Leadership

Leading with Strategy, Empathy, and Clarity

I believe design leadership is about more than managing projects — it’s about empowering people. My approach blends strategy with human connection, helping teams deliver meaningful products while growing in confidence and skill.

"Great design happens when people feel supported, inspired, and trusted to do their best work."

My Leadership Philosophy

I’m a strong advocate for collaboration. In fact, my current UX strategist has described our team’s superpower as collaboration. I believe design flourishes when we build together, share openly, and invite diverse perspectives into the process.

I aim to grow T-shaped designers: people who can confidently work across the entire UX process but also cultivate their own strengths. Some of my designers shine in system design and technology, others in user interviews and data insights, and others in strategy and product thinking. Supporting these unique strengths — while building shared foundations — helps the team grow into its best self.

Grounded in my CliftonStrengths (Relator, Maximizer, Strategic, Intellection, Learner) and DiSC (DC) profile, my leadership style combines big-picture vision with practical decision-making. The result: motivated teams that deliver outcomes users love.

Leadership Highlights

Built UX Research into the culture – expanded from a single person running surveys into a team with a dedicated researcher and trained designers running complex studies.
Introduced design systems and accessibility practices – scaling consistency and inclusivity across a large product ecosystem.
Guided distributed teams – leading designers in the Pacific Northwest and Vietnam through product launches spanning WebMD ONE, TinyPulse, and Microsoft Teams integrations.
Created alignment frameworks – bridging UX, product, and engineering around shared goals.

"From building design systems to embedding accessibility and shaping strategy, I focus on delivering impact that lasts."

"I grow T-shaped designers—broadly skilled across UX, but encouraged to deepen their unique passions."

Mentorship & Team Growth

I want every designer I lead to grow into their best version of themselves. That means creating space for curiosity, supporting skill-building, and mentoring through both successes and challenges.

By developing T-shaped designers, I’ve helped team members build broad competence in UX while cultivating deep expertise in the areas they love. This approach has led to stronger collaboration, better outcomes, and more fulfilled designers.

Collaboration & Influence

My leadership extends beyond UX. I partner closely with product managers, researchers, and engineers to bring clarity to complexity. By creating shared playbooks and visual frameworks, I help teams stay aligned and focused on delivering impact — not just features.

"Our team’s superpower is collaboration—working across disciplines to align, solve problems, and create better outcomes."

"Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about helping people and products reach their full potential."

Closing Thought

To me, leadership is about enabling others to shine. Whether it’s guiding a team through a new process, mentoring a designer, or aligning stakeholders, my focus is always on creating conditions where great work — and great people — can thrive.