We were lucky to catch up with Fulya Turkmenoglu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Fulya, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
I have always been a person who learns by experience, not by listening or watching someone else doing it. So, the most important thing I’d change in the traditional learning system would be having more experiential learning opportunities. This way, students would understand what they like and do not like by practicing. However, implementing such a system may be challenging due to resource constraints and the need for specialized training. Fortunately, technology can play a significant role in facilitating experiential learning, reducing the impact of these constraints. The theory is essential, yet practicing too, so the imbalance in between causes students to ask questions like, why am I learning this? I’d add why point to the traditional education system and create a model that encourages creativity and embraces an experiential learning system with supportive theory, data, and information.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As a multidisciplinary designer and strategist, I’ve shaped my career from a designer’s perspective to that of a business strategist. This evolution was driven by my recognition of the gap between the creative and business sides of the industry. I’ve worked with startups and established companies, assisting them in navigating significant market changes and positioning them for success. My expertise in business strategy, market analysis, and innovation management is deeply rooted in my understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. As an entrepreneur, I’ve experienced these challenges firsthand, allowing me to offer practical and relatable insights in my writing.
In addition to my professional experience, I share my knowledge and expertise as a speaker and consultant, engaging with global audiences. After many years of experience in different industries, I’ve founded New Design Lab, the sweet spot between design and strategy. New Design Lab specializes in various project scales, from compliance solutions to business strategy, to find executable solutions. Whether you’re a startup looking to launch a new product or an established company needing a business strategy overhaul, we’re not just another strategic design firm; we’re a team ready to take on any challenge from the private to the public sectors, from corporates to SMBs.
At New Design Lab, we don’t just solve business problems; we approach them comprehensively. Our bottom-up design thinking process ensures that no detail is overlooked. For instance, if you have a product or service you want to launch, we don’t just help with market research, placement, and design; we also guide you through the entire compliance solutions and registration process with the FDA and EPA. Our services are designed to provide a complete solution, leaving no stone unturned.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I set out to establish my sports medicine device company in late 2019 in New York City and acquired my first customers, I had no clue of the upcoming global pandemic. The closure of our offices for months and the drastic transformation of New York City into a ghost town were daunting. Many perceived this as a challenging time to start and continue investing in a business, but I was unwavering in my belief that the right time is a personal choice. There is no right or wrong time to do the best thing for you. I was determined to make it happen, and this personal conviction, and the sense of control in the face of adversity, can be a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
Our plan to distribute medical devices to chiropractors’ offices and expand was abruptly halted when all clinics closed. Despite this setback, our company’s expenses continued to mount. It was a challenging time, but I refused to give up. My story of resilience in the face of adversity can serve as a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
As the pandemic continued, my company encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks, and some people around me were highly discouraging about my process; despite the very negative ones, there were extremely positive and supportive people who were rooting for my growth. Our initial sales strategy was no longer feasible, and we struggled to stay afloat. But I knew I had to change our approach to survive. I decided to move to Miami as it was the only adaptable city amidst the pandemic, and after over a decade in NYC, I wanted to experience a different lifestyle. So, I relied on my personal experiences from a decade in the city known as the world’s center. I adapted to the new circumstances with steady confidence, and I want to reassure you that confidence is not just necessary; it’s critical in times of change. Even if you do not feel one hundred percent confident about the decisions that you are making, just trick your brain into taking necessary actions. Take a deep breath, consider your options, choose the best for you within that circumstance, and just go for it without overthinking. After that, this determination to adapt can empower you to face any challenge.
Realizing the need to think innovative to sustain my company, I was receptive to any business opportunity. I actively sought advice and guidance from industry leaders and experts, demonstrating my determination to find a way forward. Their insights, combined with my determination, led to developing a new business model. This model helped us survive and enabled us to thrive amidst the chaos. The role of seeking advice and guidance in my journey can inspire you to do the same by reassuring you that you are not alone in this journey.
When I noticed the market beginning to change, I took action immediately. I adjusted our product offerings and marketing strategies to effectively meet the new demands of the market. It was a tough process with many obstacles to overcome. However, determination leads to overcome and come out even stronger. Embracing these changes allowed us to take advantage of the opportunity to succeed in challenging times. When the market showed signs of change, I quickly implemented my plan, modifying our product offerings and marketing strategies to match the new market demands. By embracing these changes and evolving with the market, we demonstrated our adaptability and discovered the opportunity to thrive in adversity.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
My first entrepreneurship journey started with my medical device brand, Jaiyou. Having a medical device brand taught me that it is not only design, manufacturing, or sourcing but also complying with the FDA requirements in the USA. When I was trying to find a consultant during that time, I thought it was impossible, especially for small businesses and startups, due to the cost and the complexity of the process. But, as a strategist, I decided to do it myself. I took courses and attended workshops to learn more about the regulations in the USA. Then, first, I registered all of our sports medicine devices and got them Medicare/Medicaid eligible so that our public safety-focused medical devices could be accessible to everyone. Experiencing those difficulties led me to start my agency, New Design Lab, to help businesses like mine make those services accessible and help them launch their regulated products without paying hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, the problems I’ve experienced enabled me to create a new business model.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newdesignlab.co
- Instagram: fulyaturkmen
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fulya-turkmenoglu-12653199/
