Awaken the design leader within you / Sarah Clearwater / Episode #175

Service Design Show

Is design facing a leadership crisis? If you’re nodding in agreement, you’re not alone.

As service design professionals, we know the power of our craft to create meaningful change. Yet, we often struggle to find the support necessary that allows us to have a long-lasting impact. And when those around us in leadership roles fail to advocate for the value of design, progress stagnates, and burnout becomes all too common.

But here’s the good news.

You can lead the change today, regardless of your job title or position. So, how do you start leading in an authentic way that aligns with your values and the realities of business?

Our latest guest, Sarah Clearwater, interviewed design leaders to find out. She shares her insights in this week's episode with us.

If you want to grow the impact design has on your organization and are tired of waiting for others to pick up the torch, tune in to this conversation!

Yes, taking on a leadership role can be daunting. But what’s the alternative…

Keep pushing for positive change!

- Marc

--- [ 1. GUIDE ] ---

00:00 Welcome to episode 175

05:15 Who is Sarah

06:45 Lightning Round

09:00 What is Design Leadership

10:15 What is the status quo

14:15 Practice vs functional leadership

17:45 How did we get here

21:00 Being context-aware

25:00 The lightbulb moment

26:30 Reflection is a key practice

31:15 Limiting biases

33:00 How does leadership manifest

35:30 When the interplay breaks down

36:30 Maturing beyond the craft

40:15 Go where the energy is

43:00 Setting boundaries

46:30 Growing in increments

47:15 Understanding our position

49:15 The quality of our stories

53:30 You have the potential to lead

56:00 The absence of leadership

58:30 Direction rather than a destination

59:30 Why not start today

--- [ 2. LINKS ] ---

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahclearwater/
• https://go.servicedesignshow.com/design_leadership_report

--- [ 3. CIRCLE ] ---

Join our private community for in-house service design professionals.

https://www.servicedesignshow.com/circle