When design meets business reality
You're translating user needs into business outcomes while defending design decisions to stakeholders who measure everything in metrics. I work with design leaders who need a thinking partner for the conversations that happen between the design critique and the board meeting.
From first-time manager to seasoned executive
Design leadership requires different skills than design craft. I've worked with new design managers learning to build teams and experienced VPs who need someone to think through complex organizational challenges.
First-Time Design Leaders
You were promoted because of your design skills. Now you're responsible for design strategy, team development, and convincing stakeholders that good design is worth the investment.
Experienced Design Leaders
You know how to build teams and ship great products. But you're often the only design voice in strategic conversations, and you need someone who understands the unique challenges of scaling design culture.
The challenges that don't fit in design books
Most design leadership content focuses on portfolio reviews and hiring. I help you think through the human dynamics and organizational forces that determine whether design influences business outcomes.
When engineering says your designs are "too complex" but won't explain why
This isn't about design feasibility—it's about communication patterns, trust, and competing priorities. I'll help you figure out what's really happening and how to build better partnerships.
When stakeholders want to see design ROI but don't know how to measure it
You know design creates value, but proving it requires changing how the organization thinks about success. I'll work with you on influence strategies that connect design decisions to business outcomes.
When your design system is perfect but no one uses it
Adoption problems are rarely about the system itself—they're about incentives, change management, and organizational culture. Let's look at the human system, not just the design system.
Testimonials
I have worked with a handful of other coaches over the last ten years, but none that had actually walked in my shoes as a design leader. In our early sessions we talked about the 'design glass ceiling' and the challenges creative leaders face as they rise within product organizations. ... [Matte helped] me get promoted to the VP level after feeling stuck for several years.
What I appreciate most about Matte is that he can adapt to nearly any situation. Matte is able to context switch with ease, and always drive the conversation back to what's most important; how are we serving our customers?
He's not just a coach; he's a mentor who offers advice that's not only insightful but also resonates with deep understanding. Working with Matte, you're not just gaining a coach, you're gaining a supportive ally in your professional journey.
Ready to think bigger than design deliverables?
Let's talk about the organizational barriers and communication patterns that are limiting design's strategic influence. Most design leaders are surprised by what we uncover in the first conversation.
Free strategy session • No sales pitch • You'll walk away with clarity