A Look Back, In Case You Missed It
The path, pivots, and leadership lessons that shaped what I do now — and who I help today.
If you’re new here, welcome — and thanks for reading.
Before I started writing weekly about career growth and leadership in design, I went through plenty of doubt, dead ends, and moments that didn’t feel like progress at the time.
Over the course of three posts, I told the full story of how I went from getting my graphic design degree to holding executive-level design roles…and eventually, to becoming a career coach for designers ready to lead.
The series isn’t just about titles. It’s about how we grow — through momentum, but also through moments of humility, reinvention, and choosing to keep going.
Next week I’ll be back to posting new material. If you missed it the first time around, here’s the full journey:
College to Confidence: Part 1 of My Journey From Designer to Career Coach
Coming from modest means, I wasn’t looking for a long-term commitment to a traditional degree. Instead, I pursued a more practical path—earning an Associates Degree in Graphic Design from Mohawk Valley Community College. I made a deliberate choice to invest in hands-on experience rather than continue my education, betting that real-world exposure would offer me more in the long run without the burden of extra debt.
Managing Change: Part 2 of My Journey From Designer to Career Coach
Within a few years at the agency, I was promoted to department manager. This shift into management was one of the most challenging transitions of my career. Moving from a peer to a leadership position required a completely new skill set—one grounded in humility and emotional intelligence. I had to learn how to navigate delicate interpersonal dynamics while remaining transparent and professional.
Management to Leadership: Part 3 of My Journey From Designer to Career Coach
Just five months into this new role, I was presented with an exciting opportunity: to lead the creation of a new department combining UX, design, and web development. This was a chance to bring together talent from across the company and create a cohesive, high-functioning team.