Modus Operandi

The Furnace of Experience

Miranda Slayter dissects the realities of modern design leadership. She examines the shifting expectations of designers, from mastery of craft to the demand for domain fluency, while underscoring the human dynamics that shape effective leadership in a saturated and fast-changing market.

• Confronting how validation shapes a designer’s sense of worth in a competitive landscape
• Examining the overlooked role of accessibility and the growing expectation for domain expertise
• Reflecting on how trust, humility, and responsibility define impactful design leadership

Her perspective urges designers to recognize leadership as more than a title. To become advocates for their teams. To treat design not just as a service, but as a space for ethical responsibility, emotional intelligence, and strategic impact.

This episode is a reminder that while design tools evolve, the core of great leadership remains grounded in respect, transparency, and the willingness to do the hard work of showing up—for your people and your practice.