Ahoy 👋
If you’ve ever wondered how a love for skateboarding, playing in bands, and a natural curiosity can lead to seniority in a tech role, you may as well keep reading. As always my aim is to inspire and share my own experiences back into the industry I've worked in for (don't gasp) 15 years! A career shaped by creativity, structure, and the incredible influence of my family and surroundings.

I grew up in a household that balanced two seemingly opposite worlds. My mum was an artist of whom owned a florist, filling our home with vibrant colours, fragrant blooms, and a sense of unfiltered creativity. She taught me the joy of working with raw materials to create something meaningful, whether it was a bouquet or a canvas. My dad, on the other hand, was a chartered surveyor. His world was built on structure, precision, and logical problem-solving. Watching him at work taught me the importance of discipline and the satisfaction of finding solutions that stand the test of time.

Together, my parents nurtured a unique way of thinking in me. From my mum, I learned to think outside the box and embrace creativity. From my dad, I learned to focus on the details and never shy away from a challenge. These two sides of my upbringing gave me the tools I needed to combine artistry with structure, shaping the way I work and approach problems.

Creativity and Culture in Adolescence

As a teenager, my love for creativity deepened in unexpected ways. Skateboarding wasn’t just a pastime; it introduced me to a world of bold graphics, zines full of raw storytelling, and street art alive with energy. It opened my eyes to art, design, and culture in ways that traditional schooling never could.

Music was the other big part of my adolescence. Performing in bands was my creative outlet and taught me how to collaborate with others, stay disciplined, and always push the boundaries of what I could create. These experiences were foundational. They reinforced that creativity wasn’t just a hobby for me; it was a way of life.

Looking back, I realise that my job title was always going to be something creative and human-centred. Whether it was on a skateboard, in a practice room, or eventually at a design table, I always sought ways to connect people through creativity.

Finding My Feet in Design

At 17, I started working with my dad’s surveying business as a junior CAD technician. Although I learned a lot about technical drawings and precision, my passion naturally gravitated towards the creative aspects of the business. I offered to design their website and logo, and that project ended up being a defining moment for me.

That small spark led to opportunities with a local printing company, where I began designing logos and websites for clients. I threw myself into every project, teaching myself Photoshop, experimenting with web design, and figuring things out as I went. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but those early days taught me resilience and the value of self-directed learning.

I also worked a variety of jobs, including a stint at Apple, where I saw first-hand how user experience could be elevated by exceptional design. It was here that I truly fell in love with the idea of creating products that balance functionality with beauty, always keeping the user at the centre.

Stepping into Leadership

Eventually, I landed contracts with organisations like the NHS and startups, taking on increasingly complex design challenges. My first step into a senior role came when I joined Squiz as a senior product designer, working on SaaS products for clients like Santander Bank, Sage, William Hill, the UK Gov, Sainsbury's, Allianz, etc. It was here that I learned to navigate large-scale design systems, manage multidisciplinary teams, and approach design as both an art and a science. After a very enjoyable five years, I joined Flipside on a contract basis with the pull of working with some of the world’s most recognisable brands, including Coca-Cola, Papa Johns, Suzuki, M&M's, Salomon, Thrive Learning etc.

These roles not only refined my skills but also taught me the importance of leadership and creating an environment where creativity can thrive. Today, I’m proud to be a part of the growth of Scan.com, where I help revolutionise digital diagnostics by leading design efforts that improve real lives.

The Intersection of Creativity and Leadership

Reflecting on my journey, I realise just how much my upbringing shaped me as a designer and a leader. My mum’s creativity and my dad’s logical approach taught me to see challenges from multiple perspectives, blending artistry with practicality. This balance has kept me grounded, good-humoured, and ready to lead with both heart and structure.

If you’re looking to break into product design, my advice is to lean into what makes you unique. Draw inspiration from your surroundings, whether that’s art, culture, or even hobbies like skateboarding or music. These influences will help you develop the creative side of design.

At the same time, it is essential to build your technical skill set. Learn how things work under the hood. Understanding engineering concepts and how teams build products will make you a more effective collaborator and leader. The best product designers combine creativity with technical fluency, working seamlessly between design and engineering to deliver real results.

Lastly, embrace problem-solving. Childhood is full of moments that teach us how to face challenges, adapt, and think creatively. Whether it’s figuring out how to land a trick on a skateboard or resolving an argument in a band, those early experiences shape our ability to approach problems with resilience and curiosity, both of which are vital in product design.

Where I Am Today

With over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible teams and clients, growing from a curious teen fascinated by design into a product design lead shaping innovative solutions. My journey has taught me that leadership is about empowering others while staying grounded in creativity and culture.

To anyone starting out in design: keep learning, stay curious, embrace the pace and evolution of technologies like the emergence of AI, and remember that your unique perspective and surroundings are your greatest assets. You can carve a path that truly makes you stand out as an individual.

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