How Designers Earn a Seat at the Table: Influence, Credibility, and Career Growth with Ryan Scott

Описание: Many designers struggle to earn credibility in business conversations. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Scott (Airbnb, DoorDash, MBA @ Berkeley) to unpack why PMs often get promoted faster than designers—and what to do about it. We cover the 3 patterns that quietly erode design influence, how to speak the language of business, and how to use empathy not just for users, but also for stakeholders. If you’ve ever wondered how to finally get your “seat at the table,” this conversation is for you.

Takeaways

Design and business are inseparable; both are essential for success.
Designers often struggle to gain influence compared to PMs and engineers.
Understanding business language is crucial for designers to communicate effectively.
Empathy is a superpower for designers, applicable to both users and stakeholders.
Designers should take responsibility for understanding business metrics.
Building strong relationships with stakeholders enhances influence.
Designers can create multi-dimensional value beyond just revenue metrics.
Organizational changes present opportunities for designers to assert their value.
AI tools democratize design work, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking.
Simple actions can significantly enhance a designer's influence in their organization.

🔗 Connect with Ran
Linkedin:   / ranliudesign  

🔗 Connect with Ryan
  / ryanscottcreative  

Mentioned in the show:
https://maven.com/ryan-scott

Keywords

design, business, influence, communication, empathy, career growth, design education, Ryan Scott, design leadership, organizational change


Chapters

00:00 Design and Business: Two Sides of the Same Coin
01:23 Ryan Scott's Journey: From Designer to Educator
05:03 The Struggle for Influence: Designers vs. PMs
11:56 Bridging the Communication Gap: Language and Empathy
18:46 Understanding Business: The Designer's Responsibility
20:47 Navigating Hostile Environments: A Designer's Experience
25:26 Building Relationships: The Key to Influence
29:02 Measuring Impact: The Multi-Dimensional Value of Design
39:27 Leveraging Disruption: Opportunities in Change
43:05 A Step-by-Step Playbook for Designers