LEADERSHIP BY DESIGN
AN INTRODUCTION
Edited By:
Prof. Hany M. El-said
WHY LEADERSHIP MATTERS IN DESIGN
Inspire teams,
Communicate your vision,
navigate challenges with
confidence.
Leadership is the backbone of any successful design
business. While creativity drives innovation, leadership
ensures that ideas are executed effectively and
sustainably.
According to Design Leadership: Secrets to Growing
Your Business by Raymond Turner,
leadership in design is about balancing creativity with
strategic thinking to achieve long-term success (Turner,
2013). This presentation will show you how to lead with
purpose and turn your creative passion into a thriving
business.
As a design entrepreneur,
you’ll need to
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
This unit is designed to give you a clear roadmap for success as
a design entrepreneur. By the end, you’ll understand:
• How to develop a Leading Design,
• Secure funding,
• Manage your organization.
• Market your services,
You’ll also learn how to lead teams and projects effectively,
ensuring that your creative vision becomes a reality. These
objectives are aligned with the principles outlined in “The Lean
Startup” by Eric Ries, which emphasizes the importance of
planning, adaptability, and continuous learning in
entrepreneurship (Ries, 2011).
WHAT MAKES
A DESIGN
ENTREPRENEUR?
• A design entrepreneur is more than just a creative professional—
they are problem-solvers, risk-takers, and visionaries.
• They combine artistic talent with business knowledge to create
products, services, and experiences that resonate with audiences.
• As an entrepreneurial designer, you’ll need to wear many hats,
from innovator to strategist, and lead with confidence in every
role.
• According to Tim Brown the CEO of IDEO, in his book “Change by
Design”, design thinking is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to
solve complex problems and drive innovation (Brown, 2009).
WHAT DOES
LEADERSHIP
LOOK LIKE IN
DESIGN?
• Leadership in design is about more than just managing people—
it’s about inspiring creativity, fostering collaboration, and driving
results.
• A great design leader sets a clear vision, adapts to challenges,
and empowers their team to do their best work. By leading with
empathy and vision, you can create a culture of innovation and
bring your ideas to life.
• Research from the Harvard Business Review highlights that
empathetic leadership increases team productivity and creativity,
making it a critical skill for design leaders (Goleman, 2017).
LEADING TEAMS AND PROJECTS
Collaboration and Communication in Design
• Great design is often the result of teamwork. As a leader,
your role is to bring out the best in your team by fostering
collaboration, setting clear goals, and providing
constructive feedback.
• Effective project management tools and communication
strategies will help you keep projects on track and ensure
that everyone is working toward the same vision.
• According to “Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in
Half the Time” by Jeff Sutherland, agile methodologies
can improve team efficiency and adaptability (Sutherland,
2014).
DEVELOPING A BUSINESS PLAN
Your Blueprint for Success
• A business plan is the foundation of any successful design
venture. It outlines your goals, strategies, and financial
projections, serving as a roadmap for growth.
• Whether you’re pitching to investors or guiding your team, a
well-crafted business plan ensures that everyone is aligned and
working toward the same vision.
• According to “Business Model Generation” by Alexander Oster
walder and Yves Pigneur, a strong business plan helps
entrepreneurs clarify their value proposition and identify key
resources and partnerships (Osterwalder & Pigneur, 2010).
OBTAINING FINANCING
Funding Your Design Business
Turning your design ideas into reality often requires financial
investment. From bootstrapping to securing loans or investors,
there are many ways to fund your business.
The key is to present a convincing case for why your design
venture is worth investing in.
According to “The Art of Startup Fundraising” by Alejandro
Cremades, successful pitches focus on clear value propositions,
market potential, and a strong team (Cremades, 2016).
MARKETING YOUR DESIGN BUSINESS
Building Your Brand and Reaching Your Audience
Marketing is essential for attracting clients and growing your
design business. It’s about more than just promoting your work
—it’s about telling a story that resonates with your audience.
From building a strong brand identity to leveraging social
media and networking, we’ll discuss how to create a
marketing strategy that sets you apart in a crowded
marketplace. According to “Contagious: How to Build Word
of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger, storytelling
and emotional appeal are key drivers of successful marketing
campaigns (Berger, 2013).
YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
How Will You Lead?
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. As
you get on your entrepreneurial path, take time
to reflect on your strengths, set goals, and
embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
By leading with purpose and passion, you can
create a design business that makes a lasting
impact. As Simon Sinek writes in “Start With
Why”, great leaders inspire action by
communicating their purpose and vision clearly
(Sinek, 2009).
