Our Latest Articles.
From practical team dynamics to strategic vision-setting, we share fresh insights, test new approaches, and dig into the real challenges facing design leaders today.
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"How to be a better design leader" advice was making me worse at my job
I had to stop following popular design leadership advice to actually lead
The Importance of Mapping Power Dynamics
Trying to convert powerful skeptics into design believers takes a lot of emotional energy. There's a more practical, and dare I say it, more strategic way make it worth your while.
Strategy Maps: Connecting Design to Business Objectives
Strategy Maps are powerful tools that can help bridge this gap by visualizing the relationships between different business goals and the role of design in achieving them.
Design leaders who stand out most, grow in five key areas
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Emotional Intelligence
16 posts
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Operational Management
16 posts
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Strategic Foresight
14 posts
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Business Acumen
14 posts
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Relationship Management
9 posts
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Personal Growth
7 posts
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Four-Fits
4 posts
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Make Design Desirable
3 posts
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Campus Notes
3 posts
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Product Management
2 posts
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Design Leadership
2 posts
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Events
1 post
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Communication
1 post
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Audio Tips
1 post
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Metrics
1 post
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Portfolio
1 post
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Technology
1 post
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AI
1 post
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Design
1 post
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Career Transition
1 post
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Customer Support
1 post
Latest Articles
AI
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On managing AI like a bright intern
Product manager Maggie Chen discusses transitioning from design to product management, the reality of working with generative AI, and why treating AI systems like talented interns reveals both their power and limitations.
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Are the rumors true?
There’s a rumor going around that I’m releasing a new, expanded edition of Business Thinking for Designers.
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Campus Notes #3
The challenge of translating your experience into a story hiring managers want to see, what Figma will be up against, claude chat exporter, and better understanding emotional energy.
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Campus Notes #2
The challenge of creating a portfolio when job titles are so ambiguous, women-centric design, bringing value without being hands-on, and executives know exactly how designers will show up.
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On changing someone's mind
One of the more common questions I get is, “How can I change [PERSON]’s mind?” While there’s various ways to answer this question, it’s really important we understand the stakes at play before we jump in.
AI
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Campus Notes #1
Connecting design to metrics with maps, changing minds, five key choices, and Mary Meeker's take on AI
AI
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A fundamental flaw in how Product Strategy is taught
Every day, I see individuals and teams struggle with connecting product work to the big picture, and I keep coming back to a fundamental flaw in how Product Strategy is taught.
AI
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"How to be a better design leader" advice was making me worse at my job
I had to stop following popular design leadership advice to actually lead
AI
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Every business rule is made up
All business rules are made up–just like design. Remaking the rules opens the gates to new possibilities.
AI
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15 Better Reasons Why Designers Should Learn Business
Understanding business isn't about advancing your career – it's about knowing when to walk away and having the power to do it.
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How designers can stand out in a crowded job market.
There’s a format of storytelling in business that has been very successful for decision-making. Since hiring is a decision-making meeting, try incorporating the SCR format of storytelling.
AI
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Four categories of business health… and why designers should care about them
To evaluate the overall health of a company, business leaders objectives, measures, and targets are set across four categories of health, with each one focusing on a different aspect of the company.