The Leadership Transition: From Maker to Enabler
“The greatest challenge in transitioning to leadership is learning to find joy in others’ successes more than your own.”
~Julie Zhuo, Former VP Design at Facebook, “The Making of a Manager” (2019)
The transition from maker to leader is one of the most challenging evolutions in a creative career. As someone who’s recently made this journey, I want to share both the struggles and the unexpected rewards of this path.
The Creative’s Dilemma
Stepping into a director role has been one of the most rewarding transitions of my career, but I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t come with its own unique heartache. As a designer, builder, and creator, I’ve always taken pride in rolling up my sleeves and bringing ideas to life. The thrill of solving problems hands-on, of iterating late into the night on designs, and of seeing the pixels click into place—it’s something that lights me up inside.
The Shift in Perspective
When you step into a leadership role, especially one where you’re managing people, outcomes, and processes, something shifts. You don’t get to live in the details anymore. Your job isn’t to create. It’s to enable creation. To set the vision, clear roadblocks, and trust others to do what you once did yourself.
What I Miss Most
- The Craft: The feel of design taking shape under your fingertips
- The Flow State: Losing yourself for hours in a single problem
- The Immediate Wins: The tangible impact of your direct work
Finding New Joy
“Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.”
~Simon Sinek, Leadership Expert & Author, “Leaders Eat Last” (2014)
What I’m learning to embrace:
- Empowering Others
- Strategic Impact
- Teaching and Mentoring
The Bittersweet Truth
Leadership isn’t about losing your passion for the craft—it’s about channeling it differently. Instead of pouring it into designs or code, you’re pouring it into people. It’s no less creative or rewarding; it’s just a different kind of creation.
Finding Balance
- Stay connected to the craft through mentorship
- Create opportunities for hands-on work when possible
- Build systems that scale your impact
“The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own example.”
~John Wooden, Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach
If you’re navigating this transition, know that it’s okay to feel both excitement and loss. The key is finding ways to stay tethered to the things you love, even as you step into new ways of leading and contributing.
