Episode 35: Individual Contributors vs. Leaders

What does it truly mean to transition from “me” to “we” in the design world? Can leadership be as fulfilling as hands-on creativity? Or is there a sweet spot between leading a team and preserving your passion for design? These are the questions we unpack in this episode.

As two women who’ve lived through this evolution, we share candid insights on the challenges of leadership, the allure of autonomy, and why control freaks (ahem, most designers) may struggle but thrive in leadership roles.

Here’s the thing: being an individual contributor has its perks—control, focus, and the satisfaction of knowing every detail is just the way you want it. But when you’re running a growing design firm (or dreaming of it), leadership requires a different set of skills: trust, delegation, and stepping back so your team can step up.

Whether you're a solopreneur weighing the idea of scaling or a design firm owner struggling to delegate, this episode offers raw, relatable advice for navigating these waters. We dive deep into the joys, challenges, and surprising realities of transitioning into leadership—all while staying true to your creative roots.

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