In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gil Lara, the Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Sprout Social. Gil’s journey from street art in Southern California to shaping one of the leading social media management platforms is not only inspiring but full of valuable lessons on design, leadership, and creativity. With nearly 15 years of experience at Sprout, Gil shared insights into the evolution of his career, the power of design, and the importance of maintaining a culture of creativity and growth.
The Early Days: From Graffiti to Digital Design
Gil’s journey into design began on the streets of Southern California, where he was captivated by urban art and graffiti. “I got into a little bit of graffiti… that ended up opening different doors for me, getting into mural making and street art,” he explained. This passion for art led him to pursue more formal training in graphic arts, which included learning screen printing, photography, and eventually digital design. “As I continued to chase the arts, it just kind of kept unfolding,” he reflected.
His early career in Las Vegas with Freeman, a company specializing in event and exhibit design, exposed him to large-scale projects and broadened his understanding of design. “I started seeing this much larger universe of design that I didn’t even know existed,” he shared, describing how these experiences shaped his skills and set the stage for his later work at Sprout.
The Leap to Sprout Social: A Bold Move and a Big Impact
Moving from Las Vegas to Chicago was a pivotal moment for Gil. He described the decision as a leap of faith driven by a desire for change and growth. “I felt like I just needed a change of pace,” he said, recounting how he packed his car with essentials and made the move.
Joining Sprout Social’s founding team allowed him to apply his diverse skill set to a new industry. He quickly learned the importance of blending his design experience with product development, marketing, and company culture. “I had some people around me who really pumped me up and helped me believe that I could learn it just by diving in,” he noted, reflecting on the transition from event design to software and digital experiences.
The Evolution of Design at Sprout: From Small Beginnings to Enterprise-Scale
As a co-founder, Gil played a crucial role in shaping the design culture at Sprout. One of his early lessons was the importance of defining the role of design within an organization. “If you’re not defining what design is at your organization, someone else will define it for you,” he emphasized. At Sprout, this meant integrating design into every aspect of the business, from product development to marketing and even employee experience.
Gil also spoke about the company’s shift toward building a comprehensive design system called “Seeds.” This system ensures that all aspects of Sprout’s design—from coding components to front-line customer interactions—are unified. “It’s a larger design system that talks about the meaning of why things are the way they are,” he explained.
Embracing Healthy Tension: Balancing Creativity with Business Needs
Throughout his career, Gil has learned to navigate the balance between creativity and business requirements. He advised designers to be both adaptable and assertive, especially when advocating for design’s impact on the final product. “You have to know when to play each card… you ultimately lead to better outcomes when you do that,” he said.
Gil also acknowledged the challenges of sometimes having to build features that are not necessarily exciting but are part of the business’s needs. “There are a lot of things that are just part of the business,” he shared, discussing how Sprout has adapted to changes from partners like social networks while still maintaining its core design principles.
The Role of AI: The Next Frontier for Sprout Social
As the conversation turned to the future, Gil highlighted AI as a significant area of focus for Sprout. With the rapid advancements in AI technology, the company is enhancing its platform to make social media management even more efficient. “We are supercharging what we’ve already built because the market is ready,” he said, noting how AI-powered insights can help customers engage more effectively with their audiences.
Passing the Torch: Gil’s Reflections on Leadership and What Comes Next
After nearly 15 years, Gil is preparing to step down from his role at Sprout, but he feels confident in the team’s ability to carry forward the company’s legacy. “I feel really good about what we’re about to do,” he said, emphasizing the design maturity Sprout has achieved under his guidance.
As for his future, Gil is looking forward to exploring new passions, investing in companies, and possibly joining boards. “The next chapter will be more of a series of experiments,” he hinted, showing his continued eagerness to learn and grow.
Notable Quotes from the Episode:
“If you’re not defining what design is at your organization, someone else will define it for you.”
“There are certain practices that I don’t even touch and come back to see what they’ve become, and I know we’re in a good place.”
“Healthy tension is a part of building something great.”
“It’s your duty as a designer to sometimes rock the boat and question what’s being asked.”
Gil Lara’s story is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and lifelong learning. His experiences at Sprout Social offer valuable lessons for designers, leaders, and anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their industry. As he embarks on his next chapter, there is no doubt that his legacy at Sprout will continue to inspire.
