Mentorship

Over my ten-year journey in product design leadership, I've discovered that the true essence of success lies not just in the products we create but in the teams we build and nurture. This realization didn't come from a canvas on Figma or an empty quote on LinkedIn, but through the countless conversations with talented individuals I've had the privilege of mentoring.

I've learned from my experiences in leadership positions that mentoring a successful design team involves more than drilling in design principles, it requires collaboration, rapport, and personal growth. Effective mentorship not only shapes products but also the individuals behind them.

The Importance of Mentorship

If you hold a design leadership position, it's your responsibility to see yourself as more than a thought leader or project manager. You should strive to be a friend and mentor who can make a significant impact. As I look back at my own ten-year journey in this space, the moments that really stuck with me weren't the big product launches, OKRs marked complete, or even the company milestones. They are the quiet afternoons spent with up-and-coming designers, the lively team meetings where a junior designer's idea took flight, and the satisfaction of watching a mentee grow into a confident professional.

To me, mentorship is the backbone of a thriving design environment. It's about creating a space where mistakes are not just tolerated but valued as learning opportunities. It's about encouraging questions, fostering a culture of curiosity, and nurturing the unique talents of each team member. And it's not just about the work itself. It's about lighting a fire for design, pushing for excellence, and helping people find their purpose.

In my experience, mentorship has a ripple effect. A mentee who's been guided well becomes a beacon for others, creating a cycle of learning and growth. This is how teams transform, not just their skills, but their power to innovate and work together. There's something really special about watching a group of once-strangers gel into a team that moves in harmony.

The Magic of Team Building and Nurturing Design Teams

When I think about what makes a design team truly great, I realize it's not just about individual talent. It's how all these talents come together to uplift each other. Building and caring for a design team is like conducting a symphony where each person plays their part, and together, they create something breathtaking.

  • Collaborative Creativity: In a nurtured team, creativity is a team sport. Ideas are tossed around, shaped, and grown together. This group effort often leads to solutions and designs that one person alone might have never considered.

  • Diverse Perspectives: One of the most beautiful aspects of a well-rounded team is the diversity of thought and experience. Each designer brings their own unique perspective shaped by their background and exposure. This diversity fuels innovation, allowing the team to approach problems from different angles, therefore leading to more thoughtful and user-friendly designs.

  • Resilience and Adaptability: Teams that are well-cared-for tend to bounce back better. They can roll with the punches, whether changing project directions, setting new goals, or encountering unexpected hurdles. This adaptability is required in the always-changing world of product development.

  • Mentorship as a Two-Way Street: One of the best parts of mentoring? It's not just about teaching. It's about learning, too. I often learn just as much from my mentees. This exchange keeps the whole team growing and evolving.

  • Enhanced Morale and Productivity: A design team that is closely knit and well cared for is not just happier but also more productive. High morale boosts team spirit, which in turn enhances chemistry and collaborative efficiency. This positive work environment often translates into higher quality work, faster turnaround times, and ultimately, better profitability. When a team feels valued and supported, they are more invested in their work, leading to outcomes that not only meet but exceed expectations.

Watching a team I've built and nurtured tackle challenges, push limits, and do incredible work is insanely rewarding. These are the teams that don't just survive in the competitive product design world. They stand out.

Spotting Future Stars: Key Qualities to Look for in Young Designers

When identifying potential in young designers, it's important to assess not only their technical skills and portfolios but also certain qualities that often predict a successful career in product design.

Here are a few of those to keep an eye for:

  • Natural Curiosity: A designer who constantly questions 'why' and 'how' can bring a fresh perspective and drive innovation. Curiosity leads to exploration and, ultimately, groundbreaking solutions. Tony Fadell, the man behind the iPod and Nest has an amazing TED Talk on this topic. 

  • Adaptability: The design scene is constantly changing. Software, trends, and processes come and go. Those who are flexible always remain in the game. A designer who can keep up with new trends, technologies, and methods is a real asset to any team.

