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All I've ever wanted to be is a good leader

Here's how I make that a reality
...thank you for everything this first week. You made this onboarding process very smooth and enjoyable [...] very VERY excited for this...
NEW HIRE PRODUCT DESIGNER
ReviewTrackers

laptop

Jake is one of the most well researched, well reasoned designers I've ever worked with. He puts tremendous effort into understanding the needs of the user, of the context, of the team [...] to influence and direct his decisions.
JONATHAN WOAH
CXO, BookClub

user-tie

I think we've got something special […], it's always an enjoyable creative process. A huge huge part of that is thanks to you and the way you've led the team.
MICHAEL SCHMITT
Principal Software Engineer

code

People
  • I created and maintain a very comprehensive career leveling framework
     
  • I curated a designer onboarding program that has been very effective
     
  • I designed and implemented a continuous design skills training program that the team participates in weekly to help us stay sharp
     
  • ​I mentor designers and non-designers both within the company and in the tech community
     
  • ​I carefully ensure that each designer is set up to succeed
     
  • I empower my people by delegating tasks where they can feel ownership and stretch themselves
Purpose
  • I work closely with the product org and leaders on our company vision to make sure design supports its success
     
  • I advocate for a strong product that supports business outcomes
     
  • I work closely with the Head of Product (SVP) to coach and help the PM group deliver
     
  • I introduced the Product team to products hypothesis statements to help them better understand how our work relates to outcomes
     
  • I introduced a basic cost-benefit evaluation model the teams can use to make sure they are working on the highest value things
Process
  • I can comfortably communicate with senior staff and excel at adapting my communication style to meet the situation
     
  • I regularly set measurable goals for the design org that we work on together that support the company direction
     
  • I meaningfully changed the way the design org meetings were run to make them more efficient while changing the culture around meetings
     
  • I keep myself up to date on design trends, product strategy, and technology to help my team and the company stay current and competitive
     
  • I frequently work with the Product Management org to help their ICs better understand best-product-practices
Me

2 in 2

promoted twice in 2 years

$171M

head of design for 9-fig org

5

current team size

3.5 yrs

current tenure
My Team

3

declined other offers

2

promoted to higher title

2.5 yrs

average tenure

* designers I was involved in hiring and/or managing as of 4/24

book

Want to know more about how I work?
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