Mike Leary… user experience leader, empathetic problem solver and team builder.
About me
I have a profound love for UX. Channeling the wealth of knowledge I've gained over the years in visual design and directing it towards the user experience fuels my passion every day. Leading my team to tackle challenges and evolve is what I love the most about the work. What excites me most is straddling the line between user needs and business objectives, serving both with empathy.
Building and nurturing teams is a privilege I deeply cherish. I thrive on fostering stability and clarity amidst uncertainty. Every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth because after all, problem-solving is at the core of our profession. Whether it's mapping the journey of a designer to a senior level or crafting seamless user experiences, I've dedicated my career to tackling these challenges head-on.
For me, UX isn't just a job—it's a mindset that permeates every aspect of my life. Approaching problems with empathy and leading with unwavering passion is ingrained in my approach. It's more than a profession; it's a lifestyle, a philosophy, a culture of inclusivity. Guiding my team to transition from merely listening to actively solving problems without bias is incredibly important. By structuring our approach, we navigate product, engineering, and business realms collaboratively, ensuring everyone is an integral part of the journey.
While design will always hold a special place in my heart, embracing the UX journey over the past decade has deepened my appreciation for its complexities and nuances.
Design Excellence
Utilizing my extensive background in visual design, I drive the creation of designs that are both data-backed and visually captivating. Starting out as a traditional visual designer, I've honed my understanding of what constitutes effective design, seamlessly aligning it with UX principles to achieve the perfect balance of form and function. Moreover, I've played a pivotal role in transitioning over 12 designers from traditional roles to the realm of user experience, imparting my design expertise to guide them through this transformation process. Collaborating closely with brand teams, I've integrated external campaigns into our marketing pages and learning management platform, ensuring consistency and coherence across all touchpoints. Additionally, I oversee the development and expansion of our design system, Paragon, working in tandem with internal designers, engineers, and external teams to drive its maturity and implementation across various verticals and tech stacks. To foster continuous growth within the UX team, I've established weekly design review meetings, providing a platform for members to refine their critique and presentation skills.
Management Philosophy
Growth stands as a pivotal element within the realm of leadership, fostering development both within oneself and among those being led. Providing the team with clear focus and guidance, not only in their current tasks but also in their career trajectories, is incredibly important. Establishing frameworks and process aids in equipping individuals with the necessary tools for success. Emphasizing inclusivity ensures that every voice is heard and each idea valued. As a leader, outlining pathways to advancement is essential, coupled with the accountability for those being guided. Implementing workshops, such as utilizing the DiSC framework, fosters a deeper understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, enhancing collaborative efforts and empathy. Maintaining engagement and inclusivity through enjoyable activities encourages participation and personal growth. Responsibility and empathy form the foundation of leadership, ensuring everyone feels heard and respected. A leader's commitment to caring deeply for their team and leading with unwavering passion each day defines their impact and fosters a culture of growth and mutual respect.