The Real ROI of Becoming
an Exponential Design Leader

Design Leaders programme isn't like any other MBA, it's more than just a level-up – it can transform your entire life. Get inspired by the stories of our Alumni and the impact they are making.

Created for design leaders with 15+ years of experience, Design Leaders programme will help you connect design and business, and move you beyond execution into influencing strategic decisions.

Grew from Experience Design Director to Partner

Louise was planning to step into a new leadership role at her agency and wanted to get a solid understanding of the business side of things to complement her 18 years of experience on the creative side.

Through the Design Leaders programme, she focused intensively on learning various frameworks around finance, operations and organisational development, as well as how to build high-performing teams. "It was great to study diverse management approaches across successful organisations," Louise explains, "and discover various techniques for team cultivation and business expansion."

Her leadership transformation became immediately apparent to her leadership team. "People have noticed a significant shift in my professional presence," she notes. Going through the programme helped Louise to play a more strategic role in business development initiatives, and effectively translate design value propositions to clients – resulting in her becoming a Partner at her agency.

Scaled agency's business model and doubled the sales

Konrad had successfully built an agency that already had a lot of traction but faced the critical challenge of scaling it to the next level. "We needed a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth," he explains.

Enrolling in Design Leaders programme, Konrad got unprecedented access to the practical growth frameworks from industry titans – firms behind Apple's headquarters, global brand campaigns, and blockbuster CGI productions. "I immediately implemented key operational frameworks," he notes, particularly focusing on “how these organisations are running their sales teams, how they are pitching, how they are growing their business.”

The ROI proved substantial and swift. Within 12 months, Konrad transformed his company's growth trajectory through the systematic application of programme insights. "From day one, we saw measurable impact," he reports. The agency now operates on a scalable model positioned for continued expansion into new markets.

Secured $10 million to scale statewide

Jamye was a solo founder of an incredible social change organisation in Baltimore and wanted to grow his impact and team to a bigger scale.

During the programme, Jamie learned practical frameworks for organisational design, team management and hiring strategy and well as met investors who who gave practical advice on fundraising and business development.

The transformation has been remarkable. "I've successfully transitioned from solo entrepreneur to leading a growing team with a COO," he notes. This organisational growth has attracted significant financial backing, with Jamye's organisation recently securing $10 million to scale statewide through the Maryland Black Futures Fund – expanding from local impact to regional influence.

Grew from Lead Architect to Practice Manager

Melissa was looking to take on broader responsibilities in her company and wanted to fill the gaps in her knowledge around financial topics and strengthen her leadership capabilities.

She strategically selected the programme for its comprehensive approach. "I sought a curriculum that would provide high-level understanding across a broad spectrum of business areas," Melissa explains, embracing both the leadership and financial modules.”

She got promoted right away. "The programme dramatically improved my communication with senior leadership regarding team management and financial operations," she notes. This enhanced capability directly led to her promotion to Practice Manager with P&L responsibility. "I now confidently oversee practice budgets and financial performance metrics – competencies directly attributed to the programme's fiscal curriculum."

Moved to the business HQ

As a creative leader at ECCO, Birgit Kröger was looking for a way to effectively communicate the value of design to financial executives and C-suite leaders who prioritised measurable metrics.

Through the programme, Birgit immersed herself in leadership methodologies and strategic business frameworks. "I learned new ways to work with my team and become a better listener," she explains. She particularly connected with sessions on alternative growth models and communicating creative value to financially oriented executives.

Birgit now confidently champions a new approach to organisational growth with creativity at its centre. "I can make financial people and CEOs understand that creativity and design might not be measured by numbers, but by success and how your company becomes a magnet for talent," she notes. The programme has also inspired her to focus on sustainability and economic transformation, positioning her as a change driver within her organisation. Her transformation didn’t go unnoticed by her leadership team and she is now embarking on a new strategic role in the company’s headquarters.

Got promoted to Chief Design Officer

Navigating significant personal and career changes, Shabbar found himself at a crossroads looking for new career opportunities.

During the programme, he connected with fellow participants who evolved from peers into collaborators, ultimately reshaping his career path. "This past year has been transformative," Shabbar reflects. "From leaving my previous position to finding a new journey ahead." The shift proved more rewarding than he imagined – he's now starting a new role as Chief Design Officer with FUTUREAL, partnering with a fellow cohort member to bring his vision to life.
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The programme fundamentally changed how Shabbar approaches design leadership. "Design is a profession that requires so many different stakeholders and engagements – you really need to understand it strategically," he explains. He learned to question briefs, involve the right players, and drive design toward delivering both business value and social impact on community and sustainability.

What else do alumni get out from this programme?