Maria Nicholas, VP UX Leader

Design leadership that simplifies complexity

I lead global UX, research, and content design teams that turn learning and enterprise systems into experiences people love to use. My work spans over two decades of designing teams, systems, and experiences that deliver in complex environments.

I combine creative direction, design operations, and research-driven insight to deliver cohesive experiences with clarity and measurable impact.

Most recently, I was Director and Global Head of UX at Skillsoft, leading design for AI-powered learning experiences serving millions of enterprise users worldwide.

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Here’s what colleagues and leaders have said about my leadership and collaboration style:

Excellent design meeting today! You are doing a great job bringing the larger team along and changing mindsets. I couldn’t imagine this place without you.
— SVP, Product Management
I’ve been impressed with your adaptation to Al products over the past 6 months … Enjoy our discussions and positive conflict driving it forward.
— Senior Director, Engineering
Thanks so much for your innovation, leadership and patience! This was one of the best design sprints I have been part of. I love how you helped us navigate the challenges of working remotely.
— Principal Product Manager
Very few organizations can actually introduce real change in their core practices. Your design-first, customer-first approach (that integrates all our team functions) is quite impressive.
— Director, Digital Strategy

Where I’ve led and taught

Skillsoft logo in gray with three arrow symbols
Moody's logo in gray text
Kaplan logo with gray text and curve
Logo of the State University of New York at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), featuring a dark gray circle with 'FIT' and text to the right
General Assembly logo in gray
Path Unbound logo in gray