Peter Merholz

Cohort 1

May-June 2025 

In this 15 minute presentation (followed by Q&amp;A), Peter shares why the 'unlock' for design leadership is to approach it as a function; how design leaders need to "mediate the membrane" between their team and the rest of the organization, and the power of The Trust Equation to establish better relationships.

Lightning Lesson / Master The Hidden Demands of Design Leadership

 Learn the strategies, practices, and mindsets of successful design leaders.

UX & Design Leadership Demystified

Director of Product Design 

UX Manager

Sr Design Lead

Product Design Manager

UX/Design leadership is far more than just managing creative teams; it's about effectively managing change. Drawing from extensive personal experience, operating within a range of companies, as well as deep interviews with dozens of design leaders, Peter shares actionable steps to help you succeed in your leadership journey. Learn the strategies, skills, and mindset required to lead with impact, drive change, and maintain your sanity. This course is structured to fit within your busy work life. All the lessons have been pre-recorded, around 3 hours of video, to be viewed when it's most convenient for you, including over the weekend. While the course 'officially' starts May 26, you can access the material starting May 22. This allows us to get the most out of our time together, with deep discussions on the various topics. Also, the projects are meant to be light-weight, with enough activity to understand how to use the templates, and can be completed to whatever degree you choose. You're all grown-ups, and don't need me to hold you accountable. Class size is limited to 25 participants.

Learn the Real Work of UX/Design Leadership—In a Time-Effective Fashion

Course syllabus

You take lessons (video, projects, and additional reading) on your own time. We start on a Thursday so you can use the weekend (if you so choose).

2 Weeks total

All presentations have been pre-recorded to be viewed when is most convenient for you.

Prerecorded Video

At key areas, Peter provides templates to support project-based learning. Projects are meant to be lightweight—enough to get a sense of how to use the tool.

Interactive Projects

Two 90-minute live sessions (which will probably go long) to go deeper into the course material, with Peter and other cohort members.

Live Sessions on May 29 and June 5

Most of the course work is asynchronous, so you can do it on your time, not mine. Our time together is focused on that which is best done in that forum: deep discussions where we capitalize on our collective wisdom and experrience.

Respectful of your time

Course schedule

Anyone in UX (design, research, content) leadership who seeks a richer understanding of their role

The "sweet spot": Sr. Managers, Directors, and Sr. Directors. (Though VPs will learn something, too!)

Super-Senior ICs (Lead, Staff, Principal, and Architect) will better understand how to wield their influence

Who is this course for

What you’ll get out of this course

The most successful design leaders operate as change agents. Learn the steps they take to make a difference.

Develop the change management skills needed to encourage companies to embrace UX and Design

Too often, design leaders are in a reactive mode, just trying to keep their heads above water. Learn the importance of articulating your agenda, and specifying a plan for achieving it.

Learn how to articulate your vision, and your plan to get there

It is insufficient to define good design as "I know it when I see it." Peter will step you through a detailed framework you can use to make clear decisions about quality.

Establish standards of quality, and connect the work of your team to business value

This course will help you develop your relational power—how you wield influence when you don't have direct authority.

Cultivate trusting relationships with your team, your cross-functional peers, and executives and other stakeholders

As they are promoted, design leaders often have trouble operating at the appropriate 'altitude.' Learn how your relationships and focus evolve with every step in your career progression.

Understand what changes in your role as you advance in your career

Master the Hidden Demands of Design Leadership

ex-Adaptive Path, author of Org Design for Design Orgs

Understanding design as a 'function' unlocks why it's treated differently than other disciplines.

Reframe design as a business function, not a craft

Learn the change management skills and practices required to succeed as a design leader

Lead design as a change agent

Master the skill of operating between corporate pressure and creative practices.

Learn directly from Peter Merholz

Peter Merholz

Courses

UX & Design Leadership Demystified

Lightning Lessons

Master the Hidden Demands of Design Leadership

Resources

Lightning Lesson / Master The Hidden Demands of Design Leadership