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Growing your Career as a Design Manager

As a new manager how do you navigate difficult situations like managing a low performer? How do you lead well remotely? How do you instill a culture of trust and quality of execution? How do you communicate effectively and set clear expectations?

Date To Be Announced
UPCOMING COHORT

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

GET TICKETS
Launching
Last day to enroll:
November 13, 2024

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Course Curriculum

MODULE 
2
:
How to measure your impact and manage your team
November 20, 2024 9:00 AM
PDT
MODULE 
3
:
Live Coaching with Jian Wei
November 20, 2024 9:00 AM
PDT
Live Coaching with Jian

Access the entire curriculum on-demand. Join live once a month for coaching. Discuss your specific challenges, strategies and techniques for being an effective manager.

Peer Learning and Interaction

Complete the program alongside a group of peers who will keep you accountable and inspired. 

Time to Complete

1 hour of live coaching per month. Access 2 sessions.

Flexible self paced lectures and activities to complete at your own time.


Meet your trainers

MODULE

1

Jian Wei

Director of Design, Zendesk

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

  -  

9:00 am

PDT

As the Product Design Director at Zendesk in San Francisco, Jian Wei leads and manages a team to deliver exceptional customer relationship platforms for small and large enterprises, focusing on enhancing the core support agent experience, seamless data integration, and efficient workflows.

Jian Wei has a wealth of experience in enterprise design, customer support innovation, and localizing design for a global audience. He is passionate about building strong design culture and mentoring senior designers, helping them to hone their craft and advance towards design management roles.

In addition, Jian Wei lends his expertise as a Design Advisor at Aevice Health, a medical tech startup dedicated to improving patient and healthcare provider connections in the chronic respiratory disease space.


0
1

MODULE

2

Jian Wei

Director of Design, Zendesk

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

  -  

9:00 am

PDT

As the Product Design Director at Zendesk in San Francisco, Jian Wei leads and manages a team to deliver exceptional customer relationship platforms for small and large enterprises, focusing on enhancing the core support agent experience, seamless data integration, and efficient workflows.

Jian Wei has a wealth of experience in enterprise design, customer support innovation, and localizing design for a global audience. He is passionate about building strong design culture and mentoring senior designers, helping them to hone their craft and advance towards design management roles.

In addition, Jian Wei lends his expertise as a Design Advisor at Aevice Health, a medical tech startup dedicated to improving patient and healthcare provider connections in the chronic respiratory disease space.


0
2

MODULE

3

Jian Wei

Director of Design, Zendesk

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

  -  

9:00 am

PDT

As the Product Design Director at Zendesk in San Francisco, Jian Wei leads and manages a team to deliver exceptional customer relationship platforms for small and large enterprises, focusing on enhancing the core support agent experience, seamless data integration, and efficient workflows.

Jian Wei has a wealth of experience in enterprise design, customer support innovation, and localizing design for a global audience. He is passionate about building strong design culture and mentoring senior designers, helping them to hone their craft and advance towards design management roles.

In addition, Jian Wei lends his expertise as a Design Advisor at Aevice Health, a medical tech startup dedicated to improving patient and healthcare provider connections in the chronic respiratory disease space.


0
3

What's included?

  • Access worksheets, templates, and resources for how to level up as a manager
  • Access to video recording of the lectures and practical exercises to listen at your own pace
  • 2 x live coaching sessions included in this package.
  • Discuss your specific challenges with Jian Wei and a small group once a month.
  • Lifetime access to program content & videos
  • Access to our Leadership Circle
  • Be part of a curated community of design leaders across the world

$

450

USD

9.8
 • 
NEW
Read reviews
Date to be announced
UPCOMING Date

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Application Deadline:
Nov 13
Access 6 Coaching Sessions
450
Access 2 Coaching Sessions
450
Get Access to the Live Workshop
450
Enroll in Self Paced Cohort
375
Enroll Now
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RETHINK programs are trusted by the world's leading teams.

