Claudiu Danaila: From Agency Founder to Head of Design at Conduktor

From Video Production to Running a Design Agency

I started in a video agency in Denmark, drawn to advertising and short films. The agency world pulled me deeper, and I shifted into design.

I kept learning, eventually starting my own design agency. Early on, I focused on mobile app designs. Over time, I gravitated toward more complex products. That's when things got interesting.

I experienced the full product development cycle: concept development, brand identity, overseeing development, and rigorous testing. Now at Conduktor, I bring all of that to my role as Head of Design.

Why I Joined Conduktor

I wanted to lay the foundation for a startup, not just do product design. I wanted to shape the company's branding as it grew.

In startups, a great product is just the start. You need clear brand strategy, concise communication, and the right exposure. These elements determine whether a company succeeds.

A Typical Day

Moving to London was a big change. Working in the office has been valuable. The sessions are intense and productive.

Mornings: emails, planning, setting goals. The rest of the day: solving complex challenges with the design and product teams. Building relationships and keeping everyone aligned keeps things running.

I reserve the end of the day for experimentation and creative exploration. These moments remind me why I got into design.

The Hardest Part: Proving Design Is a Business Differentiator

Convincing everyone that good design goes beyond aesthetics was my biggest challenge. Design is a business differentiator.

It's about understanding users, solving their problems, and creating experiences that drive results. Getting that message across took effort.

What's Next

We've been enhancing our brand identity. I'm looking forward to unveiling the results. We're also building an improved design system to bring consistency to our products. I'm eager to see how these efforts impact growth.

Favorite Company Offsite Moment

The first company offsite. I had just signed my contract with Conduktor. The next day, I got a call: I could meet the team in Bordeaux. I had a few hours to pack and get to the airport.

I caught my flight. A few hours later, I was meeting the team in person. The welcoming energy was unforgettable.

Biggest Lesson This Year

Trust the process. Exercise patience. In startups, it's easy to chase immediate outcomes. Some things take time to mature into meaningful results.

Outside of Work

I explore London. Urban photography has become a passion. I enjoy finding new spots for interesting shots.

Connect With Us

Connect with our team on Twitter or Linkedin, or check out our careers page for current openings.