  • Collaborative Spirit: Design is rarely a solo journey. A designer who loves collaboration, shares ideas freely, and values feedback plays a huge part in the team's overall success.

  • Empathy: A good designer must always empathize with users, understanding their needs to create meaningful and effective designs. A designer without empathy is like a chef who cooks without taste, blindly mixing ingredients and hoping the dish turns out well.

Mentorship Done Right: Strategies for Effective Mentorship

Effective mentorship is both an art and a science. Here are some tips that have really worked for me:

  • Personalized Guidance: Adjusting your mentoring approach to fit each designer's needs and learning style can make a world of difference in their development.

  • Setting Clear Goals: Helping mentees set and achieve clear, attainable goals keeps them focused and motivated.

  • Encouraging Independence: While guidance is essential, allowing designers to make decisions and take ownership of their work builds confidence and self-reliance.

  • Providing Constructive Feedback: Feedback should be honest and constructive, helping young designers understand both their strengths and areas for improvement.

Wrapping Up

Raising up successful design leaders has been the most fulfilling part of my design career. Watching young talents blossom into seasoned professionals is something that has left an imprint on my soul. Never underestimate the significance of leadership in shaping not just products, but also the future leaders of our field. 

To those with whom I've had the tremendous privilege of working closely with, I hope that you continue to ask questions, think outside the box, and always keep human-centered principles at the core of your solutions.

A Ripple Effect That Can Be Heard

  • Vlad has this ability to lead and inspire the team to think outside the box and come up with ideas we'd never dreamed of. Under his guidance, we were constantly exploring, innovating, and leading the pack in our industry. That's the kind of stuff that doesn't just happen. It takes someone special, like Vlad, to make it a reality.

    Wei Cai

  • Working with Vlad was honestly a blast. As an Intern I was tinkering with a mailer template. You'd think it's pretty straightforward, but nope, not with Vlad around. As my design manager, he provided me with more than just feedback. He was always nudging me to think bigger, to try out different angles. It was like he knew there was more in me, and he was set on drawing it out.

    Mia Zhang

  • Vlad provided constructive feedback, challenging me to push my limits and refine my skills. His mentorship and guidance helped me develop a deeper understanding of design principles and honed my ability to think critically. I'm grateful for the opportunities he provided to take on challenging projects and expand my portfolio.

    Olivia Trujillo

  • Vlad displayed great leadership while serving as the Head of Design at Regalix, driving the design process with a creative mindset. My professional development was greatly influenced by our partnership, and I gained insight into the value of lifelong learning and building solid relationships. My career has been greatly shaped by working with Vlad.

    Praveenkumar Jogannavar

  • Vlad had an enormous impact on my life, both professionally and personally. Vlad quickly became a friend. He helped me find my feet in a whole new world as an international student. He created this space where everyone's background was respected and valued. With his guidance I found my voice and a place where I truly belonged. For that, I'll always be grateful.

    Wantong XU

  • As a full-stack engineer, I learned a lot from Vlad's approach to project management. During our project together, Vlad always gave clear, thoughtful guidance and really cared about our product and the team. I walked away with tremendous user experience insights that I will continue to utilize in my career. Thanks, Vlad, for being an amazing mentor and friend.

    Danny Gonzalez

  • I was lucky enough to have Vlad as my Design manager. As a fresh graduate, Vlad taught me all the fundamentals of becoming a great designer. To tackle designing for complexity without being a specialist, Vlad taught me through real-life analogies. He showed me the value of standing firm on design decisions and fighting for ideas.

    Kwok Wong

  • Vlad’s trust in my abilities and commitment to full transparency not only propelled our projects forward but also significantly contributed to my professional development. Working under his guidance and mentorship was truly a fun and fruitful experience, and I have nothing but high praises for him.

    Francisco Joel Nevarez

DESIGN ADVICE #4

Leadership isn't about having all the answers, but knowing how to guide others to find them.