How to become a Design Leader

How to get my job is our podcast series on Linkedin and Spotify where we sit down with amazing people within the Design and Product industry and ask them how their careers started, evolved, and what advice they have for those coming after them.

In episode 1 of our series, we speak with John Ferguson, Design Director at Work & Co, a technology and design company that define and launch digital experiences people love using every day for brands like Ikea, Aesop, Google, Disney, Apple and more. John shares his career story and takes us on a journey of how he went from graphic design grad to design director.

Key Takeaways

• Your portfolio is your currency. A strong portfolio will help you get noticed when searching for a new job or trying to break into the design industry.
• There’s no linear path. Everyone progresses at different rates and in different ways.
• As a leader it’s important to be vulnerable. When leading a team it’s important to open up and be human as people are more likely to respect you and want to follow you.
• It’s key for a designer to be able to thoughtfully communicate your ideas and defend those ideas if you have to and with confidence!
• Vulnerability can often help boost your confidence. When you can be your authentic self, you can produce your best work.
• Be collaborative and try to understand everyone’s ‘design language’. Tune your management to bring the best out in people. For example some people want you to be direct while others need encouragement.
• Stay curious, get into different things outside of design and go out of your comfort zone.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

Just be yourself.

Do what you think is right and follow your gut.

Watch full episode here or listen on Spotify

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