🔥 From Hot Desks to Head of Design
Details
From practitioner to leader - what does it really take?
Making the leap from doing the work to directing it isn’t just a promotion - it’s a transformation. This month at MelbDT, we’re diving deep into the messy, magical shift from designer to leader (and, eventually, to the C-suite).
We’ll talk about what it takes to move from execution to influence: how to build trust, shape strategy, and stay grounded in the craft that got you here in the first place.
Expect honest stories, practical takeaways, and a few laughs about the flops, pivots, and unexpected wins along the way.
Whether you’re just starting to lead a team or dreaming of your first exec role, this session will help you design your own leadership journey - one that’s authentic, influential, and deeply human.
### 👥 What to expect
- Candid speakers and panel of design leaders who’ve made the leap
- Real talk about shifting from practitioner to leader, influence, and identity
- Tips on earning your seat at the table (and what to do once you’re there)
- Drinks, snacks, and the always-brilliant MelbDT community
### 🗓️ Event details
📍 Venue: Natural Velocity
📅 Date: Thursday 13th November
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:30 PM (Talks from 6:30)
🥂 Networking before & after
### 🎤 Speaker details
⭐️ Ernez Dhondy - CEO @ YLab
⭐️ Brendan Donoghue - Head of Digital & Customer Experience @ UniSuper
⭐️ Cordelia Hewitt - Head of Design @ NAB
Our hosts
⭐️ Mickey Rummery - Founder @ RUMR, Conference Director, The Outlook & UXCamp Naarm
⭐️ Rachel Zhang - UX Lead @ RACV, Founder @ Ro&Co Studio, MelbDT
⭐️ Brad Alphonso - Senior Manager Design @ Bupa
Bios:
⭐️ Ernez is one of Australia's most experienced strategic leaders, with over 15 years of experience delivering digital transformation initiatives for government, commercial, not-for-profit, and social enterprise organisations.
He has committed his career to understanding how individuals, organisations, and systems can work together for the common good. Ernez specialises in projects that focus on social impact and prioritise the inclusion of lived experiences.
Ylab have recently cleaned up at the Good Design Awards with 3 x Gold and 3 x Best in Class for their work Deadly Democracy.