Professional photo of Maria Nicholas, Product Design Leader

Design leadership that simplifies complexity

I lead global UX, research, and content design organizations in complex enterprise environments. I help companies scale UX maturity, integrate AI responsibly, and deliver measurable product and business results. My work focuses on designing teams, systems, and experiences that align UX with product strategy, customer needs, and delivery execution.

Most recently, I was Director and Global Head of UX at Skillsoft, where I led a global UX organization across design, research, and content to shape AI-powered learning platforms used by millions of enterprise learners worldwide.

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What stakeholders have said about my leadership and collaboration style

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
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
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

Where I’ve led and taught

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
Close-up of the Kaplan logo with black text and a curved line on a dark background.
Skillsoft logo in black and gray
Moody's logo in gray text