When I was a mid-level designer in 2013, I had big dreams. I wanted to create impactful designs and eventually lead teams to do the same. But like many, I was a bit unclear on what it truly meant to be an executive or a leader in the design world. I thought it was all about having the authority to make big decisions, managing projects, and always being busy. However, over the years, I’ve learned that being an effective leader isn’t about the title but the results you deliver.

“True leadership in design isn’t about holding a title; it’s about the results you achieve and the impact you create.”

The value of a leader, especially in the design field, is not measured by how many projects you oversee or how full your calendar is. Instead, it’s about the quality and impact of the outcomes you help create. This principle is crucial for anyone in a knowledge-driven role, whether you’re a designer, a product manager, or a researcher. “Effectiveness in design is not about doing more, but about doing what matters most.” Effectiveness in our work—delivering the right results—matters more than just ticking off tasks on a to-do list.

I’ve embraced the shift from efficiency to effectiveness deeply in my career. Early on, I was focused on doing more, taking on more projects, and working longer hours. But I realized that this approach while keeping me busy, wasn’t necessarily leading to better outcomes. As I grew in my role and took on more responsibility, I began to understand the importance of thinking strategically and prioritizing the work that truly matters.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of time management. “Busy doesn’t equal successful—focusing on the right outcomes does.” Time is our most precious resource, and managing it effectively is key to achieving meaningful results. I’ve made it a priority to carve out time for thinking and planning, which has allowed me to lead projects that have a real impact. This approach has also helped me avoid the common pitfall of getting lost in the day-to-day grind and missing the bigger picture.

I use a simple but powerful framework—Think, Plan, Act—to guide my work. Before diving into tasks, I take the time to reflect on the problem at hand and strategize a plan of action. This has been instrumental in driving the success of the projects I’ve worked on, whether it’s developing a new onboarding flow for a tax application or creating innovative user experiences from the ground up.

As I continue to grow in my career, I’m focused on developing not just my own effectiveness but also that of the teams I lead. Empowering others to think critically, prioritize effectively, and focus on results is a key part of leadership. “Great leaders prioritize impact over effort, knowing that the right results speak louder than a packed schedule.” It’s not just about what I can accomplish but what we can achieve together as a team.

“In the design world, success comes from strategic thinking, not just hard work.”

Ultimately, being an effective leader in design—or any field—is about focusing on what matters most, managing your time wisely, and always aiming for meaningful outcomes. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what’s right. This mindset has not only shaped my career but has also allowed me to contribute to the success of the products and teams I’ve been a part of.