It’s a common refrain in the UX industry — how do we get a “seat at the table”? This phrase refers to a standing position with traditionally established leaders in a company, representing the primary elements in a corporate structure: sales, marketing, finance, legal, human resources, product, engineering, and especially the CEO. But what about design? Increasingly, as of this writing in Sept 2019, design is gaining more representation with some kind of Director, VP, or C-level leader (or equivalent) jostling with peer executives over budget, headcount, priorities, and strategic direction in those top-level meetings. And most likely they have earned their place at that table by arguing and defending the purpose / value of design for the company.

So, perhaps a more important question than “how do we get there” is “what happens when we do arrive”? What then? Anticipation of the moment is often diminished by a dire realization of what truly transpires once we arrive.

I have personally been very fortunate to have been at the table myself (the gray hairs serve as evidence!), or worked very closely with those directly there, or simply know people in my career who have successfully thrived at that table, and willing to share their perspectives.

This blog exists to convey lessons learned, insights gleaned, and stories shared to inspire & inform emerging design leaders curious about what it’s like to be at the table, and thus prepare for it!

I shall start with a series of short posts based primarily upon a popular, well-received talk I presented publicly multiple times at UX conferences, as a way to “grease the wheels”, and set context. Then I’ll add more recent experiences. My ambition long-term is to host interviews, podcasts, and essays featuring other design leaders who are or have been at the table, and for this blog to serve as the resource to help future design leaders thrive at the table. So, let’s begin…