ACCOUNTING FOR DESIGNERS
Managing Your Finances Like a Pro
Financial management is a critical skill for any design
entrepreneur. Keeping track of income, expenses, and taxes
ensures that your business remains profitable and sustainable.
By using accounting tools and best practices, you can make
informed decisions and focus on what you do best—creating
amazing designs. According to “Profit First for Creatives” by
Mike Michalowicz, separating personal and business finances
and prioritizing profitability are essential for long-term
success (Michalowicz, 2019).
Q&A AND DISCUSSION
Let’s Talk Leadership!
Now it’s your turn to share your thoughts and ask questions. Whether you’re curious about
business planning, marketing, or team leadership, this is your chance to dive deeper into the
topics that matter most to you. Let’s start a conversation and learn from each other!
IN CONCLUSION
Leadership by Design
• As we wrap up, remember that leadership is about more
than just being in charge—it’s about taking care of those
in your charge. By combining creativity with strong
leadership skills, you can build a design business that
thrives. Start today by sketching your business plan,
refining your portfolio, and leading with purpose.
• I hope this session has inspired you to take the next step in
your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s build a future where
creativity and leadership go hand in hand.
CASE STUDIES
Design Entrepreneurs Who Lead
Learning from others is one of the best ways to
grow as a design entrepreneur. In this section,
we’ll explore real-world examples of designers
who have built successful businesses. For instance,
Emily Pilloton, founder of Project H Design, has
demonstrated how design can drive social
change while maintaining financial sustainability
(Pilloton, 2009). Their stories will inspire you and
provide valuable insights into the challenges and
opportunities of leading a design venture.
REFERENCES:
• 1. Turner, R. (2013). Design Leadership: Secrets to Growing Your Business.
• 2. Ries, E. (2011). The Lean Startup.
• 3. Brown, T. (2009). Change by Design.
• 4. Goleman, D. (2017). Harvard Business Review: What Makes a Leader?
• 5. Osterwalder, A., & Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business Model Generation.
• 6. Cremades, A. (2016). The Art of Startup Fundraising.
• 7. Berger, J. (2013). Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age.
• 8. Michalowicz, M. (2019). Profit First for Creatives.
• 9. Sutherland, J. (2014). Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time.
• 10. Pilloton, E. (2009). Design Revolution: 100 Products That Empower People.
• 11. Sinek, S. (2009). Start With Why.
THANK YOU

An introduction to Leadership by Design.ppsx

  • 1.
    LEADERSHIP BY DESIGN ANINTRODUCTION Edited By: Prof. Hany M. El-said
  • 2.
    WHY LEADERSHIP MATTERSIN DESIGN Inspire teams, Communicate your vision, navigate challenges with confidence. Leadership is the backbone of any successful design business. While creativity drives innovation, leadership ensures that ideas are executed effectively and sustainably. According to Design Leadership: Secrets to Growing Your Business by Raymond Turner, leadership in design is about balancing creativity with strategic thinking to achieve long-term success (Turner, 2013). This presentation will show you how to lead with purpose and turn your creative passion into a thriving business. As a design entrepreneur, you’ll need to
  • 3.
    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Thisunit is designed to give you a clear roadmap for success as a design entrepreneur. By the end, you’ll understand: • How to develop a Leading Design, • Secure funding, • Manage your organization. • Market your services, You’ll also learn how to lead teams and projects effectively, ensuring that your creative vision becomes a reality. These objectives are aligned with the principles outlined in “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries, which emphasizes the importance of planning, adaptability, and continuous learning in entrepreneurship (Ries, 2011).
  • 4.
    WHAT MAKES A DESIGN ENTREPRENEUR? •A design entrepreneur is more than just a creative professional— they are problem-solvers, risk-takers, and visionaries. • They combine artistic talent with business knowledge to create products, services, and experiences that resonate with audiences. • As an entrepreneurial designer, you’ll need to wear many hats, from innovator to strategist, and lead with confidence in every role. • According to Tim Brown the CEO of IDEO, in his book “Change by Design”, design thinking is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to solve complex problems and drive innovation (Brown, 2009).
  • 5.
    WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKEIN DESIGN? • Leadership in design is about more than just managing people— it’s about inspiring creativity, fostering collaboration, and driving results. • A great design leader sets a clear vision, adapts to challenges, and empowers their team to do their best work. By leading with empathy and vision, you can create a culture of innovation and bring your ideas to life. • Research from the Harvard Business Review highlights that empathetic leadership increases team productivity and creativity, making it a critical skill for design leaders (Goleman, 2017).
