About the Podcast
Design Leadership Insights is a podcast where Paul, The UX Architect, shares real stories, strategies, and lessons learned from building and leading design teams. With over 15 years of experience navigating the complex world of design leadership, Paul offers practical frameworks and actionable advice for design leaders at all stages of their journey.
Latest Episode
In this episode, Paul explores how psychological safety transforms design teams into innovation powerhouses. Learn how a junior designer's breakthrough idea led to a 42% increase in user onboarding completion rates, and discover practical frameworks for creating an environment where team members feel empowered to take creative risks and challenge established patterns.
Previous Episodes
In this episode, Paul reveals the strategies behind achieving an impressive 89% retention rate across a global team of 16 designers. Learn about the PETaLS framework for meaningful one-on-ones, creating personalized growth paths, building psychological safety through structured critique, and empowering designers by involving them in the business context behind their work.
In this first episode, Paul shares how he built a thriving design team of 16 designers across three regions, starting from literally zero. Learn about securing leadership buy-in through data-driven approaches, strategic hiring for long-term impact, building structured design processes that work across time zones, and creating genuine connections in a globally distributed team.
Meet Your Host: Paul
Hey there, podcast listeners! I wanted to take a moment to share a bit more about the person behind the microphone at Design Leadership Insights.
My Design Journey
My path in the design world has been quite the adventure. I've spent over 15 years transforming design teams and organizations, starting from my early days as a web developer, where I first discovered my passion for front-end coding and creating user-centered digital experiences.
My career really took flight at Expedia, where I evolved from a Design Engineer to a Senior UX Designer. During those years, I led data-driven design initiatives and pioneered a new checkout experience that generated over $50M in additional annual revenue. Those experiences taught me the immense business impact thoughtful design can create.
Today, I'm a Senior UX Design Manager for a major logistics comapny, where I lead a diverse, global team of 16 designers across multiple time zones. I've had the privilege of transforming the UX organization, implementing design strategies that reduced project delivery time while maintaining quality standards, and creating a Universal Design System that reduced inconsistencies and visually aligned our products.
Beyond the Day Job
What you might not know about me is that design isn't my only creative outlet. I'm also a published music producer with releases on major streaming platforms, and I do professional brand design for technology startups. When I'm not in front of a screen, you might find me behind a camera as a videographer.
My educational background combines both creative and technical disciplines – I hold a BTEC in Graphic Design from the Surrey Institute of Art & Design and certification for BS in Computer Information Systems and Design from Fordham University.
Why I Started This Podcast
Design Leadership Insights came from my desire to share real stories, strategies, and lessons I've learned throughout my career. The challenges of building and leading design teams are unique, and I believe in the power of sharing practical frameworks and actionable advice that design leaders can apply at any stage of their journey.
I'm passionate about mentoring teams, driving organizational change, and bridging the gap between design, technology, and business objectives. This podcast is my way of extending that mentorship beyond my immediate team and contributing to the broader design leadership community.
I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey as we explore the complex and rewarding world of design leadership together!
