In this blog post, I discuss my journey from aspiring doctor to design leader, highlighting how empathy and collaboration shaped my approach to UX design and leadership. I share insights on establishing design functions within organizations and building design-centric cultures that advance business objectives. My design philosophy, centered on empathy for users, team members, and stakeholders, has proven effective across various stages of product development.

In this blog post, I discussed how UX Research was integral to crafting intuitive, human-centered digital service & product experiences at Achieve. I highlighted the team’s significant role in expanding and utilizing user feedback to enhance our product development process for 0-1, 1-10, and 10-100 stage products and businesses under Achieve. This led to notable advancements across the enterprise, including the successful launch of the Achieve brand, a unified member experience, the launch of two apps GOOD & MoLO, and the validation of the value-market fit of new products and business. We invited and involved passionate individuals from across the company to join our efforts in refining and enhancing our user experiences to better meet our members' financial needs.

We all face the inevitable moment when a project comes to a standstill. It's natural to feel tempted to press on, hoping momentum will pick up. However, it's important for leaders to recognize that it’s time for introspection and analysis to revive, realign, and make progress.

Collaboration is a powerful catalyst for innovation and growth, and modern design tools like Figma and Miro play a huge part in harnessing this power. However, like any potent substance, it demands careful handling. By cultivating a structured and respectful collaborative environment, we can ensure that modern tools serve in fostering creativity, without inviting the feared "death by a thousand comments".

In today's dynamic business environment, design leadership extends far beyond building products and services. It's about shaping innovations, nurturing organizational culture, and driving holistic transformations. The essence of design leadership is its dual impact: externally, it defines unparalleled human experiences; internally, it fosters collaboration, innovation, and cultural transformation. As we move into the future, design leadership will be the beacon that directs businesses toward deeper connections and unparalleled growth.

The process of building a design team from scratch is undeniably intricate. However, with the right strategies, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, it can be a rewarding journey. This post covers the pivotal elements to consider when building a design team from the ground up.

As a UX leader, you are the expert in the organization in all things “user.” But how do you extend your expertise to influence the organizational strategy, and why is it important?