How I lead
I bring clarity to ambiguity and help teams move forward with confidence.
Setting teams up for success
I think about my job as creating the conditions where good work can happen. Teams need to understand what they’re building and why. They need clear principles so they can make decisions without waiting for approval. They need operating rhythms that keep everyone aligned without drowning in meetings.
When that structure is in place, people can spend their energy solving problems instead of navigating confusion.
Bringing out the best in people
I’m good at seeing potential in people before they see it themselves. I ask questions that shift how they think about problems. I help them connect ideas in new ways. I create opportunities for them to grow in ways they didn’t expect.
I have strong opinions, but I hold them loosely. The goal is to find the right answer, not defend my answer. That requires listening carefully and being willing to change my mind.
Making collaboration really work
A lot of my work is facilitation. I bring people together, work to frame problems clearly, and guide conversations toward decisions. I help teams see how their work connects and where the dependencies are.
Alignment is not about everyone agreeing in a meeting. It’s about working through a problem together until everyone understands not just what we’re doing, but why it matters and how we’re going to get there.
Growing leaders
I don’t just build teams, I develop the people who will lead them. That means teaching strategic thinking alongside craft, showing people how to influence when they don’t have authority, and giving them complex problems and trusting them to figure it out.
Success for me is when teams can think and act strategically without me, and when the people I’ve developed are ready to take on bigger challenges.
The best measure of leadership is the experience of the people you lead. Here is some of what my direct reports have shared.
“You have been nothing short of amazing. I took this job because of how you came across during the interview—I knew you would be a supportive, encouraging manager who pushed me and that’s exactly what you were.”
“I’ve worked for many UX leaders and none have come close to having the level of professionalism, passion, knowledge of craft and industry, care and support for their team, transparency, etc.”
“I am grateful to get an opportunity to work with [Maria] … Working under her leadership helped me grow professionally and personally. She truly leads by example, collaborates effectively with all stakeholders, and ensures that the team is aligned and performing at its best.”
“You have single-handledly transformed our team! You brought clarity, a vision and most of all great strategy on how we can be an even better UX team.”
“Working for you has been pivotal to my career. To learn from you directly by observing you has been a blessing.”