Thoughts on Design Leadership

Leading from Behind and Ahead

Great leadership is knowing when to empower teams with trust and autonomy, and when to step forward with clarity, vision, and alignment. I create space for teams to excel, champion their work, and advocate strategically across executive levels.

Context Drives Greatness

Great design emerges from strong partnerships and deep understanding. By investing in relationships across product, engineering, and leadership, I ensure alignment and shared clarity. Listening deeply, learning continuously, and building shared language are key to designing effective, cohesive teams.

Designing at Two Speeds

Outstanding design teams balance two critical approaches: continuous improvement and future vision. I encourage teams to relentlessly refine everyday experiences while simultaneously exploring bold, forward-thinking innovations. This dual approach enables sustained success and visionary growth.

Integrating Strategy with Execution

I firmly believe strategy and execution are inseparable. Working with executives, I align design strategies to business goals, ensuring design shapes, not merely responds to, the company's direction. I also build the frameworks, tools, and collaborative cultures that empower teams to translate strategic visions into impactful realities.

Scaling with Purpose

Scaling design means more than growing team size; it’s about creating the right organizational structures, roles, and cultures. My experience spans startups to enterprise, building frameworks for career growth, design systems, operations, and community. This strategic approach empowers designers to perform their best work at every stage of organizational growth.

Putting People First

Great design thrives when teams feel seen, supported, and empowered. My leadership prioritizes trust, clarity, and momentum, creating conditions for meaningful, impactful experiences. By placing people at the center, I foster environments where exceptional design naturally follows.