I turn design thinking into business strategy

For over a decade, I've led global UX teams that don't just create beautiful experiences—they drive measurable business outcomes. 312% revenue growth. £1bn+ in annual sales. Teams scaled across three countries.

I work at the intersection of user experience and commercial impact, proving that strategic design leadership shapes business direction, not just interfaces.

What I do

Develop product strategies that move markets

Working alongside C-suite executives, I translate design thinking into business strategy. I connect user needs to revenue, retention, and competitive advantage.

Transform complex challenges into elegant solutions

Whether consolidating 10+ products into a unified platform or repositioning UX research strategically, I turn organisational complexity into clear direction and results.

Build high-performing global teams

From establishing UX research functions to creating career frameworks, I've scaled design teams across the UK, Canada, and Australia that consistently outperform on engagement.

Champion design at the executive level

I speak boardroom fluently. I understand P&L, go-to-market strategy, and how to position design as a driver of business outcomes—not a service function.

By the numbers

  
    312%
Revenue growth
Year-over-year at Cazoo
85%
Increase in daily active users
Through strategic product enhancements
£1bn+
Annual revenue scale
Products I've shaped and shipped
3
Countries
Leading distributed teams across UK, Canada, and Australia
76%
Reduction in logistics failures
Through unified platform design
50%+
Gross profit improvement
While reducing costs by 30%

My Leadership Principles

Teamwork

Designers can bring together multiple perspectives to create exceptional products.
Integrity

I lead my team with honesty, openness, and respect.
Growth

I believe in fostering a growth-oriented environment where everyone can thrive and reach their potential.
Vibes

Positive energy enables individuals to present their authentic selves and excel in their day to day.

Where I've Made Impact

Current and previous companies I have worked at throughout my career.

Global Director of UX | 2023 - Present
Leading global UX across five markets, I've developed product strategy that increased sales by 4% quarterly, integrated AI features that drove 85% more daily active users, and established a unified platform vision across the product suite. Built the company's first global UX research function.
Head of UX | 2021 - 2023
Led UX for Operations, Logistics, and Financial Systems across 11 product teams. Contributed to 312% revenue growth while scaling to £1bn+ annually. Repositioned UX research strategically, reducing post-sale costs by 36%. Built a design culture with the highest retention rate in the tech division.
Lead Product Designer | 2019 - 2021
Drove product design for a B2B marketplace tool that contributed to the company's acquisition by Shopify in 2021. Fostered user-centric design culture in a fast-paced startup environment.
Vodafone, Rightmove, LifeWorks
Led teams, launched products across EMEA markets, and established design standards that improved time-to-market and product-market fit.

“Venessa's passion for Design Thinking and UXR was highly contagious. This enthusiasm meant that the team felt empowered to evangelise a true human-centered approach. She was also always keen to push boundaries and make our products more meaningful for our users.”

— Sophie, Lead Product Designer
“I came away inspired and with renewed hope. So thank you so much!”

— Florence, Junior Designer
“It was really insightful and lots to bring back at my workplace - thanks for sharing!”

— Serina, Content designer
“Her mentorship allowed me the autonomy to guide the research practice whilst knowing her guidance was always only a message away. She is a passionate builder of design teams, placing emphasis on bringing together the diversity of thought through inclusive collaboration.”

—Kate Sims, Lead Researcher

Beyond the Day Job

I'm passionate about elevating the design community and opening doors for others. You'll find me:

Speaking at conferences across Europe on design leadership, team building, and business impact
Mentoring women in tech through programs like Elevate and WOW Foundation
Sharing what I've learned about strategic design leadership with the broader community

I've been fortunate to speak at Product Unleashed London, Collaborate Conference (keynote), DiBi Conference, and Leadership Ateliers, among others.

When I'm not leading teams or speaking at conferences, you'll find me exploring art exhibitions🖼️, in the gym lifting weights🏋🏾‍♀️, or planning my next travel adventure✈️. I believe the best design leaders bring diverse perspectives—and that means living a full life outside of work.