Piotr: What was happening when we started working together?

Sophie: I was coming off a year-long period where I was the only designer left after rounds of layoffs. We had just hired back one of the designers who had been let go. I was officially a manager, still doing IC work, and also expected to lead design on a company-wide level. Looking back, I am certain I would have burnt out if I had not been coached by you, Piotr.

Piotr: What did you feel stuck in?

Sophie: I was trying to carry two jobs at once: being a first-time manager and still being an IC. Anytime I felt I was not doing well at either, you reminded me that these were actually two jobs and that it would be challenging for anyone. You helped me see the difference between what was typically expected in my position and what I had come to expect of myself after a hardcore year of pushing myself to the limit.

Piotr: What was helpful about the way we worked?

Sophie: You were able to help me reach the goals I set out to achieve, but also gave ample life coaching while I was going through multiple health crises. You really live from a human-centered approach and made sure I was actually doing things in my life like having fun. I took up singing lessons, became energised, and realised I had more to give to my life — and by virtue of that, my work improved too.

Piotr: What did the coaching change for you as a design leader?

Sophie: As someone with no design leadership above me, it was vital to have space to talk about what is going on in the industry and what is worth learning or keeping discernment about. It would be easy to believe “design is cooked,” but you have a steady, practical, and flexible view on what designers can actually do and be. That helped me feel more reassured.

Piotr: What stayed with you beyond the immediate work?

Sophie: Coaching shone a light on all the weird ways we get into familiar little tunnels — thinking we have to go about things in certain ways or chase certain goals. You get me to stop, think, and ask: why? Without an ounce of judgement.

Piotr: How did this help with the next chapter of your work?

Sophie: Toward the end of our time working together, I joined a team focused completely on using AI tools first to launch a new product. Because of the work with you, I had perspective. I did not need to make this a whole new personality. I relaxed, let myself be bad at things, and learned without needing to prove myself so much. The result has been really rewarding.

Piotr: What would you say to someone considering working with me?

Sophie: Try and find a way. What you gain is someone who can be in the thick of it with you, get their hands dirty with actual design work and critiques, act as an empathetic, non-judgemental mirror, and genuinely be in your corner. If you do not have that at your job already, hiring you is the best investment for your sanity.