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Meet Your Trainer

Jian Wei

Director of Design, Zendesk

As the Product Design Director at Zendesk in San Francisco, Jian Wei leads and manages a team to deliver exceptional customer relationship platforms for small and large enterprises, focusing on enhancing the core support agent experience, seamless data integration, and efficient workflows.

Jian Wei has a wealth of experience in enterprise design, customer support innovation, and localizing design for a global audience. He is passionate about building strong design culture and mentoring senior designers, helping them to hone their craft and advance towards design management roles.

In addition, Jian Wei lends his expertise as a Design Advisor at Aevice Health, a medical tech startup dedicated to improving patient and healthcare provider connections in the chronic respiratory disease space.


Testimonials

What attendees are saying

Tiffany C Yu
Senior Product Designer
 * 

Working for small companies and large companies, I was either cobbling what I could or work with an existing model. As Figma continues to grow and do more, I found it hard to learn how to work smart in it. The workshop with Joey Banks + RETHINK covered a lot of actionable workflows and processes. The small group setting makes it easy to share, discuss and connect with other designers. Thank you for curating this lovely experience!

Stephen Green
Product Designer
 * 
Neogov

There was a high level of personalization that made this workshop stand out compared to others in the past. Frank Bach was incredibly vulnerable with the group about his challenges and how he overcame them. This combined with hearing how others were dealing with similar obstacles stood out to me.

Viki Kavallari
Senior Product Designer
 * 
Klarna

In different companies I used to work at before, it was always challenging to collaborate in the best way, especially with developers. Throughout the years, tools like Figma have improved this process. However, it always feels like something is missing. With Joey Banks's workshop with RETHINK, I can more confidently say that it helped me systematize the way I think and also communicate my designs in a more structured way to developers. I found myself deeply engaged in his teachings until the very end of our meeting.

Lauren Vono
Instructional Designer
 * 
Roblox
Soren Iverson
Designer
 * 
CashApp

I was navigating the transition from Sr. to Staff level and looking to figure out how to grow without transitioning to management. Frank was transparent, clear, and concise in the way that he codifies his advice on how to expand your role within an organization. It articulated a lot of loose ideas that had been floating around in my head. I feel more confident and secure in my capabilities as a product designer that can lead without needing to go down the traditional management path.



Stephen Green
Lead Product Designer
 * 
NeoGov

Communities are tough to run. The advice I've received from Rethink's community has been very valuable and actionable compared to others. Last year I received great advice on how to advocate for a better raise, so it helped me make more money and feel empowered at work.

Connor Blacksher
Senior Product Designer
 * 
West Monroe

"I am more confident and comfortable being vulnerable at work, to advocating for myself and I have a much better understanding of how to engage in discussions about career promotions with my manager. It is important to always be advocating for where you want to be. In this program, I got a toolbox of resources and lots of support from design leaders like Frank Bach and the community."

Shaina Silver
Lead Product Designer
 * 
Hulu

I am very glad my manager encouraged me to take this course. I more recently was promoted as a Design Product Lead and Imposter Syndrome really sunk its claws deep. Being part of this immersive workshop felt like "Design Therapy" with fellow designers. I now know I'm not alone in this journey. Creating a safe space together, Frank and our cohort have already provided the awareness of this Lead Foundational Toolkit I didn't realize I had within me all along.

Priyanka Kodikal
Principle Product Designer
 * 
Ableton
Elliott Aldrich
Senior Design Manager
 * 
Amazon

I took the UX leadership workshop with Courtney Kaplan. I found the workshop to be full of useful guidance, interactive conversations and frameworks for improving my design leadership presence. The ongoing follow-up coaching workshops and discussion forums have been especially powerful for me to check back in and hear from peers in a similar space.

Yen Pham
Senior Product Designer
 * 
Walmart eCommerce
Cammy W Lin
Design Manager
 * 
Everlaw

RETHINK's coaching programs are the most thoughtful and structured I have ever experienced. They matched me with the best mentor I could have ever asked for.I am forever thankful for the structure that was put in place to foster fruitful conversations and to connect more meaningfully allowing a friendship to grow from it.

