Leading by Design
In the world of UX, leadership is not defined by titles or org charts—it’s defined by actions, vision, and the ability to inspire others. Over the course of my 20+ years in UX, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams, drive innovation, and make UX a strategic pillar within major organizations. My approach to leadership is shaped by a commitment to humility, partnership, and perseverance, combined with a deep belief in the power of creative collaboration.
Humility, Partnership, Perseverance
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my career is the value of humility. In UX, no one has all the answers—not the designers, not the engineers, and certainly not the leaders. This understanding fosters a culture of partnership, where every voice is heard, and every perspective is valued.
- Humility: Recognizing that great ideas can come from anywhere, I approach each project with an open mind. I’m always ready to learn from others, whether it’s a junior designer with a fresh perspective or a seasoned engineer with deep technical expertise.
- Partnership: Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. By working closely with cross-functional teams, we can break down silos and promote a unified approach to problem-solving. This partnership extends beyond the immediate team, involving stakeholders at every level to ensure that our design solutions align with broader business goals.
- Perseverance: Innovation often requires pushing through challenges and ambiguity. I believe that creativity blossoms through perseverance—by guiding teams through obstacles, we can deliver thoughtful, impactful solutions that truly make a difference.
Creative Collaboration: The Engine of Innovation
One of my favorite roles as a UX leader is facilitating creative collaboration. Bringing together a diverse group of experts—each with their unique perspectives and skills—can unlock powerful, buildable solutions to even the most complex problems.
- Structured Exploration: I’ve led many design sprints and workshops, uniting designers, engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to develop a shared understanding of customer and business needs. These sessions are more than just brainstorming—they are strategic explorations that move ideas from vague notions to well-structured, data-supported proposals.
- Fostering Innovation: By creating a safe and collaborative space, I encourage teams to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and think outside the box. This approach not only leads to innovative solutions but also builds stronger, more cohesive teams.
Making UX a Strategic Pillar
In today’s competitive landscape, UX can no longer be an afterthought—it must be a strategic pillar that drives business success. At companies like Salesforce and Bank of America, I’ve worked to elevate UX from a support function to a core element of product strategy.
- Aligning with Business Goals: I believe that UX should be closely aligned with the overall business strategy. This means understanding the company’s goals, knowing the market landscape, and being able to articulate how UX can contribute to growth and customer satisfaction.
- Driving Innovation through UX: By embedding UX in the product development process from the very beginning, we can ensure that our solutions not only meet user needs but also drive innovation. This approach has helped set new standards in user experience at every organization I’ve worked with.
The Meaning of Leadership in UX
Leadership in UX isn’t just about managing people—it’s about setting a vision, empowering teams, and driving change. It’s about applying expertise and judgment to shape outcomes, not just reacting to external forces.
- Actions Over Titles: Leadership is demonstrated through the choices we make—how we allocate our time and attention, how we contribute to a team, and how we drive projects forward. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to lead with curiosity, empathy, and a relentless focus on quality.
- Design as a Leadership Tool: Just as we use design thinking to solve user problems, I apply those same principles to leadership. Starting with an open mind, bringing stakeholders together, and exploring various solutions are all part of how I lead teams and projects.
- Empowering Teams: My greatest satisfaction comes from bringing together diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges. By empowering designers, fostering a culture of collaboration, and leveraging modern design tools, I help teams not only meet but exceed their goals.
Conclusion: Leading by Example
As a UX leader, my goal is to create a culture where innovation thrives, where UX is a strategic asset, and where every team member feels empowered to contribute their best work. Through humility, partnership, and perseverance, I strive to lead by example—showing that great leadership in UX is about much more than just design. It’s about building a future where technology enhances our lives in meaningful ways.