice. At the heart of this conversation is our featured guest: Rachel Radway, a leadership and executive coach with years of experience leading content strategy and design operations in tech. Recently discovering she’s an AuDHDer—someone with ADHD and some autistic traits—Rachel brings a lived, nuanced perspective to what accessibility really looks like in leadership, design, and life. She helps women who are wired a little differently tap into their strengths and navigate the challenges that come with neurodivergence. In this episode, you’ll hear: - Why designing for accessibility starts with cultivating curiosity and compassion- How inclusion extends beyond physical access to cognitive and emotional spaces- Rachel’s story of discovering her neurodivergence and how it shapes her work- What it really takes to create a world—and an industry—where everyone belongs.
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Branding with Purpose
EP. 04
In this episode of The 4% Amplified, Sunni explores the transformative power of branding at the intersection of design, legacy, and justice. Through sound, story, and history, we trace how creative expression has long been a force for social change—from Emory Douglas and the Black Panthers to the rainbow flag of the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement. At the heart of this conversation is our featured guest: Leila Kharem, founder of KHI Design Group. Leila’s journey is deeply rooted in a lineage of visual storytelling. Her late father, Omar Kharem, was a photographer during the Civil Rights Movement whose images have been featured at The Met, the Museum of Natural History, and the Brooklyn Museum. His legacy lives on through her work—where design is more than visual, it’s a vehicle for memory, resistance, and identity.
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Thriving Together, BIPOC Excellence in Business & Legacy Building
EP. 03
In this episode of The 4% Amplified, we’re tapping into one of the most transformative forces for underrepresented minority creatives and entrepreneurs: community—and why building our own intentional spaces is no longer optional, but essential. Your host, Sunni, sits down with two incredible guests: Natesha Mortimer, Founder of Data Swale. Doneil Chapman, a freelance frontend software engineer. Together, they explore what it means to create spaces where connection, mentorship, and shared resources aren’t just possible—they’re powerful tools for resilience, growth, and liberation. This is a heart-centered, real-world conversation about shifting from isolation to collective strength. Whether you’re building a startup, launching a creative project, or simply navigating a system not designed for you, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight. You’ll learn: Why “it takes a village” is more than just a saying—it’s a survival strategy How mentorship within our own communities can bridge systemic gaps The value of sharing knowledge, vendors, and funding opportunities openly How shifting from a scarcity mindset to collaboration fuels long-term success
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Common Sense Isn’t So Common
EP. 02
In this episode of The 4% Amplified, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most urgent issues of our digital age: misinformation—and why ‘common sense’ isn’t cutting it anymore. Your host, Sunni, dives deep into how misinformation shapes our beliefs, biases, and behaviors—and how AI is complicating an already messy landscape. But this isn’t just about calling out the problem. It’s about rethinking how we process information in a world where truth feels increasingly subjective. This is a bold, eye-opening conversation about media literacy, tech accountability, and the power of critical thinking. Sunni is joined by two insightful guests: Risha Brown, creator of Currently Processing Podcast and Founder of 40 Greens, a wellness and sustainability brand. Itwela Ibowu, a freelance designer and developer working at the intersections of tech, culture, and identity. Together, they unpack the invisible forces shaping our perception of reality—from clickbait headlines to algorithmic bias.
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The Numbers Don’t Lie
EP. 01
In this episode of 4% Amplified, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the design industry’s biggest problem: the lack of representation of Black and marginalized creatives. Sunni, your host, gets real about what it means to navigate a career in an industry that often overlooks talent from underrepresented backgrounds. But this isn’t just about obstacles it’s about transformation. This is a powerful and honest conversation about representation, resilience, and why we can’t rely on good intentions alone. Sunni shares her personal journey, the systemic issues she’s faced, and the deep need for community, mentorship, and real accountability in corporate DEI efforts.
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