Leadership, by Design

A manifesto for building culture, growing teams, and leading with care.

my philosophy

I lead with empathy, clarity, and the belief that great design happens when people feel safe, supported, and inspired. As a design leader, I don’t just focus on the work; I focus on the people doing the work. The best teams I’ve been part of are grounded in trust, shared purpose, and the freedom to take risks.

Over the years I’ve learned that leadership is less about telling people what to do and more about removing friction, amplifying strengths, and creating a culture where designers can thrive.

what i stand for

empathy, always

Empathy is the foundation of my leadership. I aim to understand the people I work with: their goals, challenges, and lived experiences. This helps me meet them where they are and clear the path forward. Listening deeply, honoring perspectives, and showing up with care builds the kind of trust that fuels real collaboration.

servant leadership

I lead by supporting. That means making space for others to grow, removing blockers, and trusting my team to own their work. I’m here to advocate, guide, and lift others, not to control. When teams feel trusted and backed, they move with confidence and creativity.

culture that grows people

I believe in cultivating a culture of psychological safety, experimentation, and ongoing feedback. We celebrate curiosity, not perfection. We learn in the open. That’s how real growth happens, both individually and as a team.

development, not just delivery

Whether it’s through one-on-ones, mentoring, or skill-building opportunities, I’m invested in helping people expand their careers. Great leaders don’t just ship great products; they shape great people.

what this looks like in practice

  • Coaching early-career designers into confident leads

  • Leading inclusive rituals that invite feedback and learning

  • Advocating for accessibility and universal design

  • Building strong relationships across product and engineering to shape strategy