Building High-Performing Teams

Empowering UX teams to thrive

Leading a diverse team of 11 across UX, UI, and Research to deliver outstanding digital experiences for Halfords Group.

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Building and nurturing high-performing teams has been central to my leadership approach. At Halfords, I lead a team of 11 spanning UX design, UI design, and UX research. The team includes specialists and leaders — a UX Research Lead, a UX Lead, and a UI Lead — allowing us to scale both delivery and strategic thinking across the digital estate. My focus has been on empowering these leaders to take ownership of their domains while aligning them around shared goals and values. Creating a collaborative and feedback-driven culture has been key. I introduced weekly design critique sessions that include designers, developers, and stakeholders. These sessions have helped us elevate the quality of our work while fostering a psychologically safe environment where feedback is expected, valued, and constructive. We’ve also embedded user-centred design rituals into our product squads, ensuring that user insight is never an afterthought.

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I have a strong track record of hiring and retaining high-calibre designers. This is achieved through a combination of thoughtful recruitment, clear role definitions, structured onboarding, and career development conversations. I’ve coached team members through promotions, supported secondments into different roles to stretch skills, and helped designers find a voice in cross-functional settings. Ultimately, my leadership ethos is about enabling others to do the best work of their careers — not by managing every detail, but by removing barriers, celebrating progress, and holding a high bar for quality and impact.