Sue Candelier
UX Design Director
 * 
CaliforniaColleges

“Developing Confidence to Influence and Lead, with Frank Bach helped me ask those hard questions, understand perspective in my career and how to value my diverse background.”

Aniruddha Kadam
Design Manager
 * 
Google

Becoming a RETHINK member has been the best boost for my career as a design leader, helping me build my brand across the industry. I was able to leverage the resources on the platform, connect with the design community and get shared perspectives from other leaders on design management and more. I found a safe space for connecting with the community in a meaningful way. It has helped me to foster meaningful relationships, some of them turned into a friendship

Sarah Scussel
Manager, Product Design
 * 
Scribd

Becoming a member of and mentor with RETHINK has been such a boost to my confidence as a growing manager. I was inspired by an in-person event in SF to become a mentor, which was scary and exciting as someone transitioning from IC to manager. I was so nervous to take on that role with other senior designers, but Julie and her team created a perfect match — so perfect, in fact, that I ended up hiring my mentee after the program ended and I consider her a close friend!

Since then, the RETHINK community has been an incredible resource for me. I love that I can turn to this group of talented and vulnerable leaders when I need inspiration or help with the struggles of managing a remote creative team. I really can't say enough good things about RETHINK!

Parker Simon
Lead Product Designer
 * 
Torch
Sanchita Chamberlain
Product Designer
 * 
Hashicorp

I didn't have the mentorship or support I needed for career growth. I longed for a design community outside of the design team at work. I felt like I was hitting a dead end. I don't have a traditional design background and was tired of justifying my design experience and skills. The workshop validated I've come a long way as a designer in the short period of time I've practiced. My previous experience made me a better designer. I also have learning and growth to do and I was given the tools to improve.

Difficult conversations with my manager and stakeholders came easier when I applied the framework I learned through the workshop. I was able to ask the hard questions to understand what was specifically holding me back from growing and identified what was out of my control. It gave me the confidence boost I needed to start looking for a new job. After working with Courtney Kaplan & RETHINK I was able to land a product design role on a new design team. I absolutely love my new team and the work culture. I am working on impactful projects and feel confident as I navigate a new company culture and product team.



Neek Zanfack
Senior Product Designer
 * 
NextDoor

I became more self-aware about my skills and how to approach areas of improvement.I learned how to properly track my work, measure my progress and ways to manage my career growth.

Bingrui Tang
Design Lead
 * 
Store No.8

I was in the process of preparing for job interviews, and the storytelling tactics we learned about both data visualization and presentation frameworks really helped. I am now in charge of driving a new initiative for my team, and the storytelling skills I learned from the workshop has been immensely helpful in terms of getting the team on the same page and excited about the vision. I really enjoy the diverse background and experience of the speakers as well as the breadth of the topics we covered



Carly Johnson
Design Manager
 * 
eBay

RETHINK programs gave me great insight into the next steps of my career, as well as many resources to help carry me through the next few months.I feel like I left the program with exactly what I needed - a plan to upgrade my career over the next few years.

Strategies to grow into a design manager

Understand your skills and areas of improvement and how to decide if management is right for you. Grow into a design manager. Inspire others to collaborate and work towards a more cohesive and intentional career journey.

ACCESS OUR MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY

Be part of the private community of
transformational leaders

You have to make difficult decisions every day with imperfect information on problems you’ve likely never faced before. Learn from the experience and mistakes of other product and design leaders who’ve been there, done that.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK

How will you learn?

Leadership Academy is a 6-week professional growth program investing in the next generation of design leaders. You'll get matched with a a core group of 2--3 design peers for mentorship, accountability and discuss challenges.

Learn from Experienced Leaders

Access a flexible curriculum and program that will enhance your perspective on better collaboration. The program is fully on-demand to give you the opportunity to do it at your own time. To solidify what you're learning and apply the frameworks and concepts in action we provide activities and give you the opportunity to join live group coaching sessions.

