In today’s rapidly evolving business world, design has rightfully earned a seat at the strategic table. Yet while the role of the design leader has never been more critical, it has also never been more challenging. Designers are now expected to do far more than deliver creative excellence: they must drive strategy, inspire teams, navigate digital transformation, and connect design value with measurable business outcomes.

However, as design’s influence grows, an alarming skills gap persists: many design leaders feel unprepared for these expanded responsibilities, not because of personal shortcomings, but due to the limitations of traditional design education. Most have never been formally taught how to lead people, manage organizational change, wield influence with decision-makers, or speak the language of business. This pressing need is precisely what the iF DESIGN ACADEMY addresses, a forward-looking program dedicated to equipping design leaders with comprehensive, practice-ready skills to thrive at the intersection of design, business, and leadership integrity.

 

Tailored Learning for a New Era of Design Leadership

The iF DESIGN ACADEMY offers live-online cohort courses designed for ambitious design leaders who recognize the need to grow beyond creative excellence. The focus: strategic influence, business understanding, future-relevant competencies, and personal growth.

Doug Powell, Lead Lecturer for the iF Design Academy’s Expanding Organizational Influence course. Photo credit: iF Design

“We believe leadership is a practice. One that can be taught, developed, and applied. And we recognize the reality for design leaders today: you need to be heard at the boardroom table, not just within your own team,” explains Doug Powell, former IBM design executive and Lead Lecturer for the iF Design Academy’s Expanding Organizational Influence course. “I noticed this genuine skills gap nearly every day. Talented designers are promoted into leadership roles, but have rarely been given the tools, the mentorship, or the strategic perspective to thrive in this new space. The Academy’s approach is to fill that gap with actionable learning, peer exchange, and immediate application.”

“We recognize the reality for design leaders today: you need to be heard at the boardroom table, not just within your own team.”

Global Network, Industry Experts, and Real-world Learning

Unique among executive education programmes, the iF DESIGN ACADEMY draws on the expertise of over 21 internationally renowned design leaders and practitioners, with backgrounds at Apple, IBM, McKinsey, and beyond. The Academy’s Advisory Board and faculty are themselves living examples of the new leadership paradigm, blending creativity with business acumen, cultural intelligence, and responsible stewardship.

Julia Pupolin, Head of Experience & Design at Itaú Bank, points to her experience in the programme as a milestone in her leadership journey. Photo credit: iF Design

“Participating in the Leading Beyond Design course has been a milestone in my leadership journey. The programme helped me bridge the gap between design and business strategy. What made it special was the mix of insightful content, inspiring lecturers, and a community of leaders learning together to lead beyond design,” shares Julia Pupolin, Head of Experience & Design at Itaú Bank.

Doug Powell echoes this: “Many designers struggle when promoted to leadership roles. They may lack exposure to the organizational or business side, making it hard to have real influence. Our programme helps leaders find their voice, expand their mindset, and gain the confidence to drive change, not just manage teams. The skills gap is real, but it’s also solvable with targeted, application-driven leadership training.”

The iF DESIGN ACADEMY’s value lies not only in world-class content but also in its role as a trusted, independent platform. Backed by iF Design’s 70-year legacy as one of the world’s most respected design organizations, and the reputation of the iF DESIGN AWARD, the Academy is committed to upskilling the global community of design leaders for a new era of responsibility, effectiveness, and sustainability.

A Call to Action for the WDO community

If you are a design leader striving to amplify your influence, bridge critical skill gaps, and future-proof your organization, the iF DESIGN ACADEMY presents a great opportunity. Connect with a global peer group, learn from leading experts, and unlock the potential of your leadership, so that together, we can design a better future for all.

Learn more about the upcoming courses and register here. Use iFDESIGNWDO15 to get a 15% discount and start unlocking your design leadership potential today.

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