Design Leadership Opportunities
Many companies (whether start-ups, mid-sized, or enterprise-level) inevitably face the question: should we hire an agency, or is now the time to build an internal design and development team? Having hired both, I’ve found the core issue with either option usually comes down to a misalignment of interests:
Agencies:
The primary goal is to keep the engine running. To do this, agencies have mastered the pitch, expertly navigated the red tape, and built a model that uses their cheapest assets on the easiest (and quietest) clients. This model favors the agency and leaves the client underwhelmed and frustrated, having pushed budgets to their breaking point for subpar work.
Internal Employees:
The primary goal is to keep their job. This means the employee is focused on gaining approval from a project manager or leadership rather than aligning with company goals and initiatives, which leads to lackluster work and internal frustration—for both the company and the employee. It’s also the more expensive route, with massive employment costs to consider.
I believe there is a third option: Fractional Design Leadership.
Fractional Design Leadership gives clients access to experienced, proven design leadership that aligns with stakeholder goals and initiatives without conflicting interests, frustrating outcomes, or costly employee bloat. This model gives clients my full attention, best-in-class contract designers and developers for whatever lies ahead, and systems built to support long-term growth. I believe this alignment of interests leads to the best outcomes across the board.
Fractional Head of Design
Building cohesive design systems that connect brand, marketing, and product.
As a Fractional Head of Design, I work with key stakeholders to elevate current brand and design systems and build brand cohesion throughout all aspects of your company. Depending on complexity, these engagements typically last between 6 months and 2 years, where I work in alignment with internal teams or trusted, best-in-class contractors to accomplish shared initiatives.
3 Phases of our engagement:
1. Clean Up: Fix/heal current design ecosystem
2. Create: Standards, systems and guidelines
3. Elevate: Teams and products for future growth
Embedded Design & Development
Your integrated design and development partner.
My team of contracted designers at the Industrious are available to work seamlessly inside your company to accomplish any project or task needed. The team could be as nimble or as large as needed for the project - allowing us to hire the best contractors from my deep network for whatever project we might need to build.
I will lead the team with your interests and budget needs at the forefront of my mind, with clear communication and access to the entire team.
Consulting / Coaching
Clear, candid design leadership when you need it most.
There are times when clients simply need a sounding board for design and development strategy, team issues and management, and everything in between. With 20+ years of creating companies, growing and leading teams, and mentoring startups and leadership, I've most likely "been there, done that." I know from experience that having a trusted resource through sticky points can help bring sanity and clarity for future decisions.
These engagements can look like a weekly or monthly check-in, or a role as an advisor or board member. If this is you, please reach out directly and we can schedule a chat.