Hi, I'm Karen.
I am a designer, innovator, critical thinker, educator, parent of 2 rascals, and an ice cream aficionado.
I am currently at Goldman Sachs, as Head of Design of New Products for Marcus.
Design is my passion, and I love what I do! Taking apart complex problems, perhaps even mundane problems to some, and creating solutions that are seamless, and integrate, maybe even innovate a user's life is the greatest reward.
How might we spread design thinking and co-creation?
Design, product and technology are an integral trio. I believe they go hand in hand in any user-focused organization.
We all strive towards innovation, and must work with one another, not against. This is why as a design leader, I believe in the importance of forging and cultivating those relationships with all of our partners. Employing the empathetic view that we use for customers, is just as important when collaborating with a cross-functional team.
I don't believe designers should sit in design studios, secretly sketching away, only to throw a design over the fence to their counterparts. We work, and ideate together.
Marketing, legal, sales, technology, customer support...
Partners should be an essential part of the process from the beginning. Design is not just a function, but a strategy that everyone can be on board with and take part in.
I'm a player/coach.
My leadership style is rolling up my sleeves and being part of the team. Continuing to practice my craft helps me guide from a lens of understanding. Iterating, testing and failing, and learning are how we grow as designers. I strive to empower my team by removing barriers to promote customer needs and design innovation, while keeping a contant eye on the strategic design vision.