This podcast episode features Kyle Wlodyga, a toy designer who shares his journey from illustration student to professional toy designer at Super7. Kyle describes how he "Forrest Gumped" his way into toy design through genuine connections and networking, starting with a Magic: The Gathering tournament that led to an internship at Cryptozoic, which eventually opened doors to toy design. He emphasizes how authentic relationships and being genuinely passionate about the work, rather than calculated networking, helped advance his career. Throughout the conversation, Kyle discusses the balance between freelance and staff positions, noting how the pandemic unexpectedly helped him achieve his ideal work situation of having both job security and work-from-home flexibility. He shares insights about maintaining professional relationships, including the importance of remembering birthdays and developing genuine connections in the industry. Kyle also emphasizes that success comes from being good at your craft while maintaining authentic relationships, rather than trying to manipulate situations for personal gain.