This week, Brit and Harper talk with designer Jon Delman about creative leadership.

Jon Delman has had a diverse and influential career in design over the past 27 years. He is currently leading the Design Systems team at Workiva, focusing on helping product and engineering teams build world-class enterprise software. Jon has a wealth of experience working with major brands such as Google, Apple, Splunk, and Samsung. His prior roles include Executive Creative Director at Ueno, Group Creative Director at Beyond, and Creative Director at Huge.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Jon has also been involved in educational initiatives, contributing as a guest speaker on topics like building a learning organization and leading change management in digital environments. Jon’s deep commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for design teams is reflected in his public discourse about leadership in design. He emphasizes the importance of kindness, curiosity, and authenticity in leadership, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive approach within creative teams. This philosophy aims to challenge the often rigid norms of leadership within the design industry and promotes a more flexible and humane approach to managing and inspiring teams.

His blend of hands-on design work and educational outreach highlights his dedication to both practicing and teaching design, aiming to inspire and develop the next generation of designers.

TIMESTAMPS

7:24 - How to cultivate curiosity within oneself

11:28 - Embracing “not getting it”

16:57 - Staying in your craft

23:33 - How creatives take in work from a team

28:40 - Strong opinions, loosely held

29:28 - Redefining creative contributions

38:12 - Created while managing

45:16 - People you want to be around

51:50 - Design systems

57:29 - Giving feedback the right way

58:16 - The role of the creator in taking in feedback

01:09 - Addressing Imposter Syndrome

1:12 - Advice for young creators

MUSIC:

“Am I Dreaming [Instrumental]” (Metro Boomin, A$AP Rocky, Roisee)

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