Learn with a Small Peer Group

This program is designed to facilitate peer learning and interaction. Going through a program, you will connect with a group of curated design peers facing similar challenges like you is the best way to ensure transformation for your career. We're keeping the cohort small to ensure you master the concepts we're teaching, learn and get support from peers.


Accountability & Personalized Feedback

Get personalized feedback from other learners in intimate design peer groups. For the 6 weeks programs you get matched with a small group of 2-4 design peers with complementary skills and knowledge for mentorship and ongoing structured meetings for peer learning, to support you and keep you on track to achieve your goals.

Join a Private Community

Join our member-only community. Get 1 year access to Leadership Circle where you'll continue to be supported via ongoing events and accountability after the program.

Ask Questions

Get support on your challenges

Build your network

Learn by Doing

This program is structured as: “Learn → Practice → Get Feedback". Each week you get a worksheet to practice, actionable methods and tactics to summarize the concepts and help you immediately put them into action.

Frameworks, worksheets and resources

Lectures, homework and practice sessions

FAQs

Frequent questions

How does the program work?

Leadership Academy is a 6-week professional growth program investing in the next generation of design leaders. After you apply, your application will be reviewed and you will find out in 5 - 7 days if you qualify. You'll receive next steps and a link to pay for the program.

When the program starts, you'll get matched with a mentor and a group of 2--3 design peers to for mentorship, accountability and discuss challenges.

Additionally, you'll be part of our Leadership Circle for 12 months. There you'll get to connect with other design leaders, and peers for advice, guidance, accountability, and much more.

What is my time commitment per week to finish the program?

To make the most out of this program recommend to set aside 2 hours a week to listen to the curriculum, complete the homework. Once every two weeks you'll meet with your mentor and your group.

- Program Curriculum: Our program curriculum is pre-recorded for you to take it self-paced.
Watch at your own time. Recommended 1 hour per week.
- Mentorship: Meet with your Mentor and group on Zoom. 1 hour/ every two weeks. A total of 3 meetings.
- Apply the Concepts: 20 - 30 minutes / week to reflect on materials and practice on your own.

You are welcome to put into it as much time as you can. This is an investment in your career growth.

Are the workshops live or on-demand?

Our program curriculum is pre-recorded for you to take it on-demand, self-paced. This gives you time to finish the program at your own time. There will be 6 recorded sessions with videos one per week, for 6 weeks.

Occasionally we may host group coaching sessions an opportunity and a safe space for you to discuss your challenges with a design expert. We announce those sessions ahead of time and you may RSVP to join if you can.

How much does the program cost?

Attending the program is an investment of $1,395 USD which includes access to all workshops from the program and an annual membership to access RETHINK Leadership Circle. If your company would like to purchase 8 or more tickets, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide an invoice if needed.

Will I be able to expense this to my company? 

Yes. Many of our program applicants are able to expense the program tuition to their company. The return on investment compared to a conference or other opportunities is much greater. You get structured content, hands-on learning, lasting community, and actionable strategies to help you develop practical leadership skills for effective collaboration with your cross-functional teams. Contact [email protected] for further questions.

Do you offer certificate of completion? 

Yes. A certificate of completion is available after the program. That requires you to do all the activities and exercises required in the program and listen to the 6 modules of the program. Contact [email protected] for questions.

Do you offer scholarships?

We offer scholarships for underrepresented groups or people who need financial support to attend. This is possible because of partnership with Pinterest and also kind people who donated to the scholarship fund: Aniruddha Kadam, Al Hertz, Liz Heidner, Shara Rosenbalm. If you need financial support to attend this program please reach out to [email protected].

How long will I have access to the program resources?

You’ll have lifetime access to the program materials to help you successfully lead and influence at work.

Starting with the 6-week program, you’ll also have access to Leadership Circle, the talk recordings from the events in the program, member-only events, and our community for ongoing support for a total of 12 months.