Design leadership
As a Design Manager + Lead Product Designer, I've had the chance to mix design leadership with business strategy, constantly striving to improve year after year. To track my journey, I love documenting the highs, the lows, and all the lessons in between. Here’s my TL;DR:
➡️ Built and scaled a kick-ass design team from 5 to 20+.
➡️ Nurtured a culture where inclusivity and excellence thrive.
➡️ Created career growth paths that help designers level up.
2021-2022 From Design to Management: 🐣 A career pivot
Stepping into a design management role in 2022, this article highlights how I navigated the challenges of leadership, from mentoring on ADPList to taking ownership of 1-4 designer's growth at Ninja Van 🦄. Through these experiences, I developed key principles—transparency, empathy, and proactive planning—that continue to shape my leadership style. As I look ahead, my focus remains on fostering a supportive, growth-driven environment where teams can thrive together.
2022-2023 Reflections: Cultivating a thriving design team
🐣 In 2022, I focused on building a positive team culture, addressing career stagnation, and ensuring the right designers worked on the right projects. By aligning individual growth goals with business objectives, I helped my team thrive. Reflecting on the year, I learned the importance of flexibility and empathy in leadership, which will pave the way for how I approach 2023!