I STRIVE TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS BOTH SUPPORTIVE AND EMPOWERING, WHERE CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION THRIVES.
My Expertise
Design Leadership
User Experience Strategy
Content Strategy
Creative Direction
DesignOps
My Design Toolkit
User Centered Design
Data Informed Design
Double Diamond
Agile and Lean Principles
Design Thinking
My Leadership Philosophy.
I base my effective leadership on these 3 principles:
- Authenticity
- Authenticity fosters trust and respect among team members, which is essential for building strong relationships and achieving common goals. I always admit my mistakes, be transparent, and by myself around others.
- Diversity
- Diversity also promotes inclusivity and equity, which are essential for creating a positive and supportive work environment. I seek out and build teams around not just skillsets and experiences, but people with different cultural backgrounds – I’ve found that every person has so much they are able to contribute to from feedback and innovations to solving design problems.
- Commitment
- Commitment fosters a sense of purpose and motivation among team members, which is essential for achieving success. I am passionate of what I do and I do my best to inspire others to share my vision through achieving set goals and objectives.
My Strengths.
These are my top 5 strengths (via cliftonstrengths), which help me engage with teammates and cultivate a progressive culture:
- Futuristic
- You are inspired by the future and what could be. You energize others with your visions of the future.
- Strategic
- You create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, you can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
- Relator
- You enjoy close relationships with others. You find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
- Achiever
- You work hard and possess a great deal of stamina. You take immense satisfaction in being busy and productive.
- Context
- You enjoy thinking about the past. You understand the present by researching its history
(Product Design Team Members, Blizzard Entertainment)
Testimonials.
What do others say about my leadership?
David is an excellent UX Manager who brought our team together as a design leader. All interactions, from 1-on-1s to team meetings to Design ceremonies were introspective and forward thinking for both PADI’s Product Design and our careers as Designers. In the time I reported to David, I did some of the best work of my career with his support and mentorship and would honestly say he is an asset to both the individual designers he leads and the community he has built.
Ian Smile
I highly recommend David as an outstanding colleague with expertise in product design and leadership. His creative approach, attention to detail, and agile methodology greatly contributed to the success of our projects. David also was a key contributor to in our company’s DE&I efforts. He brought valuable ideas to the table and ensured their successful implementation. His commitment to diversity and inclusion, coupled with his leadership skills, make him an asset to any team.
Amber Robertson
I had the honor of working under David’s guidance as my manager within the product design team at Blizzard Entertainment. His exemplary leadership is marked by a strategic and systematic approach, skillfully steering the product development process from ideation to flawless implementation. More than just a strategic leader, David serves as a mentor to each team member, nurturing a profound dedication to individual goals, achievements, and ongoing enhancement of skills in their respective areas. I wholeheartedly recommend David as an impeccable leader and strategic manager, always receptive to new ideas to ensure successful project delivery.
Lana Veldanova