Designers today find themselves at a crossroads. As organisations increasingly recognise design’s role in innovation and strategy, designers are stepping into leadership. Yet, this transition raises questions: 'How do I influence decision-making at a strategic level?' 'How do I move from execution to leadership?' 'How can I shape my organisation without losing my creative core?’

As a designer you may aspire to lead but be unsure what leadership means for you or how to navigate organisational politics, culture, and change. You may want to develop the confidence to lead, not just create. At the heart of this journey is a key question: 'Where does craft end and leadership begin?' Your desire to influence strategy and drive meaningful change may seem at odds with your creative instincts. But leadership isn’t a departure from craft—it’s an evolution of it. Great design leaders don’t just manage; they apply design principles to leadership, shaping organisations, cultures, and problem-solving approaches.

This training helps bridge the gap between execution and strategic influence while staying true to your creative roots. Through theory, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain practical insights into leading as a designer—whether influencing a team, shaping strategy, or driving systemic change. More than just a course, this is a chance to step back, reflect, and craft a leadership path that aligns with your goals and your organisation’s needs.

This training is ideal for:

• Experienced designers transitioning into leadership. If you have spent years mastering your craft and now find yourself responsible for guiding teams, shaping strategy, or advocating for design at higher levels, this program will provide you with the frameworks and confidence to lead effectively.
  
• New design leaders looking to strengthen their strategic influence. If you’ve recently stepped into a leadership role, whether managing a team, driving design within a cross-functional group, or advocating for user-centred change, this training will help you navigate the complexities of leadership while staying true to your design roots.
  
• Designers leading without formal authority. If you have been driving change through projects and initiatives but want to increase your impact, this training will help you develop the skills to influence across an organisation.
  
• Team leads and managers aiming to build stronger design cultures. If you are responsible for leading a design team and want to create an environment where creativity, strategy, and business impact align, this training will provide the tools to do so.

Co-organised with BIS Publishers, this training includes the e-book 'Design Leadership Chronicles | A Graphic Novel About Organisational Change' by Marzia Aricò, the course tutor. This training equips you with the tools, mindset, and strategies to transition into leadership with clarity and impact.

This training empowers you to take ownership of your growth, aligning your personal development with organisational objectives. You will follow a series of four live sessions. Each session of 120 minutes is a mixture of workshop, open discussion and debate and lecture format. You will be able to discuss, exchange feedback, and work together. Learning with and from your peers is one of the guiding principles of our learning activities. You will conclude the training with a customised leadership development plan, equipped with strategies to apply your learning and drive positive change within your own context, team or organisation. You will receive a free digital copy of Marzia Aricò's book for this training.

All lessons are online, and live sessions will take place via Zoom.

Schedule live sessions
Session 1 - Thursday 24 April 24, 2025, 16:00-18:00 CEST
Session 2 - Tuesday April 29, 2025, 16:00-18:00 CEST
Session 3 - Thursday May 15, 2025, 16:00-18:00 CEST
Session 4 - Thursday May 22, 2025, 16:00-18:00 CEST