About this event

Unlock your inner leader and make a real impact! Many designers shy away from leadership roles, preferring to stay in their creative zone. They see leaders as stressed, disconnected, and overwhelmed, fearing the same fate. But leadership doesn’t have to mean losing your spark.

This isn’t your typical business strategy or leadership course that misses the mark for design leaders. This is your course. Based on proven techniques from two veterans in the industry, this workshop is about thriving, not just surviving, in leadership roles.

In just one day, you’ll discover how to lead without losing your soul.

What You’ll Learn

• Defining Design Leadership: Understand what it means to be a true design leader.
• Building Trust: Learn what builds trust in a leader and how to cultivate it.
• Provoke Change: Master conversation techniques that inspire and provoke meaningful change.
• Power and Authority: Grasp the dynamics of power and authority to lead effectively.
• Authentic Leadership: Discover your authentic leadership style and principles.

You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to build a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Equip yourself with the skills to lead through the rapid changes in design, technology, methodologies, and user expectations. Invest in yourself – learn how to lead with purpose and passion, driving real change in the world of design.

Programme

About the Trainers

Hong Khai Seng

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR, STUDIO DOJO

Khai Seng first started out in the design field in 2004. Throughout his career, he has not only helped to design large-scale digital systems, but also facilitated numerous training programmes for C-suite executives and working professionals to drive cultural change within organisations around design and innovation.

Prior to starting Studio Dojo, Khai Seng was formerly the Head of Singapore for Foolproof, a UK-based experience design agency. Education is also close to his heart, having developed curriculum and taught anthropological studies, interaction design, experience design and design thinking in Republic Polytechnic and Singapore Institute of Technology. Khai Seng is also certified as an Integral coach by New Ventures West – that involves helping design leaders to create and maintain habits of excellence that are self-generating and self-correcting.

Mario Van der Meulen

FOUNDER & DESIGN CONSULTANT MVDM DESIGNS – ALUM OF STANDARD CHARTERED, DELOITTE, FOOLPROOF AND FROG

With nearly three decades of shaping design, Mario’s journey has been about creating experiences that resonate on a human level, both for customers and employees. He leads with a hands-on approach, crafting strategic design solutions that make real business sense and genuine human impact.

From Europe to the Asia Pacific, Mario has guided teams large and small, with a clear focus on understanding the nuanced challenges of businesses to drive growth and streamline efficiency while delivering valued experiences. He is dedicated to developing talent, building teams where every member is empowered to become a leader. Mario is also the author of the book – Counterintuitivity.