Leadership framework

Leadership framework

I believe in leading, not just managing — authentically, with core values, consistency, and joy. I create spaces for my team to thrive, fostering creativity, proactivity, and open feedback.

My leadership journey started 10 years ago. Since then, I led design-only and cross-functional teams in-house for brands like informed, Courier, and AllBright. From graphic designers to visual designers, product designers, art directors, motion designers, copywriters, and researchers to working with external contractors and agencies.

At the core is an empathic, player-coach leadership style. I’m not shy about rolling up my sleeves. This hands-on approach lets me stay close to the ever-evolving design landscape while balancing leadership and business strategy.

Design is business-critical, not optional.

I believe in leading, not just managing — authentically, with core values, consistency, and joy. I create spaces for my team to thrive, fostering creativity, proactivity, and open feedback.

My leadership journey started 10 years ago. Since then, I led design-only and cross-functional teams in-house for brands like informed, Courier, and AllBright. From graphic designers to visual designers, product designers, art directors, motion designers, copywriters, and researchers to working with external contractors and agencies.

At the core is an empathic, player-coach leadership style. I’m not shy about rolling up my sleeves. This hands-on approach lets me stay close to the ever-evolving design landscape while balancing leadership and business strategy.

Design is business-critical, not optional.

I believe in:

I believe in:

• People first: I encourage people’s unique strengths, aspirations, and values. I believe in empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity, focusing on wellbeing and work-life balance to help people do their best work.
  
  
• Building on trust: I empower through mentorship and autonomy. We celebrate successes and learn from failures. Curiosity leads to growth mindsets and innovation.
  
  
• Clear communication: If in doubt, ask questions and avoid making assumptions. Value each others’ time, be proactive and lean into a cross-functional approach to avoid siloes. Clear expectations and boundaries go a long way.
  
  
• Making a difference: I set a clear vision and strategy for the team and with the team to work towards a vision together. Craft is as key as measurable impact on the people you work with, the user and the business.

My Clifton 5 tell you more: Individualisation, Developer, Empathy, Ideation, and Achiever.

• People first: I encourage people’s unique strengths, aspirations, and values. I believe in empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity, focusing on wellbeing and work-life balance to help people do their best work.
  
  
• Building on trust: I empower through mentorship and autonomy. We celebrate successes and learn from failures. Curiosity leads to growth mindsets and innovation.
  
  
• Clear communication: If in doubt, ask questions and avoid making assumptions. Value each others’ time, be proactive and lean into a cross-functional approach to avoid siloes. Clear expectations and boundaries go a long way.
  
  
• Making a difference: I set a clear vision and strategy for the team and with the team to work towards a vision together. Craft is as key as measurable impact on the people you work with, the user and the business.

My Clifton 5 tell you more: Individualisation, Developer, Empathy, Ideation, and Achiever.

katja.amueller@gmail.com
/katjaalissamueller

katja.amueller@gmail.com
@katjaalissamueller