  • 6.
    LEADING TEAMS ANDPROJECTS Collaboration and Communication in Design • Great design is often the result of teamwork. As a leader, your role is to bring out the best in your team by fostering collaboration, setting clear goals, and providing constructive feedback. • Effective project management tools and communication strategies will help you keep projects on track and ensure that everyone is working toward the same vision. • According to “Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time” by Jeff Sutherland, agile methodologies can improve team efficiency and adaptability (Sutherland, 2014).
  • 7.
    DEVELOPING A BUSINESSPLAN Your Blueprint for Success • A business plan is the foundation of any successful design venture. It outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections, serving as a roadmap for growth. • Whether you’re pitching to investors or guiding your team, a well-crafted business plan ensures that everyone is aligned and working toward the same vision. • According to “Business Model Generation” by Alexander Oster walder and Yves Pigneur, a strong business plan helps entrepreneurs clarify their value proposition and identify key resources and partnerships (Osterwalder & Pigneur, 2010).
  • 8.
    OBTAINING FINANCING Funding YourDesign Business Turning your design ideas into reality often requires financial investment. From bootstrapping to securing loans or investors, there are many ways to fund your business. The key is to present a convincing case for why your design venture is worth investing in. According to “The Art of Startup Fundraising” by Alejandro Cremades, successful pitches focus on clear value propositions, market potential, and a strong team (Cremades, 2016).
  • 9.
    MARKETING YOUR DESIGNBUSINESS Building Your Brand and Reaching Your Audience Marketing is essential for attracting clients and growing your design business. It’s about more than just promoting your work —it’s about telling a story that resonates with your audience. From building a strong brand identity to leveraging social media and networking, we’ll discuss how to create a marketing strategy that sets you apart in a crowded marketplace. According to “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger, storytelling and emotional appeal are key drivers of successful marketing campaigns (Berger, 2013).
  • 10.
    YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY HowWill You Lead? Leadership is a journey, not a destination. As you get on your entrepreneurial path, take time to reflect on your strengths, set goals, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. By leading with purpose and passion, you can create a design business that makes a lasting impact. As Simon Sinek writes in “Start With Why”, great leaders inspire action by communicating their purpose and vision clearly (Sinek, 2009).
  • 11.
    ACCOUNTING FOR DESIGNERS ManagingYour Finances Like a Pro Financial management is a critical skill for any design entrepreneur. Keeping track of income, expenses, and taxes ensures that your business remains profitable and sustainable. By using accounting tools and best practices, you can make informed decisions and focus on what you do best—creating amazing designs. According to “Profit First for Creatives” by Mike Michalowicz, separating personal and business finances and prioritizing profitability are essential for long-term success (Michalowicz, 2019).
  • 12.
    Q&A AND DISCUSSION Let’sTalk Leadership! Now it’s your turn to share your thoughts and ask questions. Whether you’re curious about business planning, marketing, or team leadership, this is your chance to dive deeper into the topics that matter most to you. Let’s start a conversation and learn from each other!
  • 13.
    IN CONCLUSION Leadership byDesign • As we wrap up, remember that leadership is about more than just being in charge—it’s about taking care of those in your charge. By combining creativity with strong leadership skills, you can build a design business that thrives. Start today by sketching your business plan, refining your portfolio, and leading with purpose. • I hope this session has inspired you to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s build a future where creativity and leadership go hand in hand.
  • 14.
    CASE STUDIES Design EntrepreneursWho Lead Learning from others is one of the best ways to grow as a design entrepreneur. In this section, we’ll explore real-world examples of designers who have built successful businesses. For instance, Emily Pilloton, founder of Project H Design, has demonstrated how design can drive social change while maintaining financial sustainability (Pilloton, 2009). Their stories will inspire you and provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of leading a design venture.
  • 15.
    REFERENCES: • 1. Turner,R. (2013). Design Leadership: Secrets to Growing Your Business. • 2. Ries, E. (2011). The Lean Startup. • 3. Brown, T. (2009). Change by Design. • 4. Goleman, D. (2017). Harvard Business Review: What Makes a Leader? • 5. Osterwalder, A., & Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business Model Generation. • 6. Cremades, A. (2016). The Art of Startup Fundraising. • 7. Berger, J. (2013). Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age. • 8. Michalowicz, M. (2019). Profit First for Creatives. • 9. Sutherland, J. (2014). Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time. • 10. Pilloton, E. (2009). Design Revolution: 100 Products That Empower People. • 11. Sinek, S. (2009). Start With Why.
  • 16.