Hey Reader, Stepping into a design lead role can feel like switching operating systems—everything looks similar, but nothing works quite the same. Balancing execution, strategy, and new responsibilities often feels overwhelming. In today's email: From senior to lead: How to navigate your first 90 days: OKRs, planning, and stakeholder alignment Smart insights on design simplicity from the team behind the Dia browser UX/UI resources to sharpen your skills and grow your network 🎟️ Join Sarah...
about 1 month ago • 6 min read
Hey Reader Feeling like your role as a designer is shifting faster than ever? Whether you’re navigating AI’s impact, exploring paths beyond management, or trying to align your team around a clear vision — we’re diving into the ideas, tools, and mindset shifts that can help you stay sharp and shape what’s next. In today’s email: Why designers with the most expertise might face the biggest career risks in the age of AI — and how to stay adaptable Discover how super senior ICs are reshaping...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hey Reader We’re covering a lot of ground this week — from building trust with stakeholders to partnering better with your PM. Plus, I’m sharing a few design gems you won’t want to miss (hello, Research Week and new AI tools 👀). In today’s email: What to do when career feedback doesn’t sit right A live event on building trust with stakeholders & getting buy-in My favorite new tool for vectorizing your visuals 🎥 Watch today's 15min YouTube video to learn how to embrace working with your...
3 months ago • 4 min read
Hey Reader, Will I see you at Config this year? Well, for all those first-timers (or those interested), here’s what to expect: You’ll take notes all day, you might work in between talks or networking events, and you’ll power through back-to-back Config sessions. It may sound like a lot in a short amount of time, but trust me, it’s totally worth it! To top it off, I’m also partnering with Detach to host an unofficial official after-party for designers who work hard, think big, and know how to...
4 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, We've got a jam-packed issue this week! Here are the highlights: Level Up Club is buzzing and access is closing Feb 14th until Fall 2025. Enrolment for Cohort 6 of Product Strategy for Designers is closing on Feb 28th and won't be back until maybe Fall, 2025. Price will be increasing! Register for Beyond junior: level up your portfolio, a livestream with Aneta Kmiecik on Feb 26th. Register for my free Lightning Lesson with Miranda Slayter, where we'll discuss how to have more...
6 months ago • 3 min read
I'm Femke – a senior product designer helping designers level up their design careers. Hey Reader, As we close out the year, I’m reflecting on the moments, tools, and creators that made 2024 one to remember. From milestones to unexpected lessons, this year had it all—and I’m sharing the highlights with you in the last newsletter of the year (and cheers to the next!) ✨ 🎉 300 episodes of Design Life! We hit the big 3-0-0! If you missed the celebration, catch the episode here. 👩💻 Three cohorts...
8 months ago • 3 min read
I'm Femke – a senior product designer helping designers level up their design careers. Hey Reader, As the year begins to dwindle with festivities, get-togethers, and cheer, one can’t help but think about what’s coming next—2025. What will it have in store for me? As designers, we often focus on creating for others, responsiveness, and ensuring all accessibility needs are met, but how often do we strategically craft opportunities for ourselves? Join us Dec 12 @ 2pm ET Join me on Dec 12 @ 2pm...
8 months ago • 3 min read
I'm Femke – a senior product designer helping designers level up their design careers. Hey Reader, As designers, we often wait for the perfect moment—a presentation, a meeting—to share our insights. But here’s the thing: don’t wait. Proactively share your thoughts, whether it’s in Slack, your team chat, or a quick email. Q&A with Ross Hatton in Product Strategy for Designer’s In this week’s Q&A with Ross Hatton in Product Strategy for Designer’s we talked about the importance of tying your...
8 months ago • 3 min read
I'm Femke – a senior product designer helping designers level up their design careers. Hey Reader, This past January, I gave a talk at the 10x Conference which set the stage for a gathering like no other - a beacon for designers eager to broaden their horizons, refine their craft, and connect with the creators of the design community. I aimed to share a transformative experience with my talk, The Influential Product Designer. Where I distilled years of navigating the complex web of product...
over 1 year ago • 2 min read
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