Nicola Ralston

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Head of Design at New Categories / BAT

London, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Nicola is an accomplished design leader with extensive experience at global brands like BAT, Dell, Microsoft, Nokia, and Ford. She specializes in building and leading experience innovation teams that humanize technology by merging design, technology, and strategy. Nicola holds a design degree from the Glasgow School of Art.

Her career has been distinctly international, having lived and worked as a designer and design leader in the UK, Italy, Germany, Finland, and the United States. This global perspective informs her leadership of teams located across the world.

She began her career in automotive design, contributing to the color and trim for iconic cars like the Ford Ka and Street Ka.

Personality Overview

Charismatic

Friendly But Fast

Achievement-Oriented

They are charming and have the ability to align others behind their decisions.  They respond better to a combination of speed and relationship. They will bat for you if they come to believe in you.

Topics They Care About

Experience Innovation
A primary focus of her career, she has led Experience Innovation Studios at companies like Dell to define future products and customer experiences.
Humanizing Technology
A stated goal in her work is turning complex, ambiguous challenges into concrete solutions that make technology more human-centric and accessible.
Hardware & Software Design
Passionate about designing at the intersection of hardware and software, having led design for Microsoft's Surface products and Dell's technology portfolio.

Media Appearances

Nicola has no verified media appearances

Work History

7-2024
Head of Design at New Categories / BAT
3-2022 - 5-2024
VP, Experience Innovation Studio at Dell Technologies
6-2014 - 3-2022
Senior Director, Design. Windows and Devices Group at Microsoft
11-2013 - 12-2014
Head of Smartphone & Ecosystem Design at Nokia
9-2008 - 10-2013
Head of Colour & Material Technology Design at Nokia

Education

Education details unavailable from The Glasgow School of Art

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 17 Location : London, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of Design at New Categories / BAT
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Insights For Selling To Nicola

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.
  • Talk about yourself and some of your achievements at the start of the conversation
  • Ask them for a lunch or coffee once some rapport has been established

DONT's

  • Avoid unnecessary negativity or slowness
  • Don't make any commitments that you might not be able to fulfill
  • Don’t force involvement of other stakeholders unless it is critical

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Nicola is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Nicola

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Nicola move?

  • They can make decisions quickly if they develop trust in you and conviction in the product.
  • Can Nicola take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And Nicola

Personality Compatibility


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