Dennis, this really resonates with me. I’ve been doing a lot of similar thinking. I believe The best designers are business strategists, which is more inline with Gates’ way of thinking. However, I wholeheartedly agree with your synergy modal. There’s absolutely no reason you cannot prioritise an open, collaborative process as well as a beautiful product that creates happiness. That way, as a strategic designer, you’re creating maximum business value at both ends of the spectrum.