As the design team at Ecosia grew, I put my focus on hiring the best talent, creating an inclusive environment, and making sure designers are growing in the direction they desire while keeping up with company goals. With designers embedded in different product teams and others working horizontally across the org, I needed to create structures that gave everyone clarity, support, and a sense of belonging and faireness. I excel at leading, mentoring and grwoing product and content designers, as well as user researchers. 

What I did to build the team up: 

• 1:1s and coaching to build skills and unblock
  I set up regular, structured 1:1s focused not only on project work but also on individual goals, wellbeing, and long-term career development. These conversations created space for open dialogue and trust and are unique and related to the goals of individual design roles.
  
  
• Team alignments to ensure successful delivery
  To avoid designers feeling siloed in their product teams, I introduced alignment sessions with PM's to make sure the different teams are talking to eachother and designers are collaborating. I'd regularly map designer responsibilities for shared areas with my team and PM's to make sure everyone knows what is required
  
  
• Growth framework for transperancy in career progression
  Together with another Lead and our People Team, I helped build up our growth framework outlining levels, expectations, and skills progression. This gave designers a roadmap for their development, made feedback more actionable, and provided consistency across the team.  
  
  

Team impact

• Successful growth
  Coached and supported five team members in their growth from mid-level to senior, with a focus on equity and career clarity.
  
  
• No attrition
  Maintained a zero churn rate among hires by fostering an inclusive, supportive team culture.
  
  
• Inclusive support
  Embedded best practices for working with neuro-diverse team members into my management style, building trust and creating a healthier and more resilient team environment.

Ina Arnaoudova
Design Leader | Team Builder | UX Researcher
LinkedIn
ina.arnaoudova@gmail.com