Master the holistic systems, business strategy, and ethical foresight required to lead design in a complex world.
Transitioning from a skilled practitioner to a visionary design leader requires a fundamental shift in perspective. This course explores the critical intersection of creative excellence, team dynamics, and strategic business management. It provides a comprehensive overview of how to build and nurture high-performing design teams, scale design operations, and shape a workplace culture that fosters continuous innovation. Through an in-depth exploration of executive-level advocacy, the curriculum bridges the gap between design thinking and overarching corporate strategy. The content navigates the complexities of championing design within an organization, effectively communicating creative value to key stakeholders, and aligning design initiatives with core business objectives to drive meaningful organizational impact.
Motivational & Leadership Speaker
Adam Mendler is a nationally recognized authority on leadership, renowned for his unique ability to deliver perspective-shifting insights shaped by interviewing more than 500 of America’s most successful leaders. The creator and host of the top-rated business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, Adam regularly elicits insights from America's top CEOs, founders, athletes, celebrities, and political and military leaders. A keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations, Adam has written extensively on business and leadership, having authored more than 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc., and HuffPost. A Los Angeles native and lifelong Angels fan, Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA, serves on the board of UCLA’s Master of Applied Statistics & Data Science program, is an emeritus member of USC’s Board of Governors, and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders.
Values-led Brand Builder | Strategy & Impact Advisor | Host, FUTURE OF XYZ | US MD, iF Design
Lisa Gralnek is the Managing Director of iF Design USA and Global Head of Sustainability & Impact. A seasoned brand strategist with 25 years of experience, Lisa has shaped growth for major global entities including Adidas, Chobani, and Boston Consulting Group. Today, she leads North American expansion and sustainability frameworks for one of the world's oldest and most prestigious design institutions. Known for her sharp, no-nonsense insights on conscious capitalism, she is also the creator and host of the award-winning Future of XYZ podcast.
