Leadership

Great leadership usually starts with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference. - Mac Anderson

Having spent over 16 years in the field of UX, serving as both a product designer and a UX Director, I've had the privilege of working with influential UX and product leaders. Their guidance and my own experiences have shaped my leadership style and led me to these core beliefs that consistently enable me to nurture and lead my teams to success:

Advocate for the team:
A UX leader must be their team's biggest advocate, consistently championing their teams work and advocating for their needs. By promoting the team's achievements, recognizing their contributions, and fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and respect, I enable teams to thrive and deliver exceptional user experiences.

Lead from within:
As a design leader, I firmly believe in actively participating in the work alongside my team. Getting my hands dirty, diving into the trenches, and building strong connections fosters accountability, builds rapport, and provides a firsthand understanding of their pain points. This approach allows us to empathize with the team's challenges and work together to drive continuous improvement.

Define what great looks like:
Defining clear markers of success is crucial for a high-performing team. It provides a vision of what great outcomes should look like, directing the team's efforts and focusing their energy most effectively.

Empower designers with clear boundaries:
Giving designers the freedom to solve problems and overcome challenges is key to their success. However, establishing clear boundaries provides a framework for designers to channel their creativity and focus their efforts. This balance enables them to excel in their work.

Continuous learning:
Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within my teams is essential. By investing in their growth, enhancing their skills, and promoting engagement, we drive innovation and success.

These beliefs have consistently guided me in leading successful UX teams, fostering collaboration, delivering exceptional design outcomes, and nurturing the growth and development of my team members.